added: December 31, 2017 / updated: February 18, 2018 and June 27, 2018 (Part 6A - 6D)

US-Railroad-Shop remodeling of rear side and behind the counter

In spring 2018, our US Railroad Shop will get new windows. So far, the windows are covered with show cases and shelves because models and books do not like the sun (color may fade slowly). In front of the rear window, I mounted a full height board which covers the window approx. half. On this wall is the foundation for a dividing wall, splitting the rear of the shop into two parts. On the left side are DVD's, an O scale diorama, Hill 582 in HO scale and a showcase. On the right side are the Mormon Rocks modules, a standing show case, a revolving stand, different shelves and 2 show cases attached to the wall. First step was removing show cases and shelves to get clearance for the Mormon Rocks diorama to be moved to the other side incl. relocation of wall show cases which was done during Christmas 2017. Finally, the new windows have been installed on June 20, 2018, which can be seen on Part 6 (scroll down)

Part 1: Rear side of shop before remodeling (October 2017)

Part 2: Remodeling of right side is starting (December 2017)

Part 3: New arrangement of right side (as of Christmas 2017)

Part 4: Show Case exchange (January 2, 2018)

Part 5: Show Case and Hill 582 Diorama transfer (February 18, 2018)

Part 6A: Finally, the new windows have been installed on June 20, 2018 Part 6B: Take a look "before and after" the changes of my shop between May 11 and June 27, 2018 Part 6C: here is the "new look" of our shop - June 27, 2018 Part 6D: new modules of the legendary "Mojave Desert" layout  built by Kim Nipkow are in my shop.

  (just click on the 3-digit number for bigger size photos)

Part 1: Rear side of shop before remodeling (October 2017) 10 photos
left rear side of shop w/DVD's, books, show case, diorama - 175	dividing wall in center (left will remain, right will be new)- 176
above the Mormon Rocks modules was space for display - 177	right side w/Mormon Rocks diorama, shelves and show cases - 178
the wall across the diorama was crowded - 179	bothe shelves will be removed - 180
diorama of Lucien Wiss is inside big shelf - 181	shelf w/show case at left will be moved - 182
in the middle are reduced books and magazines - 183	that's the way how it was looking for several years - 184

Part 2: Remodeling of right side is starting (December 2017) 7 photos

First step was the removal of shelves and the relocation of the two 2 m long wall show cases to get clearance for the Mormon Rocks modules.

left photo: on the other side along the wall, the shelf is already empty, the 2 (2 m long) show cases are above each other yet - 189 right photo: again empty shelf plus empty show case above empty wooden shelf, which will be removed as well - 190

both 2 m show cases have been placed next to each other at a different height as before (below is the space for the diorama) - 191

next step: wooden shelf will be removed to get space for the modules - 192 / ready for putting the Mormon Rocks modules along the wall - 193

the board on top of the left module was already removed (size of diorama: 4 x 0,6 m (13 x 2 feet) - 187

the mormon rock modules are ready to be disconnected in the middle and to remove the board on top of the right part - 188

