3. Construction
  4. Benchwork

Chama Area

Western most terminus of the D&RGW 3rd Division Layout and the starting point of construction.
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No - I haven't lost my mind (at least I hope not). This contraption was actually the idea of one of my fellow model railroaders and friend, Bill B. His advice when I was building the layout - "You will never have enough track storage". So this was our answer to the situation - a moveable storage yard. When not in use, this table will move under my peninsula to Cumbres.
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No - I haven't lost my mind (at least I hope not). This contraption was actually the idea of one of my fellow model railroaders and friend, Bill B. His advice when I was building the layout - "You will never have enough track storage". So this was our answer to the situation - a moveable storage yard. When not in use, this table will move under my peninsula to Cumbres.

  • About Ready for Operations
  • Untitled photo
  • Untitled photo
  • The table lined up and locked into place. Now I just need to lay some rail and we will be ready to go.<br /> <br /> One other note on the connectors. The male side pins will move in when contact is made with the female side, so you will need to have a means to lock in place. In my case I am using the simple draw catches in two locations. One is on the front (that you see) and the other is on the bottom of the table (near the connectors).
  • The second connector for the power routing, this time on the staging table side.
  • This little module is the means for my staging table to get its DCC power. Since I am not doing any switches on this module, I will only need "+" and "-" , hence the two connections.<br /> <br /> These little hidden switches were recommended to me by a friend's father-in-law who rebuilds HotRods. He said that the car guys use these for door switches, to keep thing nice and clean on their builds. Looks like a great piece to use. <br /> <br /> If you are interested in these parts you can find them at <a href="http://www.streetrodhq.com">http://www.streetrodhq.com</a>. Search for SDXB and SDXT (these are in 'pairs' - male and female sides - but I needed two connectors. A top and bottom. If you need more connectors you can buy inner pieces).
  • Alignment of the power routing pins. In the foreground you see my table dowel, to help ensure that the table lines up the same every time.
  • Progress on the Chama area. You can see a few cars staged, but most importantly you can see the panels are in! (No more reaching under the table to throw switches! WoooHoooo). Both panels are using DPDT toggle switches connecting the four outer pins of the switch in an "X" configuration, so as to change polarity to the switches when the toggle is changed position. The cross overs are connected to one toggle, so that both switch machines are thrown at the same time.
  • K-27 #454 becomes the first locomotive to run on the newly completed rail.<br /> <br /> The roundhouse in the background was completely scratch built, with the walls being made out of foam core material. A full interior was added to the structure.
  • Completed rail work looking from the staging yards north (RR East). The new peninsula heading up to Cumbres Pass is in and rail has also been installed on this section.
  • Rail work has been completed in the Chama yards. This shot gives a better feel of how the main yards will be utilized.
  • All of the yard ties have been installed, cut, and stained. Now, we are ready for rail!
  • The first spike (actually two) that was put down on the layout. The Rio Chama River Bridge (left) was built while living in our condo, so those spikes didn't really count :)
  • No - I haven't lost my mind (at least I hope not). This contraption was actually the idea of one of my fellow model railroaders and friend, Bill B. His advice when I was building the layout - "You will never have enough track storage". So this was our answer to the situation - a moveable storage yard. When not in use, this table will move under my peninsula to Cumbres.
  • Chama Yards looking North (RR East) from the lead into the turn-table.
  • Bailey (My Layout Co-worker) showing off the work we have completed on the sub-bed.
  • Ties being laid in the North part of the yards (RR East). The small stub towards the center left of the picture is the track lead to the Rio Chama River Bridge. On this layout the span is only 1 length long. Oh well...one of those "Givens and Druthers"
  • Chama Yard area with Micore added to the 1/2" base. Micore is a material that is much better then Homasote for hand laid track (thickness is more consistent, doesn't require sealing, and holds spikes better). <br /> <br /> This profile is looking from the south end of the yards (RR West).
  • North Side of the Chama Yard area. The old yards can be seen at the left of this photo and was scrapped because I just couldn't make it fit correctly (go figure!). Construction is based off of 1x4's for the box frame, 1/2" plywood for the top surface, and 1x3's for the leg supports. I found out later that 1x3's seem to be more then sufficient for the box frame construction.
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