Southern Pacific Donner Pass HO Scale Layout Tour

[@chugwaterjack4458]

29 minutes in, and I'm enthralled. This is one of the best videos I've ever seen for a model railroad. Narration only as needed, continuity well done, and clear what was happening.

[@Bobrogers99]

An excellent video, and I agree that the narration was very well done.

[@gc2o4tom81]

You can tell these guys are engineers to the core. Even the rock faces are symmetrical. Great layout!!

[@ssgogeta29]

This layout is amazing 🤩 Very well done! I wish I could run my 4 ScaleTrains Southern Pacific AC4400s on this layout. They’d look amazing.

[@davidwamsley5749]

Wow! My grandfather worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad from 1900 to 1919 as a brakeman and was in and out of Roseville often. His two brothers were also SP employees (one a conductor and the other a Passenger Agent). They worked the system until retirement in the 1960s. You have created an amazing network for all to enjoy. Thank you.

[@TSemasFl]

I'm impressed with the amount of electrical engineering involved in this layout, a lot of thought and skill went into this. Congrats on a great build.

[@Lakeside1943]

This is not a switching layout, but pictures the mainline ops over Donner Pass. Overwhelming layout featuring the heydays of the SP with its iconic Daylight Express, the PFE trains pulled by the unique cab forwards. Realistic ops and speed. What a masterpiece of modeling and technique !

[@echohunter4199]

Who else was a kid that lived in Roseville when the yard blew up? As an 8 year old boy, it freaked me out and things shook what seemed like all day. I grew up along the Shasta Route as dad worked for SP since 1965 and we finally dropped anchor in Klamath Falls, OR and he then worked on the Cascade Route and a short stint on the Modoc Line. This layout is just amazing and thank you all for sharing it with us. I love Cab Forwards and other SP steam units so this is a treat. I agree that code 83 is a wise choice since it allows for other wheel/flange sizes to operate with minimal upset as it goes across switches so you should have very little chance of an axle picking through a switch.

[@NS-lz6jh]

The most dynamic- unbelievably exquisite- unique layout I've ever seen . Well done.

[@kurtsalm2155]

A masterpiece of civil, structural and electrical engineering in miniature!

[@jeffreyking279]

Just incredible! You guys have nailed all aspects: Technology, authenticity, realism, ease of operation, quality modeling, beauty, and great trains.

[@neilewart4347]

Fabulous...cant say any more!!!

[@candycee8634]

Stunning! My Dad would love this! You guys are bringing back precious memories of my Dad, who has been gone about 25 yrs and loved model trains. He would have loved this! Just wonderful! ❤

[@murt777]

I use to own “Trains nothing but Trains & M.B. Austin Company in San Mateo California . My Grandpa climbed all over the S.P. Engines in In San Francisco train yard in the 1950’s and took thousands pics , sent them to Japan had H.O. Scale brass locomotives imported. We also designed and made R.R. Patches. Those were fun times. The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. This is one of the best layouts, and the research……..thank you for your love of the hobby.

[@paulely5031]

TNBT was my favorite train store in the mid 60's. I used to ride my sting ray from Ellsworth to 25th frequently! I was just a 13 year old. The fairgrounds there also had the Pacific and a fantastic model railroad. I didn't have money always, but I always came back to my layout with something! Sorry for your losses guys, but my life was enriched and to this day, I still have my passion.

[@chrisrobinson5874]

railfan or not you gotta agree this is absolutely mind-blowing!

[@danmasters1568]

This is the most magnificent HO scale layout I have ever seen and I've seen some great ones. The realism in scenery and the technical expertise is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Thanks for sharing.

[@tsgmultimedia]

Thanks for the great compliments. You will enjoy the rest of the play list of layout tours. Feel free to share them among your social media contacts!

[@TheFrogfeeder]

My mom worked for SP for a looong time, up thru the merger... she recently passed away. I found a model of that Daylighter that she had gotten from her work for some reason, it’s the loco and tender in a nice case on a pedestal of track with a plexiglass cover and 2 decorative information plaques, it’s really nice. The train has no motor but looks like it is model train quality and it hollow and looks like a motor would fit in it, I think it’s O scale... also inherited a bu ch of really nice framed train artwork for my walls. All old SP stuff.

[@tomharris8263]

Lots of beautiful work. You must be very proud of this layout. Good job!

[@tedmasters3226]

Fantastic lots of in joying work. Love all the Orange. Thank you Ted.

