About the layout

 The Conrail Berkshire Line is an HO Scale layout. It is based off the present day CSX Berkshire Subdivision. Only on the layout, the Conrail split never happened. Once completed, the layout will contain everything between CP-99 and CP-107 on the current B&A with a few fictitious locations added and some other real locations removed to make it all come together. 

The interlockings on the Berkshire Line will have proper names. Conrail numbered the interlockings on the B&A using the mileage from Boston. The interlockings on the Berkshire Line will be:

    UNION (CP-99)
    ICE HOUSE (CP-100)
    TRAP ROCK (CP-105)
    CANAL (CP-107)

The layout is run using a Digitrax DCC system. To make things more realistic, the DCC system is connected to a Windows computer running JMRI & CATS. This allows for dispatching with a fully functional signal system. Each interlocking is dispatcher controlled. Even the interlocking switches are controlled by the dispatcher. We also run BDL168's which provide block detection. The dispatcher is able to see exactly where the trains are on the layout.

The DCC components we use for the layout are:

Digitrax DCS210 Command Station - Powers the layout
Digitrax PM42 Circuit Breaker - Provides short circuit protection
Two Digitrax BDL168's - Separates the layout into individual blocks
Digitrax SE8C's at each interlocking - Controls the signals and switches

The signals on the layout are a mix of Atlas and Tomar Industries. Atlas supplied the signal bridges and masts while Tomar Industries provided the dwarf signals. We using Circuiton Tortoise machines to throw the switches.

Trains that will run on the Berkshire Line include Amtrak, commuter, locals, intermodal, automotive, freight, unit coal, grain, ethanol. We will even have the occasional Pan Am/NS detour train. 

Future plans for the Berkshire Line will feature working defect detectors, transponding, cab signaling. A second level may eventually be added which will be the climb over Washington Hill.

Check back frequently for updates and don't forget the follow us in Instagram and join our Conrail Berkshire Line Facebook group. Thanks for stopping by!