BNSF Front Range Subdivision - CO-WY State Line

[chuck geiger]

After a two year hiatus from model railroading, I've decided it's time to jump back in. Winter's are brutal here and
not much to do but stay inside. Actually warmer in Alaska than here. I looked at a few plans for a small N
layout, one was outstanding DKS mocked up for me. The Rat Hole/Alameda Street on SP in LA circa 1960.
This was based on his Trenton Transportation small layout. I also looked at the industrial lead of the BNSF and
UP in Cheyenne (interchange too). Settled on below --- BNSF FRONT RANGE SUB







The problem here is, I WHO HAVE NOTHING (Tom Jones). Everything was sold when we moved to Alaska. I
have tools and that's it. It would have cost a fortune to model the aforementioned layouts LDE. One day when
we were heading to the "big city" Fort Collins on I-25, I noticed the BNSF, former C&S, CB&Q, BN line from
Cheyenne to Denver and how awesome it would be to model. Lots of open land between Cheyenne to Wellington.
There is a huge passing siding in Owl Creek Canyon, CO and not much else. A siding existed in Wellington. There
were two grain and feed industries there, one is a brewery now and other is closed. A station closed on the C&S in 1959.
I will model the station, the elevators, Cleveland Ave. in Wellington, an I-25 overpass near the state line and lots
of brown rolling hills.



Dave Foxx talked about C-40, would love to do so. This would make the track much closer to scale and help improvise
on such a small layout. The following pictures are the start of the layout today. I am using 2x4' 1/2" MDF handy panel
for the foundation. There will be several levels of 1 1/2' foam. A scenic divider will be 1/8' 1x4 MDF Masonite panel .

Enjoy the start of the new layout:

[chuck geiger]

[basementcalling]

Chuck, glad to see you have the all important starter log on hand to get the project under way!   


I drove through there in July headed to Cheyenne from Denver. Drove around the brewery looking at it for LDE ideas, and a spot to take a good shot of the Front Range there as a possible backdrop shot, but damn is that part of Colorado relatively flat.

I like the idea of going C40. Building turnouts from scratch can keep you occupied while the sun doesn't shine up in the northern parts.

[chuck geiger]

Pete - Been messing with track templates, going to have to go C-40. C-55 is gonna be tight at 10" and turnouts at #5. Grabbed
a few breweries shots from the car.

[chuck geiger]

Lay It On The Line (Triumph) - Off to CABOOSE HOBBIES tomorrow for code 40 ME track and turnouts. The stupid
Hobbyland here has a box of Code-55 Atlas in their locked display cabinet, been there since I've been here...HMMMM





I need to conquer a scenery mode I've never done, the line is raised with down slope on view side and up slope
on the other side of the rack and then some arroyo type landscape, into rolling hills to backdrop.

[chuck geiger]

Carving foam on day off: (no more cell phone pics)









Using small saw, surfoam and need an idea on what to use to shape inclines and roadbed foundation. I
don't have that WS Foam Cutter anymore.

[Pesto]

I grew up in that area (Torrington WY) so I know what you mean about the winters--though it's not so much the temperature but the constant wind that makes it brutal.     I'm excited by your plan and looking forward to your take on that high plains landscape!

[chuck geiger]

Been working on trestle and getting the land form right. I will have to scratch build the trestle back ends. This
is ME Code 55 bridge flex with Grand Central Gems trestle bents.

[chuck geiger]

New phone poles (scratch built see weekend photos)



Colorado grasses starting - before trim, painting and ground cover mixture.

[wazzou]

Looking good Chuck. 
I would encourage you to use those trestle bents as a guide to the construction of your own using more "to scale" materials.  I've found Evergreen Styrene to be a better and easier choice than wood.

[chuck geiger]

Wazzou - You are right, They looked good (Grand Central Gems)
in HO when I used them. I have smaller dowels and strip wood
as well, could build them with wood or Evergreen materials. (they
are not glued just lining up next to GCG bent).

[wazzou]

I like styrene because it doesn't crush, splinter, fuzz and it cuts squarely. 
In addition, the MEK or your styrene cement of choice makes a nice bond. 
If you need assistance with dimensions or anything, let me know.

[chuck geiger]

Will do thanks Bryan.

[chuck geiger]

Scenery test area with cut and trimmed blonde faux fur. It still needs to be
trimmed and cut in some areas to even it out. Need to order Scenic Xpress
silfor and prairie tufts to blend in with WS fine turf and foam.

[basementcalling]

Don't let the grass grow between your feet, Chuck. No wait a minute. Keep the grass growing.. Ya know what I mean.

Bryan, trestle bent dimensions would be appreciated for styrene. I  have looked at the Grand Central ones and thought about it, but hesitated after seeing them in person.