We usually open the layout for visitors everytime the Pacific Coast Region (PCR) sponsors their annual open house/layout tour weekends. We usually open up for two days and have about 100 visitors view the layout. Here are some images taken at the latest openhouse.

Everybody is gathered around the Chico Wye Tower and watching four trains taking their turns threading their way through this bottle neck.	More action at the Chico Wye Tower. Mark (in white shirt) works his train through the crossovers while Ron in the 'wild' shirt works as the tower operator. The high level of excitement displayed by the spectators is mind boggling!	The owner Rick (in the striped shirt) answers questions. Phil (behind Rick) is the SW&SF's electronics technician. Pete (facing camera) is a retired electronics design engineer who is designing high tech circuits for the SW&SF's track occupancy detection, automatic crossing gates, signals, and CTC machine.

Mark (in white shirt) uncouples a cut of cars at Los Molinos using an uncoupling stick. Sam has his back to the camera, while Keith watches Mark's technique.	Gary runs his train while Ron Oxenham watches the locos pass in front of him. Sam is in the background answering another visitor's questions. The action is at Los Molinos and is the view from the entrance door.	This is a view facing the end of the center backdrop/divider. To the left is the yard areas at Chico - to the right is Sambone. At the bottom of the picture are the engine service facilities. Maricio Davilia looks at the track across the aisle while Pete and Keith are in the left background.

Rick and visitor Rod Baxter display correct visitor posture (hands in pockets, not on layout!) while Phil looks towards the camera and Ron Oxenham checks out the miniature infrared camera which will monitor the hidden Richmond Staging Yard. Los Molinos is on the left and Red Bluff is on the right.	A visitor watches as Keith uncouples a car at Los Molinos. The visitor is modeling an alternate viewing posture - thumbs safely hooked on waistband of pants!	Ron Oxenham inspects the construction of the helix which will connect the lower level to the upper level for continuous running capability, while Rod Baxter views the equipment parked in the Valley staging yard.

Mark is starting his train out of Los Molinos going south towards Chico.	Gary backs his train into the siding at Los Molinos while a visitor watches. Another group is clustered near the Massi Branch and the infrared camera that views the hidden staging yards.

These pages implemented and maintained by: Larry Moseley
Please send all comments to: Rick Fortin