2 rail O scale Club in Fresno area

Go to Youtube.com and search for fresno hobo

Here's one to check out check out 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNo5F6vlVuY

And John Ford is a member of that club.

There are 3 members.

They are, Dave Meyers, John Ford & Jay Criswell.

I was able to contact Jay Criswell who contacted his partners and got permission from them to open the layout for my wife and I to see it. There is something about western hospitality that is refreshing, especially to a city slicker from back east. The layout is a large and completely sceniced 2 rail O scale "display" pike with a theme representing mountainous parts of California. The person doing the scenery is an artist. I could almost hear the wind blowing through the lodgepole pines. We saw 50 car freights with 5 unit diesel lashups doing the honors on the head end. Numerous steamers were tucked away in various yards around the pike and I am talking big steam ie: Northerns, Challengers, Big Boys etc. The room the layout occupied was 35' x 120' (I think) with a ceiling 20' above the floor, with a drop ceiling equipped with fluorescent lights. Everything appeared to be well thought out and beautifully executed. It obviously was a labor of love on the part of the members of the club who shared the project over a lifetime. What is even more encouraging is that the members were able to harmoniously cooperate for the duration.

My hat is off to them. I am encouraged.

John

John,

Thank you for the kind words.  I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the layout.

In retrospect, I wish I'd parked the diesels and ran some steam.  Maybe next time.

Did the coffee shop provide a decent lunch for you and your bride?  Hope so.

One thing of note, I believe the layout is only 85' long.

Jay

Try the Golden Gate Model Railroad Museum, they have 2-rail O, HO, and N. I went last year in August.