Tehachapi

Another well done issue by the MRH guys. 

I always enjoy any article on the La Mesa club's effort having first read about this layout project what must have been about 20 years ago.  A brilliant example of prototype modeling. 

I'm a little far away (Perth, Australia) to see this layout in person - maybe one year...

Tim Shenton

La Mecca...

I made my first pilgrimage to Mecca, ahem, La Mesa back in 2007.  This is one of the best sites you could possibly decide to visit if you had the time to do so!  I do recommend not taking the family, though, unless they REALLY like trains OR you have decided ahead of time that the kids and the wife get to go to Sea World or Disneyland after a while and dad will meet back up later!  I only say this because the museum is HUGE.  And after walking around for about three hours, you will probably start feeling a bit saturated to the point you too need a break from trains! 

I wish I was stationed in San Diego sometimes if only to be close to this...it's amazing. 

And seeing how things are going, i need to make another pilgrimage...le sigh!! 

I should finally add that I found the modelers in all five layouts to be really good people when I went through.  Even if N scale or O scale is not your thing, do consider spending more than a moment looking at these phenomenal layouts as well - in addition to the TWO ginormous Mammoths!

The place to go

I was able to visit the Museum two years ago, and I agree with Benny, this is one of the best places you could ever choose to see.  The La Mesa Tehachapi layout is amazing.  but, all of the layouts are outstanding.  

For those not into railroading, Balboa Park has many museums and exhibits.  A body could easily spend a week trying to see it all.

Good choice, MRH; well done.

More story, less interview!

Marvelous layout and great photos! But feel more and more empty inside after reading MRH's articles from layout visits. Lot of text, but dialogs like:

- What's the diameter of the loop?

- The diameter is 56''.

and in previous issues:

- There are a lot of bridges. I can count to 9.

- There are actually 10!!

Well, could there be a way to tell the story in a more interesting way?  I'd love to read it that way! The figures could be added in a table - I love tables too!!

Erik Wejryd, Sweden

La Mesa WOW

La Mesa Club is fantastic.

The photos make it appear to be an operating Art studio

Duane

La Mesa

I have to agree with Erik about story versus interview.

The extra slides were excellent. They really helped bring me (the viewer) there. I think this should be done on all layout visits. Of course you wont have millions of photos for smaller layouts, but you can try to capture that 'being there' feeling that the La Mesa's snap shots did. I see this as your advantage over printed mags.

I would also love to see a consistent style and fidelity on your track plans (again this is where you can really excel over print).

Loved it!

Ken

Tehachapi gets scenery

Hi

I was very lucky to see the layout in 2008 when with an NMRA tour and it was good then but now the scenic look outstanding.

Great work.

Nobby

I just love seeing layouts

I just love seeing layouts being featured. Especially now with instant video. I do have an opinion though, (well of course I do!)  

The interview format to me distracts from the layout and the story, especially in written form. I would prefer to read about some specifics regarding building, operations, electrical, etc. that I could use to improve my skills. The video portion should only include shots of the layout, and not the interview. Sorry Charlie, you are a handsome devil but I want to see model trains and layouts. The interview or discussion can be in the back ground while we sit back and enjoy the layout. Again my opinion, and in the future if I have watch Charlie (or anybody, not picking on Charlie) blocking the layout, oh well, so be it. 

Steve