fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

The first five photos were taken during one of the G-Scale Model Train shows held at the Albuquerque BioPark twice a year. These are live steam model locomotives fired with Butane (mostly). I was taken by the 488 model in that is representative of the Cumbre and Toltec's real K-36 488 locomotive. The photo of the real 488 (the last photo in the series) was taken in 2011 at the Cumbres Pass. I was, and am, much impressed with the overall and mechanical detail of the model.

The model is not stationary... it's moving under its own (steam) power.

The Albuquerque BioPark has a full G-Scale model RR as part of the garden layout. If interested in what it looks like and what kind of rolling stock is run there I have a web page of some of the photos I've taken of the RR.

https://plus.google.com/collection/Ulx-SB

Fred

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Yeah, that is pretty cool. I do plan to visit the railroad when I go to Albuquerque in October.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Very nice model.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Nice set.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Nice looking model! (LOL.Butane burns a whole cleaner than coal)

When was that garden railroad started? I don't recall hearing anything about it in the earlt 90's when I worked in Albuquerque.

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

The garden RR was started in 1999, the original build was only one main track. There are now two main tracks now (the second added around 2005) and 4 smaller tracks, 3 of which are operated by the visitors (a push button to start the train moving). There is also one back-and-forth track we call the trolley line. There are about 1400 feet of track in the total layout, which feels more like miles when it has to be cleaned - which is at least once a day. DC Power to the train - locomotive, sound cars, car lights, etc., is provided via the track. None of the rolling stock on the RR has DCC (Digital Command Control). Speed of the train is controlled by the amount of voltage applied to the track - usually somewhere between 15 and 20 VDC depending on the equipment being used.

I know...TMI...lol.

There are live steam G-Scale locomotives that burn real wood or coal...and they aren't clean burning, especially the coal burning ones...

JD750 Loc: SoCal

This is great! I had no idea actual steam powered scale models were available. And IMHO they are all good shots but that last shot is really fabulous!

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Not too early to remind members that the Train Collectors Association National Convention (TCA) will be held in Albuquerque June 2019. A full week of activities are planned including all gauges of models, train excursions, etc.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Thank you Fred. I'm putting a visit to that garden RR on my bucket list

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

Rich, when you do find yourself in Albuquerque just know that the Garden RR does not run on Monday or Tuesday. Holiday Monday's might find a train running, but that's not a certainty.

F

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

thank you sir