Recently i have been researching the pocibility of finally building a layout (to be honest its more of a extended diorama). I have always ben a fan of the Donner Pass crossing of the Serrias, specifically in the winters of the 80's and early 90's. My problem is that i dont really know much about my road and time period of choice. My biggest hang up comes from all of the rebuilding of the summit in this time. The double tracking was torn up around then, track #1 was abandoned and there is all of the double stack questions. There was a time when they couldent fit through the sheds and tunnels on the summit, but the short sacks could (19' something i believe). Later they went through an notched the top of all the assorted stuff up there to fit the full sised stuff. I also am having trouble finding the shed and tunnel numbers. If anyone could help me that would be greatly appreciated.
Lost in the snow
I've lived in the region of Lake Tahoe/Donner Pass...southeast of Reno, more specifically, for the last 20 years and have spent a good bit of time on and around the pass both casually and professionally (system tie gangs on the UP and did 66,000 ties from Reno to Soda Springs...district gangs as well). I am familiar with the pass in the more current sense (last 20 years) than the past. I currently work just east of Reno, off of I80 which parallels the former SP overland route. I see trains often going through the canyon between Fernley and Reno. I'll answer any questions you have about the area as best I can.
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
There's some good information, including a fold-out map, in the February, 2015 issue of Trains. That might be a good start.
Rob Spangler