PROFILE

My name is Vinny Parechanian and my love for trains began more than fifty years ago. Custom "O" scale modeling is also a passion of mine. Combine the two and the result is a multi-level "O" scale layout. The featured photo on the Home Page is just one section of a layout I completed in 2002. I invite you to view other layout photos in the Gallery and Model Sections.


PUBLISHED WORK

A customized "O" scale Boston Firehouse I built was featured in the (100th Celebration Issue) of O Gauge Railroading Magazine. There is a future article planned in late 2007 to highlight my Modular Display Designs. A more recent publication about my work appeared in the spring edition of "Home Magazine". This magazine is published in Wellington, Florida.


Layout History
The New York, New Haven & Hartford Railway
Layout Size 6' X 24' / 3 Levels

The featured layout on my website is a custom built multi-level "O" scale layout. It is typical New England in terms of design and architecture for the early 40's to mid 50's time period. The season is Fall, highlighting bright foliage and landscaping detail. I chose the New York, New Haven & Hartford Road Name because of that systems extensive use of electric style locomotives. I also wanted to model a cantinary system that would add a realistic operating focus for electric type engines.

I started the design and construction of the layout in 1997. In 2000 the layout was dismantled and moved from Massachusetts to Florida. By 2002 the layout had been reassembled and completed. In 2002 my layout was one of only four, chosen to be on tour for The National Model Railroad Association. We hosted visitors from all parts of the United States, Canada, Europe, and as far away as South Africa.


Firehouse Series Display Shelves Model DS001

Now offering newly designed wall mount display shelves. The perfect addition for displaying your 1:43 / 1:50 Scale Diecast Emergency Vehicle Collection. In addition to show casing your treasured items, this Firehouse Series Display is a tribute to our 911 Heroes. The center piece of the display is a Fire Fighter Brass Helmet Bell Truck Alarm. Each display shelve will have its own unique serial number making this piece a valuable addition to your collection. Wall unit is hand crafted and offered exclusively through "O" Scale Custom Models & Trains. Display is finished with a rich Dark Walnut Stain. Beautifully painted Antique Brass Tone wood trim compliments the rugged barn wood finish. Easy mounting and light weight.

See: Models Section for photos.

Vehicles shown on display shelves, ( NOT INCLUDED ) with purchase.


Classic Car Series Display Shelves Model DS002

Now offering newly designed wall mount display shelves. The perfect addition for displaying your 1:43 / 1:50 Scale Classic Car Collection. The center piece of the display is a pair of vintage style diecast Gas Pumps. The Gas Pump name and color many vary depending on availability. Each display shelve will have its own unique serial number making this piece a valuable addition to your collection. Wall unit is hand crafted and offered exclusively through "O" Scale Custom Models & Trains. Display is finished with a rich Dark Walnut Stain. Beautifully painted Antique Brass Tone wood trim compliments the rugged barn wood finish. Easy mounting and light weight.

See: Models Section for photos.

Vehicles shown on display shelves, ( NOT INCLUDED ) with purchase.


New Modular Designs with Displays Cabinets

My newest project is a design concept for "O" Scale Modular Displays. The first design and build is now completed for Model #001. Please view the Model section of my website for exciting photos. This highly detailed "O" scale layout is only 30" x 44". The design is non-operational and intended for display only. Moving from a large home in Massachusetts which included a finished basement / Train Room to a home in Florida with no basement or attic, has eliminated much needed layout space. I created a modular design that still gives me the ability to display some of my train collection and incorporate a redesigned section of what used to be my larger train layout.

The bottom section consists of display cabinets on all four sides constructed of oak and stained dark walnut. I will be adding more shelves for additional train display. The cabinets sit on top of a portable dolly for easy movement. The "O" Scale module sits on top of the display cabinets. The layout section is protected by a custom built plexiglass cover with crystal knobs for easy removal and replacement of the cover. All of the hardware is polished brass. A nice piece of furniture which blends with our other home furnishings.

Behind the console door are the power and lighting controls for the corner gas station, Studebaker car dealership, canal area, street lights, and working traffic lights. The Whistle Stop Diner and Studebaker Car Dealership have removable roofs which provide access for the lighting and a closer look at the interior detail. The girder bridge which measures 37" in length is a custom design I scratch built from aluminum and plastic detail parts.

This unique layout allows me to display my trains and enjoy my model building efforts. It also targets the problem of having to dismantle a layout when forced to move. My design allows the dolly, display cabinets, layout module (4 brass carry handles) and plexiglass cover to be separated, moved and quickly reassembled. My finished product consists of a portable piece of furniture incorporating a highly detailed layout / display on top.

I was so pleased with the out come of this project that I intend to build other modules using many more of the structures from my prior layout. Sizes will vary from 30" x 44" (the smallest) up to 44" x 12'-0".

Every design will be different. I will choose a theme for each layout and focus on the detail to make that layout come to life. All of my designs reflect the early 40's to mid 50's time period.

Please visit my site often. I will be adding new photos as projects get completed. There will be Modules and Models posted For Sale as well. See the Model Section for details.


Happy Collecting & Model Building

Vinny