Gary Hoover's
(HO)
"Santa Fe in 1951"
Photos by Gary Hoover
The layout is simply called the "Santa Fe in 1951" since it is strictly based on the Santa Fe prototype as it appeared in August 1951. All track work, electrical and signaling are finished along with scenes at Dearborn Station Chicago, Raton NM, and Cajon Pass. Ninety-five percent of the buildings are scratch built and most all have interiors and are illuminated for night operation. The layout appeared in the October 2005 Model Railroader and Kalmbach's special issue Modeling Railroads of the 50's, also released in October 2005. The layout is featured in Allen Keller's Great Model Railroads #54.
The railroad runs from Chicago to the west coast. Starting in Dearborn Station, Chicago, trains progress to the area just north of Raton, NM called Wooton Ranch. This is mostly a run-through scene separating Chicago from the west coast. Next, trains enter Victorville, CA and then start the 1.6% grade through Frost and on to Summit. The grade then starts down, passing through the town of Cajon and finally into San Bernardino.
Operation focuses on steam helpers from the Santa Fe and the Union Pacific running over Cajon Pass. An SP detour train, the Golden State also makes an appearance. The first 2/3rds of the session is conducted in daylight and the final 1/3 is conducted with subdued light simulating dusk. Both passenger and freight trains of the Santa Fe and the Union Pacific are common.
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