Roaring Camp and Big Trees

[ttrigg]

As many of you should remember, a few months back one of our fellow members, Tom Becket (tomb), asked for some hints about building an overhead layout. Last week I made the 6 hour drive to see the completed project. Since there just happens to be a steam narrow gauge there all the more reason to go. 

I wish to give serious kudos To Tom and his partners in their efforts. As the train goes over the door way to the store you can see just to the right a working model roller-coaster.

Well done.

Check the web site for Roaring Camp and Big Trees (Felton, Ca) for their schedule of operations. Not only do they have a 1 hr 15 min run to the top of the mountain and back but also during the summer season, they run trains to town and the beach. While there I saw both a 2-truck and a 3-truck shay pulling the excursion train. 

I highly recommend this as a nice narrow gauge ride. I'll be going again the weekend of April 12/13 as their events calendar shows a model group will have their layout on display.

The land is (as I have understood) on a private land preserve. Trees may be cut when they pose a danger to the right of way but must lay where they fall to rot away and nourish the growth of other trees. Local web site describes this a NOT an old growth forest. However some of the fallen trees have as many as 2,500 annual growth rings. At the top of the ride (about 15 minute stop) there is a "redwood cathedral", a circular clearing where the 'grandmother' and 'mother' trees have fallen and the ring is formed by the 'daughter' trees. The tour guide says that it take three to five thousand years to form a cathedral like this. Any way, it is a gorgeous view and wonderful trip. I would highly recommend putting this on your 'bucket destinations' trip list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T8EA16ifyA&feature=share&list=UUYf2tz_PhA8QoOWkAK8TRRw

For still photos of the trip, try here.

http://1drv.ms/1jteK2H

One other quick tidbit of the trip. For about 20 miles along US 101 I was chasing a rail speeder on a trailer. The pic is from my dash cam so do not have pix of the side of the two person speeder. On the windshield was what look to be "new car stickers" just like you see on cars at the dealership.

[tomgb]

Tom:

That was a very nice review of Roaring Camp, with pictures, and I appreciate your comments about our operating G-scale display in the general store. I also appreciate all the tips and suggestions we received from the original posting (Sept. 3, 2013) soliciting same. A few changes have been made to the power systems and other motive power has been added to the roster choice from suggestions received (yours especially). Particular attention is given to monthly equipment maintenance and track wear because of those who responded on this forum.  We have added lots of scenery and enjoyed the whole process tremendously.

Tom Beckett

[ttrigg]

Once I edit the video of the trip, I'll be posting it to Youtube. The single hour and a half file is too large to post. I'll also be posting a video shot at ground level with my GoPro of the drive mechanism of the Shay.

Some folks look at me as if I am insane with my camera collection. A DSLR, 2 pocket cameras, 2 digital video cameras, a GoPro and an even smaller sports video camera.

[ttrigg]

Here is Engine #1 a 2-truck Shay heading for the barns for the night.

Sorry about the distortion in the first half. Steam filled camera lens staring into the sun.

http://youtu.be/sjdLe6LJGoo

[ttrigg]

Here is a 28 minute segment of the train ride up and down the hill. A few minutes earlier my camera got hit by a blast of steam. My fault for being so close. Somehow the moisture got in between the UV 'cover lens' and the camera lens. Must have gotten through the lens threads. Every time the camera faces in the direction of the sun you will see some distortion. sorry folks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yKdTtmHrHo&feature=share&list=UUYf2tz_PhA8QoOWkAK8TRRw

[tomgb]

Since there were 3 people involved in the Roaring Camp operating  model railroad it seems only fair to include them. Debra Holmes, previously shown in the September 2013 forum was the artist for  all the background panels and Lee Williams has been our master of scenery. Here is a picture of Lee building his representation of the Big Dipper roller coaster at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and  then a photo the finished product installed.