Jim Kelly, retired Model Railroader Managing Editor, continues to hone his N scale skills and craftsmanship. The result is the fourth iteration of his Tehachapi Pass layout. Set in 1985, both the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe and Southern Pacific traverse the 2% grade between Bakersfield and Tehachapi, Calif., with the famous Tehachapi Loop serving as the layout’s focal point.
The Mojave Desert awaits eastbound out of Tehachapi, followed by an 18-inch radius helix back into the staging yard.
Eric White, editor of Model Railroader, and Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson was recently invited to see the latest progress and test the railroad for future operations. Jim intends to begin operations in the fall of 2025, after the scenery is mostly completed.
An eight-stall roundhouse built by Jim Kelly years ago for a Model Railroader feature can be found at the west end of the Santa Fe Bakerfield Yard. Lucas Iverson The Giumarra winery, which was built from scratch, is located in Edison, California. Lucas Iverson Outside of Edison is the Southern Pacific helper spur, which serves all SP freight that requires assistance in its climb to Tehachapi.
Lucas Iverson A westbound Sanfa Fe freight train rolls downhill through the small town of Caliente, California. Lucas Iverson Eric White, editor of Model Railroader, captures a Santa Fe freight passing through Jim’s centerpiece Tehachapi Loop.
Lucas Iverson When climbing Tehachapi Pass, it is common to have mid-train helpers. Lucas Iverson The namesake town, which houses a cement plant, sits atop Tehachapi Pass. Lucas Iverson The Mojave Desert lies east of Tehachapi, down an 18-inch helix, before returning to the staging yard. Lucas Iverson
