View the model L&BR by clicking on photo
You will see maps of the prototype L&BR, the track plan, and photos from the restored layout.
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The Lowville & Beaver River Model Railroad
The CNY Chapter, NRHS, is proud to have assisted in the restoration and return of a unique model railroad to central and northern New York. The Lowville and Beaver River model railroad was built in 1989 and commissioned by Railroad Model Craftsman magazine. It is a "representation" of the prototype L&BR as it appeared around 1989. The L&BR ran between Lowville and Croghan, NY, from 1906 until 2007, when it was taken out of service by owner Mohawk, Adirondack and Northern RR.
The L&BR model railroad was first displayed at the CNY Chapter's Model Train Fair at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse in Nov. 1989. From there, it was transported to Carstens Publications offices in Newton, NJ.
The L&BR series ran in RMC from Nov. 1991 to May 1992. Hal Carstens, publisher of RMC, donated the layout to the National Toy Train Museum in Strasburg, PA, where it was dedicated in ceremonies on April 23, 1992.
The L&BR layout remained at the National Toy Train Museum for 15 years. When it no longer met the museum's need for a continuously running HO railroad, it was offered back to the original builders in Dec. 2007. A month later, the layout was transported to the CNY Chapter's temporary Shoppingtown Mall storefront in DeWitt for restoration.
The layout was displayed during Sept. 11-14, 2008, as part of the Northeastern Region Fall Convention of the National Model Railroad Association, and it was a topic of clinics presented by Jeff Paston. It was then displayed at "The Great NYS Model Train Fair" in Syracuse on Nov. 1 & 2, 2008. From the Model Train Fair, it was donated to the Railway Historical Society of Northern New York and placed in the RHSNNY's museum in Croghan on Nov. 3, 2008. The museum is in the former Croghan depot of the L&BR.
Project coordinators: Jeff Paston, Carol Duerr, Bernie Duerr; with assistance from Mike Fuller, Bill Emond, Hugh Grimsley, Dick Heim (scratchbuilt structures); Eric Doyle, Al Van Duesen (kitbashed and kit plastic structures); Don LaDieu, Warren Steinkraus (structures); Mike Shanahan (locomotive custom painting); Dick Thomas, Russ Schiller (scenery); Bob Eves (electrical wiring).
The trackplan was designed by Bernie Duerr.
Restoration was done by Jeff Paston between Jan. and Sept. 2008. Harold Rodman assisted in portions of the work. Contributions were also made by the CNY Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Al Kallfelz; Phil Edwards (model supplies); Jeff Hagan (vehicles); Tom Pierson and Bob Eves (electrical); Karl Reutling (photography for backdrop).