Layouts & SIGs
Our club has three layouts which are all modular to be easily transportable. The first two listed below are built to specifications which allow us to combine any of the pieces in a ton of different ways.
Big GreenOur flagship layout, “Big Green” is a double-track modular layout, which is almost entirely made up of pieces built by individual members (specs can be found on our Resources page). Big Green is our featured display at both train shows in West Springfield, MA, every year. Smaller setups using fewer modules have also been displayed at other shows. Trains run on Big Green are operated with variable DC, DCC, or radio control via either track or battery power. Each section of the layout depicts different settings, which facilitates discussion about historical railroads in the United States.
As of 2025, Big Green can include around 250 modules owned by over 20 different members. Check out this ride-along of Big Green by one of our members! |
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Little Green“Little Green” is used where a smaller display is appropriate. Instead of being member-owned, this layout was a team effort to construct and is owned by the club. Little Green often ends up being used to run live steam trains, which are fully functional miniature steam locomotives. They operate almost identically to their full-size counterparts, except that they burn butane gas instead of coal, allowing them to be run safely indoors, since butane is clean-burning. Little Green was replaced in 2025 and is now slightly larger, with more track, and includes the option for track power, which it previously did not have.
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Evergreen“Evergreen” is a low-profile portable layout with adjustable legs, designed to be set up either indoors or outdoors. Trains that run on Evergreen are powered by variable DC, DCC, battery power, or live steam.
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Special Interest Groups
Our club's Special Interest Groups (or SIGs) are primarily focused on these above layouts and different aspects therein. We are currently working to organize these groups to be more efficient parts of the corporation.
- Live Steam Operators
- Big Green Owners
- Club Yard (part of Big Green)
- K.R. Curve (part of Big Green)