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Moved to a downstairs apartment so came up with a new plan . There's sidings (runarounds) on both sides of the layout. Could have 2 people operating the layout, either one on each side or have one operator make up a train in yard, then that train to the switching side. Second person do same thing in yard first then to switching side. The 2 operators could pass each other on either siding. The bridge will be a plate girder like the LAJ one across the LA River, so not like one shown

These days all four of the LAJ CF7s are gone. 2571 has been preserved by Oklahoma State RR Museum but it's been repainted in all Santa Fe colors.

In 1972 the LAJ became wholly owned by Santa Fe Ry. In 1974 LAJ stopped using their 7 ALCO switchers (5 S-2,2 S-4). So Santa Fe let them use CF7s out of their LA pool. Charlie Slater (ex LAJ/ATSF/BNSF conductor) said they were all in Warbonnet paint schemes then. Also in the early years they were all round cabs. So am collecting both the Santa Fe round cab & LAJ angle cab versions that are all the Athearn HO CF7s. Charlie also gave me copies of all the LAJ Switch Maps. They have a lot of info on all the industries served during his time at LAJ (1970-1984). The maps also include the types, number & frequency of freight cars used. Here's my plan for my first module (live in apartment). It's based on my version of the #19 Horn Lead (attached Switch Map). Some of the industries shown aren't in Horn Lead but wanted more car variety on first module. Also the small yard in lower left corner will be replaced w/ industries when real yard & other leads are built. Eventually will have 7 leads, a yard plus the Santa Fe's Malabar Yard (for storage) & Vernon Team. That team is right next door to the LAJ Fruitland Team (see aerial map).

When the LAJ ALCOs left in 9/74, Santa Fe "loaned" them any & all CF7s woring out of the Los Angeles CA pool. After 1986 when Santa Fe was getting rid of their CF7s, they "gave" LAJ 2563, 2568 & 2571. In 1987 LAJ bought 2619 for parts. Funny thing is 2619 was one of the last to be used & 2568 ended up used for parts. FYI when the CF7s were being built the first # was 2649 sfter their first GP7. The rest of the CF7s were numbered down from there. So 2619 was the oldest & 2563 was the youngest. Between 1974 & 1986 most of the CF&s were round cab (vs later angle cab) & all were in the Warbonnet (i.e. no pin stripes). Andy Jackson Bellflower CA