A great question, but not easy to answer. So much of the railroad is on a grade (just like the prototype), and there is a lot of variation. There's one little pinch point where the railheads are separated by barely 6 inches, but in general this ranges from 12 to 18 inches, depending on where you are, and between which levels. There is typically a little more room between the lower and middle levels. The lower level starts out at about 40 inches off the floor, with the high point an upper level "nod-under" at 74 inches, which goes across (but out in front of) the rear basement door. I hope this helps. - MD

Hey, thanks for the questions & your comments. Layout construction began in 2003, with a Gold Spike ceremony for mainline completion in 2009. Layout fully operational by 2013, but work on scenery slowed dramatically after that with increased focus on operating sessions until Covid. Then, most of my 2020 train time went to coordinating this "virtual" Pilgrimage. I do have a few working signals at key points, but no plan for a system-wide set up. But I will add some dummy signals as I get into more trackside details. The facia treatment will look better w/ more scenery. Meant to be less noticeable than dark solids. But you are at least the second person I know who said they didn't like it. Come see it in person someday? Sorry about the loco sound. The BN SD units are some early Broadway Limiteds. Yeah, I probably need to upgrade those. One final note, this layout video was originally to be a demo "concept" video for the Pilgrimage, and we decided it was good enough to go ahead and include it with all of the others. But I'm glad you enjoyed it. - Mike D.