HOn3 Rio Grande Southern First District 1938-1945

[Dave V]

Originally I hadn't planned on modeling Placerville's depot but I couldn't help myself.  Just ordered this:

http://www.narrowgaugecolorado.com/?name=Catalog&mode=i&item=002688

Additionally I have the Monster Modelworks kits for the M&M Mercantile Store and Placerville Garage.  Those will be a blast to build!

Making incremental progress on benchwork.  The first peninsula is now leveled and bolted to the shelf.  Started fascia work at Windy Point:



Although it’s supposed to be the RGS’ Windy Point, because trains will traverse it in the wrong direction (slope falls away to the train’s left toward Ridgway as opposed to the correct right side) I’m getting an inkling to scenic it more like the Silverton Branch high line since it’s already a departure from prototype:



That goofy-lookin' white box there to the left of the fascia edge is a cubby for all my DCC stuff.

[Mike C]

Since you are already familiar with Narrowgaugecolorado , did you see the two Geese they have for sale ?

[Dave V]

Since you are already familiar with Narrowgaugecolorado , did you see the two Geese they have for sale ?

Fortunately I'm covered in the Goose department!

[Dave V]

New acquisition...another Blackstone boxcar.  There were really only two kinds of boxcars on the RGS in my era.  Most were these 3000-series D&RGW boxes, and a handful were former C&S cars purchased by Victor Miller for the RGS in 1938.  I have one of those built and 2 more to be built.  Anyway...



Also, big bent, little bent. Started work on Bridge 45A. The big bent is a double bent that will transition between stringer sizes for the span that used to be the Howe deck truss.  the bridge will be at least 30" long and be a little over 10" from railhead to the surface of Howard Fork.



If you're wondering about the design (RGS trestles look different than your typical 5-post trestle, including those of its parent D&RGW):

http://riograndesouthern.com/RGSTechPages/rgstec1.htm

[Point353]

Also, big bent, little bent. Started work on Bridge 45A. The big bent is a double bent that will transition between stringer sizes for the span that used to be the Howe deck truss.  the bridge will be at least 30" long and be a little over 10" from railhead to the surface of Howard Fork.



If you're wondering about the design (RGS trestles look different than your typical 5-post trestle, including those of its parent D&RGW):

http://riograndesouthern.com/RGSTechPages/rgstec1.htm

Are you planning to attach the ties to the stringers or simply let them sit on top, as did the prototype?

[Dave V]

Are you planning to attach the ties to the stringers or simply let them sit on top, as did the prototype?

Everything glued to everything.  I know the RGS let the ties float but I want as solid a structure as I can make.

[Mike C]

 Gotta love Blackstone ! Unfortunatly the cars tend to go for stupid high prices on EvilBay . I did find a couple of drop bottoms for a fair price though . Got to buy them when they come out I guess .

[Dave V]

Gotta love Blackstone ! Unfortunatly the cars tend to go for stupid high prices on EvilBay . I did find a couple of drop bottoms for a fair price though . Got to buy them when they come out I guess .

I've been pretty lucky on eBay with these.  Of course when I compare what I was spending to maintain accurate rosters in two eras in N scale for a railroad the scope of Pennsy or Conrail with the much smaller roster I need for this project, it actually evens out.  At best I may need 20 boxcars total to keep this interesting, and as it turns out I have some decent Rail Line 3000-series boxes I built in high school that I'm planning to refurbish.

[Mike C]

 I've got some old wooden kits I built in the 70's but I probably won't use them . The new stuff is so much better . I really don't mind the MSRP , I also won't be buying a ton of cars , but I may buy a few more locos lol ! Now if they would just re run some passenger cars , they are going for stupid high prices now .....Mike

[Dave V]

I've got some old wooden kits I built in the 70's but I probably won't use them . The new stuff is so much better . I really don't mind the MSRP , I also won't be buying a ton of cars , but I may buy a few more locos lol ! Now if they would just re run some passenger cars , they are going for stupid high prices now .....Mike

I managed to snag a Chili Line 3-pack of coaches at the Narrow Gauge Convention in August for a price that was comparable to what's on eBay.  yeah, they're expensive...but soooooo nice:

[Mike C]

 Last night I found a couple of narrow frame tanks for under 70 bucks , But the pass cars are still eludeing me in the lettered version .

[Mike C]

 I ended up puliling the trigger on a set of green cars with lettering for about 340 ..... My wallet hate's me !

[Dave V]

I was busy this weekend...  First, I received my Monster Modelworks kits for the Placerville, Colorado garage and store.  I spent quite a bit of time detailing the stone finish (and not 100% satisfied yet).  Also busted out a quick Walthers kit that looked pretty close to the Placerville post office.  Photo printed curtains (from LARC) and a photo tarpaper roof made it a quick go.  I'm arranging Placerville to be a little different than the prototype so it'll fit my space.  It'll also put the Monster structures right up front where they can be seen.



On the subject of Placerville I got that beautiful laser kit from Narrow Gauge Colorado for the Placerville depot.  It wasn't cheap but holy crap, it's amazingly detailed and well-engineered.



Also, as much as I want to start running trains, I first have to lay track, which means I have to build trestles.  So the rest of my weekend was devoted to scratchbuilding RGS Bridge 45A, the long Ophir Loop bridge.  I made it roughly the same height as the prototype but compressed in length.  It ends up looking taller than it should, but I kinda like it that way!



The finished product:



Cain't wait to handlay individual ties on that deck!   

[eric220]

Dis gon’ be epic!

[DKS]

Dis gon’ be epic!

What he said.