The In-ko-pah Railroad http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html The railroad was built on a steep slope in our backyard. To begin, I had to remove the ice plant, build a concrete block retaining wall, dig out the upper area of the hill and fill in the lower end. The photos below document the process to date. Click on these links for more information about specific features: Tunnels Trestles Plate Girder Bridges Concrete Viaduct Miniature Stone Walls Stone Arch Bridges - Part One  Stone Arch Bridges - Part Two  Disguising Electrical Junctions Plants  Dos Manos (Town)   Email Ray: raydunakin@aol.com Last updated April 12, 2008. 001_4BeginE January 2006 -- Beginning construction. Looking west, from the east end. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#0 e0e2c8bf-f7c8-47b0-a51f-5fc8f032a5da http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/001_4BeginE/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/001_4BeginE/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">001_4BeginE<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">January 2006 -- <span class="style_6">Beginning construction. Looking west, from the east end.</span></p></div></div> 001_5RocksBlocks January 2006 -- The first of many, many tons of rock. Every rock was personally collected and hauled by me, in the cargo area of my Isuzu Trooper. I filled this dirt area up to two feet deep with rocks, several times, and eventually covered much of the patio with rocks as well. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#1 4ea85e0a-e432-4b13-ac89-82490dbc8199 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/001_5RocksBlocks/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/001_5RocksBlocks/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">001_5RocksBlocks<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">January 2006 -- <span class="style_6">The first of many, many tons of rock. Every rock was personally collected and hauled by me, in the cargo area of my Isuzu Trooper. I filled this dirt area up to two feet deep with rocks, several times, and eventually covered much of the patio with rocks as well.</span></p></div></div> 003_1RoadsideQuarry February, 2006 -- Most of my rocks came from this rockslide. I had already removed several tons by the time I shot this. Note the sledgehammer -- I had to break a lot of boulders into manageable pieces. Every rock in this photo is now on my layout. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#2 de518dc0-2f70-44b2-b09d-d5cc4b2e2660 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/003_1RoadsideQuarry/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/003_1RoadsideQuarry/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">003_1RoadsideQuarry<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_6">February, 2006 -- Most of my rocks came from this rockslide. I had already removed several tons by the time I shot this. Note the sledgehammer -- I had to break a lot of boulders into manageable pieces. Every rock in this photo is now on my layout.</span></p></div></div> 001_24WallE January 2006 -- I had to build a short retaining wall at the bottom of the slope, and fill in behind it. The top of the retaining wall was capped with rocks. Later, the front of the wall was also covered with stone. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#3 c232406f-de68-4731-8b58-f74023f3b79c http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/001_24WallE/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/001_24WallE/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">001_24WallE<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">January 2006 -- I had to build a short retaining wall at the bottom of the slope, and fill in behind it. <span class="style_6">The top of the retaining wall was capped with rocks. Later, the front of the wall was also covered with stone.</span></p></div></div> 002_4NoIceplantE February 2006 -- By the end of February 2006, I had removed all the ice plant. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#4 5d7a5e96-0688-4138-be3a-82c416030e27 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/002_4NoIceplantE/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/002_4NoIceplantE/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">002_4NoIceplantE<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">February 2006 -- <span class="style_6">By the end of February 2006, I had removed all the ice plant.</span></p></div></div> 002_6StepsE February 2006 -- Steps were built going up the hill at each end of the layout. These were later cemented in place and covered with textured mortar to give them a stone-like appearance. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#5 44e8687b-2c6a-4662-b14f-b349da37e531 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/002_6StepsE/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/002_6StepsE/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">002_6StepsE<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">February 2006 -- <span class="style_6">Steps were built going up the hill at each end of the layout. These were later cemented in place and covered with textured mortar to give them a stone-like appearance.</span></p></div></div> 002_24FirstTrack February 2006 -- The first track was laid at the east end in order to build the tunnel there. This was originally built with very sharp curves, which I had planned to use at each end of the layout. Later I found that I could go one size up, so I tore this out and rebuilt it in early 2008. