Jack Burgess’ Yosemite Valley Railroad in HO scale | Jack Burgess, a dedicated model railroad enthusiast, has masterfully recreated the Yosemite Valley Railroad, an iconic prototype railroad that operated in central California until 1947. Over the course of 31 years, Jack poured his heart into crafting an intricate and historically significant model railroad, capturing the essence of this legendary railway.
With a keen eye for detail, Jack meticulously replicated real buildings from the original railroad, drawing inspiration from photographs and ensuring utmost accuracy. From the station with added interior details and functional periscopes for a unique view to the contest-winning roundhouse with full interior detailing, each element reflects Jack’s craftsmanship and passion for historical precision.
Utilizing advanced techniques, Jack integrated 3D printing into his model-building process, resulting in an awe-inspiring 8000-foot-long logging incline with steep grades, faithfully mirroring the prototype’s rugged landscape. The locomotives themselves, all imported and exquisitely detailed, are true replicas of the originals.
The layout also encompasses vivid scenes of historic company towns like Merced Falls, Bagby, and Emery. Jack brought these towns to life with realistic structures and carefully curated landscapes, providing a glimpse into life during the railroad’s golden era.
Notably, the end-of-the-line station stands as a centerpiece of the layout. Its rustic appearance, developed with great attention to detail, also happens to represent the architectural styling that National Park Service structures eventually adopted.
While Jack has completed his remarkable layout, his passion for model railroading remains undiminished. He continues to embark on new projects, including constructing passenger cars and delving into a vast stash of resin kits, each representing an exciting future endeavor.
Explore Jack Burgess’s extraordinary model of the Yosemite Valley Railroad, a testament to dedication, precision, and a profound love for capturing history in miniature. Witness the captivating beauty of a bygone era brought to life through this stunning model railroad creation.
You can learn earn more about how Jack operates the model railroad by reading his feature story in the September 2023 issue of Model Railroader magazine!