LA County Fair (in Pomona, CA) Garden Railroad

[Anonymous]

Has anyone seen this garden railroad?

As a kid, I was blown away by this railroad. I was always confused as to what scale it was - it didn't look like anything I'd seen in Hobby Shops or magazines.

I've learned (thanks to the internet) that it was all scratchbuilt 1/2" scale. The website that contains info about it says it's the largest garden railroad in North America. Any fans of this garden railroad here?

It has since been replaced with G scale stuff.

Here's some info on it: http://www.trainweb.org/girr/gjrr/gjrr.html

[Anonymous]

kevlar9296,
The Fairplex Garden Railroad's website is fgrr.org.
Scott

[Anonymous]

I remember going there as a small child back in the 60's. I could spend all day watching the trains. My family moved away from Southern California in 1968 and I have subsequently moved to Texas. Haven't seen it since my childhood.

I would imagine it is likely the oldest continually running garden railroad as well.

Jon

[Anonymous]

Scott,

Thanks for the link. I watched the video clips of it - good stuff. I'd really like to find some photos of the original models. Scratchbuilt - that is so crazy!

[vsmith]

Yes the RR is atill there but the old, HUGE original trains have been retired, some are on display in the workshop. The layout has been rebuilt to contemporary Garden Rairoad standards and looks terrific! Well worth a new look if you havent seen it lately.

Hard to believe how long this layout has been around, its one of those thing were lucky to have out here and its a huge promoter for garden railroading with each county fair or fairground event.

[Anonymous]

I would love to know how they made the Highway and there trucks and cars move along the streets.
From start to finish. I thought that was intersting having moving vehicles.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bluebonnet - 71

I would love to know how they made the Highway and there trucks and cars move along the streets.
From start to finish. I thought that was intersting having moving vehicles.

Bluebonnet-71,
The highway is made up of someof the old gauge track. The trucks are battery powered and run along the rails. The trucks wheels are flanged and set to the correct gauge. If you go to the website the tour section has some pics.
Scott

[Anonymous]

I should check it out at the fair. The first time I saw it was in 1998. Although I was happy to see the progress being made on the new G guage layout, I have to admit I was pretty saddened to see the "old trains" go.

Good to hear it's progressing nicely. I should go check it out! Looked pretty impressive from the Huel Howser (sp?) video clips on the website. I bet using standard equipment will help keep constant improvements / updating continuing into the future. I imagine it's much easier to attract volunteers / members, etc. because people will be eager to run their own equipment.