[@The0311gruntUSMC]

Simply and awesome job. What a layout. Having had been involved in the HO world over 35 years ago, I am amazed at the advancements of model railroading. My father and I ran a western road layout of SP, UP, WP and SF. Had over 75 power units ranging from steam to diesel depending on the era being ran. Also 250 rolling stock, full round house, service buildings and classification yard with many side industries. All on a two main line track (800') with a branch line (400'). Those were the days!

[@marcushume2240]

I am in just in awe of the amount of planning that went into this layout. Very well thought out especially the electronics and track layout. Operation of the layout is very professional. Following the rules and so enjoyable to watch. Thank you for sharing. Cheers from Canada.

[@LarryWGrant-dw6jo]

What a fantastic re-imagination of Donner Pass! Really enjoyed this video. Great attention to scenery detail and certainly a layout built for operations. These gentlemen have really packed in the essence of Donner Pass in the space they had to build the layout.

[@jefflizotte4758]

Gentlemen,I believe you have modeled a magnificent version of any model railroaders dream come true.Congratulations,and thank you for sharing this with us.

[@rexcadral3468]

Really an incredible layout, both technically and artistically. Love the smartphone throttles! Love the touchscreen management!

[@JohnnySoundSTL]

Magnificent in every way, congratulations on getting this far! Looking forward to seeing it all weathered. May we all live so long in a peacefully undivided world. This hobby is such a wonderfully placed source of escapism as refuge from these crazy times.

[@bourbonrose3726]

I grew up in Roseville, California in the 70's and 80's. This is truly fantastic!

[@Bruno.Trains]

I really like traveling in this way. Thank you for giving me this opportunity!

[@matthewjachtorowycz2455]

One of the most in-depth layout tours I’ve seen. I love it

[@analoguegeek]

I have driven this route enough times that I know every single one of these locations and this is absolutely fantastic well done.

[@Shane-Singleton]

What a fantastic layout! There appears to be so many operating opportunities! I wonder if they ever do any kind of freight switching, etc. That bringing in the helper unit and cutting it back out was fantastic!

[@timothytaylor8870]

The engineering is great but so is the art! The structure and design of the layout,the electrical engineering, the bridge designs are great and facilitating. But the the artist design of the layout, the rocks, mountains, manmade features are terrific!! You re obviously engineers so how did you also master the artistic side? To think that you did it by watching two guys build one mountain is incredible! Anyway absolutely loved the video from the talk to the end! Thanks! A real delight from one Design/Builder to another!

[@Brian--jonas]

Wow wow WOW!!!!!😮 what an absolutely beautiful and exquisite and exciting layout one of the best I've seen so far I've only just entered the DCC world of layouts and to be honest when I looked at all the wiring, boxes touch screen systems etcetera I was both taken back with sweat at the same time blown away by it not to mention the controller set up with all the bells and whistles what loved on it most was the fact of having a speedometer very cool and classy so much to take in on this gorgeous layout and set up it must have cost a lot of dollars to build but sooo very worth thank you so very much for the video tour and explaining how every thing went together and works bloody superbly built well done to all involved in its construction had me glued from start to finish look forward to seeing more now God bless y'all 🙌

[@Bobrogers99]

The detail and the realism is astounding! The computerized routing is impressive. I could watch this all day. I imagine that the maintenance of this layout takes quite a bit of time.

[@expoers]

Great job, fantastic layout, realistic operation, beautiful. I enjoyed very much watching this Donner Pass recreation in this master piece of model train.

[@The0311gruntUSMC]

Among our power units were 5 big boys, 4 cab forwards and 3 challengers among various other steam units. I enjoy watching this video.

[@jwrailve3615]

This layout is one of the greatest of all time. Huge fan of southern pacific but have a major bone to pick with 1940-1950 era as I love early 1900’s steam and hate transition area and absolutely love 80’s-2000’s motive power. But this layout is one that sets standards, it’s one I’ve watched the exact same tour for years now and always find something new. I hope one day I can share my one day completed coastal Texas Gulf Coast Lines on this channel and provide amazing operating sessions with others.

[@KutWrite]

Amazing! This model looks like more of an engineering challenge than the prototype!

[@mikedkc]

Outstanding. Thanks for the tour and beautiful work.

[@railfanjamie6147]

I've been to Truckee many times to visit family. it should be on everyone's bucket list

[@DK-nv9zu]

Those bridges are incredible.

