HOn3-mo

[Mark W]

I recently purchased a long desired K-27 and finally get to play in HOn3.  Being a full believer in the Free-mo method, that is the way I'll go for this as well.  It helps that there is already an established group doing HOn3 Free-mo in Colorado!

I'm planning some new HOn3-mo modules for winter projects, but I think the first module build will actually be a recycle project; stealing one of my Free-moN modules and converting it to HOn3.


https://i.imgur.com/1tAWJxP.jpg

I scratch built this bridge long ago for my "Thunder Ridge" layout.  After that layout was retired, I saved the bridge and it became the feature of the 3rd Free-moN module I ever built.  The only issue I ever had with the module was not the bridge, but the sharp 22in radius curve leading into it.  It's great on it's own, but when joined with the new 77 and 106 inch radius curves, the tiny 22 inch curve is a significant visual distraction!

So what better excuse to accomplish two things at once!  This project will be very similar to the Marsland extension. I'll save the bridge and most of the terrain and put it all in a bigger, lighter frame, then relay the track with HOn3. 

[Mark W]

Last night, I put together some ideas and came up with the first two terminals for my new adventure.  I'm calling them Dunwell and Iron Bluff. 

Dunwell is a larger city with a few industry tracks and engine and car shops.   Iron Bluff is a smaller town, based on Rockwood along the Durango and Silverton.


https://i.imgur.com/eV6EBnc.jpg

[Hawghead]

Looks great, wish I lived closer.  Another idea for the wye module would be Lizard Head on the RGS.

Scott

[Mark W]

Thanks for the rec.  I see a faint remnant of the wye at Lizard Head from satellite, but nothing more.  How would I find any maps or drawings of what once was?

[Chris333]

If I remember right the Lizard Head wye was almost all inside a snow shed.

https://ngtrainpics.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/RD137-RGS-Lizard-Head-Pass/G0000VXLcIYMJIT8/I0000oP0.ufAiwSw/C0000Vd2qoA2MbNU

https://ngtrainpics.photoshelter.com/gallery/RD137-RGS-Lizard-Head-Pass/G0000VXLcIYMJIT8/C0000Vd2qoA2MbNU

[Mark W]

Well that's pretty neat! 

That area kinda fits my idea of terrain for these first modules.  I'm imagining more of the Colorado front range, or Wyoming Plateaus rather than steep rocky cliffs. 

[Hawghead]

This is a snip from a map of 1919.  In later years the shed burned from the switch at the bottom up to about where the section house is shown.

Scott

[wcfn100]

There's a nice view of Lizard Head from the Denver Public Library.

https://digital.denverlibrary.org/digital/collection/p15330coll22/id/75575

Jason

[Mark W]

Wow, that's so cool!  I don't think I'll go that route with the current wye plan, but it'll definitely keep it in mind as this HOn3-mo thing progresses!

It looks like, besides a few service buildings and stock pens, this thing is way out in the middle of nowhere.  Was that it; more or less just a cattle route interchange (if that)?  Or is there more beyond the photos?

[Chris333]

Isn't all of Colorado out in the middle of nowhere? 

[Chris333]

This map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?msa=0&ll=37.92897090182311%2C-107.8963391189186&z=16&mid=1wV0uynA8j_AFx3KCzV-QJKYzEck
Shows a wye at the start of the branch going to Telluride with a creek going through it.

[Hawghead]

Lizard Head pass was the highest point on the Rio Grande Southern with an elevation of just over 10,000 feet.  It was where the RGS crossed the San Juan mountain range.  Livestock were taken up there in the spring to graze for the summer in the meadows surrounding the area, then brought back down for the winter or sent to market.

Scott

[Mark W]

Isn't all of Colorado out in the middle of nowhere? 

No, that's Nebraska! 


Really cool map and info guys!  I found a video on YouTube also talking about picking up and dropping off sheep for grazing, as well as using the spot to disconnect and return helper service over the pass.

I've always wanted to model a snow scene, but never have because it would mess with scenic continuity of the rest of the layout.  But with a high mountain pass, and the most unique snow shed, perhaps this makes a mild snow scene explainable!


But for now, the focus will be Dunwell.  I have flex and PBC ties on the way.  While I wait for those to arrive, I'll start shaping frogs and points for turnouts from my already on hand stock of rail. 
In fact, having just started this adventure on Monday.... who had "Module frames complete by the end of the week?"  You're about to get the take!   

[glakedylan]

great stuff...lots of wonderful information
learning much here
thanks all for sharing


sincerely
Gary

[dcarrell8]

Looking forward to following along with this build.  Who is the Manufacturer of the Green Boiler K-27 you're showing off??
~ Dennis