August SoCal steamup at Jim Gabelich's residence in Palos Verdes Estates, California. Jim has two layouts including an oval that is 60 feet in length with 10.5 foot radius curves. The platform is a semi-permanent elevated track, 6” high on one end and 44” high on the other end due to the sloping ground. This oval has double 45mm track and Steamup bay sidings on each side. On the other side of Jim’s house there is a double wish bone with small radius's of 3ft 2in and steep grades 3%. The overall length is 210ft but locomotives must be gear-driven or Radio Controlled because of the of 3% grade. The models shown here are all working live steam locomotives and some were in motion when the photo was taken. Photos by Rick Parker |