A Brief History of HOTrack
HOTrack was started as a project of the Sunrise Trail Division (NYC/LI) of the National Model Railroad Association. The STD funded the cost of building the original corners.
Some significant dates:
1979: Bob S. installed as Coordinator
December 1984: Dennis D. replaces Bob S. as Coordinator
December 1985: Hellgate makes its first appearance
December 1989: First Christmas show at EAB Bank
June 1990: First review of club specifications
August 1990: Current specifications established
March 1991: Dues established at $5/yr
September 1991: Current specs made mandatory
September 1996: Club rules adopted
February 2000: Trailer purchased
August 2001: Dues raised to $10/yr
December 2001: First use of NCE DCC control on 1-2 lines, remainder of layout remains controlled by DC
June 2002: Meeting at West Island. Dennis G. assumes role of Coordinator
December 2004: HOTrack particiates in the World’s Greatest Hobby Show, Edison, NJ
April 2005: Meeting at West Island. Bob M. introduces two 6’ corners
October 2005: hotrack.org website debuts
May 2006: Rich E. donates first Digitrax DCC equipment
September 2008: Fully transitioned from DC (direct current) to DCC (Digital Command Control). Used Digitrax DCC system. Dues raised to $20/yr. 6’ corners retired, new 4’ corners used
December 2017: Switched from Digitrax to NCE system
February 2018: Vinnie D. assumes role of Coordinator
August 2019: Dues raised to $65/yr
Fallen Flags:
Vinnie P
Tony C
Ron P
Bob S
Jim L
Bob M