Current Layout by Geoff Hamway

Layout Name:

"RGS Telluride Branch"

Layout Status:

active

Track Type:

Sn3

Layout Space:

12' x 20'

Layout Style:

Around-the-room, multi-deck with helix

Track Manufacturer:

P-B-L flextrack; Fast Tracks turnouts

Rail Size:

code 55 (code 70 for hidden track)

Min. Turnout Frog:

Min. Radius:

30" mainline, 28" sidings

Ruling Grade:

2.5%

Track Height(s):

32" to 68"

Completed:

benchwork: 100%; track: 100%; scenery: 5%

Era:

1905

Setting:

southwestern Colorado

Railroad(s) Modeled:

RGS

Control System:

DCC (North Coast Engineering)

This diagram shows the main level of the layout.

This diagram shows the middle level and one level of staging.

The three levels, accessed via the helix, can be clear seen on the left-hand side of the layout. Telluride is at the top level, Rico is the middle level, and Ridgway is the bottom level. The photos are oriented to show starting on the left-hand side at the top level. Note that both under-construction and later photos are intermixed, so as to show construction methods and completed scenes.

West Telluride.

Telluride yard still under construction.

Telluride yard's base scenery completed.

Entering the West Telluride yard.

Passed the water tower, we're looking down Aspen street in this view.

Telluride

Turning slightly to the right, the depot and the coal shed are visible.

A full-on view of the coal shed with the town's homes in the background.

Vance Jct. is on the middle level of the layout, below Telluride. This was the under-the-construction scene in 2024.

This is the completed scene. RGS #16 is train 8, the daily first-class run from Telluride to Ridgway. She's waiting to depart from the Vance Jct. depot. The engine is a painted and decorated P-B-L model. The express car is one that Geoff scratchbuilt. The structures are all modified banta modelworks kits.