The layout is modeled on Southern Pacific’s Donner Pass line, from Colfax, CA to Truckee, CA, as it existed about 1951-52. The layout was envisioned to be a “Train Watcher’s paradise”, providing the visitor with “scaled realism in motion”. Automated layout operation is achieved using a computer application, Train Controller, developed specifically for model railroad control by Freiwald Software. All 3000 feet of track and 160+ turnouts are equipped with sensors that detect train occupancy. All locomotives include DCC sound and are controlled by the computer or operators using a smart phone. There are 50+ SP prototypical scratch-built structures. The double track mainline run is approximately 1000 ft. in actual length. Moving at scale speeds, trains require from 1 to 3 actual hours to complete a run over the layout.
