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Trains Run on Time During “Railroad Days”

Published January 07. 2022 10:54AM
by Ed Courrier Special to the Bethlehem Press
EDITOR'S NOTE: The January and February open houses mentioned in this article have been canceled due to COVID concerns.

A little Shay locomotive slowly puffs across a trestle while pulling its load of fresh-cut logs as another steam loco at the head of the “Freedom Train” approaches underneath. Vignettes like this play across two floors of model railroads at the “Railroad Days” events hosted by the Black Diamond Society of Model Engineers in early to mid December.

The event is located in a former Grange Hall at 900 E. Macada Road. since 1981, club members have built, and then built back better, miniature landscapes beginning in 1965. The model urban and rural environments are dominated by ‘miles’ of tracks, venerable model steam locomotives, modern-day diesel workhorses and rolling stock.

According to society member Doug Pyatt, the BDSME has operated out of various locations in Bethlehem, Hellertown and Easton throughout its more than 50-year history. One of their Easton club buildings burned down in 1973, destroying all but a locomotive bell, which was returned to a former member, and the club’s antique trolley fare box.

The meter was restored and currently stands at the first floor entrance where those who pay their ‘fare’ to view the trains get to ring the bell by pulling down the handle.

The members host a Boy Scout night once a year in December. Interested scouts can also earn a Railroading merit badge, explained Doug Pyatt as he held up a list of requirements that must be met. These include an understanding of various power sources for locomotives, signal knowledge, and learning operating and safety procedures.

Several area families came to enjoy the trolley cars, passenger trains, freight yards, roundhouse operations, stations, farms, villages, coal mines and tourist railroads.

The first floor boasts a 650-square-foot completely rebuilt layout featuring O, On30 and S scale trains, along with prototype sounds and operating signals.

A model HO scale display occupies 800 square feet on the second floor with a 100-car coal train snaking its way through mountains, valleys, small towns and rail yards. An amusement park is one of many highlights. According to club member Tom Scharpf, “Shearer’s Grove” was originally part of the home layout of a society member who passed away. It was relocated to the society’s layout in William Shearer’s memory.

The last open house event for 2021 has passed. Rail fans will be able to observe these miniature railroad empires beginning the weekend of Jan. 8, 2022 from 1-4 p.m. as another year’s “Railroad Days” gets on track.

Membership is open to anyone interested in model railroading. The society meets regularly on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

For information, visit www.bdsme.org.

Press photos by Ed Courrier A narrow gauge Shay locomotive slowly pulls its freight of logs across a trestle during the Black Diamond Society of Model Engineers “Railroad Days” event Dec. 12.
PRESS PHOTOS BY ED COURRIER Ray Viohl works a hand-held remote control as an O-Gauge 4-6-6-4 Delaware & Hudson “Challenger” loco passes by. Viohl had recently traveled to Lake Charles Louisiana to see a restored Union Pacific “Big Boy” engine as it toured the country.
Kinsley Searfoss rings the bell on the antique trolley meter. Her brother, Paxton, patiently waits behind her for his turn.
Viewed from the overhead perch of “trainmaster” John Fielding, at left, “yardmaster” Tom Eroh manually switches freight cars. At center are fellow HO layout operators Tom Scharpf and Daniel Slack.
Sam Wisnoski rides on his father Jeff's shoulders to better view the larger scale layout on the first floor. His brother, Ben, is supported piggy-back by his grandmother, Sue Wisnoski. The Bethlehem residents live nearby.
Bethlehem resident Gabriel Dusold and his mom Mojca delight in the HO-scale amusement park called “Shearer's Grove.” His grandfather and uncle have home HO layouts.
Thomas the Tank Engine is sidetracked as his buddy Percy chugs along the mainline on the first floor multi scale layout.
John Fielding staffs controls from a perch above the HO layout, accessible only by climbing a freight car ladder.
From left, Mike Schlachtun and Sandy McNicol tell Doug Pyatt they drove from Frenchtown, New Jersey, again to attend the open house. “This is my favorite place to go,” remarked McNicol.
Cameron Connors and his twin brother Emmett study the model sawmill as an HO scale freight train rumbles by. The twins and their parents Chris and Barbara reside in Bethlehem.