Part 3 - New arrangement of right side (as of Christmas 2017) 32 photos
here is the "new look" of the right rear side - 194	we have now more space and a better presentation - 195
no more revolving stand in the middle . . . - 196	. . . and the diorama made by Lucien Wiss is well visible - 197
in other words, the remodeling of the right rear . . . - 198	. . . side got a new and attractive look - 199
the 2 long show cases are now on eye level . . . - 200	. . . and on top is space for frames with photos - 201
front: red sand Arizona, rear: beige sand Cajon Pass - 202	these modules are also used as test tracks  - 203
Lucien Wiss build this "Rocky Desert" diorama in 1988 - 204	very realistic landscaping - 205
the bushes are made of real hair - 206	rocks are made of plaster (hand carved) - 207
landscaping done by Pelle Soeeborg in 2012 - 208	O scale trestle built by Dani Wehrli - 209
now, it really looks different and I can tell . . . - 210	. . . I am satisfied with the result - 211
Now we are making a special tour on the Mormon Rocks modules at their new location along the wall. This Diorama (built in 1986) was part of a huge 17 m long (56 feet) HO layout formerly located at the American Layoutcenter Adliswil. Back in 2003, it was moved from Adliswil to my shop and used as a 4 m long test track. In Spring 2017, it got new landscaping.
backdrop are photos of the real Mormon Rocks - 212	the bridges are going over Cajon Creek - 213
there are Joshua Trees and blooming Yuccas - 214	all bushed made by Melinda Meer - 215
at the end is a mirror - 216	railfan overlook (accessible by car) - 217
no question, Cajon Pass is my favourite destination - 218	Graffitiy on Auto Rack made by P. Schönenberger - 219
of course, I am aware, there are no more tunnels in real - 220	but these modules have been built when the tunnels still existed - 221
birds eye view from above - 222	are we flying with a drone? - 223
Railfan's lookout platform - 224	final photo of the Mormon Rocks modules - 225
As already mentioned above, we will get new windows in Spring 2018. This will also affect the left rear side with a remodeling. The result will be shown afterwards (May or June 2018).

Part 4: Show Case exchange (January 2, 2018) 10 photos
Through the recent remodeling of the rear side and the relocation of the Mormon Rocks modules, the show case on the book shelf is having sliding plexiglass, which can only be moved to the right where the end of the Mormon Rocks modules are (photos 228-229). This became very hard and I had to find another solution. So, I transfered this show case behind the counter. And on top, I was able to mount it on the wall, even it was standing on the cabintes. From hose 3 smaller show cases (photos 226-227), 2 pcs. made it on the book shelf (photos 234-235).
this show case is actually too wide (137 x 105 cm) - 228	the plexiglass can only be slided to the right - 229
now we have 2 smaller show cases (ea. 60 x 75 cm) - 234	they fit perfect and the doors open easily - 235
these 3 show cases will be replaced by 1 bigger show case - 226	those 2 with the N scale models went on the book shelf - 227
just mounted the empty show case w/12 levels - 230	a lot of steam locos (mostly brass) have been placed on display - 231
the cabooses are now inside the round show case - 232	it is a good solution and customers can see the models well - 233
This was the last change for the moment. More will happen after the window replacement in Spring 2018.

Part 5: Show Case and Hill 582 Diorama transfer (February 18, 2018) 23 photos
The showcase with the trestle on top found a new home as the former bookshelf has been scraped.
there are 3 levels with brass models and below are 2 drawers - 236	the old bookshelf was too big and now we got more space - 237
there are 3 Boeing 727 airline seats in my shop - 238	looking toward video dept. with TV screen - 239
The right rear side of my shop becomes the home of different dioramas and modules. The latest addition is the Hill 582 diorama made by Kim Nipkow in 2013. It was standing under the TV on top of the O scale modules. Now, it is just left of the Mormon Rocks. In other words, icons of famous Cajon Pass are now together on display.
over all view (below Super Chief sign is Hill 582) - 240	3 different dioramas show high end landscaping - 241
Hill 582 and the Mormen Rocks are now next to each other. In real life, both are icons of famous Cajon Pass - 242
Kim Nipkow created an excat scale replica of real Hill 582. Left is the UP track, below are BNSF MT-1 and MT-2 (MT-3 would be far right) - 243
Unique are the trees on top of the Hill. Thanks to the Hilltender Don Toles, who is watering these weekly - 244 More infos about the real Hill 582 - click here
The Mormon Rocks are along Highway 138 just near I-15 Exit # 139 - 245
the upper line was built by SP in 1964 - 246	Hill 582 gets visitors from all over the world - 247
well, this engine was actually never seen on Cajon - 248	yes, there are some railfans on the Hill incl. Don, Gary & Marc - 249
Meer loco is on BNSF MT-1 and the fans are taking pictures - 250	looking from South side - 251
SP switcher on Palmdale cutoff - 252	looking from North side - 253
the different levels of the tracks are correct transferred into HO scale - 254
- 255	- 256
lots of trees on Hill 582 - 257	Mormon Rocks in the foreground - 258

