Detailed Description of the Layout
The following detailed description begins in the west with the
modules at the left end, since the main flow of traffic on the layout also
runs from west to east.
Both of the end modules carry mountain ranges, whose rock
formations (polystyrene covered with Busch rock modeling substance) clearly
show intensive deposits of copper powder. The main line and return
loop both run through the rocks and in tunnels & cuts which have the
effect of making the scenery appear massive. Christoph TT white-metal
kits dating from the 1960s were used for the typical timber tunnel portals.
The main line tracks cross Copper Gulch between the two
mountain ranges by means of a timber trestle, which is a Heljan HO kit
which was adapted to TT scale, and has a very good scenic effect in this
area (2).
After the return loop has entered the main line (the junction
is controlled by a small high signal tower - another Christoph kit), the
line reaches the abandoned siding at Morenci Junction. From here,
the line is accompanied by telephone poles so typical of US practice.
Modules 10 and 11 are non standard, and were added later
to give the layout more operating possibilities and another industry.
A tank farm / oil depot was modeled on module 10 to store the oil that
was pumped on module 8. Also, there is another cut-off from the main
line that acts as another interchange. Keeping with the rugged scenery
of the west, module 11 included a small mountain with a cut for the track
to run through. A highway overpass was also modeled here. (Ed.)
On the first standard module, on the right of the line,
is an oil pump; then on the left, the Iris Creek Sawmill with its own siding.
On the second standard module, the line has to wind around
a small plateau (Mesa Verde). Intense vegetation is found here.
As was decided before, all trees and scattered vegetation and materials,
with a few exceptions, are from Heki.
With the first station module, the layout shows more signs
of life. A road flanked by the Iris Creek service station, crosses
the railroad at this point. Track and road now run parallel for a
stretch. Beyond the railroad crossing, the station area begins.
The passing loop and a siding branch away from the main line here.
An old water tower can be found by the siding. Of necessity, it still
retains it's main function in connection with watering steam locomotives
that are used on special occasions.
On the next module, we now reach the summit of the layout
(although there are actually no gradients!) at Iris Creek Station.
(The station building is also made from a Christoph white-metal kit).
To the North of the station you can see typical Western style timber buildings;
the Flamingo night club, and a store. An additional siding runs from
the east as far as the station, and can be reached from the platform.
It also forms a connection to the small freight depot. A short distance
farther east, this siding and the passing track (which can accommodate
trains of up to fifteen typical US freight cars) rejoin the main line.
Operation in the station area is controlled from a timber signal tower
(Christoph again). In the background there is a house (mentioned
here as it is a cardboard kit from the 1950s by Starline USA) which has
a verandah that is typical of the American character in that part of the
country.
We now leave the station area, reaching the eastern end
modules which has the principal source of income for the inhabitants of
Iris Creek Valley; the copper mine. By its siding, there is presently
a mining building which will soon have to give way to a locomotive depot.
More tracks in this area branch off to the ore loading area of the copper
mine. The mine complex is entirely scratch build. It is surrounded
by rock formations which have been tinted a reddish hue, and the main line
and return loop disappear into the rocks through timber tunnel portals.
Main Page
Up-dated 10-13-2000
