The second turn back module built by the Stoney Creek club contains a model of two blocks of modern day downtown Rochester, Michigan. The stores on Main Street are reproduced from University to Third Street, as well as several other local land marks. Buildings were build by individual members and the landforms were build as a group project.
The original goal of the project had been to build a model of Rochester in the early 1900's. The research effort needed to gather information on every building on Main Street during this period proved to be prohibitive, so modern day Rochester was chosen. Club members photographed and measured each building and made the information available to the rest of the club.
The turn back module was created by taking 4 standard HO corner modules and adding a wye module on one side. With the center hole plugged with a foam block, we had a 8' diameter circle to work with. To fit the two blocks into that, the width of the buildings were compressed to 60% and the depth compressed to 80% while maintaining full height.
Our model of Rochester represents the Summer of 2001. This was during the 'Ewe Review', when local businesses sponsored the artistic decoration of sheep statues. Careful observers will discover several of these sheep recreated in 1:84 scale. Other details include the distinctive street lights and their round signs mounted inside the crook of the post.
At this time, about 85% of the buildings are built, with more on the way. The Rochester turn back modules have been used during our Train Fest show and also at the Rochester Hills Museum (at Van Hoosen Farm) setup. I know of no Rochester merchant who has been shown the model of their building, but it should be worth at least a free dinner at the Chop House. :)
In January of 2005, the Rochester Modules will be donated to the Rochester Hills Museum and will be on display in one of the silos. A pushbutton will let visitors run the trains and get an upclose look at the model of downtown Rochester.
Between University and Fourth, East side of Main Street
Between Fourth and Third, West side of Main Street
Between Fourth and Third, East side of Main Street
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Last Updated: 12/31/04