Northern Timber Company Branch

This rendition of the Northern Timber Company was originally built by Jacques Thuot, but is now owned by Gary Comber. It first appeared in Great Model Railroads 1997. Like his earlier layout, the NTC branch has been designed to marry with a much larger modular railroad. While the original version incorporated the double mainline trackage so prominent in modular railroading, Jacques wanted his latest endeavour to replicate true branchline operations incorporating a single track with numerous industries. To accomplish this, the branch would have to veer from the busy modular mainline and form an appendage as true branchline operations are known to do. Luckily, HOTrak's ingenious Freemo design allows for such flexibility. NTC Junction is a busy location where the branch departs the club's mainline. Trailing and facing sidings along the branch offer crews a varied and challenging operation.

The layout can be visited at most HOTrak setups where it provides unique operations for the members of the modular club who want a break from busy mainline operations. Taking the "NTC Job" offers operators the opportunity of traversing a lovely countryside where a bucolic lifestyle is still in evidence. The Northern Timber Company is witness to Jacques' masterful modelling skills. He has used numerous ideas gained from his work experiences as a signalman for the railroads to enhance his trackwork and scenic vignettes. As the pictures indicate, all structures are magnificent models in themselves...true showstoppers. 

Jacques wanted the layout to serve two purposes. To educate and entertain fellow modellers who see it during HOTrak setups, but also to serve as his home layout. To simulate similar train operations at home, Jacques has incorporated staging along the length of a windowsill in his basement which houses three lengthy staging tracks. The staging allows him to create authentic and rewarding operating sessions. For those of you with limited available space who are thinking about getting started on a model railroad, Jacques urges you to consider the alternatives of joining a modular group. Instead of simply storing your modules between club setups, with careful planning, they can be incorporated into a small, yet rewarding home layout. Jacques' Northern Timber Company proves that great joy can be had in meeting the challenges of operating small layouts.

Author: Mike Hamer. 
All photos by Louis Michel Major 
(except Cowan's Feed & Seed by Steve Watson).

Update: This version of the NTC is the subject of a Mike Hamer/Peter Nesbitt article in September 2004 Model Railroader

Track Diagram and Pictures
Click on an image to enlarge.