This Sn3 layout is based on the Colorado and Southern's narrow gauge Clear Creek Branch. I used Harry Brunk's articles in the Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette "Up Clear Creek Canyon" as a modeling guide. The operation is point to point but with a helix which permits continuous operation. The layout can be run with up to 3 operators, 2 running the main line and 1 switching a yard. Each operator will be using a PFM sound system.

Forks Creek 2 - This is the wye at Forks Creek. The tail of the wye is built
 on a roll away section that fits in front of the door to my shop area

The operation is from Forks Creek through Idaho Springs and Georgetown to Silver Plume. Forks Creek has the depot, the water tank and pump house along with the bridges on the leg of the wye and the main line. In Idaho Springs there is the Argo Tunnel, Stanley mine, Clear Creek-Gilpin Ore Co., the Idaho Springs Machine Works, a bulk oil facility, a coal and lumber supplier, along with the depot. Georgetown has the station, a bulk oil company, Stewart & Wing Lumber and Coal Co., Georgetown Power Co., a mining supply/warehouse facility and the Hazelton Santiago Mill and Assay Office along with other commercial, industrial and residential buildings. The Devils Gate/Loop Bridge crosses the gorge and Clear Creek on its way to Silver Plume. Silver Plume has a model of the later/ present day station and will also have a few commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
 
The layout is built using "L" girder with spline sub-roadbed covered with homosote. I used flex-track with a combination of ready to lay, pre-built and hand built turnouts, the diamonds in Idaho Springs were also hand built.
 
The track work has been completed and the switch machines have been installed. The wiring for the track and switches has been completed and is operational. There are 10 bridges on the layout including the bridges at Forks Creek and the Loop Bridge. All of the bridges were kit bashed or scratch built. The Loop Bridge is built from brass shapes and soldered together. The bridge is on a 28" radius with a 4% grade like the prototype; the lower track is approximately 14" below the upper track. The Forks Creek main line bridge is kit bashed using Central Valley components; the bridges on the rear leg of the wye were scratch built.
 

GT Bridge 1 - This shows the bridge from near the lower track level



GT Bridge 3 - This an early shot of the entire bridge area



GT,SP&Helix -  Georgetown is the lower section of the photo while Silver Plume is the upper area along the wall and the helix is to the right of Silver Plume.



Idaho Springs 1 - This shows the general layout of one end of Idaho Springs