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*History*
For many years, the HAPY rails HO Scale (1:87) modular layout belonged to the Youth Group of the Wisconsin Southeastern division of the National Model Railroad Association (WISE Div. NMRA), which was also known as the "Little WISE Guys and Gals" (LWGG). When the NMRA dropped support for youth programs in 2020, the Youth Group transferred to its longtime host, Waukesha County Gandy Dancers model railroad club (WGCD), where it was eventually called the WCGD Family Layout. With waning interest from the club, the layout was sold to longtime Youth Group director Mark Hintz, who renamed the layout the Hintz Atlantic & Pacific Railway.
Youth Group member Reece and his mom paint the surface of his new module.
*What's in a Name?*
We go by "HAPY Rails", which is short for Hintz Atlantic & Pacific Railway. The full name is inspired by the "Athearn Atlantic & Pacific", from Athearn's late-90's advertisements, while the abbreviation/reporting marks take their inspiration from WATCO's new railroad in Wisconsin, the Fox Valley & Lake Superior Railway, aka "FOXY".
Youth Group member Trevor helps rebuild a yard module.
*Vision*
Going forward, we want to honor our heritage by continuing to welcome youth members. However, we also want to open membership to model railroaders of all ages. We wish to improve upon the detail and operational potential of our modules, while improving on the reliability of our model railroad. While we want to continue to use NMRA-based modular standards, we also want to "escape the circle", by designing and building loops for either end of the layout!
Youth Group Coordinator Mark Hintz consults with member Jaden on getting a freight car on the track.
*CREDITS AND THANKS*
Thanks to the late Jenny Janke, who directed the LWGG for several years, for building the website on which this site is designed.
Thanks to Russell Hintz and Graham Hintz for their help bringing this website up to date.