LDJ – 68 Fourth Quarter 2020

LDJ-68 FOURTH QUARTER 2020 (FULL-COLOR, 40 pages)

The Layout Design Journal (LDJ), Issue 68 includes articles focused on creative model railroad layout designs and techniques. Key features include Sam Towler’s fantasy layout recreation of Disneyland’s “Mine Train thru Nature’s Wonderland,” John Thompson’s detailed modeling of Victorville, California and its The Layout Design Journal (LDJ), Issue 68 includes articles focused on creative model railroad layout designs and techniques. Key features include Sam Towler’s fantasy layout recreation of Disneyland’s “Mine Train thru Nature’s Wonderland,” John Thompson’s detailed modeling of Victorville, California and its operations, Rick Mugele’s work on a grand-scale (5” per foot) desert layout, and commentary on the influence of jack Ozanich’s Atlantic Great Eastern layout. The issue also discusses layout design principles, community events, BOD Elections, and organizational updates.

Additional sections cover topics like helper locomotive operations, staging yard designs, and challenges in capturing historical accuracy in model railroads. Updates on LDSIG’s events, membership, and volunteer opportunities round out the content, providing a mix of inspiration and practical guidance for layout enthusiasts.

Table of Contents

Features

Mine Train Thru Nature’s Wonderland
- Pro modeler recreates a favorite Disneyland attraction (p. 4)
Modeling Victorville, California
- One town, four railroads, helpers, switching, and scenery (p. 12)
Grand Scale in the Desert
- Unique large-scale layouts in challenging environments (p. 28)
Jack Ozanich: A Force of Nature
- Celebrating a legend in layout design (p. 33)
The Ongoing Influence of the AGE
- Analyzing enduring impacts on model railroading (p. 34)

News and Departments

Facts … and Fantasy
- Editorial reflections by Byron Henderson (p. 3)
Who’d a’thought We’d be Here …
- A message from the LDSIG President, Ron Burkhardt (p. 3)
Future Meets and Online Events
- January virtual sessions and upcoming conventions (p. 32, 40)
Board of Directors Election
- Key information for the upcoming election (p. 35)

Article: “Mine Train thru Nature’s Wonderland: Pro Modeler Recreates a Favorite Disneyland Attraction”

Author: Sam Towler
Techniques: Selective compression, adapting the Bachmann 0-4-0 Porter loco, electronic control blocks using reed switches and latching relays, scratch building, sculpturing rocks, animation design and effects, night lighting, and sound integration.
Railroad Name: Nature’s Wonderland Railroad (NWRR).
Scale: On30 (1:48 scale).
Size: 5′ x 7′ layout.
Summary: Sam Towler recreates the legendary Disneyland attraction “Mine Train thru Nature’s Wonderland” and its history with an intricately detailed On30 layout. The selectively compressed design captures key elements of the original attraction, including Rainbow Ridge, Cascade Peak, Bear Country, and the Living Desert, while incorporating blacklight-illuminated Rainbow Caverns visible through slots in the side of the layout and animated features such as teetering rocks, geysers, and wildlife figures. Built over 15 years, the layout combines historical research with artistic interpretation, featuring scratchbuilt trains and structures that evoke the charm of the 1960s-era ride. A custom control panel enhances the experience with sound effects, lighting, and animation, turning the layout into a true homage to Disneyland’s pioneering attraction. The model has been displayed at events such as Fullerton Railroad Days and now resides in Walt Disney’s Barn in Griffith Park as part of the Carolwood Foundation’s exhibit.

