HOn3 Rio Grande Southern First District 1938-1945

[CRL]

The flat shingles definitely look better than the shakes… less Swiss Chalet looking.

[Erik W]

Thanks!  Since the First District will be on the 2023 National Narrow Gauge Convention (Denver) tour, I'm really trying to bring it up to a higher standard.  I know the folks who'll be viewing it in person will--in many cases--be far more knowledgable even than me about the RGS, so I've been re-doing a whole bunch of "used to be good enough but now isn't" scenes.  So far I've replaced the house at the end of Bridge 45-A, the Ridgway sand house, the shingles on both the Rico depot and the Rico section house, added switch stands, the Ridgway depot, and a host of other lineside details.  I now have the Ragg's to Riches Placerville depot kit which will replace the Narrow gauge Colorado kit with which I've never really been satisfied.  And eventually I want to replace the vintage Classic Miniatures Ophir depot I got for 10 bucks at the 2017 NNGC with the better, more detailed Banta kit.

I still have my freelanced "dislocated Rico" scene north of the north yard throat, but I'm also planning to add N scale flats to the bluff above the depot to look more prototypical.  I'll allow myself the one indulgence so I can have a relatively large town scene with recognizable Rico businesses, but that's about it.  I also want to re-work the cattle pen spur at Rico so I can add the Crystal River kit for the Rico Burnett and Clifton coal pockets.

Yeah, having folks over for the layout tour who might be subject matter experts on the RGS definitely is a motivator to tighten up your fidelity to the prototype.  That, and I can understand how you have the time to revisit some of the scenic elements now that the bulk of the construction is behind you.  It's a fun place to be. 

Erik

[Dave V]

Scenes around Rico...

[Dave V]

[Pomperaugrr]

That is a well produced video and was quite enjoyable to watch.  Your layout continues to impress me as it evolves.

[Chris333]

I felt the montage could have used more cowbell. 

[davefoxx]

"I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell."

Bruce Dickinson

[chuck geiger]

This gets better every time I see it, I think magic dust gets sprinkled on it.

[Hawghead]

Dave,

Great video as usual.  Ever given any thought to some operations videos?  Looking forward to seeing more.

Scott

[muktown128]

Great video Dave.  Really enjoyed the narration.  Wish I lived closer so I could visit this in person when you have the open house.

[Dave V]

Dave,

Great video as usual.  Ever given any thought to some operations videos?  Looking forward to seeing more.

Scott

That would be easy.  I’m a roundy-rounder.  Those car cards have been in the same card boxes for the last few years.

[Erik W]

Dave,

Well done on the video!  I really appreciate your efforts with the videos you put out.  Your narration and production quality are great.  I like the fact that not only do you put in the effort with your content and explanation, but you also have a mind for the quality of the video itself (good lighting and audio, steady camera, quality editing, and no excessive movements, zooming, shaking, etc).  I would love to see a layout tour with the track plan incorporated as you had mentioned at the end of this video.  I've been one of those folks in the past who have enjoyed your videos, but not commented.  I think I speak for others who've enjoyed your videos when I say I hope you feel your efforts are worthwhile, because the results are certainly enjoyable.  My forays into building HOn3 rolling stock have been motivated partly by your work and how well you showcase it.

And as far as your comment above about being a roundy-rounder.  I'm a friend of Mike Dannemans.  On the occasions that a group of us get together to "operate" his N scale D&RGW layout, it essentially involves barbecuing and drinking beers, then going down to the basement and running trains around the mainline.  It's easier to be casual and shoot the sh!t while being a roundy-rounder.   

Erik

[Dave V]

Thanks, Erik!  That means a lot coming from you especially!

In the meantime, I finished and installed my build of the Ragg's to Riches RGS Placerville depot kit in HO. It replaces a sloppily constructed (by me in an apparent hurry with confusing directions) Narrow Gauge Colorado kit of the same structure.

[CRL]

@Dave V - Depot looks really good except I think the roofer might have been drunk when he flashed the chimney and the valley trim. You might want to call him out after he sobers up to fix it or you’ll have some leaks for sure. 😉

[Philip H]

Considering I had to blow it up twice to find the problem I doubt Dr. Hotballs has to worry. JFRTM.