N Scale Exhibits
Donner Pass Exhibit (DPE)
A mountain pass in the northern Sierra Nevada, located above Donner Lake about nine miles west of Truckee, California. It has a steep approach from the east and a gradual approach from the west.
The pass has been used by numerous transcontinental and regional railroads, including the First Transcontinental Railroad and the Southern Pacific RR. The pass is a prominent feature along the California Zephyr passenger train route.
The DPE runs from Roseville CA to Sparks Nevada, and features Colfax, Truckee, and the Donner Pass. Look for the snow sheds along the pass, the Truckee River and I-80 as you view over 36 scale miles of track
DPE track power is supplied by Digitrax. All 190+ turn outs were handlaid. We estimate over 40,000 trees have been created and placed on the layout.
For more details on the DPE including the track plan and images, click here.
Feather River Route (FRR)
The Feather River Route is a rail line that was built and operated by the Western Pacific Railroad. It was constructed between 1906 and 1909, and connects the cities of Oakland, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah. The line was built to compete with the Central Pacific Railroad (and later Southern Pacific Railroad), which at the time held a nearly complete monopoly on Northern California rail service. The route derives its name from its crossing of the Sierra Nevada, where it follows both the North and Middle Forks of the Feather River. The route is famous for its impressive engineering qualities and its considerable scenic value.
Short Track members began planning for this new exhibit in 2019 and started the benchwork in 2023. Come see our progress!
For more details on the FRR including the track plan and images, click here.
Scenic Ridge - Kids Layout
In the early days, the club built a hands on, 3′ X 6′ model from a Western Scenics kit that was donated to the club. This small railroad was built during an NTRAK show with the help of visiting children. When complete, the model was given away by drawing. The new owner had no room for the layout, so he donated it back to the club. It has been a fixture in the new clubhouse for children to play with since the clubhouse was opened to the public.
In the Spring of 2012, one of our newest club members asked to revitalize the layout in order to practice scenery skills and to display it at a local elementary school during their Summer Carnival. It was a hit at the local school and the model received a satisfying makeover in the process, as well as its official road name, the “Young and Victorious”.
Visiting kids love to operate the Scenic Ridge. It’s meant to be run by the little tykes. Make sure your young ones (and the old folks, too) get a chance to run it.
