HO Scale: Sullivans' Curve by Bernard Frontanau

added: 10/16 (Part 1, 2, 3) / updated: 2/19 (Part 4 & 5) / updated: 1/20 (Part 6) / updated: 6/21 (Part 7)
updated: 1/22 (Part 8) / updated: 4/22 (Part 9 & 10) / updated: 6/22 (Part 11) / updated: 10/22 (Part 12)
updated: 2/24 (Part 13 and 14) / updated: 8/24 (Part 15)

From a Diorama to a complete Layout - step by step !

HO Scale: Sullivan's Curve by Bernard Frontanau (France)

This outstanding Sullivan's Curve Diorama was built back in 1992. The radius in the curve is 110 cm.
It reflects the good old days before 1966 as Southern Pacific built their Colton - Palmdale cutoff. In other words, it is single track around the curve of Santa Fe with trackage rights of Union Pacific.
Please read additional information at the end of this page - just scroll down!

Part 1 = finished Diorama / Part 2 = construction of the Diorama / Part 3 = the real Curve as it looks today

Through the extensions of my Sullivan's Curve Diorama on the West Side (Part 4) and on the East Side (Part 5), the time has come to find a matching name to my expanding layout. Since it's a fictitious ATSF (now BNSF) line situated somewhere in the southwest, I decided to name it: the "BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB", also known as the "Southwest Scenic Route".
A "could have been" Santa Fe subdivision that is also used by the Union Pacific which has trackage rights over the line.
So I'll be able to run a variety of companies I like, Which are ATSF, BNSF, UP, SP, SSW, D&RGW, BN, and so on. It will be an "extended" modern period with interesting and colourfull lashups.
Now I just have to name the different points of interest the trains will encounter on the BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB.

New 2/19: Part 4 = West side extension of Sullivan's Curve / Part 5 = East side extension of Sullivan's Curve
New 1/20: Part 6 = Construction of the lower level / New 6/21: Part 7 = Extending the upper level to the west
New 1/22: Part 8 = Extending west to the summit and beyond
New 4/22: Part 9 = The helix and the upper return loop. Part 10: The East extension of the upper level.
New 6/22: Part 11 = COMPLETING THE UPPER LEVEL WHILE CONNECTING TO THE SUMMIT AREA.
New 10/22: Part 12 = PROGRESSING EAST TOWARD LOWER LEVEL.
New 2/24: Part 13 = CARRYING ON EASTWARD AND INSTALLING A LIFT-UP ACCESS HATCH
New 2/24: Part 14 = LOWER REVERSING LOOPS AND HELIX CONNECTION.
PLANS OF THE BNSF DESERT & SIERRA SUB.
New 8/24: Part 15 = PROGRESSING EASTWARD AND BUILDING THE REMOVABLE SECTION AT THE ENTRY DOOR

(for bigger size photos please click on 3- or 4-digit number under each photo)

Part 2 - HO Scale: Sullivan's Curve by Bernard Frontanau (France) - Part 2 The construction - how to do
It all started with Herb Sullivan, and others' photos in the late Chard Walker book, "Cajon, rail passage to the pacific". That led me to draw plans and sketches for my diorama. The original 10° curve translated to 195 cm radius in HO ! Using selective compression, I found a radius of 110 cm to be impressive enough. I built 4 portable modules to compose the diorama.

My first drawing of the curve. The center module holds the famous rock formations - 8310	The foundation is an "open grid" of 2 x 4 cm. On top glued layers of styrofoam are roughly shaped to build the terrain contours. This is the main module. - 8312

Plaster carving is on its way. - 8313	Plaster work done. - 8314

Adding ground cover . . . . - 8316	. . . . and vegetation. - 8319

The main module is completed, still to come: track and ballast. - 8337	The wooden grid for the module west (left) of the main one. - 8323

Track support (18 mm plywood) and contours (10 mm plywood) added. - 8326	Again the terrain is built with styrofoam and shaped with a wood rasp to match the wooden contours. In this case I used tough cardboard for the slopes, it could be made with styrofoam. - 8327

Ground cover (different sizes of sifted sand) . . . - 8329	. . . . and vegetation added. - 8332

At the foreground the east (right) module is on its way. On the left the start of the small module that will support a rock formation is visible - 8333	The small module almost done. - 8334

Styrofoam stage of right module. - 8339	Installing code 83 flextrack with progressive superelevation. - 8340

BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB

Hereunder you'll find an introduction about my vision of my layout and informations
about the "how" and "why".

