This month's MR feature: Big diesels in the Desert

[cwclark]

Just would like to compliment the "Big Diesels in the Desert" layout featured in the latest issue of MRR..The 11' X 22 ' layout of Daneville CA. was an excellent layout...it wasn't cluttered, yet it had plenty of trackside features that you would find in any small mainstream American town where trains pass through...the highways were modeled to about as close to perfect as it gets and the desert scenery was excellent..one of the finest layouts i've seen in MR in sometime..it was a very well done layout...Chuck

[trainboyH16-44]

I have to agree that this is one of the best layouts that I have ever seen. The scenery and the diesels just looked right together.

[Anonymous]

I agree. This layout was very good. I liked for the fact that he didnt clutter the layout with lots of track. Gave lots of attention to the scenery expecially the roads. Lots of character in this layout. It was a joy to read and look at the pictures of this magnificent layout.

Steve

[Anonymous]

I had to look at some of the pics twice, to see if they weren't real.

[Sunset Limited]

I also agree! I really like the detailing he put on the layout. What I really liked was picture 3 (The mobile home with the 57 chevy), That looks real! You see that type of setting around small towns in the southwest. I also like picture 4and 8 ( the highway with those diesels roaring through) I like the way he did'nt make his highway flat. (Those hills gives it a more of a realistic scene!). Now as a SP fan, I would put a few tunnel motors and did away with the UP, but in reality and respectfully, Pelle Soeborg did a super job! [tup] Now he's got me looking twice at my garage! Here I go with the measuring tape!

[Anonymous]

My subscription to MR expired.....this happens when you are a 13 yr old who doesn't make mutch money in the winter....however, I may get my hand on 5 bucks and go buy the latest issue at the bookstore, because this layout sounds good.

[eng22]

Not too clutterd, I agree! Somewhere out there is a happy medium between scenery, use of available space, and operational interest. Pelle found it, Awesome layout!!!

[Tim_Seawel]

OklahomaTrainNut, wait a month and check it out at the Library.

Tim[:)]

[ericsp]

I have looked at it, though I have not yet read it. Daneville has a definite resemblance to Mojave, CA. The mileage sign shows it 24 miles from Lancaster, which is mighty close. I remember when his layout had scarlet and gray tunnel motors on it.

[brothaslide]

The one thing I noticed was the the gas prices at the gas station were right on. Talk about accurate!

[gvdobler]

No one mentioned the telephone/power pole wiring. You don't see that too often and what a difference it makes.

Beautiful layout.

Jon - Las Vegas

[Anonymous]

His layout is so nice looking. It is quite a break to see a nice layout on the fron that does not have that same old steam look to it. I have noticed that alot of the MR issues have those steams in the front cover with he scenery to it. I was getting so tired of that. It was to break the same old look. I like it most because I model the modern times and it is cool to see that in the magazines more often. If you see one guys "ggod" steam era or transitional era layout you have seen them all. They all have the same style and all. Its also a change for that nice yellow grass, green brushes, and palm trees from the green grass and green tree layout. I admire his layout.

[jfugate]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ericsp

I remember when his layout had scarlet and gray tunnel motors on it.

I remember this too. Sad to see grungy gray and scarlet give way to the "yellow jackets". [sigh]

But at least the Siskiyou Line in my basement continues the espee tradition! [:D]

But I do have to agree with everyone else on here that this layout is uncluttered and
very nicely done.

[Anonymous]

Before reading the article, the pictures struck me as resembling Mojave. I showed it to another guy at work today and he thought the same thing. Having worked in and travelled through Mojave on many occasions, I must say that this layout definately captures the essence of this small railroad town. The one thing I noticed that seemed to look out of place was the wiring on the poles. There are too many wires for either modern communications or for modern electrical distribution, and there's no sag in them. Other than those minor details, I must say this is probably the most realistic layout I've ever seen featured that included roads, buildings and vehicles. And to think the modeler is in Denmark, not California! I am totally impressed by his work.

ericsp: Did he have the old oil train running through when he had the SP stuff? That was a very common sight in Mojave for many years!

[ericsp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jdavid93225

ericsp: Did he have the old oil train running through when he had the SP stuff? That was a very common sight in Mojave for many years!

I do not remember.

As a side note, I was fortunate to make it out to Mojave to photograph the oil loading terminal twice during its brief existance as an oil loading terminal. Unfortunately, I was only able to photograph the Oil Cans once before the moved the terminal from Saco (north of Bakersfield) to Mojave. It was returning to Bakersfield, so all it had for power was 4 SD40M-2s.

[Anonymous]

I liked it so much I tore down my current layout and am starting over based on his design.
My room size is 26' X 11' and narrows down to 9' half way. Very difficult to deal with until I saw this plan.
I have a large collection of turbines which need large radii.



I wish I had started with this relatively simple plan years ago.
Steve
P.S. benchwork is half built.

[Anonymous]

I have to agree, also. That is one great layout. Pelle Soeborg is a very talented person. If I had half the talent he has, I'd be satisfied.

Robert

[BRVRR]

Incredible layout. Makes me wish I had the room for one like it. Pele is a master.
CHOOPS, keep us informed on your progress.
We could do with more 'modern' layouts in MRR.

[JBCA]

"My subscription to MR expired.....this happens when you are a 13 yr old who doesn't make mutch money in the winter....however, I may get my hand on 5 bucks and go buy the latest issue at the bookstore, because this layout sounds good.
--------------------"

Consider saving your money. Go to your local library and see if they carry MR. That's what i will do.

[Anonymous]

Yes, Danville is an interpretation of Mojave, California. The day that Pelle photographed the ARCO station the price of gasoine was $2.09 and luckily that price has stayed rather close to reality. Pelle has never owned a Southern Pacific tunnel motor. His only SP engine is a SD45R. Pelle has worked with the Union Pacific for many years and models only current locomotives from the UP and SF. Pelle has explained to me that the lines on his layouts are tight due to a modeling difficulty in keeping the lines even and balanced and the number of lines are dictated from actual photographs taken. Remember it's the simplicity of his designs and the creativity of his layout that makes Pelle the outstanding modeler he is and we're lucky Model Railroader acknowledges his talents for us in their magazine.