HOn3 Rio Grande Southern First District 1938-1945

[Dave V]

At least we didn’t draw this in the sky with contrail smoke.   

[R L Smith]

Probably a good thing that Dave's prototype rr didn't have any tunnels; Ed would have put one  on the right side of the track plan...

 

[eric220]

(Attachment Link)

Eh, too many ties, and they’re too regular.



Seriously though, I’m likin’ what you’re cookin’ there!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

So, in addition to the helpful (if unused) layout plan.

I've also made Dave something else to support his efforts.

If he ever gets annoyed at the thing, he can just push a button and get excited about it again.

http://conrail1285.com/rgs

[Lemosteam]

So, in addition to the helpful (if unused) layout plan.

I've also made Dave something else to support his efforts.

If he ever gets annoyed at the thing, he can just push a button and get excited about it again.

http://conrail1285.com/rgs

Need to add some additional lyrics so the "Tubes" can sing "She's a Beauty"

[chicken45]

Check out the set of bass drums on that kit!

[chicken45]

Additionally, according to Wikipedia, the little kid was Patricia and David Arquette sibling.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_Arquette
 

[MVW]

Need to add some additional lyrics so the "Tubes" can sing "She's a Beauty"

Funny. Been hearing that tune for 30 years and never realized it was the Tubes.

Jim

[Mike C]

Yes, RGS 40 and 41.  40 was wrecked in '43, but 41 still exists.  I juts ordered a #40 from M B Klein.

You  you're the one that beat me to it !

[Dave V]

You  you're the one that beat me to it !

That was 11 months ago, LOL.

But...

https://tonystrains.com/product/blackstone-models-hon3-c-19-2-8-0-w-sound-drgw-40-b310212-s/

[Mike C]

Yea ' I found that one after I got the other onr on MTS . Oh well probably more protypical anyway ....LOL

[Dave V]

So...  On the one hand did a little weathering of some of the older (1936-1939) boxcars.



On the other I feel like it's one step forward, two steps back on the track plan.  I've now been told by a third doctor this morning that some of the health issues I'm dealing with are exacerbated by the dry, cold, high altitude air and that I should consider maybe not staying in Colorado long term.  Well, we're here for a minimum of 2.5 more years as my wife returned to active duty and is assigned here at USAFA.  When that's done my oldest will be a junior in high school.  So we're not leaving right away (if at all), but it still gives me pause to start a custom-fit large layout in this basement.

I'll just put out there--before it's said--that while the DC area holds a ton of employment potential for a guy like me I have zero desire to live there.  It's not unlikely that 6-7 years from now we'd head back to Florida.

To wit:  Whatever I build, should I want to preserve some or most of it, may end up without a basement at all someday.

So in the last two hours since my appointment my brain has run from a 4x8 to the San Juan Central (again) back to f**k it, doing the original plan.

Sigh.

The bright side is that if I do change the scope of this layout, I'm now a member of several HOn3 or RGS modeling groups to whom I can sell the stuff I already have but don't use.

If I'm forced to shrink down to a 4x8 or 4x10 (due to my own fear of committing to a permanent layout) I don't think I can do Rico and Ophir.  Maybe Rico on one side and a trestle on the other...but not both.  I know about the Carstens layout at 3 x 7:

http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/Billiwan/media/cGF0aDovNTNkODM1YTctNWNiNi00OGIwLThkYTEtMmU0ZDYxMjIzYzhkLmpwZw==/?ref=

It has a backward Ophir and Vance Junction.  The issue with Ophir is that it's so well known and so non-linear, it has to be done right.  Rico, OTOH, is perfectly linear, simple, compressible, and uniquely RGS without treading into "holy" territory like Ophir.

Sigh.  At this rate I won't build anything...   

[Scottl]

The Carstens layout you linked looks interesting as a base for doing detailed modelling, captures a few key scenes, gives you a roundy-round for simple operations, and is the kind of project that could be moved and incorporated into something in the future. 

Something like that seems attractive to follow your interests and not feel like you need to sit waiting for a move before starting.  Look how far your Midland layout came in a short period.  JIMO

[Chris333]

Just put joints in the original trackplan.

[Dave V]

Could do a San Juan Central but modify it a hair...  Instead of the ridiculous 15" radius 5% corkscrew in the upper right near "San Juan Hill," could come down the backside and loosen that grade up quite a bit and then loop back around to "Montrose" (Rico on my plan).  It would extend and widen that peninsula but not so as to be a show stopper.

The only compromise is that southbound trains would enter Rico from the south end of the yard heading north.  While previously I'd made that a hill to die on I think I'm softening on that requirement.

All the rest of the curves and grades are doable.



Ophir goes where the "abandoned logging line" is and the "McClanahan's Mine" scene becomes RGS bridge 45A.  the passing siding and town on the far left becomes Placerville.

Could be done!