Latest Track Plan

The track plan for the Rio Grande Southern Railroad continues to evolve.  One of my main goals is to provide many opportunities for operation.  This is a facet of the hobby that I have enjoyed more every time I have the chance to operate on a model railroad.

In this current iteration of the track plan, note that the return loop at Ridgway has been eliminated.  Therefore, this railroad will have a point-to-loop design, and will be operated as a point-to-point railroad.  Two branches are not shown on the current plan:  1.  the Telluride Branch, leaving Vance Junction and curving around past Ridgway; and 2.  the Enterprise Branch, which will leave Rico and curve around on a second deck above Dolores.  The prototype Enterprise Branch was a switchback line, with several mines and a mill, which will provide many operating possibilities.  It is also a branch I have not seen modeled often.

Rio Grande Southern Railroad, v2.5.  Track from Dolores  to Ridgway is subject to change.  Note that the Enterprise and Telluride Branches are not shown.

Placerville Depot

I have begun construction of the Placerville Depot.  This kit is produced by Narrow Gauge Colorado, and consists of laser cut parts, stripwood, clear plastic window material, and laser cut roofing.  I painted the model with Star-brand paints, available from PBL, specifically D&RGW Trim Brown and D&RGW Jersey Cream.  Aleene's Tacky Glue was used for most construction.  The photos below show my progress on construction.

Step 1.  I began construction by building the platform.  This consists of laser cut parts that interlock together. Once the planking was stained with Hunterline Creosote, it was glued to the framework.

Step 2.  The laser cut matboard framework was assembled.

Another view of the assembled framework.

Step 3.  The walls were completed prior to assembly.  I started by painting the walls and windows with Star-brand D&RGW Trim Brown.  Once the Brown was dry, it was masked using 3M Blue Painters Tape.  Star-brand D&RGW Jersey Cream was then applied to the upper wall surfaces.  The assembled windows were then installed in the walls while flat.

Step 4.  I began assembly with this wall.

Step 5.  The second wall was added.

Step 6.  The front wall of the bump-out was added.

Step 7.  The left wall was added.

An additional view of step 7.

Step 8.  The right hand wall was added.

An additional view of Step 8.

Step 9.  The two end walls were added.

Step 10.  The rear wall was added.

Step 11.  The building was attached to the previously completed platform assembly.

Step 12.  The main roof panels were added to the depot.

Another view of Step 12.

 Roofing will be discussed in the next post.