This web site was created to document the progress of my HO (1:87) model railroad of the New York and Long Branch Railroad, NY&LB (the present North Jersey Coast Line) between the years 1952 and 1958.  The layout is located in the basement of my home in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ just two blocks from the North Jersey Coast Line.  I am building a double-deck shelf type layout to maximize the 38 scale miles of linear footage.  The layout will use DCC control and sound.

I chose this time frame because it represents the most dynamic period in the railroad's long history. Dynamic because this was the transition period between the steam and diesel eras on this commuter line. Everything from CNJ camelback steam to Baldwin double-enders to FM trainmasters were run on the line.  The Pennsylvania RR ran its diesel E units, sharks and Alco PA engines, as well as the famous K4s Steam Pacifics during this period of time.

My model railroad will include the double-track line between the loop at Bay Head Junction and the swing draw over the Raritan River between Perth Amboy and South Amboy.  The detailed portions of the line will include the Bay Head loop and yard,  Point Pleasant Beach and the Manasquan River, Sea Girt Junction with the PRR Freehold and Jamesburg line, Belmar and the Shark River, Neptune Yard, Asbury Park, Long Branch yard, Red Bank and the junction with the CNJ Southern line, Middletown and Hazlet scenes, Matawan and the junction with the Bay Shore and Freehold Branches, South Amboy, including the junction with the Raritan River RR and the Camden & Amboy, the South Amboy coal docks and the South Amboy engine terminal.  The line will continue over the Raritan River into staging yards.

Click on the Construction Page Link to see the progress of my layout from the beginning.  I'm
not a modeling expert...just someone who loves model trains and is building a dream layout
following the advice and tips of the real experts in model railroading.  My intent here is nothing
more than to share my experiences and excitement building a prototype-based model railroad.

For a detailed discussion of the layout and its progress....click here. (updated 2/6/2021)

So take a look and follow along.  Any comments, questions and suggestions are encouraged.

Just email them to me Here. 

Last updated May 29, 2023

SITE LINKS- - - -

Construction Page 1 (Archive)

Construction Page 2 (Archive)

Construction Page 3 (Archive)

Construction Page 4 (Archive)

Construction Page 5 (Archive)

Construction Page 6 (Archive)

Construction Page 7 (Archive)

Construction Page 8 (Archive)

Construction Page 9