A decision was made quite some time ago to continue development on the HLF, mostly because the linear shelf sized layout fit into the space that is available. A larger more traditional “4 x 8” simply wasn’t possible – there is one wall just a bit longer than the layout. There isn’t even enough room to add on to either end of the existing track to provide hidden staging areas.

Since taking over the development of the HLF, progress has been slow – some new wiring was done (This is a DC layout), some track was laid and new details added to the rock cuts. A lot of time was spent trying to decipher what was intended by the original builder as well as considering how to solve some technical issues.

After some consideration and some basic research it was decided to reinvent the HLF and incorporate aspects of New York state railroad history as well as a favorite railroad: The Delaware and Hudson.

The new HLF is a fictitious short line railroad in the Adirondacks that started as a logging operation. There are several spurs at various points that serve logging and mining operations. These spurs are all connected to the Delaware and Hudson’s Adirondack Branch that runs from the D&H mainline through Saratoga Springs and on to the Tahawus Titanium Mine. The HLF has trackage rights over the D&H to serve these various spurs.

The layout models the operations at Hard Lake which includes a small yard with an engine house, logging operations and a small titanium mine. The time period spans the 1940’s into the very early 1960’s when the HLF ceased service. D&H freight and passenger trains headed by PA’s, an RS3 or an RS11 are frequently seen passing the still operating Shay’s, Heisler’s and Climax’s.