Part 6A: Finally, the new windows have been installed on June 20, 2018 (24 photos)
Since December 2017, we knew about the window replacement in my shop. Therefore, the Mormon Rocks diorama has been moved to the other side and some showcases as well. Instead of Spring, the new windows have been installed in late June 2018. To prepare everything, make clearance in front of the windows and move all shelves and show cases incl. the big dividing wall. We started on Sunday June 17 with the great help of my good friend Reto Frick. No question, it was a lot of work as we also had to cover all show cases and shelves and dioramas with a plastic for protection of the dust with the removal of the old windows. Of course, I took photos of every step to get an idea what happened. There are 5 windows and I am showing first the look before and after of each window.
old window 1 inside the office on 5/11/18 - 259	same w/o curtain on 6/17/18 - 260
new window 1 on 6/20/18 - 261	same but from a different angle on 6/20/18 - 262
old window 2 behind the counter on 5/11/18 - 263	everything was removed in front of window 2 on 6/17/18 - 264
new window 2 was mounted on 6/20/18 - 265	day curtains are in place on 6/21/18 - 266
in addition are night curtains to block the sun on 6/21/18 - 267	new arrangement w/4 show cases on 6/27/18 - 268
old window 3 w/empty show case on 5/11/18 - 269	old window 3 ready for replacement on 6/17/18 - 270
new window 3 (it got day and night curtains) on 6/20/18 - 271	finished window 3 w/show case and models on 6/27/18 - 272
window 4 behind book shelf on 5/11/18 - 273	old window 4 ready for replacement on 6/17/18 - 274
new window 4 on 6/20/18 - 275	day curtains are mounted on 6/21/18 - 276
night curtains are in place on 6/21/18 - 277	finished window 4 w/book shelf on 6/27/18 - 278
window 5 (1/3 covered by dividing wall) on 5/11/18 - 279	old window 5 ready for replacement on 6/17/18 - 280
new window 5 is smaller than original on 6/20/18 - 281	finished window 5 w/wall and new diorama on 6/27/18 - 282

Part 6B: Take a look "before and after" the changes of my shop between May 11 and June 27, 2018
Here we are showing the different stages in detail. Because of the new windows, I decided to do some upgrading of my shop. Before window 2, I placed 2 identical sliding door cabinets and and top 4 identical show cases. Window 3 will be covered with the same large show case. Window 4 will be covered with the same book shelf. But most changes are on both sides of the dividing wall before window 5. The O scale modules are gone. 3 identical book cabinets are placed on the left side of the wall. On top is a 2 m long show case and 2 smaller show cases. On the right side is now part of Kim Nipkow's legendary Mojave Desert layout (length 3,6 m). In the middle, actually in front of the dividing wall a man size show case was placed. This one was before to the right and connected to the book cabinets w/show cases on both sides. Come with us to a journey "before and after" with lots of photos (if there are too many, just scroll down).
(6B1) - the following photos were taken on May 11, 2018 and show the "old look" of my shop (16 photos)
window 2 is covered with show cases on 5/11/18 - 283	window 3 was covered with a big show case - 284
window 4 is covered with a book shelf - 285	rear part of shop w/dividing wall and window 5 - 286
left side of rear part with book shelf and DVD's - 287	left side w/dividing wall and right side w/show cases - 288
O scale modules, show case, below books and magazines - 289	O modules will be replaced by book cabinets - 290
these 2 show cases will be replaced with the tall white one - 291	diorama will be moved forward and new modules will be added - 292
last view of window 5, along the wall will be new modules - 293	this cabinet will be moved and show case on top is sold - 294
this show case will be moved in front of dividing wall - 295	book cabinet will be moved and replaced - 296
2 small show cases will be moved behind counter (window 2) - 297	books will be moved to the dividing wall cabinets - 298
(6B2) everything is ready, removed and covered for the window replacement - photos taken on June 17, 2018 (32 pics)
we are behind the counter w/window 2 at left - 299	old window 2, looking toward window 5 - 300
showcase between window 2 and 3 is covered - 301	even the computer is below the protective foil - 302
window 2 with counter from the main street - 303	window 3, square counter unit has been removed - 304
looking toward entrance (unusual open counter) - 305	at right is window 4 (looking toward entrance) - 306
I forgot to cover the show case between window 3 & 4 - 307	window 4 - 308
all DVD's are covered - 309	window 4 at left and no. 5 at right - 310
next to window 5 are cabinets and a revolving stand - 311	different cabinets in storage - 312
show cases and dioramas are all covered - 313	white = TV stand and base for the dividing wall - 314
the elements of the dividing wall are stored - 315	all show cases are covered - 316
empty show cases and other stuff is stored in between - 317	TV on top of a counter unit are both in storage - 318
I got the foil with tape for protection from my in house painter - 319	looking up main street toward entrance - 320
it took us 2 days to cover and move everything - 321	window 5 is visible in the distance - 322
every space in between is used for storage - 323	the roundhouse is covered as well - 324
to be honest, it was the biggest and last project for my shop - 325	again, we can see part of window 5 - 326
the 3 show cases in the triangle are covered as well - 327	the good thing, afterwards everything has to go back in place - 328
the half round show case belongs behind the counter - 329	looking down main street from the entrance - 330

