‘I love it when a (track) plan comes together’ -Hannibal Smith

Looks to me like a better plan. And to my way of thinking, switchbacks are less boring than a helix.

Life is dynamic and all about change and growth and progress. Thunder Mesa Reimagined will be well worth the trauma and destruction and change. Keep moving forward.

A braver man than I................thx

Roaring Camp narrow gauge near Santa Cruz uses switchbacks to bypass a burned out trestle (arsonist years ago) to the top of Bear Mountain

Dear Dave, having watched the switch back ‘tutorial,’ I was kind of anticipating you would indeed incorporate one on the Thunder Mesa. Whilst seeing the plans unfold, my first thought was ‘why not a dual gauge line?’ at least between the highest level of the switch back and the mine. Don’t know if that would be prototypical, but then because your layout is indeed a freelance one bordering on the fantastic, it might be worth to think it through. Although I must admit there’s possibly not enough room for a large enough run around for the smaller gauge. On the switch back section, I’m very well aware your baseboard settings are kind of set in stone. However, this part may need a little extra space to accommodate the switch back geometry in such a way it follows the natural undulations. Lastly, for making the switch back, you’ll need a rather steep slope geography. Might be interesting to look at another opportunity to access the staging from the lower level of the layout to create the illusion of trains running into the world beyond the fascia and the backdrop. Anyhow it’s still a long way ahead. Love the idea of incorporating the switch back. Definitely adds a lot of opportunities both scenic and operational wise. Definitely am curious for your next episodes. Cheerio

Just a heads up, mock up that grade and check the downhill operation of your locomotives. Those bachmann locomotives can buck hard going down steep grades

That’s a great plan I look forward to seeing it complete and if there are any plans of making engine number 3 replicating the rainbow Ridge mine train locomotive I hope to hear good news

Hi Dave , had the opportunity to visit the old switch back in Katoomba NSW Australia, tracks are long gone , but if you listen carefully you can still hear the old steam engines puffing away!

Really loving this new addition. Gives the term 'Rainbow Ridge' a whole new meaning! Also, this could be a fun way to add some more lore to this. Like, the On18 line did exist at some point in TMMC's timeline, but was pulled up later.

Can't wait for your take on Ponderosa pines and the high country.

Love the plan, especially the switchback area! I await with keen anticipation to see this come to realization! Very cool combination of engineering and art!!

I kinda like the 0n18 on the main layout and the access to calico perhaps if there's space there could be a connection via some off stage stuff. Either way I look forward to watching you lay more tracks, I've been watching you for years in hope of building my own on30 layout and think now I'm finally gonna get around to starting.

fabulous work. I love your train networks. well done.

I really like the switch back

So inspiring, your modeling is wonderful. I like the switch backs very much. I am looking forward to see how they progress.

I look forward to this video. I found switchbacks boring to operate, I hope your experience varies.

LOL. Not option A verses option B, but option C instead. Sad to see the Knott’s Berry inspired waterfall tunnel go, but that branch line will add a nice operational piece.

Fantastic! Brilliant idea.

Really cool. 👍

Really exciting changes!!! 😊😊😊

This plan update might be called 'My Model Railroad Just Growed.'

Excited to see this switchback build! Thats what I been planning to have for a logging layout. Just struggling to make a plan where it fits within space I have and include other themes I like too.

Cass scenic railroad had switch backs. When I first saw them back in the early 70s, I was really impressed with the simplicity of the grade solution. I love you sharing these developments for the layout.

My thoughts are that as you go along, you will make changes obsoleting much of what your talking about today!

You should leave a small section of the On18 line as abandoned track, maybe a few worn out ties to mark the old right of way.

Just a thought. I have watched many western movies and it seems that you may have omitted one building from your layouts that are always seen in westerns. That is the barbers' shop. Maybe you would like to create one for one of your layouts. Regards from Paul in Cornwall, England.

I will riot if you don’t round the sky corners off so it is not a 45 angle hard line. Dont test me… I got a pile of laundry I should be doing that ill lite on fire instead. I will riot. Great work, I hate to see things go that I love. But I trust it will be better. And will have no crease corner in the sky. 😂

Although I liked the separate mine track that was easily differentiated from the Thunder Mesa line with the different gauge track, I really like the branch line giving more purpose for the On30 road. I included two branch lines on my HO layout, and they can really add to ops. However, does the dump trestle make any sense anymore with the dump to the same railroad and ore cars? It was one thing when the On18 was dumping to the On30 for the next move to market. You may already have a resolution for this that escapes me. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing! ~Dave Foxx

Nice change to incorporate a switchback and add in some more ops. When you remove the tracks in the video (On30 and On18), what did you originally use to secure it to the layout so that it removes so easily when sprayed with water? Thanks.

Cool...