Layout Name:
"RGS Second District"
Layout Status:
active
Track Type:
Sn3
Layout Space:
16.5' x 42'
Layout Style:
Around-the-room, point-to-point
Track Manufacturer:
handlaid
Rail Size:
code 55, 40
Ruling Grade:
3%
Track Height(s):
38" to 55"
Mainline Track Length:
191'
Completed:
benchwork: 100%; track: 100%; scenery: 65%
Setting:
RGS Second District from Durango to Dolores, CO
Railroad(s) Modeled:
Rio Grande Southern
Control System:
DCC (North Coast Engineering)
Featured In:
Trackside Model Railroading, Jul 2023
Narrow Gauge Gazette, Mar 2019
Model Railroad Hobbyist, Oct 2012
Notes:
This fantastic layout is operated frequently with dispatching by TT/TO with telephone communications. Dale successfully completed the NMRA's MMR program.
Other Links:
Videos:
The layout has a single main line track that runs from Durango to Rico. So, we start our quick trip around the layout at West Durango. Durango is represented by the staging visible in the background in this photo.
If you walk to the end of the view in the previous photo and turn around, this is the view you'll see. West Durango is on the right-hand side in this photo. Dolores is on the left. Dolores is the last town modeled, before the main line terminates in Rico's staging. The staging is behind the viewer.
Fast-forward around Porter and Ute Junction, we arrive at the view with which visitors, lucky enough to see this layout in person, will be greeted. The foreground is the mine at Hesperus. The duck-under entrance into the layout is in the lower-right corner of this photo. In the background the Menefee sawmill area is visible.
Backing up to where Ute Junction is and turning around, this is the view with Hesperus on the right-hand side and Menefee on the left. Mayday and Cima Summit are visible at the back of this photo.
RGS #42 and D&RGW #459 are working hard to handle the grade on their way to Cima as they cross over the East Mancos trestle.
On another run, we catch RGS #42 with a D&sRGW helper #271 further up the grade crossing East Mancos river.
However, if one were to follow the grade down, one would arrive at Menefee, where some switching work is being done at the sawmill.
Just when #271 has completed its work at the mill, #42 shows up for its run to the mill.
The overview of the town of Mancos. From there, the line continues on to Dolores.
This represents a semi-prototypical desk for the railroad's dispatcher.