Model Train Layout
Model Train Operation
Kids first Sunday afternoon train running similar to past years will resume around Thanksgiving at the earliest. Adult train running will be on Thursday nights starting about 7PM.
| Adults on Thursday nights |
7:00 - 10:00 PM |
The layout was started in March of 1998, in a 60' x 81' room located next to a hobby shop inside a warehouse. The purpose of the layout is to demonstrate new products and techniques. The layout room includes a dispatcher and observation platform that is handicapped accessible.
The SP operation includes a 15 track yard with an average storage track length of 19'. The SP also serves a large back-in station, an ore dock, and a paper mill.
All three major railroads have an intermodal yard, fruit growers express warehouse, numerous grain elevators, and an interchange track/yard with both of the other railroads. Since the UP and SP are single track main lines with passing sidings, dispatchers are necessary and give instructions via radio to engineers with radio controlled DCC throttles. The engineers are responsible for the operation of their train and positioning of the 415 manual turnouts while the dispatcher is only responsible for proposed train movement and has no switches or buttons on his panel in the balcony until future track signals are installed.
Other features include 110' of hand painted backdrop, both screen wire and Styrofoam scenery, many commercially available buildings doubled or tripled in size, and unique bench work held up by 107 kitchen cabinets. Since the layout is so large, many unusual methods were employed to make trees, create a seamless backdrop, and eliminate shadows.
Also on site is a 6' x 7' O gauge demonstration layout with K-Line, MTH, and Lionel command control.