When I decided to install permanently my Sullivan's Curve modules and use them as a starting point for the layout, I knew from the beginning that I had no intention to build an HO model of the famous Cajon Pass where the real Curve can be found. I cannot fill a room with the same kind of scenery, I get bored very fast. I like scenery variety and the challenge to blend everything logically to end up with a believable miniature geology. These are the reasons that led me to build a model railroad with freelance scenery and some "real" settings shamelessly mixed in.

The "BNSF Desert and Sierra Sub" also called "Southwest Scenic Route", is a "could have been" ATSF, now BNSF line situated somewhere in the Southwest. Through trackage rights agreements the line is also used by UP trains. Ultimately it will be a double level layout which will figure the continuous mountain climb of a railroad from a small settlement in the desert, through spectacular canyons and desert scenery, and finally accessing to a high mountain pass in the sierra. The progressive transition from desert to high sierra scenery is my main goal.
Westbound trains will appear at the lower level, will stop to add the necessary helpers, and will highball for the horrendous climb lying ahead. At summit the helpers will come off the trains and either go back downhill for their next assignment, or wait for especially heavy eastbound trains and help them with braking power on their descending run. The westbounds will then disappear from the scene. A hidden helix will connect both ends of the layout to provide continuous running and allowing for example full and empty coal trains to always run in the correct direction. Long trains at very slow speed fighting gravity and snaking through beautiful scenery is for me the ultimate thrill, eventhough there will be (very) little switching possibilities. Amtrak "Desert Chief " will provide both east and westbound passenger trains on the line. With just a few exceptions I add the modules only when they are completed except for the track. I like to work on sawhorses in order to have access from all sides during the building phases.
Following a plan I drew on paper at a scale of 1 meter being 4 cm, I start with a 2 cm x 4 cm open grid, I then add a 10 mm thick plywood fascia cut to the terrain contours I wish to create. I put this fascia only on the aisle side of the modules since the rear isn't visible. I sometimes use 3 mm "Isorel" where a curved fascia is more convenient than an "angled" one. Subroadbed is 18 mm plywood. Minimum visible curve radius is 90 cm.
I then fill up the grid with styrofoam to build up the terrain, and shape it with a rasp to match the fascia contours. I use normal building plaster over the foam to create the rock formations which are carved after the plaster has dried for about 24 h with chisels and other tools to obtain the desired effect. The final rock texture is given with the use of a wire brush. The groundcover is inexpensive sand and stones I sift in various sizes myself. It is spread over a layer of undiluted carpenter glue. After drying I wet everything with water in which I add a few drops of dishwashing detergent as wetting agent, this followed by a mix of 50/50 glue and water plus a few drops of the same detergent. After drying it is as hard as concrete. I color the plaster with watercolors applied with a brush and the groundcover with an airbrush. I use india ink mixed with water to darken some areas, and highlight rock faces and groundcover with drybrushing. Some rock formations are created with slabs of styrofoam I carved and then colored. This is a technique I wanted to try.
I use thyme branches for the trees and different commercial products for grass, bushes, and foliage. Ocotillos are made with very fine copper wire. Yucca "flowers" are finely ground white styrofoam. Lightning is provided by 5 watts LED spots, I choose them with a colour temperature of 4000 kelvin and a 100° light angle. It isn't too white neither too yellow.

Finally I would like to give a tip of the hat at Mr Lucien Wiss my friend and a great artist. He was a great inspiration and I learnt a lot watching him at work. - Bernard Frontanau

(for bigger size photos please click on 3-digit number under each photo)
added: 2/19

Temporary placing the next diorama at the open grid stage. When I am sure it fits I put it on sawhorses, it's easier to work on it from all sides.