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#6 70874372-56d5-47ab-8605-4d26d2ad098f http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/002_24FirstTrack/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/002_24FirstTrack/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">002_24FirstTrack<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">February 2006 -- <span class="style_6">The first track was laid at the east end in order to build the tunnel there. This was originally built with very sharp curves, which I had planned to use at each end of the layout. Later I found that I could go one size up, so I tore this out and rebuilt it in early 2008.</span></p></div></div> 003_7TwoTunnelsW February 2006 -- Looking across the top of the first tunnel, towards the west end. A short tunnel is being built in the center. It was later expanded to become a pair of longer tunnels. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#7 198a4e27-f94b-49f3-b0eb-0ce048d55bdd http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/003_7TwoTunnelsW/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/003_7TwoTunnelsW/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">003_7TwoTunnelsW<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">February 2006 -- Looking across the top of the first tunnel, towards the west end. A short tunnel is being built in the center. It was later expanded to become a pair of longer tunnels.</span></p></div></div> 003_23LocoTrestles March 2006 -- I had to stop heavy construction for a couple weeks in early 2006 after injuring my back. I used the time to build these small trestles at the east end. They were replaced when I changed the curves here, in early 2008. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#8 6644171e-7ca9-41dc-ba09-9839841c0f60 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/003_23LocoTrestles/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/003_23LocoTrestles/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">003_23LocoTrestles<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">March 2006 -- I had to stop heavy construction for a couple weeks in early 2006 after injuring my back. I used the time to build these small trestles at the east end. They were replaced when I changed the curves here, in early 2008.</span></p></div></div> 004_19SecLevE March 2006 -- By mid-March, I was beginning work on the upper level tunnel at the east end. Track is laid out temporarily. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#9 d05767a6-a515-4975-9743-fa4a3f7e2da6 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/004_19SecLevE/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/004_19SecLevE/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">004_19SecLevE<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">March 2006 -- <span class="style_6">By mid-March, I was beginning work on the upper level tunnel at the east end. Track is laid out temporarily.</span></p></div></div> 004_23SecLevE March 2006 -- Another view of the upper level tunnel during construction in March 2006. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#10 2cbbc678-5d78-4ed6-bfa4-3880ff59e3a7 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/004_23SecLevE/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/004_23SecLevE/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">004_23SecLevE<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">March 2006 -- <span class="style_6">Another view of the upper level tunnel during construction in March 2006.</span></p></div></div> 004_24SecLevOH March 2006 -- Overhead view of the east end during construction of the upper level tunnel. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#11 de6b22c3-e0f8-4826-985e-8d459d661f04 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/004_24SecLevOH/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/004_24SecLevOH/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">004_24SecLevOH<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">March 2006 -- <span class="style_6">Overhead view of the east end during construction of the upper level tunnel.</span></p></div></div> 005_21UpLevPath May 2006 -- By this time I had finished the upper level tunnel at the east end, and roughed in the mountain above it. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#12 09d9ad7a-c1fa-464b-aee5-cc8a34920430 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/005_21UpLevPath/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/005_21UpLevPath/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">005_21UpLevPath<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">May 2006 -- By this time I had finished the upper level tunnel at the east end, and roughed in the mountain above it.</span></p></div></div> 003_23TunnelSteps May 2006 -- The footpath on the upper level crosses over the tunnel. One step lifts out for access into the tunnel. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#13 2daed909-a008-480b-91e1-f70856983109 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/003_23TunnelSteps/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/003_23TunnelSteps/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">003_23TunnelSteps<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">May 2006 -- <span class="style_6">The footpath on the upper level crosses over the tunnel. One step lifts out for access into the tunnel.</span></p></div></div> 001_25PortalCU May 2006 -- The first wooden tunnel portal was installed at the east end, on the upper level tunnel. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#14 f07eb237-f2ce-4729-bebe-8de19078a848 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/001_25PortalCU/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/001_25PortalCU/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">001_25PortalCU<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">May 2006 -- <span class="style_6">The first wooden tunnel portal was installed at the east end, on the upper level tunnel.