Leadville Layout
Leadville Test Track Layout
Recording the progress of building the Denver’s RailRoads N Scale layout
All genuine posts are welcomed and will be acknowledged. Please submit your first post by email to: dennis@denversrailroads.com
Kato Test layout (aka C&S Leadville Branch line) Update
Back on 20th May 2019 I introduced the test layout on the Blog page and detailed a number of objectives, mainly relating to using the test layout to test a whole raft of electronic options. Initially as part of the layout build I installed a number of NCE BD-20 block detectors and DCC accessory control boards. At that time I did learn a lot about using such devices.
However now that I am going to build the layout as a functioning switching layout I do not think it is worth the effort and cost of installing a lot of electronic devices on such a small layout. Signals would look nice but along with block occupancy lights they are quite unnecessary on such a small layout, where you can see at a glance where all the trains are.
Consequently I am going to remove all the BD-20s and save them for the Denver’s RailRoads layout, which I hope to restart early in 2021. That layout will need a lot of electronics to function as planned. The Kato layout only needs a number of of SPDT or DPST spring toggle switches to change the built in motors in the turnouts. It has a single circuit breaker which should be adequate for such a small layout. The Wye/reversing section could cause a few challenges, but we will see.
Making the electrics simple will free my time up to build a complete operating layout before Christmas (2020) that will provide interesting switching challenges. Furthermore there are 3 or 4 kits to build and some interesting mountain scenery to create. I have already installed the two #6 turnouts between the red and green lines which will improve operations considerably. The next task is to make a cut along the white dotted lines (on the updated track plan below) and raise the 3 tracks at the back by an inch or two. That will improve the scenic look of the layout and maybe also raise the track level equal to the back board of the layout making it much easier to add the 150mm (6″) extension to the layout.
Colorado & Southern (C&S) Branch line to Leadville, CO
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:
- A second crossover (from the outer loop back to the inner loop) which will improve operations 100%.
- A 150mm (6″) extension to the width increasing the layout size from 6′ x 2 1/2′ to 6′ x 3′ (1800mm x 900mm).
- 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:
- The Climax Molybdenum Mine
- Acorn Petroleum Inc.
- Smith Lumber Co.
- 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:
- Hobbytech Toys, Perth – no postage but expensive
- Midwest Model Railroad, Independence, MO, USA – good Kato prices but $45USD postage put them out of the picture
- 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.