[@normansilver905]

Beautiful work! Look at he huge efforts in planning, construction, sceniking and track work. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@daveroche6522]

"lmpressive" can't even begin to describe your effort(s) - thank you very much and well done - full marks.

[@chugwaterjack4458]

Your presentation was very clear, and done without hesitation. Well done.

[@dzymslizzy3641]

Beautiful layout and excellent camera work!

[@jackel440]

This has to be the best layout I've seen yet.

[@mr.skipper4544]

Very well done, thank you for sharing your railroad build 👍

[@Hal_T]

Stunning! I was mesmerized the entire time. Thank you!

[@tsgmultimedia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mvg2x34]

This is a beautiful and intense system. Nice video.

[@davewallace8219]

luv the s.p. cab forwards...they were a sign of things...to come...and yes...we still..have tunnels...

[@Biggjeffsadventures]

Just a mind blowing layout

[@jimrice5588]

What an incredible layout, so well thought out in the planning stage and so well executed in the final product. Great work gentlemen, run it with pride and a genuine sense of achievement.

[@brucewingate9708]

absolutely a first-class operation, thank you for sharing...additionally it is one of the better video documentaries of this tremendous endeavor.

[@V_MA]

This Layout blew my mind!!! Excellent work! Thanks a lot for discussing the details of the layout and that wonderful narration!

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

The Southern Pacific locomotive is a real beauty and one of my favorites in my own collection (which is static - o gauge) along with another prized engine...The Commodore Vanderbilt. One of the few things I miss about California....best wishes from Kauai!

[@mgamga9476]

You guys must be borderline geniuses, when it comes to trains anyway. To accomplish such a feat you must know everything there is to know about model railroads. This is truly one of the best videos I have watched about a train layout. Amazing....I am going to start a layout in the next month. Unfortunately I only have room to do 4x8. I have a lot of H.O. stuff but may be doing N scale do to the space I have. Goal is to have it running by next Christmas. Thanks for sharing you video. I enjoyed watching.

[@TrainLordJC]

Absolutely impressive layout, well thought out, amazing scenery and beautifully filmed. Just spectacular. Many fine skills clearly evident. Our club could do with some skills like that. But we plod along while seeing how the professionals do it.

[@ZootSuitCooter]

Incredible detail, gentlemen, very well done. Big thumbs up!!

[@jaytonhawkins2872]

Wow, so amazing to see a layout of this size and quality finished to completion!

[@billforcht1034]

It’s just like the Lionel trains I had in the 50’s going around the Christmas tree !

[@joey809]

Meticulously done and professionally narrated. Absolutely fantastic!

[@hikethisplanet1017]

My hats off to you gentlemen. Absolutely amazing.

[@patricknoveski6409]

Ive never scene anything like this. How real does this Railroad look & feel? Mind blowing layout. This thing must cost a million bucks. Dream time to run ! 😅

[@tomoaktree4951]

Excellent layout and control system! Awesome video as well!

[@gunny8978]

One of the most detailed ive ever seen! My compliments sir and wow 👏

[@dennisnicholson952]

Thanks for a great layout tour, sir. Love those Cab Forwards and I can imagine the massive amount of engineering and construction work that was needed to get the railroad through Donner Pass. And that was just on your layout, lol.

[@dorothyfishbaugh4728]

Absolutely AWESOME, JAWDROPPING layout!!! What a video!!! And I loved the fantastic detail given to start!!! This setup just took my breath away!!!

[@timparker3272]

WOW!! You guys are nothing short of awesome!! This project, I can tell was tedious and very time consuming, I won't mention expensive.... The Design, Construction, Layout, Scenery, Detail, Electronics, Software, etc., it's just completely amazing what you gentlemen have accomplished!! I'm in complete amazement by this!! Great Job!! Thank you so much for sharing this incredible layout👍👍👍

[@mikepasquale7415]

Very impressed with your layout.. absolutely beautiful your work and what a gold mine

[@christopherorourke6543]

Great video on a great layout. The model railroad layouts that are of the Southern Pacific, Rio Grande in the Sierra Nevada, Cascade & Rocky Mountains are my favorites.

[@oscarjones529]

I remember the cab forward steam engine. My Dad found one stopped in Fontana? Cal and the engineer invited us into the cab. I'll never forget the size of that locomotive - I was 5 or 6 years old I think.

