Rio Grande Southern in Scale

Decades ago there was a narrow gauge railroad in the San Juan mountains of Colorado known as the Rio Grande Southern. Steam engines traveling thru spectacular mountain scenery and over wooden trestles provided the only easy access to mines and livestock movements.

They used old Pierce Arrow cars converted to run on the rails to keep the marginally profitable railroad running years past when it would have gone out of business. These rail cars carried passengers and freight and acquired the nickname of "Galloping Goose" due to how they waddled down the uneven tracks.

The railroad lives on in the memories of many due to the popularity of the prototype railroad with model railroaders. Ken Neufeld models the portion of the railroad that went from Dallas Divide to Ilium in S scale which is 1/64th actual size. His railroad is located in the basement of his home and runs along the walls at nearly eye level.

He invited fellow narrow gauge railroaders to see his layout and spend the afternoon running trains and Geese over the rails. What a great time!

Ken's attention to detail and use of subtle weathering makes for beautiful scenes and photo opportunities

Stopping for water heading up the grade

Details such as culverts, crossing buck and treatment of the "dirt" road bring realism to the scene

A rail fan stops to watch the train go by

The railroad travels next to the river and along the bluffs just like the real one did

The work goose stopped on Ken's hand laid track

Railroad all around the walls 

The weathering on the water tank is most realistic

Getting ready to load sheep onto double deck livestock cars

Portions of the layout lift up for access

Coal tipple at Vance Junction

Nicely detailed engine

 

 

I had a great time!