I have retouched a copy of the aerial photo to illustrate what the club might look like when the current construction projects are finished (Gauge 1, Gauge 4-3/4", and the passenger station and engine house wye on the 7-1/4" gauge).  To view, GO HERE.

When I was modeling the table-top scales it was often said, that a model railroad is never finished.  Live steam is no exception.  New members bring new ideas to the club.  The first track built at Marengo was elevated dual gauge - 3-1/2 inch and 4-3/4 inch.  That track is now gone.  3-1/2 inch gauge has gotten less popular and and the people who model 4-3/4" prefer to build it on the ground.

In January 2003, we announced a meeting to discuss the long term future of the railroad.  Members were encouraged to bring their "dream" ideas.  Much to everyone's surprise, over twenty members attended and many had ideas for expanding the 7-1/4 inch gauge railroad.  The Pennsylvania Live Steamers have a property smaller than ours, but over the last several years, they have (very cleverly) just about doubled the length of their mainline!  The Adirondack Live Steamers have gradually expanded their run, while incorporating many interesting bridges and tunnels.  Our members come back from visiting these and other clubs, with ideas to make our club a more interesting place to run.

We present here two interesting proposals:
          1. Bob Moore.  Bob M. suggests building a tunnel under the driveway into the visitor's parking area.  The larger loop creates a longer run, while adding one tunnel and one trestle.  This plan would utilize "wasted" space without disrupting our current operation.
          2. Bob Hoffman. Bob H. has a plan that is more complicated, but it is well thought out.  The additions could be built in stages, and when complete would give an engineer three diferent routes!  One disadvantage to this plan is two grade crossings for visitor's cars.

Of course, any of these proposals would require earth moving, money and man-power.  Maintenance of a longer track is also a concern.  However, we have noticed that when nothing new is being planned, attendance for work parties and run days goes way down.  As soon as we announce a new project, attendance goes way up.