Just 10 turnouts left to install in module 1 and then its onto module 1a and the bridges in module 2. The track in the center of the photo is for the D&RGW Burnham Rail Yard & Shops. The track on the left leads to the Denver Market and the track on the right leads to various C&S industries and the branch line to the D&RGW Crested Butte Mine at Gunnison County.

The holes have already been cut but it takes awhile to install the turnouts because I am re-cycling them, using the turnouts that were installed in modules 5 & 6. I am also using re-cycled track for the sidings, but not the main lines were I am installing brand new Peco code 80 track.

Ignoring all my tools covering module 1a the following photo shows modules 2 to 5 on the right and the Rio Grande Rocky Mountain area on the left. Initially only a temporary return loop will be installed between them. In time the loop will be converted to the Wye used to turn passenger trains so that they could back into Denver Union Terminal and a new D&RGW North Yard will be built.

An overview of the entire layout can be found at https://denversrailroads.com/DPoverview.htm

The current plan is to work only on modules 1 and 1a until they are both running well and scenic’d. Then to continue onto modules 2 to 5. This will include:

1. Laying all the track and turnouts, including the addition of 2 more loops of track
2. Wiring the track and turnouts to the control panel, including the installation of NCE SnapIt’s and LightIt’s
3. Building the control panel, including the turnout controls and directional LED’s
4. Installing working signals
5. Wiring to a NCE Mini Panel using Macros to set up turnouts and signals for each of the 7 loops
6. Cutting the South Platte River extension from module 2
7. Tidying up the Cherry Creek river bed on module 2 and installing the bridges
8. Extending the main line, wired to BUS stage only, through modules 2 to 5 to a temporary loop on module 5 for runaround loop testing
9. Testing that all the tracks run well
10. Building all of the kits (about 8 or more) planned for the modules
11. Ballasting with the new Arizona Rock & Mineral ballast
12. Adding the kits and low level grass and scenery
13. Creating the Denver Market area south of the C&S 7th St area
14. Building the front range mountains which will separate the Denver C&S 7th Street area from the Crested Butte Mine at Gunnison County
15. Installing the kit for the Crested Butte Mine and attaching to the mountain scenery

Then I can finish laying the track on modules 2 to 5 (the DUT tracks are already laid) and install dozens of station platforms. But that is a job for another day! Unlikely to be this year.