Part 6C: here is the "new look" of our shop - June 27, 2018 (28 photos)
the following photos were taken on June 27, 2018 after everything was back in place. We start our journey from window 2 behind the counter, pass window 3 with the big show case, window 4 with the book shelf, DVD's Books (left side of the dividing wall) and continue with right side of the wall with the different dioramas (window 5 is behind the wall).
window 2 is covered w/4 show cases, books and photos - 331	the Mojave Desert Diorama was built by Kim Nipkow - 332
behind the counter are brass steam locos - 333	in front of window 3 are more brass models - 334
counter with computer - 335	magazines are in front and on the wall show cases - 336
mugs and Santa Fe Diesel Locos - 337	show case in front of dividing wall - 338
overview from counter toward window 5 - 339	elevated overview of remodeled rear - 340
left rear side - 341	middle show case with UP Diesels and some brass steam locos - 342
show case with Santa Fe Diesels and book shelf - 343	looking from the rear w/Boeing 727 seats - 344
books and DVD's - 345	DVD's department - 346
new arrangement of 3 identical book cabinets - 347	show case with SP models on top and test tracks in front - 348
a small table is across the book cabinets - 349	white show case is waiting for new models coming - 350
DVD player and another show case - 351	we carry the merchandise of "swiss scale train" - 352
tall white show case has been exchanged with small ones - 353	overview from above right rear side - 354
our new desert diorama center - 355	left new Mojave modules, right Mormon Rocks and Hill 582 - 356
looking from the rear, right are the new Mojave modules - 357	more photos the Mojave modules are below - 358
below are some additional photos of my shop with dioramas and show cases, which did not change (10 photos)
two different worlds: 1/2 inch scale Country Story and HO scale DPM & Woodlands display model - 407
display model of Design Preservation Models . . . - 408	. . . for their modular building system - 409
Country Store in 1/2 inch scale (1:22,5) . . . - 410	. . . built by Bill Dougherty, USA in 1992 - 411
the foundation of this diorama was done by kim Nipkow and the landscaping by Pelle Soeeborg for the 15th CV - 412
full house with brass models in HO and O scale - 413	all models are listed on: https://www.trainmaster.ch/brass.htm - 414
our roundhouse is loaded with brass steam locos on top - 415	here are models in diff. scales: HO, On30, O, 1 - 416

