John, The pics are wonderful. As one who has toured your layout, I can attest that while they are great photos they don't do your layout justice! I look forward to seeing it again soon! Joe Daddy
Pete, Thanks for the kind words, I think a repost of your layout would be a great idea. Triplex, "That bobber caboose - another rebuilt Japanese model, right?" Yes, I like to use unusual rolling stock or other items to give the layout a individual look. The Japanese locos are great for kitbashing. Joe Daddy, Thanks, I hope I can get back into doing some work on the layout, I just am not sure when. Here are few more shots of Texas Creek with other trains on it; The TB train going under the narrow Gauge bridge on the North side of Texas Creek. The bridge was made from wood salvaged from a trestle that I had built years ago for an earlier version of the RGW.
A few more shots of the westbound TB train. Entring Monarch tunnel; Leaving Monarch tunnel; Near Mears Jct. The "Gap" between two tunnels;
Now if I could find some way to incorporate the gorge in my Midwest shortline layout. I've crossed the gorge three times while visiting a son and family in Colorado Springs. It's a must-do on our schedule, plus visiting a LHS or two to in the Springs. We (my wife and I) never tire of the gorge.
I've been busy doing yard work, the stuff outside, not RR yards. Here are a few more photos of the TB tour, first a highway bridge near Sargents; The train approaching the Royal Gorge bridge; Here is where I have to explain that the real bridge over the Royal Gorge is only able to support automobiles and was never intended for rail traffic. But it is my railroad and I liked the bridge so..... More to follow.
Holy freaking cow! That bridge is awesome! What's the story on how you built that thing? Any of the other bridges you showed could be a centerpiece in any other layout, but that one takes the cake!
When I first saw that bridge scene, I thought it was crazy made-up scenery like some of John Allen's work. Then I saw the real Royal Gorge. I love how you inserted your railroad into the location by repurposing the bridge.
I took a lot of photos at the real bridge and what measurements I could get to. From these I drew up a set of plans and then made a jig for the towers on a wood block. I ordered a ton (scale ton) of brass from Special Shapes and used a resistance soldering unit for the assembly. I tried to keep the proportions of the towers as close as possible to the real bridge but I did not have enough room to have the deck as long as the prototype. When assembling the four towers and deck I made a set of wood "steps" for each of the ends that the towers sit on and then then screwed a 1X4 in between them to hold them in place. When the deck was in place the two ends were screwed into the benchwork and the 1X4 in the center removed. Before building the benchwork I dug a pit in the floor so there are two steps down and then back up to eliminate having to bend to go under the bridge. This also provided about the correct depth that the real gorge is at. Some of the more modern equipment may not pass through the bridge as a piggy-back trailer will just clear if the tires are a little flat.
On the east side of the Royal Gorge bridge the train passes the RG park; The park is on the right hand side; Entrance to park; Parking lot;
Park; Band gazebo; People listening to band; The TB train is backing into a spur at Florence; At Florence we pick up another TB car;
