Without the room to build a loop and enjoy continuous train running, I decided to build a freelanced switching layout
to give me to most operating possibilities within the given space available. Even though the layout is freelanced, the
rolling stock is all prototypical D&RGW equipment from the late 30’s and early 40’s. The motive power is K-class
locomotives with a few C-class coming in the future.
Most of the buildings will be based on actual structures that would have been found along the D&RGW in various
cities, including Durango, Silverton and Cimarron. One other planned structure that was not found along the D&RGW
is the Conoco oil facility in Dolores. This will give me a place to store the tank cars I plan to build. There
will be a few structures that will be freelanced to fit, mostly in the form of warehouse flats.
There is approximately 100’ of track, all handlaid code 83 rail on sugar pine ties. The turnouts are all #7’s built
in place using a custom tie template. The turnouts are controlled with Tortoise switch machines via a DPDT (rotary)
switch mounted on the fascia. To view the tutorial on handlaying a turnout or view the templates,
click here.
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A turnout diagram with a bi-polar LED mounted on the 'main' route. Green indicates the 'main' is selected,
red is for the diverging route.
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For the DCC control, I use the NCE PowerCab and Smart Booster. I may decide to add a radio base station and a radio
ProCab in the future. For locomotive control, the Soundtraxx Tsunami decoder is installed in all locos. For tutorials
on installing the Tsunami decoder,
click here.
I have left myself with the option to expand the layout in the future. One option is to add two 7’ modules across
the garage door. The other option is to add an engine facility at the back of the garage. The engine facility would
be loosely based on Chama, giving me a place to put my
Chama Coaling Tower.
Next, Construction Notes
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