San Diego Model RR Museum - La Mesa HO Tehachapi Layout Tehachapi Loop layout photos from behind the scenes Hello, all (especially SP and ATSF fans), Thanks to the San Diego Model RR Museum, La Mesa HO Club, on Tuesday night, Oct 19, 2004, they let me visit during their work night. I took about 70 photos from *behind the scenes* of their massive, wonderful Tehachapi Loop HO layout. While not N scale, some great modeling of the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe on the Tehachapi Pass on a grand scale. You can see these photos online at: http://community.webshots.com/user/atsf_arizona_layout_tour2 look in Volumes 1, 2 and 3. Here's a teaser, a picture of Caliente on the eastbound climb towards Tehachapi Loop: To put the photos in perspective and understand what's going on with this massive layout, have your January 2004 Model Railroader cover story article handy: Hope you enjoy the visit!
John, I got essentially the same tour from Jason when I was in SD last May. Even though an N scaler, I LOVE THIS LAYOUT!!!! Having grown up in CA (Bay Area), and went to school in SLO, so I can really appreciate the califirnia hills. Looks like it was modeled sometime during the last half of march (when the hills are green). A GREAT tour!
Doug Stuard, I think you have the time of year right on, if I remember right, Jason Hill (member of the club) said the timeframe is Spring 1952 if I remember right. Anybody know the modeled timeframe for sure?
John: Really great pictures. I am not so familar with the HO layout, but I think that the N scale layout is of comparable quality. If I remember correctly, the N scale layout is a model of a slightly different area. Anyone know what that area is? I know they (N scale) have a big model of the San Diego ATSF station. I certainly agree that the area pictured here is southern California. The HO guys have made a really beautiful modeling masterpiece!!
Hi, Flash, The N Scale Layout (The Pacific Desert Lines - www.sdsons.org) is of equal quality. (unfortunately at the moment (10/23/04) the web site is down due to overrunning their monthly GB allocation). They model San Diego east towards the Imperial Valley - including an incredible Carriso Gorge. The model of San Diego has a world-class superb Santa Fe San Diego station model. I believe (although I'm not sure) that PDL is all Code 40 rail soldered to printed circuit board ties. Jim Bence is the current president - they are a great bunch of guys and were very cordial to me during my visit during Summer 2003. ( The Pacific Desert Lines club members were not there this past Tues night 10/19/04.)
