• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tidewater Division

NMRA/MER

  • Home
  • “TRACKS TO TIDEWATER” 2026 MER Convention
  • Organization
  • Tidewater Division Master Modelers
  • Lee Hall Diorama – Pictures
  • Regional Events – 2026-2027
  • 2026 Meeting Schedule
  • Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads
    • Area Hobby Shops
    • Model Railroad Clubs
    • Model Railroad Manufacturers
    • Decoder Manufacturers
    • Research/Museums and Publishers
  • Division Newsletter “The Callboard” – 2025
  • FAQ
  • Links (Clubs, Fallen Flags, Societies)
    • “Fallen Flags”
  • Division Photos, Clinics, Videos & Layout Tours
    • Railroad News & Trivia
  • Facebook

Alan Balma #820

You are here: Home / Tidewater Division Master Modelers / Alan Balma #820

Alan is an S scale model railroader who, at the age of 70, built a new home with an 18′ x 28′ room dedicated exclusively to his railroad. His layout depicts the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Elmira Branch as it appeared in 1956. Designed as a switching railroad, it features the Canandaigua Division’s terminal yard and its interchange with the New York Central, capturing the operational flavor of that era.

Alan credits his father with giving him one of life’s greatest gifts. While that first train set provided countless hours of enjoyment, it was only the beginning. More importantly, his father instilled in him a lifelong passion for railroads and model railroading. Without that early inspiration, Alan believes he likely would never have returned to the hobby as an adult.

Today, he feels that passing this passion on to the next generation is more important than ever. By sharing our enthusiasm, knowledge, and experiences, we help ensure that the enjoyment, craftsmanship, and fellowship of model railroading continue for many years to come.

Primary Sidebar

Tidewater Division Master Modelers

  • Chuck Davis #425
  • Bob Minnis #462
  • Matt Thompson #595
  • Norm Garner #625
  • Dale Ridgeway #657
  • Bob Cook #710
  • Alan Balma #820

Recent Posts

  • Welcome to the Tidewater Division Web Page

Archives

  • May 2018

Categories

  • Uncategorized

Follow

  • Facebook

Footer

Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us
  • FAQ

Copyright © 2026 · Tidewater Division NMRA/MER