105	106

With the fascia installed. 110	Subroadbed with room for a future bridge. 113

115	119

On this one I began a project to test my skills. I chose the widest part of the diorama which correspond with the corner of the room in order to build a road in " forced perspective ". This to give that feeling of wide open range typical of the american west. I knew it would be a great challenge. 121	There you see the beginning of the road full scale at the fascia and slightly narrower at the future RR crossing. I gave a rollercoaster shape to the road to make it more interesting. You also see the bases of future " mesas " that will restrict the viewing angle to avoid destroying the wanted effect. 123

124	carving styrofoam to create the mesas. 127

129	131

134	137

138	A view from the rear looks terrible ! Isn't it ? 143

A closer view of the carving work. 145	The almost finished mesas temporary in place. I left them removable until I can hang the diorama at the wall. They will be easier to install afterwards. 165

167	169

Carved styrofoam in the background, carved plaster in the foreground. 173	The building was built years ago by Lucien who gave it to me. I added a lot of weathering plus an old car kit and some details. 179

182	183

Building a bridge over a dry lake. 212	The abutments are made out of plaster of Paris. 210

After fixing the painted backdrop, the module is in place and the mesas added. 222	Lots of details are still to come. I added a LED strip to the rear for future effects. 223

Slowly taking shape. 225	227

233	Still waiting for the "track layers". 238

Completed scenery with the typical "tourist trap". 359	The forced perspective: There is only 82 cm from the fascia to the sky backdrop. The van in the distance is N scale. I planned everything to have the top of the road slightly below my own eye level. 364

Homemade ocotillos and blooming yuccas. 366	Vestiges of the old narrow gauge trestle, first line to conquer the sierra. 368

371	On the right my "attempt" to make smoke trees... 375

428	a Santa Fe freight is passing the road crossing 426

Blooming yucca between the cars. 377	The "Tourist trap". 378

Latest acquisition to attract the passing by tourists. 608	609

This is the temporary end of the westbound scenery. 793	713

Perfect illusion of an endless road striking toward the horizon. - 424

Part 6: Construction of Lower Level by Bernard Frontanau (France) - Part 6 BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB
In order to extend the layout into the second half of the room, I had to complete the lower level in the first half, so long I had easy access. Eventhough the two levels are not connected yet I had no other choice. The connection will occur in the second half of the room. Bernie
I started with the biggest module to be placed below the Sullivan's curve diorama. It would have been impossible to put it in place later. Concerning scenery and track laying I had to forget working on sawhorses, so I had to be ready to challenge my back while bending over and under for hours... Painful.

523 - Here the frame is partially built . . .	. . . and ready to be hung to the wall. - 527

West end of the module with room for a bridge over a dry riverbed. - 552	Scenery on its way. - 557

Bridge abudments are already in place - 561	Bridge installed with a piece of track and guard rails. - 568

some vegetation has been added as well - 569	see text below - 574
574: This is the future site of a small desert settlement where trains will stop for crew changes, and where helpers will be added to westbounds for the climb to the top of the pass. The challenge is again to give the feeling of wide open desert landscape in a very limited space.

Forced perspective is used with ground cover and bushes decreasing in size toward the backdrop. - 582	West end taking shape. - 588

727	729

landscaping completed - 747	The east end under construction. - 759

A turnout complex is taking shape, the plywood board to the left will support a local highway. - 762	West end of the three tracks, two number 8 turnouts have been installed. This is the beginning of single track territory for westbound trains. - 764

East side taking shape. - 768	769

775	The local diner ready for, among others, truckers and train crews. - 782

There is room by the stop sign for the local water tank - 783	Test fitting the different buildings. - 791
Below: Scratchbuilding an old adobe style building. Inspiration came from an article and photos of a real place in a model railroad magazine.

801	802

An area fully completed. - 810	An area fully completed. - 811

815	822
Below: The now finished adobe building. For many years it was home of the local "cantina" and city hall office. There was also room to park a fire truck. Now abandoned it was saved by the inhabitants who did'nt want the heritage of a mexican past to be destroyed. The local streets and highway are a mix of asphalt and concrete slabs.

The now finished adobe building. - 831	Behind the tracks lays the endless desert... - 832

835	837

very realistic scene - 838	Empty spaces between the different buildings contribute to the illusion of wide open western scenery. - 839

840	841
The three tractor trucks and the pick-ups have been modified and detailed by Lucien Wiss who, kindly, gave them to me.
Below: Extending west this is the frame for the next module that will show off a famous ATSF scenic landmark in New Mexico: the "Spider Bridge".

New site of the "Spider Bridge" - 556	Test fitting the module. - 578

The "spider bridge" under construction. - 580	The "spider bridge" under construction. - 583

a unique construction - 585	Future abutments (scribed styrofoam). - 590

Building the terrain. - 596	601
The real bridge is located in Apache Canyon, New Mexico and spans Galisteo Creek. I paid attention to respect the bridge look and placement and also the path and configuration of the creek beneath it. The surrounding landscape is made of some kind of loose rocks and stones. Instead I chose to represent terraced hills.

