Graham's Mexican layout

Last week I finally got to run trains on Graham's Mexican themed layout. For one reason or another I've missed all my previous opportunities to do that.

I was so busy running trains and taking photos that I didn't take note of the town names. In fact, I don't even know whether Graham has a name for his layout!

Here are some photos from the session.

Some very nice rock formations. I think Peter (that's him in the photo above) did this for Graham. I'm trying to talk him into coming to my place to do the rock face on my Washita River scene.

I heard Graham say that because of the nature of the industries in the area he's modelling he will have to scratch-build many of the larger ones.

For some reason I can remember the name of the town that this modern office building is located at. It's .. erm

I operated this local freight, hauled by a pair of KCS locos:

Although it's not visible in the photos above and below, Graham has placed a mirror against the backdrop at the far end of the ravine. When viewed from the aisle, it looks like the ravine extends through the backdrop to the other side of the peninsula.  The illusion is so effective that guests have walked to the other side of the peninsula to see the other end of the canyon. (I'm not saying I did; but I'm not saying I didn't either.)

I love the placement of the jetty and shed in this photo.

As shown in the photo above, Graham uses push-rods to operate most of his turnouts. The layout uses Digitrax DCC, and a CC&WB system.

My thanks go to Graham for hosting a very enjoyable session. I love running trains on layouts like this, that have been designed with switching in mind.

Thanks for looking in.
Ron