Updated: September 24, 2008

Photos starting on 12/28/07 and ending on 1/17/08

12/28/07 The first 4 photos show the situation in the passage before (12/28) and the next 4 photos afterwards (12/29/07) !
12/28/07 Before the layout will start, Percy is checking everything very carefully.
12/28/07 The final inspection from the left to the right side along the passage.
12/29/07 The next 4 photos show the first elements in the passage, on top of the show cases and cabinets.
12/29/07 The first modules of the underframes are temporarely mounted.
12/29/07 We are in the passage and one day, here will be a Mojave Desert Town.
12/29/07 On the left side, the tracks will go into office 2 and on the right side into office 1.
1/07/08 Below are photos of the next step with more elements being delivered by Reto Frick.
1/07/08 All elements in the passage are mounted. Werner Enterprises is the first structure. Inside Office 2 is the hidden staging yard.
1/07/08 From the front (passage) at the right side the tracks will go with a broad left curve over two elements connected with 2 fold down bridges. This part is located in Office 1.
1/07/08 Inside Office 2 are the corner modules on the left side. 2 more have to be mounted, soon.
1/07/08 The covered staging yard is a unique construction because the top for the mainline is having a 1,5 % grade downhill.
1/07/08 We are inside Office 2 and guess who is watching us ?
1/07/08 Entrance to the staging yard and our inspection officer is checking everything ! !
1/07/08 The staging yard is sitting inside a wall mounted shelf.
1/07/08 We are in the passage and looking inside Office 2 on the left side and to the right.
1/17/08: The last elements of the underframes are finally mounted.
1/17/08 The last 2 elements (frames) are mounted inside Office 2.
1/17/08 Here, the wall will be "blown up" for the 2 tunnels to enter Office 1.
1/17/08 Once again, our Special Agent is checking if everything was done well.
1/17/08 Left corner: The outer curve will be elevated approx. 15 cm (risers not in place yet).
Entire wooden frame work was built by Reto Frick (He is a certified carpenter and a member of the American Railroadfans in Switzerland).

Updated: September 24, 2008

Technical Data of my Layout: Size: 4,5 x 6,5 m (13,5 x 19,5 feet), Era: Modern, Location: Southern California in the Mojave Desert (Cajon Pass), Layout Style: unconventional, in house along the walls, 2 swing up bridges, 1 lift out bridge, double track, min. radius 104 cm (41 inch), max. grade 1,5 %, Track: Atlas flextrack code 100, Turnouts: Peco code 100, Power: conventional DC with electrical feeders every 2 m, Mainline: 32 m (96 feet), Height: 93 cm (36,5 inch)

Overview of the layout (each square is 0,5 m)

See page 2 with more photos of my layout construction - click here

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