[@James-Railyard]

Such a beautiful layout! I even noticed different brand engines working together in flawless precision. It’s also a great way to preserve those models that might never be produced again by their manufacturers. Keep em rolling.

[@abc123546879]

You have my favorite cab forward love that engine.

[@redoktopus3047]

Incredible layout! I love the number of bridges. fantastic. great work and time well spent.

[@sidneybristow815]

I live in Rocklin and Dutch Flat and this is really cool. We’ve taken the train from Colfax to Reno in the winter. This is really awesome. You’ve done a spectacular job. The train going up yesterday was barely moving. I noticed many engines mid train helps them over mow and they are too long. Its crazy. Your level of detail is mind blowing. Thank you!

[@shelleibach20]

Wow had no idea a thing like that was so complicated.....tks much for the detailed explanation of how it works ....really interesting!!

[@marka87]

What a fantastic layout - some incredible features. I love those massive bridges and the wonderful scenery.

[@MacTrom1]

Beautiful layout. Love the cab forward.

[@ThePaulv12]

WOW! I was induced aspie-esque trance and so transfixed by the operations that I was snapped out of 'state' by the quiet bridges such was the realism. Perhaps a project (as if you haven't been busy enough over the past 23 years) could be a small subwoofer tuned to a bridges frequency to mimic the familiar rumble of a train passing over. I imagine a Hi-Fi recording device under a prototype bridge with train passing over of similar span length being used as the proxy. A sendhand Hi-fi amp with a device capable of playing SD card recorded in WAV (uncompressed format) plugged into one of the RCAs of the amp and being triggered to play by a detector. It would be amazing on the larger bridges at least since they're so visually stunning. The steelwork is like fine lace in HO - it's utterly amazing, so much so I just was a bit kind of shocked in a strange kind of way.

[@bernardc2553]

No words completely speechless with Goosebumps in awe 😍

[@51hankyspanky7]

BRAVO!! 👏👏👏👏👌👍 Looking forward to see the weathering of the bridges. Also, awesome job on the signalling.

[@davidbailey3177]

Fantastic layout. Loved it from Australia

[@bertusduiverman4743]

Simply stunning.

[@rayisland23]

Beautiful Workmanship

[@davidbondy4359]

thats a awesome layout I hope you put out some more videos .

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

This layout is incredible !! The electronics,the trackwork,bridges,scenery and operating possibilities !Sound and video very high quality.Many thanks for showing this and the inspiration it gives to us modellers.

[@SouthernCrossMotors]

Amazing is an understatement. Thank you for posting.

[@tsgmultimedia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WillJamesRailways]

Amazing layout! The kind of layout a lot of us I'd dare say aspire to build! Excellent work all round!

[@CharlieKrampitz]

Man what a layout, magnificent.

[@stl1321]

This is fantastic, congratulations on such a great-looking layout. That walkway in between the layout and backboard adds so much depth. I haven't seen that before.

[@timper4326]

What an incredible layout.

[@alcopower5710]

Absolutely stunning layout. Incredible detail 👍

[@rogerswyer5357]

Speechless, genius, wonderful, well done!

[@markfitzurka9995]

Great job. I would love to see the pass when the snow is deep. I jumped the train tracks on skies right above Donner lake. I never got to jump the train. the timing never lined up for me with work, snow conditions, time of day and of course the train schedule. Of course it would not been era correct for you to put any skiers jumping it in your model but that is where my mind went when the train passed the snow sheds. Loved your beautiful model if I ever get back up north I think my son and I will have to try and see this up close

[@MrOmega52]

Magnificent layout. Bravo!!!

[@KPen3750]

This is a beautiful layout. it would be absolutely mental to achieve, but imagine if this layout were to be portrayed during winter. Imagine the snowfighting gear, flangers, spreaders, and other little details moving up and down fighting heavy snow. Impactical yes, but it would be awesome!

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

WOW!!! This is one nice Model Railroad. Bob

[@terrywhitsitt8629]

Beautiful layout. This layout is very professional. I just don’t know the words that describe it. Very nice gentlemen. I can’t imagine how much this would cost.

[@dougdobbins6533]

Definitely FANTASTIC! Thanks for creating and showing it to us. Wonderful attention to detail!

[@MichaelOsborne-v1o]

Nice layout and beautiful video JA

[@davidweimer8880]

Well designed and executed.

[@madyogi6164]

Layout and software are stunning! Great work is little to say!

[@FourMaxK1]

Very well done & presented!!