Planning
Construction of the second Colorado Central layout began in the spring of 2011. Planning took 12 months, with the initial construction of the track plan beginning in April 2012. The detailed track planning was done on a Mac computer using Empire Express by Hayden Software. This program is not as detailed as many of the high-end software packages, but it does an adequate job of providing scale track work drawings, with multiple brands of ready-made track available.
Desires, constraints and "druthers" were established and planning commenced.
Desires, constraints and "druthers" were established and planning commenced.
- I wanted to maintain the Colorado theme, but the lack of space prevented the building of a mountainous terrain. Building allong the Front Range would permit the mountains to remain, although they would be part of the background.
- Space was somewhat limited (18 x 12 feet) in a "L" configuration, so the decision was made to build on multiple levels with the major staging area in an adjoining room.
- Extending the run-time, was accomplished by creating a semi-hidden, third level between the top and bottom levels. The top level height was maintained at a 54 inch base level, to accommodate shorter operators. This forced the lowest level, the Aurora yard to be placed at 36 inches, lower than I would have liked to a compromise to allow the added run-time.
Construction
On January 22, 2012, construction began when we acquired the first backdrop roles from Backdrop Warehouse. Hardboard mounted on a 1x2 frame was attached to the wall at the top level. The photos on the accompanying pages illustrate the construction activity as it progresses, as the layout is still under construction.