D&RGW • C&S • CB&Q • UP • AT&SF • CRI&P + SP • MP • WP

Work in progress update — all phases

Recording the progress of building the Denver’s RailRoads N Scale layout

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Work in progress update — all phases

Phase 1 – the Aspen Branch is being extended to a foam sub-roadbed up above the 7 track return loop. Peter has laid 50% of the cork roadbed. Turnout wiring for the 7 track return loop is being tested and upgraded and connected to a new control panel. Some tracks on the Coors branch may be removed to simplify operations. It is hoped that this phase will soon be operational – again – and work can begin on painting and ballasting the tracks. Note that when the wiring testing is completed this phase can operate as a stand alone railroad.

Phase II – the Main Line from Grand Jct Loop to Denver Yard. All track laying and wiring is complete, but requires testing, which cannot be done until the wiring upgrade for Phase I is complete.

Phase III – Denver Union Terminal. Rod continues to lay track. Both of the scissors crossings are installed and three of the very long main tracks. It is beginning to look very impressive due to the length of station trackage.

Phase IV –is divided into the following sections:

(1) East Denver Belt Line – John & Bruce have almost completed laying the cork roadbed. Track laying should start soon.

(2) D&RGW North Yard & Industries – all of the North Yard track has been laid except for the industries. As this module bridges the Phase II and East Denver Belt Line track with the Phase III Denver Union Terminal track work on this section will not recommence until Phase III track laying is complete.

(3) UP 36th Yard – adjacent to the D&RGW North Yard. This will probably be the last section to be started.

(4) UP & CB&Q 23rd St Shops – connects with the Denver Union Terminal. Work will be started once phase III is complete.

(5) C&S Rice Yard – connects with the Denver Union Terminal. Work will be started once phase III is complete.

(6) UP Wynkoop St Branch – Gary has stated both the cork roadbed and the track laying at the North end of the Denver Union Terminal.

(7) D&RGW Burnham Shops – this section will not be started until sections 4 & 5 have been completed.

Phase V – the D&RGW Main Line from Denver to Glenwood Springs and a branch line to Craig.  Peter has laid all of the cork roadbed for this phase and I have almost finished the Gore Canyon scenery (see previous blog). Track laying for this phase will begin after phase I is operational.

Gorge Canyon completed

The Gorge Canyon,  which is between Kremmling and Bond Colorado, has been completed to paint detail stage. Constructed over a foam base it includes a large number of rock outcroppings, made from half a dozen Woodland Scenics rock molds, Cripplebush rubber rocks, Mountains-in-Minutes foam rocks and Cooch Flexible Blasted Rock Walls. This diverse group was held together with Gorilla expanding glue and Sculptamold. It was then covered with a thin layer of grey paint which in turn was covered with a black India Ink stain. More work is required before the Gorge Canyon is complete . . .

Townsville N Scale Group Meet

Three group members met yesterday (Saturday 23rd). Progress was made in track laying for the return loop in phase 2. Once that is complete we will be able to run long trains for show – even up to 100 cars. For operations the trains will be shorter – 20 to 35 cars due to the length of the passing sidings in Phase 5 (Colorado mountains from Winter Park to Glenwood Springs).

Commenced Phase 5 Bench-work

This week I started to install the L-Girder bench-work for Phase 5 of the model layout. Construction will follow traditional L-Girder and cookie cutter sub-roadbed methods.

The following is the L-Girder plan:

 

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