</span></p></div></div> 1591_18 July 2006 -- By the end of July I had installed this small hillside trestle and two plate girder deck bridges. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#15 ed05aacf-5b81-47c6-b47e-e0d33e5dfc49 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/1591_18/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/1591_18/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">1591_18<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">July 2006 -- <span class="style_6">By the end of July I had installed this small hillside trestle and two plate girder deck bridges.</span></p></div></div> Bridge1Tunnels July 2006 -- The east end is finally looking like a railroad! This small bridge was my first scratch-built plate girder bridge on the layout. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#16 95c10790-45bc-45e5-aef5-0215f9038471 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/Bridge1Tunnels/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/Bridge1Tunnels/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Bridge1Tunnels<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">July 2006 -- The east end is finally looking like a railroad! This small bridge was my first scratch-built plate girder bridge on the layout.</span></p></div></div> 9215_6TrestleConst September 2006 -- This long curved hillside trestle was built. Here, temporary supports hold the deck while the bents are installed. On this trestle I cast the foundations, then built the trestle bents to fit. That didn’t work very well, and I developed a different method for the rest of my trestles. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#17 f14e34cc-cc2e-47af-abc2-d91065d23a84 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_6TrestleConst/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_6TrestleConst/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">9215_6TrestleConst<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">September 2006 -- This long curved hillside trestle was built. Here, temporary supports hold the deck while the bents are installed. On this trestle I cast the foundations, then built the trestle bents to fit. That didn&#x2019;t work very well, and I developed a different method for the rest of my trestles.</span></p></div></div> 9215_20TrestleW September 2006 -- The trestle was essentially complete. Later I painted the deck, and added some diagonal braces. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#18 17d4afe3-4e85-4929-908a-26dcdc15e48b http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_20TrestleW/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_20TrestleW/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">9215_20TrestleW<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">September 2006 -- <span class="style_6">The trestle was essentially complete. Later I painted the deck, and added some diagonal braces.</span></p></div></div> 9215_15WTunnel September 2006 -- Construction of the lower level tunnel at the west end began late in the month. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#19 31981ff3-1c30-495f-a9fb-3f2c1844a823 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_15WTunnel/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_15WTunnel/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">9215_15WTunnel<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">September 2006 -- Construction of the lower level tunnel at the west end began late in the month.</span></p></div></div> 9215_16WTunnel September 2006 -- The tallest section of this long tunnel will be capped with removable slabs for access. These will be part of the upper level footpath. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#20 9c1ece28-4325-43d1-91ba-ceab3067b383 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_16WTunnel/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_16WTunnel/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">9215_16WTunnel<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">September 2006 -- <span class="style_6">The tallest section of this long tunnel will be capped with removable slabs for access. These will be part of the upper level footpath.</span></p></div></div> 9215_22EastEnd October 2006 -- A view of the east end. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#21 40f05965-1ff0-4062-976a-bf3bb2160ad5 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_22EastEnd/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_22EastEnd/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">9215_22EastEnd<br/></p><p class="Caption">October 2006 -- <span class="style_6">A view of the east end.</span><br/></p></div></div> 9215_25WestEnd October 2006 -- A view of the west end under construction. That last patch of iceplant was later removed, and I cut out more of the hillside there. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#22 af3aeaa5-018a-4308-be9a-4d5c9e544bc3 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_25WestEnd/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9215_25WestEnd/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">9215_25WestEnd<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">October 2006 -- A view of the west end under construction. That last patch of iceplant was later removed, and I cut out more of the hillside there.</p></div></div> 9826_13WestEndMt October 2006 -- I began building the mountain over the lower tunnel. A pair of upper level tunnels actually cross over the lower tunnel. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#23 092ca723-99c9-4a32-9908-b741bf6364a9 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9826_13WestEndMt/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9826_13WestEndMt/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">9826_13WestEndMt<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">October 2006 -- I began building the mountain over the lower tunnel. A pair of upper level tunnels actually cross over the lower tunnel.