My N Scale Version of the Route from Malta, CO to Minturn, CO

 

5 July 2010

 

It's been slow going, but I'm making progress.

This will eventually become Minturn Yard in Minturn, CO.

My buddy Dave (not a model RR guy) gave me the SP GP60 and tank car in the foreground. There are no manufacturer markings on either piece and the locomotive is non-powered. But, the scale is right and these two items will make it on the finished layout. In the background sits my trio of DRGW SD-40T-2's.

Thanks Dave!!

 
Here is the future site of Malta, CO. It's possible that I'll build the branch to Leadville through the wall on the left into my living room. But, that will only happen after the rest of the layout is completely finished (including scenery) and if my wife approves.
   
As of today, I'm finished with most of the shelf construction. I have yet to put up the shelves for the hidden staging yards east of Malta and west of Minturn. Once I get the track plan roughed out I'll have a better idea of where to put those shelves/yards. The plywood covering for the shelves is about 30% done. As soon as I finish that I'll start working on the track. Getting the railroad out of my head and into reality has been fun, but very very slow work. I know that once the track is down and trains are running it'll go much faster. I can hardly wait to see a matched set of Denver & Rio Grande Western Tunnel Motors hauling a tonnage load of coal up and over Tennessee Pass!