Indiana Gulch Trestle

[Keith Hayes]

Construction has commenced.  In earnest.

[John Schapekahm]

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[Keith Hayes]

This is what we are aiming to model:

http://digital.denverlibrary.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15330coll21/id/7141/rec/32.

(down under, perhaps you can help with the image--the DPL digital collections site and I just don't get along)

Always a favorite image.

[Chris Walker]

Keith, your link is on the Leadville side of Fremont Pass.  Where do you get the Indiana gulch from?



http://digital.denverlibrary.org/cdm/fullbrowser/collection/p15330coll21/id/7141/rv/singleitem

[Robert McFarland]

Don't forget that this trestle is being filled in.

[Keith Hayes]

Yup!

[Chris Walker]

Where do you get the Indiana gulch from?

[Keith Hayes]

Chris, that is what Doris Osterwald calls in in her book on the line. I used Doris' book when preparing the NHL nomination for the C&TS, and every time I double checked her information, I found it to be correct. So, in Doris I trust.

On Google maps, the rails loop around the west and north side of Prospect Mountain. There are two creeks in quick succession. The first is Indiana Gulch, and the second is Birdseye Gulch.You can clearly make out the fill on the aerial photo.

I also started making trees today using my Mark II McKenzie Brothers Timber Company jig. I am not nearly as fast at it as John, and am still working to figure out the kinks in the machine.

[Chris Walker]

Thanks Keith, I just wondered after looking at my Delorme Gazetteer and Googlemaps, both showed no Gulch of that name where I thought the Trestle was.  If I'd switched to Satview I would have seen the two un-named gulches there.  I just figured you liked the name.   and Yes, Doris Osterwald is the bee's knees.

[Keith Hayes]

Chris, the name is down by the Arkansas where it is not much use in my opinion.

While I wait for the bents to dry, I got out my Mark II McKenzie Brothers tree jig and started fabricating trees. It has been about 8 years since I bought the thing, and I am remembering all of Capt. Mac's tricks and tips.

I figure I will need a couple thousand trees and wanted to get a head start.

[Chris Walker]

Thanks I found it !  

Google maps has tripped me up yet again, apparently one needs to zoom in at least to the 100 metre level or closer for the Indiana Gulch label to appear.   Makes for very slow going especially if one doesn't have the time, lesson learned, won't happen again.    

An aside to this: Upon checking another post of mine for a previous thread, a minor side-gulch name showed up first well above the zoom level that the major name appeared at.  Go Figure!

[Keith Hayes]

More trees.

Thanks to Capn. Mac for some tips. I am getting the hang of the jig and the hemp rope woks much better.  No reason not to complete the first trees, though --they can go in the background.

[Keith Hayes]

Progress: all the bents are complete, and NBWs are being added.

Trestle bents sure use a LOT of NBWs.

Got to use the new speed pedal on the Dremel. It really sped up the job!  

[Keith Hayes]

I am taking a break from the roundhouse project to help advance the rail head east some.

The trestle bents are taking up work space and it is time to assemble them.

[Jeff Young]

Some fine looking bents there, Keith.

Cheers,
Jeff.

[John Schapekahm]

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[Keith Hayes]

Yup. I build models because I like to hide them. But I  will know it is there!

[Keith Hayes]

Ready for bridge ties.

The structure would be more dimensionally stable if the beams spanned three bents as Chris suggested, but the 38" radius is too tight.

[Chris Walker]

Nice going on the compromise but......

...have you noticed that the Bridgegang has added extra Stringers to support the Ties (just below the Guardtimbers) while rock fill is shoveled (dumped) over the side?  

These newer Stringers are visible here


http://digital.denverlibrary.org/cdm/fullbrowser/collection/p15330coll21/id/7141/rv/singleitem

I was shown a techinque by a Mining modeller a few years ago of how he used a paper funnel that adjoined a drinking straw to deliver his fill material in a prototypical vertical way on his Mine Wastedump Trestles,  he deposited a dryish plaster then misted on the detergent-soaked adhesive to set it all in place, you may want to experiment: your choice.

[Keith Hayes]

It has been a year since work on Indiana Gulch commenced. With progress moving forward on the High Line, the need to complete the trestle is becoming more acute.

The bench work supports were set last week with a 1%ish ruling grade. I have been using polystyrene foam for the scenery base. I love how easy it is to carve, but I hate the little static-y bits left over. Anywho the basic fill form under the bridge is in place. I apply a layer of tan latex paint and sprinkle in sand for texture (and to provide some tooth for the next step).

I need to extend the scenery skirt on the front a bit and then install the fill material. Then it will be time to install rail across the bridge and bolt on the guard timbers (I keep reminding myself they will foul the guard timbers).

I am thinking the east (north) Leadville yard limit will be at the left end of the trestle.