Part 6D: new modules of the legendary "Mojave Desert" layout  built by Kim Nipkow are in my shop. June 27, 2018 (48 photos)
glad I was able to save these Mojave Desert modules as the landscaping is extraordinary done by Kim Nipkow - 359
it was part of Kim's layout "Big Boy in Action" presented during the 15th and final Convention in October 2012 - 360
- 361	- 362
- 363	- 364
- 365	- 366
- 367	- 368
- 369	- 370
- 371	- 372
- 373	- 374
- 375	- 376
- 377	- 378
- 379	- 380
Walmart Truck on the road - 381	California Highway Patrol passing some Joshua Trees - 382
- 383	- 384
1969 Oldsmobile 442 - 385	- 386
- 387	Werner Enterprises on legendary Route 66 - 388
- 389	- 390
School Bus and Cadillac Escalade passing Corvette C7's - 391	- 392
- 393	- 394
Joshua Trees are typical for the Mojave Desert - 395	- 396
- 397	- 398
Chevy Corvette C7 ready for a test drive - 399	we are inside the canyon - 400
from above starting at the left side - 401	- 402
- 403	- 404
our drone flight is over and ending at the right side - 405	UP SD70M w/flared Radiators on the trestle - 406

Part 7: 3 modules of the Mojave Desert layout in storage 5 photos by Kim Nipkow
Kim Nipkow built a beautiful Mojave Desert Style Layout for the 15th Convention in 2012 in HO Scale Back in 2015, he decided to sell this layout but he could not find any interested modeller. After a while, he wanted to scrap it. I was able to save 3 modules and was storing these in the attick. I finally decided to place these modules in my shop across the Mormon Rocks and Hill 582 modules. Here are some photos to get an idea how it looks: click here The size is: Total lenght = 350 cm and width = 70 cm. These modules have been installed after the windows replacement in Summer 2018 (see above).
Overall view - KIM-21
left side with Cut -  KIM-23 / right side with Trestle KIM-25	Mojave Desert with Route 66 - KIM-22
The Trestle brings life into the scene - KIM-24

More photos of the Mormon Rocks (landscaping and trains) - click here

Santa Fe All the Way - passing the Mormon Rocks (Cajon Pass) on 3/03/17

Modern Times - Union Pacific and Werner Enterprises in Action on 3/03/17

 all photos copyright by Werner Meer
these Dioramas below are all on display in my shop - take a look

	Cajon Pass Hill 582 in HO Scale on display in our Shop ist im Laden ausgestellt Built by Kim Nipkow (Switzerland) 2013 Updated: 3/12/13
3/12/13 Do you believe - it is HO scale - 205	See all photos - click here	3/12/13 Hill 582 diorama in HO scale - 206

	Rocky Desert Diorama and SP Go West Diorama in HO Scale Rocky Desert Diorama is on display in our Shop Built by Lucien Wiss (France) 1988 Updated: 1/06/16
3/13/13 Rocky Desert Diorama - 042	See all photos - click here	1/03/16 Lucien Wiss w/Go West diorama - 011

	Desert Diorama in HO Scale on display in our Shop ist im Laden ausgestellt Built by Pelle Soeborg (Denmark) 2012 Updated: 3/13/13
10/10/12 BNSF SD70ACe on BLMA bridge - 208	See all photos - click here	10/10/12 Dry Creek and RR-Xing - 152

	Mojave Desert Diorama and Joshua Trees in HO Scale on display in our Shop ist im Laden ausgestellt Built by Kim Nipkow mit Step by Step Bauanleitung 2012 Updated: 4/30/12
4/30/12 The bikers take a break - 063	See all photos - click here	4/30/12 Home made Joshua Tree - 070

below are photos of my personal layout (not on display in my shop)

	HO Scale 1:87 Mojave Desert Layout Werner Enterprises Terminal and Cajon Pass by Werner Meer English updated: 2/19/17
City of Percyville - 1244	See all 23 Pages - click here	Werner Enterprises Terminal - 1180

copyright by Werner Meer 2018