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ABOUT THE
OWL |
| HOME | The Overland Western Lines (or OWL) is a group of model railroad enthusiasts comprised of Student Alumni from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. A Prerequisite for membership includes past involvement in the MSOE Society of Model Engineers. | |
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| CLUB HISTORY
The Overland Western Lines (OWL) first came into being in the mid-1960’s when a group of Milwaukee School Of Engineering (MSOE) students formed the Society Of Model Engineers (SOME) and determined that OWL would be the “home road.” For many years, SOME only had a permanent layout. In 1987, SOME members (including Marty Hintz, Darin Umlauft, and Greg Drewiske) decided to build a portable layout so they could exhibit at Trainfest and the Milwaukee area malls that were sponsoring weekend long train shows. At the time, the malls paid to have the layouts exhibit, so it was a good source of income as well. “Modules I” was designed to be different from other modular layouts. One of the most notable differences is that it was a single track layout. “Modules I” grew from a 7’ x 15’ layout in 1987 to a 27’ x 19’ L-shaped layout by 1989. By this time, the layout had passing sidings, so two 20+ car trains could be run in opposite directions around the layout!! In the early 1990’s, SOME moved its permanent layout to its current location, and the paid mall shows began to dry up. The modules were showing their age and were replaced with a new 2-track modular layout. “Modules II” was doomed by financial and manpower requirements that competed heavily with SOME’s new permanent layout. The modular layout needed help to survive. Realizing the PR and Social benefits of keeping the modular layout and displaying it at various shows, a group of SOME Alumni consisting of Marty Hintz, Darin Umlauft, Greg Drewiske, Tim Schmitz, Jeff Hanson, Paul Ericksen and Russ Goodwin assumed control of the modular layout in the spring of 1997. Since 1997, we have completely rebuilt the layout (now known as “Modules III” and installed a DCC control system. One of the key differences with “Modules III” is the use of 1” x 6” framing instead of 1” x 4” framing. This gives us greater flexability to do below grade scenery. Beginning in 2002, we expect to start an expansion project that will enlarge the layout by about 25%. In
2000, we officially began to go by “Overland Western Lines” to lessen
confusion between us and SOME. However, since we are SOME Alumni,
we continue to have a close working relationship with the current SOME
membership. SOME members are responsible for 2 of the modules and
they help us with
setup and takedown at shows. In return, we have helped them with
their
new permanent layout and have been known to treat them to an occasional
Kringle!!! The official OWL paint scheme is used by both groups,
and SOME members are welcomed to the fold as they graduate. One of the things that has been a constant of our modular layout since the beginning is long trains. We take pride in the fact the we usually have one of the longest and best running trains at the shows we attend. Often times we are asked why. The simple answer is “Because we can!!” The other question we often get is how we do it. The answer to that is attention to detail. Our modules are solidly built, and have rigid standards to insure that everything will line up properly. Our members work hard to make sure the layout is setup as level as possible, and that the tracks line up. In addition, all of our equipment is equipped with Kadee couplers that have the height properly set. We
currently exhibit at Trainfest (Milwaukee), Mad City RR Show (Madison)
and Traintime (Milwaukee) each year. Hope to see you at a show
soon!! The Overland Western Lines (OWL) is modeled as a railroad that was built to give its owners easy access to (and thru/around) Chicago, the Twin Cities, and Duluth. It is dependent on heavy run-through traffic of its member railroads. The primary OWL route is from Chicago to the Twin Cities to Duluth.
COME AND SEE US...
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