Current Projects

Our current custom building project is a nearly 6000 square foot O scale railroad. This is to be a 2-rail layout of a CN Shortline in Northern Minnesota; the Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific. The layout is being modularized here in Denver and transported and re-assembled in its final location in Nebraska.

The DWP or “PEG” was a 170 mile line that ran through some fantastic scenery from Duluth Minnesota to Ft. Francis Ontario with connections to Winnipeg. We will be modeling 1956, so steam was still a major player as well as some RS11 and GP9 diesel power. Steam locos on the PEG were all 2-8-0’s built by Schenectady and Brooks. There were some visiting power from the Grand Trunk Western and  Canadian National as well as connections with Great Northern, Chicago and Northwestern, SOO Line, Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range and Burlington; to name a few.

As for the project itself, we anticipate an intensive two years to get the layout running and to a presentable degree of finish. There are numerous structures that will require scratch-building as well as bridges and trestles. A fair amount of specific rolling stock will be scratch-built as well. The scenery is lush Northland forest; lots of trees!! We are going DCC with this project. We chose “Easy DCC” from CVP Products with wireless throttles. The layout is divided into 9 isolated zones, each zone uses a Zone Master booster.  The two reverse loops each use an auto-reversing booster; they are easy to set up and work very well.

I have installed QSI Quantum Magnum 3 amp sound decoders in one RS11 and a CN GP9. It was quite an effort to get one to fit the narrow hood of the GP9.

In the photo to the left you can just make out the edge of the circuit board behind the figure. A MRC generic steam sound decoder has been installed in a Weaver 2-8-0. While it is much more basic than the QSI product it sounds good and has functioned well even on the construction dirtied track.

The plan below shows the overall size and shape of the layout. The building is approximately 100’ x 59’. The lowest trackage is 42” at Duluth and climbs to 62” where it crosses over the aisle in the lower left corner. There is nearly 3000’ feet of Atlas Flex track and 150 plus Atlas turnouts involved. Each yard can hold upwards of 150 cars. There are 3 six stall roundhouses and 3 turntables. Many of the structure are unique and will be scratch-built. Many or the depots are built to Canadian National standard designs. We have a crew of 3 plus Scott working on the layout at this point. Several other people are involved custom painting and lettering rolling stock for the DWP.

Duluth

West Duluth Yard

Virginia MN.

West Virginia Yard

Ranier MN.

Ft. Francis Ontario

Above are a couple of shots of a Red Caboose GP-9 painted and lettered for the Canadian National.Railway. Bear in mind, the CN ran long hood forward. The DWP RS11’s were set up this way as well. This Geep has been re-powered with a drive from P&D Hobbies.

We will be keeping you up to date on our progress. I’m sure there will be lots of interesting bits as things get going. The RS11 is not done yet, but I will post photos of it once it is presentable. I’m re-detailing a Weaver model and it has proven to be quite a lot of work. Stay with us and check back often. Scott

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Reverse Loop

Reverse Loop

Edge of QSI decoder