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Creation of the Hard Rock & Dynamite Railroad

September 25, 2005

Part I: The Hard Rock & Dynamite Railroad was created from
the same beginnings as many other model garden railroads -
the need for more space for the Christmas tree railroad.
After the Bachmann-Big-Hauler-under-the-Christmas-tree
phase, the HR&D RR was started with a small loop in the
back yard to test operation capabilities of the Bachmann 10
Wheeler. Track planning on the railroad was/is accomplished
with the trial-and-error method. After the track was laid
and it did not seem right visually, it was replaced or
readjusted to meet best railroad action standards. Today,
track plan #95 is the current design. Indeed, a garden
railway is never quite finished. Colorado's rich narrow
gauge history influenced the direction of the HR&D and
inspired the trains, structures and layout design. The
railroad is eclectic, with bits and pieces of the Rio
Grande Southern (RGS), Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW)
and Colorado & Southern (C&S) Railroads. Historically, many
narrow gauge railroads built equipment as required. The
RGS-with its incredible grades, make-do rolling stock and
structures, roster of odd, borrowed and well-used
equipment-is the primary motivation for the HR&D railroad.
The RGS type practice of prototype is emulated on the Hard
Rock.
Some 400 feet of code-332 brass sectional track from LGB
and Aristo-Craft are used on the railroad. The trackwork
floats on a bed of fine gravel (called squeegee in
Colorado). The railroad is triple terraced and in several
areas the tracks are at eye-level or above. This avoids the
typical overhead view and affords more realistic
railroading.
In future articles we'll describe locomotives and rail
cars, rolling stock, structures, sound and other matters.
If you can't wait for future articles and you would like to
"ride" the HR&D RR then try our video - The HR&D on Tour.
For feedback on Part I, please email us at
orders@modelrailroadvideos.com. Thank you.