Dan’s been back in touch with his Santa Fe train layout:
“Al,
I noticed in the remarks that they wanted to see trains. Here are views with trains.
A high and wide load being moved. Typical summer thunder storm in the distance.
The Super Chief.
The super Chief entering the town of Almost. So named because it is “almost to the summit.” In the US (everywhere?) towns along the various divisions towns often had names relating to summits or highest points along the route. For example, Mt. Summit, Altoona, Crest Line and so on.
Switching the grain elevator.
Spotting the caboose.
Working the TOFC track circa 1959.
Working the industries.
A load of tractors being spotted at the freight station. If you look very closely you will see the tie downs for the tractors. They are not glued in place.
Getting fresh meat from the Swift slaughter house. A large number of US layouts have this industry on their layouts. I have built three others on layouts I have done for others.
Lets see what is happening at the stations.
The train must be near, as folks are gathering at Almost. The Santa Fe, along with other railroads, had connecting bus service.
The Sharon Springs platform is showing activity, too.
Farther along at the Sharon Springs platform.
Every one is waiting.
Sharon Springs is a busy stop.
Looks as if someone is going on a trip and leaving one behind.
Arrival of the Super Chief.
I hope you all like this batch.
Dan* AKA Santa Fe Dan”
A huge big thank you to Dan for sharing his Santa Fe train layout – I do love it when the comments are responded to – thank you Dan for the train pics.
That’s all for today folks.
Please do keep ’em coming, I enjoy them as much as you do.
And if today is the day you stop dreaming and start doing, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Really nice looking layout . Great details . Love all the mini scenes.
Very Very nice from the scenery to the people makes me want to catch a train in 1956.
The Critic
He’s done a great job. But did you know there’s no summit on Raton pass. Just Wootton on the CO. side and Keyota on the NM side.
All of your postings are inspirational. My HO layout is still in my head, but soon it will materialize. THANKS!
Great railroad, great scenery, and I especially love the people!
John from Baltimore
Makes me want to finish mine after all so I can tell stories with it also! I’ve been dragging my heels because I am afraid that if I finish construction and detailing it I won’t have anything left to keep me interested.
What I like best about these pics, aside from great ideas for fellow modelers, is that there is no overall picture of the layout. Whatever the size of this layout, it’s the individual scenes that give us scope and size based on our own perception.
Well done and appreciated!
Working in the Railroad for years, Reminds me of Lamy, NM
All ways love this trains paint scheme. CLASSIC reminds me of my older brothers trains sets in the late sixties. The Santa Fe war bonnet is the best
Santa Fe Dan
What a fabulous layout, great pics and narrative. The JD tractor with the wide front wheels was the type I was using for 3 days solid and it brought a smile and a warm feeling. Love the cars & people.
You responded to a request for trains which you responded too admirably & all the comments are on everything else. LOL. The trains are like a bikini. It had to be there but the big picture is what we gawked at.
Big Al
Cup of Jo, Santa Fe Dan, beautiful AM. Life is good! Wish you well.
Great pics!… and lovely captions for each!
John Simms, yes I knew that. Just like on my layout the summit is in the tunnel.
Greg Marples, that won’t happen. I have gone back and updated locos and rolling stock. I started with Atathern passenger cars and now have Walther’s Super Chief, El Capitan passenger cars for the fleet.
Thanks for the follow up photos. Nicely done scenes and l still love those strata detailed rock formations. Ceiling tile is a great way to achieve that look.
Jim AZ
Thanks for the trains!
This is soooo realistic. Nice job.
Love the black and white zebras. I remember seeing them in Pampa, TX when I was a kid.
what a great setup, love the passenger train & the entire town & old cars & trucks. well done.
Excellent layout. I really like the business of the layout but not being overcrowded.
Would like to know how you did the mountain and tunnel. Well Done!
Thank you for taking the time to submit your well done layout here. You’ve done your homework and it shows!
Seeing your Santa Fe all the way set-up has renewed interest in my own 1950’s Santa Fe Coast Lines.
Well Done & Cheers
Tim L
Tom Logan, yes I did my homework. I have driven the Santa Fe passenger route from Chicago to Needles California. I rode the El Capitan in 1957. Amtrak 2 times over the route. I have an extensive library of Santa Fe books. I also belong to a local Santa Fe branch of the Santa Fe Historical and modelling Society. Thanks for looking.
Dan*
Love the backdrop. Very risky but turned out quite well. Good job.
very nice lauout. ive always loved the old cars on train sets.
Very nicely done Dan. I love your thunderstorm clouds in the first photo. Very accurate for Santa Fe country. Thanks for sharing!
hey dan!
santa fe all the way!
thrilling to see all you have have done!
enjoyed all!
thanks for sharing.
wes
thanks al
A master modeler and an inspiration for me. I love the Santa Fe here in NM!