Hello Harry,
Sorry I missed the show however I hope someone took a lot of pictures? You
might want to post on here so that we can look at them if you have a chance. I
will try to join you on Saturday. Enrique
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 17, 2020, at 11:04 PM, HARRY BUEHRLE <buehrle@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
OCMR MEMBERS:
If you missed this show, you missed a good time
and an opportunity to run an a LARGE, finished
and well operating layout
My thanks to the five other OCMR members
who made the trek to Bakersfield.
Mel and Annette, Carl, Alex and Greg Birkmann.
We all arrived within a few minutes of each other.
The GEHAMS folks welcomed us and provided
instructions for operating the DigiTrax throttles
and the electrified turnouts on the layout.
WHAT A LAYOUT!!
Room size is 37 x 110 with 850 foot main line.
https://gehams.club/ho-layout-1
The layout is single level in the shape of an "E"
with FIVE legs of 80 feet instead of three.
Large yard Bakersfield is at the top of the letter.
Second large yard Mojave is at the bottom.
Operating at normal freight speed, about 3 seconds per foot,
the run between yards takes 20-30 minutes.
That gets you half way!
Each yard has a balloon track for continuous running.
Each of these adds another 100 feet.
The main is single track with 5 passing tracks.
Colored ties in the yards indicate length of shortest passing track
which allows all trains to pass each other.
I ran a 45 car train pulled by two articulated engines
and had room for about 6 more cars.
Ruling grade is 2% and is shaped as a figure eight
jumping over a canyon
where your train crosses over itself.
Tunnels are short so visibility is almost continuous.
Shelves range from 12 to 30 inches deep
so trains are always within easy reach.
For operations minded engineers, you can switch any of dozens of sidings.
GEHAMS leaves 700 cars on the layout if you want to use them.
The layout began 25 years ago and operates flawlessly.
If something derails, its likely your equipment.
I've spoken to those who attended,
and all want to go back again.
This club hosts a swap meet in March at the Bakersfield fairgrounds.
Carl negotiated an invitation for OCMR to bring a layout to Bakersfield.
More announcements to come.
We thanked Milt SanSoucie for his invitation and hospitality
and look forward to our next visit.
Harry