The In-ko-pah Railroad

 

MY LARGE SCALE, OUTDOOR MODEL RAILROAD

I began work on this project in January 2006. The railroad is situated on steep slope behind our house. It represents a fictional, narrow gauge railroad in a rugged, rocky desert environment.


After nearly two and half years of labor, the mainline of the railroad was completed and a train made the first complete lap around the layout on May 21, 2008!


There is roughly 300 feet of track, with numerous trestles, bridges and tunnels. All were scratch-built. Several structures are in place, also scratch-built.


There is still much work to be done. One passing siding and a couple of spurs remain unfinished. At two locations on the mainline, temporary plank bridges fill in until permanent structures can be built. Some of the wiring for low-voltage structure lighting has not yet been installed. Only a small percentage of plants are in place, and there are many mines and structures to be built.


In the spring of 2009 I began work on the town of Dos Manos, laying down a concrete foundation for a row of buildings. The first structure was a small, two-story house. A rock shop was next. Eventually several more structures will be added. Other towns are planned.


I’ve also begun sculpting my own scale figures, patterned after friends and family members.



Scale and Gauge

Origin of the Name

Inspiration

Modeling Goals

Fictional History

Real History

Track Plan

Construction Photos

    Building Plate Girder Bridges

    Building Trestles

    Building Tunnels

    Building a Concrete Viaduct

    Building a Stone Retaining Wall

    Building a Stone Arch Bridge (Part One)

    Building a Stone Arch Bridge (Part Two)

    Rebuilding The Cliffs  Jan/Feb 2010

Plants (Updated 5/31/10)

Locomotives

Rolling Stock

Figures 

Wildlife Figures 

Future Plans

Important note about email:

    Recently I’ve had some trouble getting replies back to folks who have emailed me. If you send me an email and don’t get a reply, be sure to check your “junk mail” folder/box.