San Diego & Arizona railway (SD&A) Options

[dgionet]

Hi to all,

I am examining the possibility to build a template for the SD&A railway, once called "the impossible railroad" by reputable engineers because of its passing through the magnificent Carriso Gorge, close to the Mexican border. The railroad was one of the most expensive ever built in the U.S., costing almost $19 million in 1919. In the Carrizo Gorge, the railroad crosses 14 trestles and goes through 21 tunnels in only 11 miles. From San Diego to El Centro, the railroad rises and falls over 3,700 feet.It has been shut down in 1984 but was reopened in 2004.

It has been one of the most downloaded routes in MSTS, over 11,000 if my memory is correct. Not many sidings but all well marked to work on.

Some of the areas are very scenic. SD&A became a subsidiary of the Southern Pacific (SP)in the 30's and was fully dieselized in the mid-fifties.

Here's a first screenshot

More to come

 

dgionet2007-8-15 22:50:13

[nbeveridge]

Denis, I am so glad that you (and others) have taken on the task of creating templates for so many routes.  I hope that your enthusiasm continues -- it really helps to reduce the pressure that Steve and I feel to get templates done.

THANK YOU!

[sgdavis]

Agreed -- a HUGE Thank You to Denis! 

[dgionet]

Hi to all,

Update on the SD&A route. The EB template is finished and was fairly easy to do.

Choosing the locos and rolling stock was more difficult. The player engines will be the freeware SP/SSW RS class pack by Jan Gettkant available at Nickel Belt. They are perfect for the template, as they are relatively short in length. All rolling stock (TS.com) chosen are only 40' long maximum. Due to the presence of many sharp curves in the real and simulated route (20 degrees), usage of longer stock can make your train stall at one of those curves. It will be highly recommended to use the proposed pack or make sure to replace with 40' equivalent to make sure you move through these sharp turns.

Here are some shots of the area west of the Carriso Gorge and at the area itself, including the High-trestle bridge and enjoy the scenery in its splendour.








dgionet2007-8-17 23:5:22

[sgdavis]

Denis,

This looks REALLY great!  What is the url for the Nickel Belt site?

Thanks,

Steve

[dgionet]

Hi Steve,

The Nickel Belt Rail site is:

http://www.nickelbeltrailmodels.com/

You will see in the home page Jan's freeware Alco SP/SSW pack. Perfect for the route and template. I like them very much

[dgionet]

Hi to all,

The template is finished and Steve has posted it on the templates page.

Thanks Steve and Enjoy