Rio Grande Southern reaches Dolores, CO

I recently completed the trackwork into Dolores, Colorado.  The latest expansion to the layout consists of the crossing of the Animas River just outside Durango.  The track then passes by the Lost Canon stock pens, and climbs up a 1.75% grade into the town of Dolores.  The photos show that the diorama containing the Depot, Goose Barn, Toilet Building, and Gas Pump has been installed in a new location, compared to the previous track plan.  This demonstrates that track plans are fluid, and subject to change as construction progresses.  Future buildings include the Dolores Feed and Fruit Warehouse, Ford Dealer, Water Tank, and Pump House.  Eleven turnouts are in place, and controlled by Tortoise slow-motion switch machines.  The track is Code 55 Flex Track by Micro Engineering, and the No. 6 turnouts are scratchbuilt using Fast Tracks fixtures.  Turnout control, which is to be installed, will be accomplished using Berrett Hill Trains Touch Toggles.  Wiring has been completed, and trains have successfully negotiated the new trackwork into Dolores.  The following photos show the progress so far.

Rio Grande Southern bridge over the Animas River.

Overview of the Lost Canon trackage.  The Animas River bridge is to the right; the turnout will service the Lost Canon Stock Pens.  In the distance can be seen the town of Dolores.

Dolores CO.  Original diorama installed in permanent location on the layout.  Two inch blue foam was used as the base for the module, and additional sections. 

Overview of the town of Dolores.  The original diorama is located in the distance.  The ashpit/locomtive service tracks have been added.

A closer view of the original Dolores diorama, with the locomotive service tracks installed.

A view of the Dolores Depot installed in the layout.

View showing how the Dolores diorama was integrated into the layout.

The Dolores, CO CONOCO oil facility.  This is a Raggs...to Riches kit.  The main line will curve around to the left behind the oil facility.