603	606

611	613

615	617

623	630
Aerial view of the completed module, since there is no guard rails on the prototype I did'nt put any on the model. On my layout west is always to the left, since I wanted the bridge to be on the aisle side, the placement and configuration are correct, but on the prototype East is to the left.

631	860

one foot (post) is much longer - 864	the other one is just mounted on the rock - 866
Continuing west I wanted trains to gain altitude while climbing on a narrow rock shelf nestled against a canyon wall and hung over a deep chasm. The scenery will expand all the way down to the floor. Train crews will hold their breath while negociating the trackage at restricted speed ...Vertigo forbidden !

Temporary placing the track support to check the height. 633	Track support attached to the wall and fascia installed. 635

I managed to leave enough room in between for a chair so I could first complete the scenery behind the track, and then, carry on toward the aisle. - 637	Additional supports added. - 643

Additional supports added. - 644	Adding styrofoam slabs. - 646

Plaster work starting at the transition with the previous module. - 648	Working on the "rock wall" behind the track. - 649

Plaster added and carved. - 656	Progressing west. It is obvious that the backdrop was installed too low, I managed to place, later on, a second one in front of it. It is visible on future photos. - 657

Working on a future rock shed. - 659	It is already painted and weathered. - 662

A piece of ballasted and weathered track waiting for the rock shed. - 664	Rock shed at home (mounted). - 667

Scenery behind the track well on its way. - 668	Scenery behind the track well on its way. - 670

A rock formation with its "balancing rock" is definitively installed on its wood support. - 672	With the track ballasted, I started building further toward the aisle. - 682

The scenery is going down to the floor. - 684	The completed canyon, I still have to add some sparse vegetation. At the rock shed the track is 102 cm above the floor. - 690

A lone ATSF geep helps to visualize the size of the cliff. The now higher backdrop is visible. - 694	Closer view of the Santa Fe Diesel Loco - 695

Getting closer to the short tunnel. - 701	realistic rock formations - 703

- 698	- 699

A railfan's dream: a fantastic view point to watch trains climbing along the canyon walls. - 705	In the meantime, some landscaping has been added - 738

- 936	- 937

This is the temporary west end of the lower level. - 926	Moving back to the east end. Pretty soon this area will find idling helpers waiting to help heavy westbounds. - 842

Wooden frame ready for expansion east. - 845A	Wooden frame ready for expansion east. - 845B

Track support ready (cork roadbed). - 850	Here is where westbounds will appear and eastbounds will disappear. - 851

A close-up view of the now installed turnouts with switch stands. - 872	All mainline turnouts are equiped with "cosmetic" electric motors. Others receive "manual" high target switch stands, or low target like the turnout leading to the spur in the distance. - 875

Dealing with desert scenery, I realized that the only answer to hide the eastern end of the layout, was to build an overpass. - 887	Cork roadbed is ready for track laying - 889

More crossovers have to be installed. The turnout on the left will lead to another spur. - 892	Some sparse vegetation will be added. Curved turnouts are no. 7, others are no. 8 and 6. No. 6 is my minimum. - 893

The turnouts configuration allows trains access to and from any of the three tracks. - 938	The turnouts configuration allows trains access to and from any of the three tracks. - 939

A panoramic view of the small desert settlement. - 928	A panoramic view of the small desert settlement. - 929

Details with siding and 2 of the 3 tracks going under the overpass as seen on the next photo. - 933	An aerial view of the eastern limit of the scenicked part of the layout. Two tracks will lead to a couple of return loops. One track will connect to a helix for continuous run. - 935
Below: An eastbound with full dynamic braking is gliding down the 3% grade above the deep chasm.

- 940	- 941

The train is about to cross Spider Bridge. - 942	An eastbound freight has just stopped for a crew change. - 927

Part 7: Extending the upper level to the west by Bernard Frontanau (France) BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB
This extension starts at the location seen in Part 4 photo 793. Sticking with the 3% grade, the track will enter the 2nd half of the room by way of a tunnel, then will make a big loop in the room center in order to gain enough altitude to reach, first, the geographical summit, then, slightly lower, the railroad summit where helpers will be cut off from the trains. The tunnel and a double sided backdrop will divide two different type of scenery. But what will be beyond the tunnel will be a future subject for a part 8. - Bernie
I started

911 - Here is the very beginning, the wooden . . .	. . . frames are still at the workbench. - 912

967 -	969 -
As you notice in the background a partially built portion of the future part of the layout is installed. The reason was to make sure the track height above the floor would be correct, and all the different grades would match my original planning.