</span></p></div></div> 9826_11WestEnd October 2006 -- Another view of construction at the west end of the layout. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#24 3094efa3-f981-410e-84e7-61f697f7022c http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9826_11WestEnd/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/9826_11WestEnd/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">9826_11WestEnd<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">October 2006 -- Another view of construction at the west end of the layout.</p></div></div> 6430_3WestEnd Early November 2006 -- This overhead shot shows the beginning of two tunnels on the upper level at the west end. Note access into lower level tunnel. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#25 231787ad-f255-46c2-91f9-5a3ca6222d98 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/6430_3WestEnd/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/6430_3WestEnd/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">6430_3WestEnd<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">Early November 2006 -- This overhead shot shows the beginning of two tunnels on the upper level at the west end. Note access into lower level tunnel.</span></p></div></div> 6430_12WestEnd November 2006 -- Construction of tunnels at the upper level, west end. The steps over the tunnels will lift out for access. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#26 fc0c9681-dc0e-4a17-b0bd-51ecc9aafbfc http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/6430_12WestEnd/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/6430_12WestEnd/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">6430_12WestEnd<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">November 2006 -- Construction of tunnels at the upper level, west end. The steps over the tunnels will lift out for access.</span></p></div></div> 6430_13WestEnd November 2006 -- Overhead view of the west end under construction. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#27 d466e7b8-9bc0-4a55-b0cf-e5fd35230e96 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/6430_13WestEnd/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/6430_13WestEnd/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">6430_13WestEnd<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">November 2006 -- Overhead view of the west end under construction.</span></p></div></div> 7399_4WestEndSteps November 2006 -- The upper level tunnels are nearly complete in this view. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#28 73a17947-572c-434b-8c6b-45ae1bbbceca http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/7399_4WestEndSteps/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/7399_4WestEndSteps/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">7399_4WestEndSteps<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">November 2006 -- <span class="style_6">The upper level tunnels are nearly complete in this view.</span></p></div></div> 7399_23WestEndTunnels December 2006 -- Rock work in progress over the upper level tunnels. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#29 795a6330-cb19-471d-abc7-5e99b2dd050e http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/7399_23WestEndTunnels/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/7399_23WestEndTunnels/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">7399_23WestEndTunnels<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">December 2006 -- Rock work in progress over the upper level tunnels.</span></p></div></div> 7399_24WestEnd December 2006 - Building mountains at the west end. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#30 ef6c6dfb-7200-4109-8b81-20819b5a8866 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/7399_24WestEnd/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/7399_24WestEnd/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">7399_24WestEnd<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">December 2006 - Building mountains at the west end.</span></p></div></div> 5185_3WEndTunnels1 March 2007 -- The west end tunnels and rock work are complete. A scratch-built plate girder bridge is installed. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#31 add15611-56b3-4753-9b0c-8508b8fb5889 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5185_3WEndTunnels1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5185_3WEndTunnels1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">5185_3WEndTunnels1 <br/></p><p class="Caption"><span class="style_7">March 2007 -- The west end tunnels and rock work are complete. A scratch-built plate girder bridge is installed.</span><br/></p></div></div> 5149_4StepsTexture March 2007 -- At this stage I put the finishing touches on the steps. Tinted mortar was applied using crumpled aluminum foil that had been sprayed with Pam to prevent sticking. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#32 a783fc40-d9f1-42cc-862e-d8d53b48150b http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5149_4StepsTexture/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5149_4StepsTexture/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">5149_4StepsTexture<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">March 2007 -- At this stage I put the finishing touches on the steps. Tinted mortar was applied using crumpled aluminum foil that had been sprayed with Pam to prevent sticking.</span></p></div></div> 5185_4WEndSteps1 March 2007 -- The finished steps at the west end of the layout. