Track Laying Begins!

I have begun laying track on the new layout. On my previous layout, I hand laid the track using MicroEngineering Code 55 rail, on Kappler wood ties using MicroEngineering Small spikes.  However, I decided to use MicroEngineering Code 55 flex track on this layout for a couple of reasons.  First, the new layout is approximately four times larger than the last layout.  Second, I spent 25 years (part time) building the last layout and since I am now 62 years old, I decided that a more rapid rate of construction would be beneficial.  Therefore, I am building the layout using flex track, but I am building the turnouts using FastTracks assembly fixtures and supplies.


 The following materials are being used for track laying:

1. MicroEngineering
1.  Code 55 rail for turnouts
2. Code 55 Flex Track
3.  Micro spikes
4.  Code 55 rail joiners
2. FastTracks
1. #6 Turnout Assembly Fixtures 
2.  24" and 30" radius Sweepsticks
3. PC board ties
3. Aleene's Original Tacky Glue
4. Chalk
5. Pushpins
6. Straightedge
7. Radius tool

Overview of the Durango Yard.  Note the installation of Flex Track and turnouts.  All trackwork is secured using Aleene's Original Tacky glue.

Closeup view of the yard tracks in front of the Raggs...to Riches Durango Depot.  Note that the yard tracks are curved, similar to the prototype, and that the Durango Roundhouse is now permanently mounted in the layout.

View of the major Durango Yard facilities.  The Car Repair Shops, in the foreground, has now been permanently installed into the layout.  Tracks have been laid up to, and through, the Car Repair Shops.

A view looking toward Durango, and the connection to the Rio Grande Southern Railroad on the left.  The track is slightly elevated on Homabed roadbed to provide separation from the Durango yard tracks.

The Coaling Tower, relocated from my previous layout, is in place, but not permanently installed.  Permanent installation awaits excavation for the ashpit, located on the left side of the coaling track located to the left of the coaling tower.  The track to the right of the tower is the receiving track for coal, and will be elevated.

A Rio Grande Southern stock train arriving in Durango.  This is the slightly elevated track that serves as the connection to Ridgway, Colorado.  The locomotive is a Blackstone Models C-19, while the stock cars are Grandt Line kits built be the author.

Aleene's Original Tacky Glue, used for track laying.