Summary of Photographs and Images

The article includes visually rich images that bring the layout and its Disneyland inspiration to life:

Layout Overview: A full view of the 5′ x 7′ layout, showing key sections like the Living Desert, Rainbow Ridge, and Cascade Peak, with their colorful, vibrant scenery.
Animated Scenes: Photos highlight animated features such as rotating rocks in Balancing Rock Canyon, geysers erupting in the Living Desert, and wildlife figures in Bear Country.
Scenic Details: Close-up shots of blacklight-illuminated Rainbow Caverns, trestle bridges, waterfalls, and forested landscapes showcase meticulous scenic craftsmanship.
Scratchbuilt Elements: Images of the scratchbuilt locomotives, passenger cars, scenery, and structures reflect the care taken to recreate the original attraction’s details.
Interactive Features: Photos of the custom control panel illustrate how it controls trains, sound effects, lighting, and animations, adding an immersive element to the layout.
Event Highlights: Descriptions from Fullerton Railroad Days and other events capture public reactions and the layout’s success as an educational and nostalgic display.

Article: “Modeling Victorville, California: One Town, Four Railroads, Helpers, Switching, and Scenery”

Author: John Thompson
Techniques: Prototype modeling, evolving a concept, theme and layout and operating goals, layout design notebooks, single-town layout design, multi-railroad operations, signature scenes, use of topographic maps, helper operation, staging design, locomotive management, construction sequencing, sectional benchwork, track spacing and radius standards, reachability, fitting the layout structure around obstructions and into the available space , cement plant compressive selection, storage tracks within an expanded helix, and scenic integration.
Railroad Names: Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe (ATSF); Union Pacific (UP); Mojave Northern Railroad; George Air Force Base Branch.
Scale: HO Scale.
Size: Approximately 22′ x 34′.
Summary: This article provides a detailed exploration of selection of a prototype and the iterative design process for a layout design focused on Victorville, California, in the 1950s, a bustling town located near Cajon Pass. The design captures key features, including Route 66, the town’s industries (cement plants, oil depots, and quarries), iconic landmarks like the Upper and Lower Narrows, and busy mainlines used by ATSF and UP. The author emphasizes the advantages of single-town modeling, allowing for realistic operations with minimal compression of distances. The layout includes complex staging, helper operations, wye for turning locomotives, and lines connecting to the Mojave Northern Railroad and George Air Force Base branch (with a conceptual design for the AF Base). Scenic elements such as the Rainbow Bridge and industrial spurs add to the realism, while the track plan accommodates continuous loops for railfan operation and prototypical switching scenarios. Through careful research, historical accuracy, and creative problem-solving, the layout design aims to bring Victorville’s rich railroading history to life.

Summary of Photographs and Images

The article is complemented by an extensive collection of photographs and images that bring the layout and Victorville’s railroading heritage to life:

Prototype Photographs: Historical images of Victorville’s railroads, including iconic ATSF and UP trains traversing the Mojave River and the Upper and Lower Narrows, provide essential references for modelers aiming for prototype fidelity.
Industry Details: Photographs of the cement plants, quarry operations, and oil depots offer close-up insights into the industries that dominated the area and their operational significance in the layout.
Landmark Visuals: Images of the Rainbow Bridge and the Mojave River crossings highlight the dramatic geographical features of Victorville, showcasing how these elements contribute to both realism and visual appeal in the model.
Track Plan Diagrams: Detailed diagrams of the layout’s design illustrate the arrangement of mainlines, branch lines, railroad facility support infrastructure, staging, and industrial spurs, emphasizing operational flow and layout functionality.
Modeling Close-Ups: Images of the modeled scenes depict high-quality craftsmanship, including weathered rolling stock, industrial spurs, and realistic vegetation, providing practical inspiration for scenic techniques.
Operational Shots: Photographs of trains in action on the layout capture key moments such as helper engines working steep grades, helper station facilities, switching operations, and multi-railroad interactions, showcasing the dynamic operational potential of the design.

