Steam & Excursion > Grand Scales Convention

The third Grand Scales convention was held this past weekend (Fri-Sun) at the Hillcrest Christmas Tree Farm in Reedley, CA by Robinson & Associates, producers of the Grand Scales Quarterly (and 7+ Railroader) magazine and Grand Scales video series.

Hillcrest is most notably the home of the 15" gauge Hillcrest & Wahtoke Railroad, as well as the Hillcrest Shops; one of a select few manufacturers (and restorers) of "Grand Scale" railroad equipment.

"Grand Scale" is a term used to define miniature railways with a gauge larger than used at your local live steam track (the lower threshold usually being 12", but more or less anything larger than 7-1/2").

Several 15" gauge locomotives were in steam over the weekend; all built to 5" scale (reflecting narrow gauge prototypes) Visitors had the opportunity to run/fire quite a few of the engines in operation over the weekend, and those participating in the full event were able to participate in a handfull of informative seminars pertaining to railroading on a 'Grand Scale'. One of the highlights, however, of this convention was a special appearance by the 1901 Porter "Marie E", owned by Disney animator Ollie Johnston and run on a line between his and fellow animator/friend Frank Thomas' vacation homes in Julian, CA. It was recently rebuilt by the Hillcrest Shops for its new owner, Pixar's John Lasseter, and was run earlier this year at Disneyland as a surprise for its former owner. Lasseter was the guest of honor at a dinner presentation on the history and restoration of the "Marie Estelle", as well as its notable visit to Disneyland; where it became the only non-Disney owned locomotive to run on the Disneyland Railroad.

Notable visiting 15" engines included the Redwood Valley Railway's newly-completed 2-6-2 #7 (built in the railroad's own shops at Berkeley's Tilden Park), and the recently-rebuilt Joshua Tree & Southern Shay #6.

A huge thanks to Greg and Susan Robinson, the Hillcrest gang, and all else who made this event possible.

Seen here is the JT&S Shay passing Glenwood South Park & Pacific 2-8-0 #13. #13 can be seen in operation after Thanksgiving, when the Hillcrest & Wahtoke will be in operation for the public during X-mas tree season.

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Ollie Johnston's 1901 Porter "Marie E"; the subject of a dinner presentation by its restorers and an appearance by new owner John Lasseter. Rides were offered on about 1000' of narrow-gauge track laid at a far end of the Hillcrest property.

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Newly-completed Redwood Valley Railway #7 "Oak". In the background is GSP&P #1

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JT&S Shay #6

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A fine show!

I will be writing an article covering the event sometime in the next month.

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Enjoyed the photos. I look forward to seeing your article.

C.P.Huntington