While driving from San Luis Obispo to Las Vegas, I drove past a Historical marker labelled ‘Tehachapi Loop’. I had heard of it before, but I didn’t realize I would be driving past it during the first leg of my post college/pre life roadtrip. I pulled over and witnessed a massive train going through the loop.
Fast forward a few years. My dad and I are at the museum because I love trains and he loves me. I go off on my own to take some pictures and end up in an area that looks to still be under construction. Track is laid and there is a long train going up a steep grade in front of unpainted styrofoam quickly transforming into painted grass hills with rocks and foliage to compliment. I walk a little farther following the train up the grade when I stop in my tracks, I have been here before.
The Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park has a model of the Tehachapi loop and it’s damn impressive.
The model is so precise, I was able to recognize the Tehachapi loop from being there a few years prior.
I struck up a conversation with a few of the retired guys who work the museum. They told me only half of the Tehachapi loop is visible from the public viewing area. The entire loop is modeled but what is hidden from public eye isn’t any less impressive. Sure there isn’t the beautiful scenery like you see above but that doesn’t mean these guys put any less effort into what isn’t normally seen.
What’s behind the scenes is a maze of track, wiring, and the occasional railroad depot. Detail back here is incredible, the track is straight and the switches are custom made.
Those ‘X’ pieces are cast by one of the museum’s volunteers. Steel is melted down and poured into a custom mold to create these unique parts. Each railroad ties is cut by hand and all track laid rail by rail.
Everywhere you look, the scenery is magnificent. Some of these photos look real!
In the southern part of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park there is a well known trestle called the Goat Canyon Trestle. Devon’s father has actually ridden across this historic landmark many years ago, feet dangling out the side of a box car. The museum has a replica of the of the Goat Canyon Trestle and it is outstanding.
I have been to quite a few train exhibits but this one is by far the most beautiful display I have ever visited. It took me a year to finally visit after moving to San Diego and I cannot wait to go back!