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#33 5c4c6bf2-6473-431c-9a2a-f473a4743d69 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5185_4WEndSteps1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5185_4WEndSteps1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">5185_4WEndSteps1<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">March 2007 -- <span class="style_6">The finished steps at the west end of the layout.</span></p></div></div> 5185_11EEndSteps1 March 2007 -- The steps at the east end of the layout, with texturing applied. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#34 7e0526e8-754b-4650-976d-d5a2b0f34a25 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5185_11EEndSteps1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5185_11EEndSteps1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">5185_11EEndSteps1<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">March 2007 -- The steps at the east end of the layout, with texturing applied.</p></div></div> 5185_8WEndUpper1 March 2007 -- The completed rock work at the west end. The wooden portal was later removed, and both tunnels were given cast concrete portals. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#35 7ed54a8e-bf86-403a-ba93-29814d761c0f http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5185_8WEndUpper1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5185_8WEndUpper1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">5185_8WEndUpper1<br/></p><p class="Caption"><span class="style_7">March 2007 -- The completed rock work at the west end. The wooden portal was later removed, and both tunnels were given cast concrete portals.</span><br/></p></div></div> 5322_11CanyonDigging March 2007 -- I began digging out the canyon between the west end and the center of the layout. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#36 159fb5d7-1693-4113-b884-100d6bef7acf http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5322_11CanyonDigging/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5322_11CanyonDigging/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">5322_11CanyonDigging<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">March 2007 -- I began digging out the canyon between the west end and the center of the layout.</span></p></div></div> 5322_12LastTunnel March 2007 - The last tunnel is constructed in the center of the upper level. Stone steps were built alongside this tunnel, as part of the access path across the upper level of the layout. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#37 5dd60c45-91c9-4696-a941-a4c83873b106 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5322_12LastTunnel/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5322_12LastTunnel/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">5322_12LastTunnel<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">March 2007 - The last tunnel is constructed in the center of the upper level. Stone steps were built alongside this tunnel, as part of the access path across the upper level of the layout.</span></p></div></div> 5725_13OverView April 2007 -- An overview of the layout, early April. At this point the mountains at the upper center of the layout are still under construction. Cora Canyon, to the right of center, is also incomplete. Serenity Canyon, to the left of center, was expanded later. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#38 9b2772d2-1b78-4f66-8838-f1898f9a9702 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5725_13OverView/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/5725_13OverView/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">5725_13OverView<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption">April 2007 -- <span class="style_6">An overview of the layout, early April. At this point the mountains at the upper center of the layout are still under construction. Cora Canyon, to the right of center, is also incomplete. Serenity Canyon, to the left of center, was expanded later.</span></p></div></div> 7799_2CenterMtns May 8, 2007 - The mountains in the upper center of the layout are finished. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#39 bae24fec-ea89-47a6-ba8c-5727328c2fab http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/7799_2CenterMtns/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/7799_2CenterMtns/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">7799_2CenterMtns<br/></p><p class="Caption"><span class="style_7">May 8, 2007 - The mountains in the upper center of the layout are finished.</span><br/></p></div></div> 7799_12Viaduct Late May, 2007 - Installing a homemade, cast concrete viaduct. This bridge was cast upside-down in a wooden form on our patio, then hauled into place. Getting it up the hill was a problem. The bridge twisted a little, causing some small cracks. So far these have not been a problem. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#40 39597ab3-8814-4035-bd92-4732e66193d4 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/7799_12Viaduct/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/7799_12Viaduct/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">7799_12Viaduct<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">Late May, 2007 - Installing a homemade, cast concrete viaduct. This bridge was cast upside-down in a wooden form on our patio, then hauled into place. Getting it up the hill was a problem. The bridge twisted a little, causing some small cracks. So far these have not been a problem.</span></p></div></div> 8276_1OpenPit Late May, 2007 - Access panels are lifted out to reveal the interior of the lower level tunnel. The wall at the rear of the mountain is about to be textured. