Steve Pettit MMR

The Layout

Denver & Rio Grande Western – Tennessee Pass Era – Mid 1970’s

I’m modelling Tennessee Pass on the D&RGW Royal Gorge Route single track mainline from Colorado into Utah. My layout concept is not one for the operating purists but rather from a “rail fan” perspective with my focus on the scenery dominating the trains and a “one train one scene” approach. Approximately 60% of my layout is Colorado and 40% Utah providing a contrast in terrains

Layout Description

Operation – get to notch 8 and let em roll!!
Seriously though – I am planning to model a freelance terminal loosely based on Helper UT to provide some switching / loco servicing and cutting in of helper units. A proto freelanced Colorado coal mine is in early stages of planning & construction with use of mirrors to create a believable scene.

An “unscenicked turnback blob” separates Colorado from Utah at the end of my main peninsula.

Motive Power & rollingstock – My favourite part of the hobby is weathering my locos and rolling stock so I try to aim for as much realism at arm’s length as possible. To make maximum use of my available modelling time and as my layout is viewed only from one side, I focus my attention to one side / both ends and roof of each piece of rolling stock.

My track height of 1450mm increases the level of realism as trains are viewed from side on / trackside rather than top down.
Double ended staging is complete and operational
My roadbed is a T girder ply / pine base supporting 50mm HDF (blue foam) to which I glue cork. This allows me to cut in culverts / bridges and make changes to the trackside terrain without impacting the laid track

Site Information

Layout Owner:	Steve Pettit MMR
Address:	23 Windsor Crescent, Moss Vale 2577
Phone contact:	0499 910 196
Email contact:	info@modelrailism.com
Layout name:	Denver & Rio Grande Western – Tennessee Pass Era – Mid 1970’s
Layout details:	Scale: HO with DCC Size: 10.5 x 4m
Other information:	Refreshments are available.
Special Instructions:	Enter thru farm gate front driveway and then thru gate western side of house to shed at rear. Please close both gates after you enter. OK to park on Windsor Cr but please keep all wheels on the asphalt.