An operating weekend in Southern California provided lots of ideas, and a few potential stories. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.
Sign-up for email today! I had a chance to operate on four layouts and visit two others. For a small layout, a two-person crew makes sense for model railroad operations. Phil and I took turns as either the engineer, sitting on a stool operating the locomotive, or as the conductor, planning moves and setting turnouts and uncoupling cars. We were set up in what was once part of the freight handling area of the depot. Phil Edholm, at right, is discussing the upcoming session with one of the OCMR members as we gathered.
Since the layout models Orange County, there were lots of packing houses to switch. This section of the layout was one of the most complete, with lots of great scenes. There was plenty of action on the layout, and we also saw a few Amtrak and Amtrak California trains passing by outside. Sectional layouts require a bit of ingenuity to get them to operate in different spaces.
Since each space requires a different configuration, some sections had rails leading off the edges. This large C-clamp was added to the edge of the benchwork to create a siding with little chance of freight cars hitting the floor. This club layout is focused on model railroad operations and fills a 30 x foot section of the freight room, and at one end has this well-done scene of maritime railroading.
The high ridge down the center made an effective view block between aisles. The maritime scene in the previous photo is at the far end of the room.