974 - The view from below shows the location of a future "duck under" or maybe "nod under", it all depends how tall you are ...	975 - Clearance is 155 cm. This passage will connect both halves of the room.

976 - no scenery existing yet.	981 - Scenery is well on its way, track isn't installed yet.

985 Installing track. I should never have put some scenery	before laying track, it just made things harder, oh well.. 987

988 - Future location of the east portal. The big saguaro was made many years ago by my friend Lucien Wiss and was part of his legacy.	989 - Future area for the west portal.

990 - wooden frame waiting for west portal and scenery	991 - Scenery completed on the east side

1008 - East portal completed.	1108 - East portal completed.

1107 - East side overview.	1012 - Building the west side.

1013 - West side of the backdrop taking shape.	1014 - West side of the backdrop taking shape.

1016 - West portal almost finished	1019 - West portal with retaining wall

1020 - Tunnel portal was mounted	1103 - West portal is finished
The photo 1103 shows the west portal and its surrounding completed. The westbound trains popping out of the tunnel will encounter a very different scenery typical of higher altitudes, conifers, aspens, and other trees are the rule. I chose to model fall colors for their visual impact, especially the golden aspens. The trains will struggle the 3% grade, negotiating a big turnback loop in the middle of the room to gain altitude and reach, first, the geographical summit, and then, slightly lower, the railroad summit where helpers will be cut off from their trains. Out of the tunnel trains will seem to run in the wrong direction, then negotiate the big loop and pass over the west portal before reaching the railroad summit. But this is another story.

1104 - Scenery around the west portal.	1026 - Scenery near the west portal.

Part 8: Extending west to the summit and beyond by B. Frontanau (France) BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB
Before all, I added some bracing to the west portal seen in Part 7, and slightly moved the support post away from the tracks as a safety measure, despite the very wide radius (compare the two photos, before and after). - Bernie

1030	1125

907 - Testing the position of the first part frame.	909

913 - Building up the terrain with styrofoam.	914 - Building up the terrain with styrofoam.

915 - Landscape is taking shape.	949 - West end of first portion almost fully scenicked.
Notice that the entry door is visible to the left. With a clearance of 169 cm it will be an easy "nod under".

959 - This is the next portion, the thinner end . . .	. . . to the right will span the entry door. - 960

999	1003 - shows the installation above the entry door.

1007 - Building the next part.	1011 - Tunouts (switches) have been mounted.

1031 - Looking toward the east, a big part of the summit trackage complex is visible.	1032 - Gone are the old buildings, snowsheds, turntable and so on which were the rule in the steam days.
An old inspection car shed, now used as a tool and equipment shed, still stands amid old foundations and concrete slabs.

1035 - Views of the summit area.	1037 - Views of the summit area.

1038 - More views of the summit area.	1039 - More views of the summit area.

1040 - Extending west.	1042 - Extending west.

1043 - This is the western end of the layout. West summit is where westbounds trains will quit the scene . . .	. . . and where eastbounds will appear. - 1044

1045 - Scenery well on its way.	1046 - Closeup of trees before and on top of the rock.

1101 - Building the west "exit".	1102 - Again, I am using styrofoam.

1110 - Plaster was used to form the rocks.	1115
Adding "concrete" snowsheds, inspired by those found at famous Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada. The back track will lead to a return loop. The left leg of the turnout will be the other end of the return loop. The right leg will connect to a helix for continuous run.

1117 - The completed snowsheds.	1118 - The completed snowsheds.

1121 - More viewing angles (from above).	1122 - More viewing angles (from below).

1198 - West summit scenically completed.	1199 - West summit scenically completed.

1200 - More of west summit.	1201

1202	1203 - last photo of Part 8.
This upper level extension will be extended to the east to connect with the tunnel shown at the beginning of this part 8. It will be by way of a big loop in the middle of the room. For now I will concentrate on the helix building and on the upper return loop. Then there will be more extensions to come, but that's another story. Bernie.

