DEL ORO HISTORY……
The DEL ORO PACIFIC, INC. (Large-Scale Modular Railroaders) is a California, non-profit, Public Benefit Corporation, incorporated in June of 1992. The Club had its start in 1987 by Dr. Harald Becker to meet a need for space with the growing interest in “G” gauge model railroading. Because of the large size of the trains (some trains can be 60 to 80 feet long, though most are much shorter); many hobbyists lack the necessary space to have an interesting layout in their homes. Only a few of our members have large enough backyards for their trains to run through picturesque gardens. Dr. Becker’s solution and the solution for most of us came in the form of a “modular” or portable layout.
Today, the DEL ORO PACIFIC operates the oldest and largest “G” gauge modular layout in the United States, and our modular design has become the standard for many other modular clubs that have formed around the country. When fully assembled, our professional display measures roughly 120′ X 60′ with over 1200 feet of LGB trackage on two main lines and the yard. The sheer size of the layout allows us to operate up to three trains per mainline or a total of six trains simultaneously. The modular concept allows the Club to set-up the layout in almost any configuration imaginable, the only limitation being the size of the structure, and allocated floor space in which we are going to display our railroad.
The Club is typically invited to participate in upwards of six hobby shows annually, generally in the Southern California area. Because of the popularity of our display, many hobby show visitors come to the shows JUST to observe our layout in operation, and we have been awarded many “Best of Show” awards, and have been featured on countless television news programs, including CNN, NBC, KTTV and KCOP, and have produced several video tapes in-house. While most of the modules are owned by the club, most of the natural looking scenery, the structures, the engines, and the rolling stock are owned by the individual members. Many of these items have been “weathered,” giving the trains an authentic look. And most of the engines we operate feature very realistic digital sound and smoke generators, wherein the show visitors are intrigued by the realism we have been able to create in a portable layout. The layout is not static and at each show members bring their latest creations.
Because our portable layout is modular, the set-up, operation and teardown of the layout constitutes some strenuous exercise and generally requires four to five hours to complete the set-up. Consequently, the Club looks for members who are dedicated to hands-on participation at these hobby shows. It is important for our members to be proactive with the show attendees to answer their various questions about the railroad, the Club and the hobby.
The Club’s mission is to educate the public and expand the interest in large-scale trains, and to be of service to the communities through various volunteer displays helping them to further their particular programs. Though membership in the DEL ORO PACIFIC constitutes hard work, we also have a lot of fun. We believe the experience of watching your own trains ramble around this large, highly detailed layout is most rewarding and enjoyable, as are the interactions with the public and the camaraderie with like-minded hobbyists. We urge you to join us.