Denver's Railroads - Eras: 1947 to 1967

This is a map of all of the class 1 railroads that entered Denver's rail yards during the 1950s and 1960s. The map also shows the major towns that connect with each railroad. Ultimately the model layout will comprise the D&RGW line from Denver to Glenwood Springs, and the D&RGW branch line to Craig. All of the other connections shown on this map will be represented by two return loops comprising of 7 staging tracks for the West, North and North-east connections and 7 staging tracks for the South and South-east connections. The time frame is flexible and I have the rolling stock to base the era on:

• 1934 (end of Prohibition) to 1947 - ice reefers, passenger trains and 2-6-0 steam locos.
• 1947 to 1957 - passenger & freight trains pulled by steam locos (Challengers, Mountains, Pacific's and the Big Boy).
• 1957 to 1967 - freight trains prior to Burlington Northern and passenger trains prior to Amtrak. Up to GP40/SD45 Locos.

After a rethink of the building plan in mid 2022 it was decided to build . . .

Denver's Railroads in the following 7 phases:

Phase One — Modules 5 to 8:

1. All of the track from Utah Junction though Pinecliff to the East portal of the Moffat Tunnel

2. All of the main lines from Utah Junction to the East Denver Belt Line turning circle

3. East Denver Belt Line industries

Phase Two —  Modules 9 to 12:

1. The D&RGW main line from the East portal of the Moffat Tunnel to Glenwood Springs

2. The 7 staging tracks of the Grand Junction return loop

3. Golden and Glenwood Springs industries

Phase Three —  Modules 3–5:

1. Denver Union Terminal (DUT)

2. CBQ Engine Terminal

3. MoW Yard

Phase Four —  Module 2:

1. CBQ Rice Yard

2. CBQ & DRGW Coach Yards

Phase Five —  Modules 1 to 1a:

1. Re-lay the Joint Line return loop track and industrial trackage

2. Build the South Denver industry kits

3. Build Burnham Shops kits

Phase Six —  Modules 2 to 6:

1. DRGW & UP Industrial Branches and industries

2. UP Pullman shops

3. UP Coach Yard

4. UP Main Yard

Phase Seven —  Modules 6 to 6a:

1. DRGW North Yard

2. DRGW industries

3. Commerce City industries