Part 9: is about the helix and the upper return loop by B. Frontanau (France) BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB
The helix: - radius 84 cm - grade 2,2 % - rail top to rail top 11,6 cm - track length about 30,50 meters. Upper return loop: Usable length: 7,65 meters. I built the helix to provide continuous run for unit trains, but, above all, those pulling open cars. Loads going always in the same direction, and empties the other way. I also installed an upper return loop allowing, for example, westbound Amtrak to reappear later on as an eastbound. Helix and return loop are built using 12 mm thick plywood connected with 10 mm pieces. The 12 mm is used in place of the 18 mm I normally use on the visible part of the layout. Also track is laid directly on the plywood without the cork layer. These two factors save 10 mm between each helix lap. There is 9,9 cm between top of rail and bottom of the overhead board, but only 8,9 cm where a 10 mm connecting piece is placed. There is a total of 5 and 3/4 laps. I had to cut 44 pieces assembled 2 by 2 plus 2 transitions, one for each end of the helix. I found out I had to add to each lap a short 16 cm piece in order to get the exact diameter, (yes my mistake...).

1123 - Some of the ready pieces connected with 10 mm thick plywood, at right is the transition for the helix lower access.	1124 - Testing on the floor the helix placement according to my plan.

1126 - The completed frame, here upside down, it will support the helix.	1128 - The frame is in place. The piece of track support seen in the background had to be installed now, more on this in future Part 10.

1129 - A different view angle.	1144 - Lower access and first lap completed.

1152 - Here, at the very top, a part of the upper return loop is visible, with, to the right, a temporary support. The helix is well on its way.	1183 - The now completed helix. The low blue fascia hides the return loop. To the right of it, partially hidden by a low white safety barrier, is the upper access to the helix.

1217 - 1218: Inside the helix. I had a good price on some track with "concrete" ties, I didn't care mixing both types since the area will be hidden.

Part 10: Extending the Upper Level to the EAST by B. Frontanau (France) BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB
This extension starts where Part 5 ended.

1132 - First frame is installed with a short trestle bridge. Just underneath is the piece of roadbed already seen in Part 9 photo 1128. The helix wasn't built yet at the time.	1133 - View from a different angle, the upper part will make a very big loop, partially hidden, and will connect with the part below it. Grade will be 3%.

1135 - Closer view of the trestle.	1136 - A part of the future backdrop is installed, and so is the fascia.

1138 - Working on a rock formation.	1139 - Scenery is progressing and the fascia is painted.

1143 - The start of the new part is located where the cactus stands.	1141 - A wider view of the area.

1154 - Details close-up.	1146 - Scenery virtually completed.

1149 - Scenery completed.	1151 - Looking west. Backdrop is now installed.

1155 - Styrofoam stage, the tunnel portal is installed. Underneath a portion of the future hidden access to the two lower return loops and to the helix is visible.	1156 - A different angle.

1157 - Portion of finished scenery just east of the trestle.	1159 - More completed scenery.

1172 - Eastbound warbonnet 226 crossing the trestle.	1216 - Scenery completed around the east portal.

1244 - Progressing east, below is the east portal for the big loop.	1245 - Farther east. I ballasted only in between the rails and the inside of the curve. The outside will wait until completion of the scenery.

1246 - Progressing east.	1250 - Scenery details.

1247 - Still moving east.	1248 - Rock formations just before the big loop west portal.

1180 - Same area, wider angle.	1181 - The west portal.

1249 - A closer view.	1257 - Back to the east portal.

1258 - 1259: Scenery will extend down from upper to lower tracks. So I will face a big scenery building challenge, what a thrill !

Part 11: Completing the Upper Level while connecting to the Summit Area. by B. Frontanau (France) BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB

1160 - On the left are the two parts to be connected, below the end of part 7 and on top the start of the summit area seen in part 8	1162 - Test fitting the new module. Below is the helix not finished at the time, in the background is part of the return loop and also behind the brown, now blue fascia.

1163 - Seen from behind is the connection with the already completed summit area covered in part 8.	1164 - Extending the roadbed. The last clamp in the back stands at the highest point of the layout: rail top at 179 cm above the floor.

1165 - Back on the sawhorses. Scenery well on its way. Notice the area for a future snowshed.	1167 - Reverse viewing angle.

1168 - Snowshed west exit.	1171 - Aerial view.

1174 - Module west end connected to the summit area.	1175 - Another viewing point.

1176 - Landscape east of the snowshed.	1178 - East end of the now installed module.

