John Short's Rio Grande Southern Railroad

The Rio Grande Southern in HOn3 is set in 1940, during the late summer/early fall time frame. The model railroad includes portions of the entire line from Ridgway, Colorado to Durango, Colorado. Additionally, a small representation of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Silverton Branch is included. The railroad is operations-oriented, and makes use of a North Coast Engineering (NCE) Digital Command Control (DCC) radio control system. Durango, a focal point on the layout, contains a scratchbuilt model of the 10-stall roundhouse as it existed in 1940, and the necessary coal, sand, ash, and water facilities. Rico, a division point on the prototype as well as the layout, contains a scratchbuilt model of the Pro Patria Mill, as well as a connection to the seldom-modeled Enterprise Branch. The Enterprise Branch is a freelanced addition on a second level, added for operational challenges. Iconic locations, including Ophir, Vance Junction, and Placerville are also included. The Telluride Branch, which connected to the main line at Vance Junction is also included on a second level. This branch serves the mining community of Telluride, and the major mines and mills located above in Pandora. The railroad terminates in the town on Ridgway, where a roundhouse, turntable and complete engine servicing facilities will be located. The layout, and its predecessor (dismantled upon my retirement and relocation to North Carolina) have been featured in the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette and Great Model Railroads.

Meticulous scratch built models of prototype structures, famous narrow gauge scenes, gorgeous hand-painted backdrops, highly detailed rolling stock and locomotives = WOW!