Its open house season and here are some photos of night 1 of 3. ( two more to go). 
 

Three layouts were open to the public on Dec. 10th, 2016.  The recently "completed" Horseshoe and Cottonwood Hon3 was shown for the first time as well as the soon to be dismantled Eastern California R.R., a modern era standard gauge layout.  Additionally a 3rd small garden railroad was shown running a New Bright Christmas Train.

 

The crew assembles for the modern layout operation.

 
Introducing the hobby to adults and kids alike is always a great treat at the open house.  The kids got candy if they could find all the items on the scavenger hunt on the layout. 

 
Lots of photos were taken of both layouts.  Here guests photograph the Hon3 passenger train descending out of the Sierra Nevada on the Horseshoe and Cottonwood.

 
Trains ran smoothly on the new Hon3 layout although we did have a problem with the touch toggles.

 
Visitors line up to see the narrow gauge layout.  The evening was chilly but not as bad as past years but the outdoor heaters provided a place to warm hands and noses.

 
The illuminated sign out front lets people know the walk up the driveway will be worth it.

 
The entryway to the modern layout is a swing door with four levels.  The derailments caused by shifting wood over the seasons is one reason the layout is being redone. 

 
The standard gauge crew gets its first visitors.

 
The G-scale New Bright train entertains visitors while they wait in line.

 
A double-header moves through the high sierra on the Hon3 layout.

 
The parade passes by bringing with it throngs of visitors!

 
The modern layout line snakes back down the driveway on the left, while the narrow gauge line has more room to grow.  We have somewhere between 3-500 people on opening night and usually less on the other nights.  The heaters were new this year and very popular!

 
Visitors enjoy the garden layout while waiting in line.

 
Fun was had by all.  The opening night is always a treat and the chance to introduce the hobby to new people.  Two more nights to go, but already looking forward to next year!