Gene Turner
Model Railroader
My Interests:
The Spring Field Railroad Layout
I was introduced to Toy Trains at an early age. I don't remember which Christmas I was given my Lionel Train set, but every Christmas that I remember, it was set-up and running around the Christmas Tree. In 1959, I became interested in "Scale MODEL Trains" (there is a considerable difference, for those who didn't know).
About 1959, I was given the opportunity to "drive" a diesel switching locomotive belonging to the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis. It's a very long story, but suffice it to say that my interest in Trains, both real and scale model, was fired by that experience. And so far, the fire has never died out.
I have constructed only a few scale model layouts since 1959, most of which were dreamed of for many years, before becoming reality. The most significant layouts (which were as complete as model railroads get) were conceived and constructed since 1970.
I still own and operate the latest two "completed" model railroads. I have modeled in HO scale and still have an interest in building an HO scale empire, but my primary interest is currently N-scale.
There are always one or two model layouts in my day dreams, which are "just about to have the first spike driven". So, "That's Not All, Folks!"
The Spring Field Railroad (4' x 6' - N-Scale; Built 1990 - 1993)
Model Railroad Club Layout - Builders: Frank Albers, Bill Barnett, Howard Barnfather, Bob Grundman, Ed Homer, Tony McKeone, Ron Prattley, Ken Rossiter, Tom Stone, Brett Turner, Sandra & Gene Turner
The Spring Field Railroad is twice around oval track plan, intended to be operated by four operators. It can easily be operated solo, but is much more fun with more operators.
The Willow Creek Layout (2' x 8' - N-Scale; Built 1992 - 1995) Gene and Sandra Turner
Willow Creek is an American Outline, operational switching diorama representing a small town on a branchline which generates just enough revenue to keep it from being abandoned.
Above: The conductor watches from the loco steps, as the slack is taken out and the local picks up a cut of cars from Willow Creek Building Supply, on this day in early Summer. (Photo courtesy of Ron Prattley)
Willow Creek started as a scenery-building demonstration and got seriously out of hand.
Above: The local eases past the depot at Willow Creek, before reversing onto the main to continiue collecting it's consist. (Photo courtesy of Ron Prattley)
Above: The local's on the branch as a trio of SD's carefully hustle a Westbound through Willow Creek on the Main. (Photo courtesy of Ron Prattley)
Merchant's Branch of the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA).
This is in the planning (and accumulation of equipment) stages. It will be a 1' x 4', N-scale, switching module. The design is meant to be used in the home, on a shelf or taken to exhibit to the public by utilizing extensions on each end to turn the train back along the back side of the original module on another 1' x 4' module (yet to be planned). Eventually, both modules will be part of a larger layout incorporating point to point operation.
Next Layout Room
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1947. Third eldest in a family of six children, First Boy, I grew up in Ferguson and Florissant, Missouri. I had a great childhood… Heck, I'm still having a great childhood.
While on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, in England (1967-70), I met, fell in love and married my wife, Sandra.
We have two wonderful sons, Brett and David.
We have lived in Florissant, Mo., Sunnyvale, Ca., and presently reside in Knaresborough, England, where I am employed as a communications engineer.
Modern Western Square Dancing and Square Dance Calling.
Harmony Squares, Square Dance Club, Yorkshire, England
Humberside Steppers, Square Dance Club, Kingston upon Hull, England
Music, singing and entertaining with one of my guitars, keyboard or 5-string banjo (in order of perceived competence). Country, Pop, Rock-N-Roll, Folk, Big Band, Easy Listening, Show Tunes, Gospel, R&B, Jazz & Classics, tend to be what I listen to. Heavy Metal, Acid Rock & Opera tend to fall into the category of "tolerance music" (I can tolerate it for two or three minutes a week).
Still other interests are Computers, Arts & Crafts, Architecture.
This Web page was created by Gene Turner. Any questions, comments or suggestions for improvement can be directed to: Gene Turner
This page was Last Revised: October 2006