The Kato Test Track project is now the Colorado & Southern (C&S) Branch line to Leadville, CO. The original track plan has converted from Anyrail to CADRail and modified to include:

1. A second crossover (from the outer loop back to the inner loop) which will improve operations 100%.
2. A 150mm (6″) extension to the width increasing the layout size from 6′ x 2 1/2′ to 6′ x 3′ (1800mm x 900mm).
3. On this extension will be built a crossover to two tracks – one for Leadville station and one for locomotive repair and storage.

This new track plan will enable me to add 3 – or maybe 4 – industries in addition to the Leadville station and loco facilities. These named industries have actually existed in Leadville in the past but other than the Climax
Molybdenum Mine, may not have had their own railway siding. The industries are:

1.  The Climax Molybdenum Mine
2.  Acorn Petroleum Inc.
3.  Smith Lumber Co.
4. Resurrection Ore Mine (this is a maybe if it looks right)

These industries and Leadville station will generate a reasonable amount of traffic in lumber loads, tankcars and hoppers. Boxcars can be delivered to the Leadville siding for team track unloading. I am however thinking of swapping the Smith Lumber Co. industry for a stockcar and reefer based industry. Watch this space.

I have purchased all of the additional turnouts that I need to make the track alterations so work should start soon. Kato track is almost bullet proof but is expensive. Consequently I researched the pricing from the following model railroad stores:

1. Hobbytech Toys, Perth – no postage but expensive
2. Midwest Model Railroad, Independence, MO, USA – good Kato prices but $45USD postage put them out of the picture
3. Aust-N-Rail, Victoria – $10.70AUD postage and $10 per turnout cheaper than Hobbytech clinched the deal. Arrived 5 days after placing the order.

To be continued.