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#41 9a8def3a-a620-458f-940c-aa7e6cf9f647 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/8276_1OpenPit/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/8276_1OpenPit/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">8276_1OpenPit<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">Late May, 2007 - Access panels are lifted out to reveal the interior of the lower level tunnel. The wall at the rear of the mountain is about to be textured.</span></p></div></div> 8276_4BackFoil The rear of this mountain is textured with tinted mortar and foil, the same process used on the stairs. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#42 e2cf5611-f217-4ef7-bc49-139d28d9c1a0 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/8276_4BackFoil/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/8276_4BackFoil/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">8276_4BackFoil<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">The rear of this mountain is textured with tinted mortar and foil, the same process used on the stairs.</span></p></div></div> 8276_9BackFin The rear of the mountain look much better after texturing. I still need to disguised the small access panel on the rear of the mountain. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#43 c0d81a58-a692-4863-8b92-e4de0afb8994 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/8276_9BackFin/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/8276_9BackFin/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">8276_9BackFin<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">The rear of the mountain look much better after texturing. I still need to disguised the small access panel on the rear of the mountain.</span></p></div></div> 8276_12TrainViaduct Late May, 2006 - The first train runs across the new concrete viaduct! At this stage there was only about 100 feet of continuous track, and a few isolated sections. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#44 2548fc3e-44e5-459a-9b6b-b3c3047797ea http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/8276_12TrainViaduct/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/8276_12TrainViaduct/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">8276_12TrainViaduct<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">Late May, 2006 - The first train runs across the new concrete viaduct! At this stage there was only about 100 feet of continuous track, and a few isolated sections.</span></p></div></div> 8276_13TrainCanyon Late May, 2007 - First train over the new viaduct. Note the stone steps and pathway through the canyon. The track is still incomplete. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#45 f2f0ff8a-efde-49ef-afaa-a3bda5a63d55 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/8276_13TrainCanyon/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/8276_13TrainCanyon/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">8276_13TrainCanyon<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">Late May, 2007 - First train over the new viaduct. Note the stone steps and pathway through the canyon. The track is still incomplete.</span></p></div></div> 4153_2PortalConst October 2007 - Concrete tunnel portals were cast in place using forms made of foam core art board. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#46 c7600b05-0c57-4f84-bcfb-9b42394c8a7e http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/4153_2PortalConst/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/4153_2PortalConst/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">4153_2PortalConst<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">October 2007 - Concrete tunnel portals were cast in place using forms made of foam core art board.</span></p></div></div> 4153_9TunnelArches October 2007 - The concrete tunnel portals are finished, and a pair of small stone arch bridges are built. The faint yellow lines indicated where the track will be laid. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#47 de6f8ad4-6502-4a77-b868-0b6c98cde231 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/4153_9TunnelArches/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/4153_9TunnelArches/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">4153_9TunnelArches<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">October 2007 - The concrete tunnel portals are finished, and a pair of small stone arch bridges are built. The faint yellow lines indicated where the track will be laid.</span></p></div></div> 4153_12Eastview October 2007 -- Looking east from the west end. A tremendous amount of work has been accomplished, but there is still much more to be done. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#48 76e88ce5-f6cf-480e-ab6c-534a62b202da http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/4153_12Eastview/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/4153_12Eastview/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">4153_12Eastview<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">October 2007 -- Looking east from the west end. A tremendous amount of work has been accomplished, but there is still much more to be done.</span></p></div></div> 4154_17HoistMockup October 2007 -- A mineshaft, headframe and ore bin are built and installed for the Cliffside Mine. A foam core mockup of the hoist house is temporarily placed beside it. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction.html#49 0242f015-ba0a-4b42-b299-86b99db226f0 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/4154_17HoistMockup/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Construction_files/Media/4154_17HoistMockup/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">4154_17HoistMockup<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_7">October 2007 -- A mineshaft, headframe and ore bin are built and installed for the Cliffside Mine. A foam core mockup of the hoist house is temporarily placed beside it.</span></p></div></div>