Altadena Model Train Enthusiast Reopens Massive Backyard Layout for Pride After Fire Recovery

Nearly six months after the devastating Eaton Fire swept through Altadena, Rob Caves is reopening his massive backyard model train layout to the public for the first time, according to LAist. The Christmas Tree Lane resident will host an open house Saturday, June 14, from 2 to 8 p.m., coinciding with Altadena Pride celebrations.

Caves designed a special Pride model train for the event, decorated with rainbow colors … and the phrase “PRIDE WITH US,” LAist reported.

“Our club has a number of people in the LGBTQ community,” said Caves, who lives with his partner, Larsen. “So we really want to try and pitch in and help out.”

The model train open house at 2085 Santa Rosa Avenue runs concurrently with Altadena Pride events at the Altadena Library, 3330 North Lincoln Avenue, where County Supervisor Kathryn Barger will lead opening ceremonies at 3:00 p.m., according to LAist.

The Christmas Tree Lane Model Railroad Society, with approximately 50 members, fought desperately to save its displays and trains during the Eaton Fire.

“We have a Facebook group for the model train club members, all 50 of them. And I just said, ‘If anybody’s available, please come now. We need you to help — save the home, save the layout,'” Caves told  LAist.

The layout began in 2010 when it outgrew Caves’ 400-square-foot garage, according to LAist. “It was completely wall to wall, five decks of trains,” Caves said. The current display contains 30 scale miles of tracks representing a journey from San Diego to Seattle.

“We are kind of still a day at a time with everything, but it’s a much more optimistic future for the club and Altadena,” Caves said, according to LAist.