Last Sunday I visired the South Shasta Lines in Gerber, CA. The owner, G A Humann, has been building the layout in his basement since 1950 and is now in his 90s. He has open house on Sundays during April and May with a small admission charge. The layout is modeled after the former SP track between Gerber and Dunsmuir. Here are a few photos of the layout. "]http://www.railimages.com/album/Gilman%20Abar/Shasta08.jpg[/IMG][/url]
Here are a few more photos. Mr Humann built all the locomotives and cars in addition to the scenery and structures.
Here is the last of the photos. Mr Humann was a farmer and also has a collection of steam, gas and diesel tractors and various farm equipment on display. He has a narrow gauge steam locomotive and in the past has operated short trips on track on his property.
I worked at gerber from 1958 until 1963 as Telegrapher, clerk, wirechief. I have seen this layout several times and was really impressed. Might go up and see it again sometime soon.
I recall reading articles about this layout many years ago. Didn't realize that it was still in operation! It's good to know that in his 90's, he's still keeping at it. Having fun! Boxcab E50 [ 24. May 2003, 18:55: Message edited by: BoxcabE50 ]
I am not sure just how much longer he will be having open house. He has stopped running his narrow gauge steam train. Friends have told me he used to run some of the old steam tractors but that has ended also. There was a good size crowd there the day we visited so there is still a lot of interest. [ 27. May 2003, 02:35: Message edited by: signalguy ]
IIRC, there was an article in Model Railroader some time back about the South Shasta Lines. For every model town he built, he was supposed to have the real city officials on hand for a ribbon-cutting (celebrating when the railroad came to that particular town). Wonder if there are any plans for future operations, or at least disposition of the railroad and old tractors, when Mr. Humann makes his final ride. His layout is a masterpiece.
We will have to wait to see what happens next year as his advertising said he would be open on Sundays in April and May so the last day was this last Sunday. I will keep looking for any announcements in the local news.
