2011 Open House Video

Video from the successful and recently complete 2011 Open House has been posted. You can watch it here.

UP 844 at Devore

Earlier this month we reported that UP 844 would be in the southland on a tour of statehood celebrations for Arizona and New Mexico. Member Ray Olesen was up early filming this iconic locomotive at Devore on its way to Yermo. Here's his video shot on a hand-held iPod Touch.

Another Open House for the Record Books

The recently completed 2011 Open House was a rousing success despite heavy rain on the last day. Enthusiastic crowds were waiting when we opened and were steady throughout the day up until closing. Many attendees commented on the layout and, as is usual, mentioned how they liked being "up close and personal" with the trains and scenery. 

Bryan Hunnell, General Superintendent, at the close of Open House said, "I was pleased to see the enthusiastic visitors that kept us busy all weekend. I also appreciated the members that  helped keep the Open House traditions going." Thank you to all of you who manned the 16 stations (from cab operators to Highland/Greeley brakemen), sold refreshments, sold raffle tickets and made donations.  

All in all, the Open House was a success and furthered the positive image of one of the better know model railroad layouts in the greater Los Angeles area.

2011 Open House Continues Today

Huge layout takes over an hour to run from the western terminus to the east and back. Photo by Jet Burns.

The 2011 Open House continues at the Highland Park Society of Model Railroad Engineers, Inc. The final day features mainline and branch line trains running on the Highland Pacific Railroad. Come down and see the camera train as it covers the layout from west to east and back. 

Layout open today from noon to 5 PM.

Operations on the HPRR

Trains in Highland wait for the signal to begin their westbound journey. The 4 F-units will bring a full ore drag to Bayshore Docks for transshipment.

HPRR Camera Train

You can watch the layout as if you were riding in the cab. Here the camera train waits for clearance to leave the yard on its journey around the layout.

2011 Open House Has Begun

The 2011 Open House is under way. Guests and members are operating trains over Highland Pacific Railroad trackage with a mix of modern freights, passenger trains including Santa Fe's Super Chief and Great Northern's Western Star, along with period freights and work trains.

A large crowd of visitors is expected Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6.  You are always welcome to join us.

UP 844 on Display

UP's famous Northern locomotive 844 will be in Southern California as part of a tour celebrating the statehood anniversaries of Arizona and New Mexico. 844 pulled such widely known trains as the Overland Limited, Los Angeles Limited, Portland Rose and Challenger.

The locomotive will be on display Friday, November 18 in Bloomington at 10359 Alder Avenue. Viewing hours are 9 AM to 5 PM. The locomotive and attendant cars will depart Saturday, November 19 at 8 AM headed to Yermo, California where it will arrive at 10:30 AM.