NNGC Ouray Home Layout

We enjoy visiting Ouray, Colorado and learning about its railroad history. Very little of that portion of its history remains and for some reason it is seldom modeled. Therefore it was with some surprise that I found a gentleman at the narrow gauge convention modeling Ouray. Here are pictures of his layout. 

He captured the engine house and tracks leading into town quite accurately

He photographed the actual canyon walls in Ouray and used large prints of same for his backdrop

He scaled historical photographs of the ice house and used them to create plans for his scale model

The Ouray Depot had distinctive angles on the roof peaks

Loading at the station

Stock pens at the end of the layout

Coaling provisions are underway

He is working on the engine turntable

Other well done models were on display in other rooms

National Narrow Gauge Convention - Denver

Every year folks who are interested in the modeling of narrow gauge railroads gather to show their work and share knowledge. In 2017 this gathering was in Denver, Colorado. Denver is the Mecca for narrow gauge modelers as it is the heart of where narrow gauge railroads traveled thru the mountains.

There is always more to see and do at these conventions than time allows and this one was no different, but here is a sample of what we enjoyed.

The contest room is full of world class modeling. Dioramas, engines, structures, rolling stock, photographs and more are on display and ready for judging.

There is a collapsed stock car sitting on a siding at Tacoma on the Durango and Silverton RR. This modeler took a picture of it and built a scale model.

I had photographed the same car while exploring the railroad

I enjoy seeing the workings of mines modeled

This was a nice contrast between bright color and chipped and fading paint

This was another model of a well known photograph of a fellow whose truck got away from him

I especially enjoy mining models. This series of individual mines were created to nestle together for display purposes

Waterfront models were well done

Rolling stock model entries had very detailed under body rigging

Incredible detail on the engine models

Some were very tiny models

Chicken coops on the roof racks

Julie voted for her favorites

Yankee Girl hoist house

The modular RR guys were there. 

These 4 foot modules are designed to join together and are made into large layouts for display at conventions

Fall colors and waterfalls make interesting models

These guys have their work cut out for clearing the rock slide

This model was 1/160th full size and had amazing detail.

The same fellow did this N scale trestle

The vendor display rooms were full of great stuff

One especially interesting diorama was of the 'Big Trees' in the Cascades

I liked seeing this tribute to John Allen's uniquely named model railroad

It was interesting seeing how those trees were modeled

Nice photo backdrop and happy wife

Nice lighting makes this seem real

HOn3 modular RR's in the hotel atrium

A nicely done model of some classic Colorado bridges

I get nervous about the safety of modelers work when I see toddlers going over the barricades, but this little guy just wanted a better view and didn't harm a thing