Mainline rework

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I decided to take out the concrete and just ballast those tracks with compacted dirt and fine grey ballast, then weather it with some black for grease marks. Just like my rail yard.

Looking at the eye sore in the middle there, where the hole is cut out for the Walthers Modern Diesel House 3 stalls. I decided to finally work on it. After 3 years having the kit.

When I finish it, I will return to laying track for the inside mainline.
 


In the one picture of this portion of your layout, what I was trying to imply was:

1)In the foreground of the layout, how about building a scaled down version of the old D&RGW shops in Denver, to display your collection of engines.
2) In the area behind the access pit, where you now have the intermodal terminal, how about trying to model where the Craig Branch ties into the old Moffat Road, at Bond, given that you're talking about eliminating the intermodal terminal, anyway. From my last visit to Bond prior to 2007, there are several yard tracks to hold complete trains not far from the Craig Br. switch. In addition, at one time, Bond was the location where run-thru power was changed, with another opportunity for a very small engine terminal.
3)To have the scenes make sense, put a vision block/backdrop between them that runs parallel to the layout edge, towards 'Union Station,' which would if done right could create the Bond 'mini-scene.'
4)If you do all of that, and still are into this layout, have you considered adding an upper deck, represeting say the Craig Branch, or Glennwood Canyon? Instead of a helix, use a nolix to gain elevation, and 'walla,' you've doubled your layout, without increasing the footprint of your layout.
 
Aha! OK thanks for the explanations. Some very good ideas too!

1.) I did not know about the Burnham D&RGW shops in Denver. No room for that though, next to Union Station? I will be adding 2 or 3 buildings next to Union Station, so its not out there on its own any more. You suggested to that to me before, remember. Behind Union Station will be the Ethanol Plant.

Or you talking that open space in the middle? That is where the Diesel House is going.

2.) I thought about the Graig Branch. But with the rail yard of mine, and also the new Diesel Shop I am now currently building. I think this scene would match the Minturn Yard. Where the trains were held and had extra power to get over the Tennesee Pass. So with the 2 track intermodal yard, now being yard tracks, I can place my D&RGW power on those two tracks, to similulate the on-hand power ready for helping service.

3.) I can't visualize what you are saying here, adding viewblocks. Not sure where exactly. Can you sketch it up for me?

4.) Yes I have thought about adding another level. But with the Nolix, how would I access the inside? I already have a drop down bridge to get access to the middle section. Having 2 drop down bridges? Give me options or a sketch how I could work this out?
 
By the way, the Intermodal concrete styrene was removed, and I ballasted those two tracks already. I think it fits the backdrop better now.

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From railpictures.net

A trio of SD45s await their next helper duites at Minturn Yard in December 1981. The rear helper off an earlier eastbound coal, 5319, 5318 and 5339 had run back light from Kobe, south of Leadville, to Minturn.
5176.1252999834.jpg
 
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