Hi there folks, we're looking at maybe using Colorado Springs as the basis for a layout idea, but haven't managed to find out what the local industries served from the small yard there are. I have already spotted the honkin' great power plant (I think we'll be ignoring that on the model anyhow) Anyone know what other kinds of things are done in Colorado Springs? One shot I saw looked like bulkhead flats with coil car covers on, so any steel related things? Thanks for any help.
There was a CamCorder assembly plant on the siuth east edge of town back in the early 70's that I visited there. You could also write the Chamber of Commerce and tell them what you are trying to find.
Martyn, I don't know about "industry" in the Colorado Springs area, but the US Air Force Academy and the North American Air Defense (NORAD ) headquarters have a large impact on the local economy. It might be interesting to model a portion of the Academy. NORAD, on the other hand, is situated within Cheyenne Mountain for the most part. Of course you could build the side of a mountain and place a large blast door entrance at ground level .... claiming to have created the entire NORAD facility, but for security reasons, can't show anything more than the entrance.
I like that idea! This pic shows a little bit of the yard area, the depot is on the right & I think the BNSF coal train is on one of the mains, any idea's about those cars in the background, they look like bulkhead flats with coil car covers fitted? DRGW.NET Photo, Colorado Springs Pic can be found at the rather excellent www.drgw.net site. Anyhow, thanks for your help so far guys. [ 14. November 2002, 17:53: Message edited by: Martyn Read ]
Martyn, there is a great restaurant in a small mall right alongside that yard, then a park with an old steamer stuffed and mounted, and some typical retail shops and offices. It has been years since I was there so can't remember the name of the eatery. I will try to find out, and find a photo of the engine.
"Giuseppe's Depot Restaurant" in the old (DRGW?) depot. Super food, great bar. This park engine is visible from said restaurant. It is very difficult to photograph due to the old growth trees which shade it almost entirely. Denver and Rio Grande Western 4-6-0 No. 168. [ 15. November 2002, 00:36: Message edited by: fitz ]
Fitz, that's great. That old steamer would make a nice feature, and it's old enough to not look out of place when we're running in our 1950's modes. Thanks
If you need some pics from the springs area, let me know. I can go around and snap some pics for you with my digi cam.
In the old train station already mentioned is a great little shop called Train Showcase. This is my personal LHS, and is an N Scale only shop. The small yard behind the station sees a low but constant level of action. I have seen UP, BN, BNSF and DRGW GP's stationed there as switchers. About a month ago, the Ringling Bros train was parked there. Finally, just up the road (Sierra Madre) from the depot (about a block south) is a Crissy Fowler (Yeah, it's probably misspelled) lumber yard. These folks are set up for wholesale from the look of it, and receive a steady supply of centerbeam flats. Of course, there is a LOT of run through coal traffic (loads south, empties north). Ditto on the picture offer. Mike
That hobby shop in C Springs is where I first seen a copy of N-Scale Magazine! I think it was 1989, and the hobby shop was fairly new then. Very well stocked as I remember, and the location is fantastic!
Many thanks for the picture offers guys, no need to do them for the moment, as this is just one of four concepts we're considering for RS2, and I wouldn't want you to have your time wasted (We also have a couple of pacific northwest ideas, plus midwest and California which we're working up.) Thanks again, and we'll let you know.
