Last year we came up with the idea of having a group come to our home for dinner and a "virtual ride" on the railroad. Teri's mom, a resident in the complex, co-hosted the event. We decided to skip the BBQ and have a buffet, so Bob could concentrate on running the trains and answering questions. Teri and her mom, Ginny, made enchiladas, chile rellenos, and salad, and we set up a bar, including margaritas, which were real winners.

Teri and Ginny were chauffeurs, carpooling residents as needed. We started the party around 4:30 PM so everyone could see the layout during daylight and continued until about 8 PM. The layout has extensive lighting and the group was delighted to see the lights as the sun set, just like in real life.

Since that was so successful, and we enjoyed it as much as the seniors, we decided to do it again this year. The menu was different, but a bucket of margaritas was a "must" again. There were some returnees, and some new visitors. Although there were 25 RSVP's, only 15 were able to attend when the date came. This is not unusual for people ranging from 70 - 90+ years old.

These parties have been an outstanding success. The seniors appreciate being invited into someone's home and sharing a meal, while enjoying the trains and the vignettes scattered throughout the layout.

Many of them shared their memories of traveling on the Sunset Limited and the Southern Pacific Daylights. They also remembered the Virginia-Truckee and the Union Pacific railroads and are aware of our local access to the Napa Wine Train.

People were involved in many ways: some took drink orders, others helped bartend, some helped their fellow residents at the buffet, and some helped clean up. Since we had some chicken and rolls leftover, we sent them off with "doggie bags". We received so many "thank you" notes, as well as a few bottles of wine and some delicious chocolates! Several commented on how much the evening lifted their spirits and said they're anxious for a return visit next year. Some who missed the party have asked if there's any way they can come over for a visit before next year. Of course, we're glad to have them as long as the weather permits.

For anyone interested in hosting a similar event we have some hints for a safe visit. We have a wide side gate for easy access to the back yard, with only one step up to the deck. This was best for those with walkers and impaired mobility. We could have accommodated someone with a wheelchair this way, too.

We're also fortunate to have handicap height toilets and safety bars in the bathroom. We removed all throw rugs that might present a hazard. For eating, we had table seating for everyone. It's also important to have adequate lighting in the yard at night.

Both the parties were in August and we lucked out with warm evenings both years so we could be outside comfortably with a sweater at most. We had purchased a patio heater this year, for those cool, coastal summer evenings but we didn't need it.

With these experiences under our belt, we've donated a BBQ and Garden Railroad Experience for 10 as a silent auction item at the annual holiday boutique fundraiser for a local senior residence/skilled nursing facility. Teri is a volunteer for this organization. For this endeavor, we prepared a poster board display, and a "ticket" for the highest bidder.

TDR FACTS

The TDR derived its name in its beginning, when the assistant finance director (i.e. wife) referred to "that darn railroad" as a potential "money pit". She was somewhat correct, but has since come to love it and enjoys both the quiet times listening to the rails and socializing outside around the layout with our family and friends.

The original layout (1993) started as a simple "out of square" square and has grown somewhat awkwardly since then. There are 2 dogbone layouts with separate controls. One layout features a staging track at one end with an offshoot from the other end leading to a yard and a line through a cut and over a trestle. This section rises 18 inches in approximately 50 feet, leading to 2 reversing loops. Two trains can be run on this layout: one automatically, the other with " hands-on" control.

A second layout features a tunnel, 2 trestles, a siding, and an elevated staging track. In addition, there are 33 LF of automated trolley line.

All overhead clearances are 8 inches minimum above top of rails. Track work is primarily LGB laid on quarry fines; minimum radii are 4 feet. Track power is provided by Bridgewerks Magnum 200 and Magnum 25-TDR powerpaks. Switches are activated through LGB 5175 rocker switch units. We run with KD couplers, but have setups to use most brands of couplers.

The layout marginally represents a high desert scene with ample trees of various types and a myriad of thymes. The era represented covers roughly the 1890's to the 1960's, and is meant for fun rather than representing a specific rail line. There is great detail in small vignettes around the railroad creating ideas rather than specifics. While steam is amply represented by Americans, Mikados, Pacifics, Moguls and 10 wheelers, the line is heavily dieselized. Specialty units such as speeders, rail trucks, logging engines, and powered MOW equipment round out the motive power roster.

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