Article: “Grand Scale in the Desert: Big Trains and a Long Bridge for a Freelanced Fantasy”

Author: Rick Mugele
Techniques: Large-scale railroad planning, bridge engineering, topographic surveying, contour maps, and collaborative design.
Railroad Name: Joshua Tree & Southern Railroad (JT&S).
Scale: 5-inch per foot scale trains running on 15-inch gauge track.
Size: Covers portions of the 300-acre Joshua Tree Railroad Museum property.
Summary: This article explores the ambitious design and development of a 15-inch gauge Grand Scale railway at the Joshua Tree & Southern Railroad at the Joshua Tree Railroad Museum. The project incorporates elements such as a riveted pin-connected truss bridge over “Jack’s Gap,” a long balloon loop of track, and various scenic features inspired by the Southern California high desert. Utilizing historical topographic maps, the author and his team navigated challenging terrain and engineered solutions for a durable and visually striking railway. The article also discusses the collaborative efforts in restoring a Shay locomotive, designing scenic routes, and integrating switchbacks for operational interest. Combining historical preservation with creative engineering, the project showcases the potential of Grand Scale railroading.

Summary of Photographs and Images

The article is accompanied by numerous images that illustrate the scope and creativity of the project:

Historical Locomotive Restoration: Photos of the JT&S Shay #6 locomotive stored outside its shed highlight the starting point of the restoration project.
Topographic Maps and Track Plans: Detailed contour maps and track plans reveal the planned routes, switchbacks, and potential scenic vistas.
Bridge Construction: Images showcase the design and assembly of the riveted pin-connected truss bridge, including the use of salvaged steel and concrete pier foundations.
Desert Scenery: Photographs capture the stark beauty of the Joshua Tree high desert, emphasizing the rugged terrain and its impact on the railway’s design.
Construction Processes: Action shots document the excavation, rock drilling, and use of demolition grout to carve through hard rock for track grades.
Community Events: Photos of social gatherings, such as formal dinners in the restored Castle Peak diner, underline the camaraderie and shared enthusiasm of the JT&S team.

Article: “Jack Ozanich Was a Force of Nature: A Long-Time Crew Member Reflects on Jack and the AGE”

Author: Fritz Milhaupt
Techniques: Prototypical operations, rulebook application, and collaborative layout development.
Railroad Name: Atlantic Great Eastern (AGE).
Scale: HO Scale.
Size: Large, multilevel layout designed for operational complexity.
Summary: This article pays tribute to Jack Ozanich, a highly influential model railroader and the creator of the Atlantic Great Eastern (AGE). Renowned for his dedication to prototypical operations, Jack modeled his railroad with strict adherence to a 1962 Grand Trunk Western rulebook, creating an immersive and educational experience for his operating crews. His passion for steam-era railroading and his role as a mentor left a profound impact on countless hobbyists. The AGE layout, featured in major publications like Model Railroad Planning 1995 and Great Model Railroads 2005, became a hub for talented collaborators who contributed to its evolution, including the transition from CTC-80 to NCE control systems and the installation of sound decoders in over 50 locomotives. Jack’s high standards and occasional strictness earned him a “drill sergeant” reputation, but his loyalty and commitment to excellence inspired lasting friendships and a dedicated crew.

(there are no photos in the article)

Article: “The Ongoing Influence of the AGE: SIG Founder Looks Back and Outlines Ideas for Future Articles”

Summary: This article reflects on the enduring legacy of Jack Ozanich and his Atlantic Great Eastern (AGE) layout, emphasizing its groundbreaking approach to modeling and operations. Jack’s focus went beyond accurate models and instead prioritized re-creating the roles of railroad employees through reenactment. He integrated prototypical jobs, real-time decision-making, and even the social nuances of railroad life into the design and operation of the AGE. Starting in 1982, the AGE was conceived as a tribute to mid-20th-century railroaders and incorporated timetable-and-train-order operations, labor union rituals, and sophisticated traffic management. Doug Gurin, founder of the LDSIG and a key collaborator on the AGE, highlights the layout’s innovative ideas and Jack’s mentorship, which inspired many hobbyists to approach model railroading as an immersive and humanistic activity. The article also encourages contributions to future Layout Design Journal articles that document Jack’s influence and the evolution of the AGE.

Author: Doug Gurin

Techniques: Proto-freelancing, finescale operations, and job-based layout design.

Railroad Name: Atlantic Great Eastern (AGE).

Scale: HO Scale.

Size: Large, multilevel layout designed for operational complexity.

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