1186 - Reverse angle, compare with photo 1163.	1189 - From behind: the snowshed east exit.

1190 - Farther east, this is the geographical summit of the line.	1191 - Facing view of the snowshed.

1192 - Another view of the now connected area. Note the tiny arch.	1194 - Closer view of the natural arch

1193 - Overall view, in the foreground is the start of the next wooden frame.	1196 - Building the wooden frame.

1204 - Top view of a future "lake".	1206 - Bottom view.

1207 - Installing a short bridge to span the lake outlet.	1215 - Starting the eastern connection.

1211 - Wider angle.	1219 - Well progressing scenery.

1220 - more scenery.	1221 - more scenery.

1225 - Different angle. An island will soon "appear".	1227 - Closer view.

1228 - "Home sweet home" by the lakeshore.	1231 - Still "dry", the island is in place.

1232 - Another view.	1235 - Different angle.

1239 - A wider view.	1251 - Wooden frame and subroadbed completed.

1252 - Different angle.	1253 - Well ! still some work ahead.

1254 - Underneath view...quite messy but spots are installed for the future.	1260 - And yes ! there is "water" in the lake.

1263 - Lake view.	1315 - Lake view.

1320 - Lake view.	1265 - Lake outlet.

1270 - Lake view.	1271 - A peacefull home by the lakeshore.

1268 - Trains coming out of the tunnel in order to gain altitude, make a big loop to reach the summit of the line, and then encounter a short and easy downgrade passing over the tunnel portal they exited a few minutes ago. They then arrive to the RR summit complex.	1275 - Scenery is progressing around the dirt road underpass.

1276 - Scenery and upper level completed.	1279 - Looking west, almost the top of the line.

1281 - View down toward the lake, in the foreground is a drying pond.	1284 - Different angle.

1285 - Close-up view.	1289 - A westbound is fighting the 3% grade to reach summit.

1290 - Side track view.	1291 - Aerial view.

1292 - Crossing the short bridge.	1294 - Farther west.

1295 - Close from the summit.	1297 - Railroading in the southwest, big diesels through a wild sierra crossing.

1299 - Top of the line.	1300 - About to enter the snowshed.

1302 - On the gentle downgrade leading to the RR summit.	1305 - Reaching the summit east switch.

Part 12: Progressing East toward lower level by B. Frontanau (France) This part starts where Part 10, photo 1258, ended. BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB

1306 - First wooden frame is in place, testing the subroadbed. A creek will flow under a future bridge.	1307 - Extending east, the "creek" bed is in place.

1308 - Opposite view.	1309 - Extending the wooden frame and installing the subroadbed.

1311 - Working on the bridge, a portion of the creek bed had to be completed before installing the roadbed.	1312 - Another view, the helix in the background will be soon hidden.

1313 - Back to styrofoam stage.	1336 - Plaster is carved, ground cover is added.

1338 - Working on a future arch	1340 - Things are taking shape

1341 - Different angle	1343 - Installing two short bridges to span the creek.

1344 - Bridges completed, abutments and support walls in progress	1345 - Different viewing angle

1346 - Scenery above the arch.	1347 - Scenery above the arch.

1348 - Making a mold for future tunnel portals	1349 - In the foreground, vestiges of the original narrow gauge right-of-way are visible

1350 - One of the portals. Inspiration came from the portals standing at Kyune, Utah, on the eastern slope of Soldier Summit. The line, now UP, used to be owned by the D&RGW	1351 - Installing the west portals

1352 - Tunnels are completed, these are the west portals.	1355 - Reverse angle

1356 - East portals	1358 - Styrofoam stage again

1359 - More styrofoam	1360 - Progression along the creek

1361 - Another angle	1362 - Vestiges of the now gone bridge which carried the narrow gauge right-of-way

1363 - West end scenery completed	1364 - A different viewing angle

1365 - More views	1366 - More views

1367 - Aerial view, the creek is still dry	1368 - Reverse view

1371 - Closer view of the west portals	1373 - "Water" is flowing down the creek. Handrails will be eventually added on the bridges sides

1378 - Aerial view of the creek fall	1375 - Scenery virtually completed

1376 - Temporary end of the eastern progression	1377 - Another view

1380 - Handrails added to the bridges	1379 - Another view of the creek

Part 13: CARRYING ON EASTWARD AND INSTALLING A LIFT-UP ACCESS HATCH by B. Frontanau (France) BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB
I didn't like the bridges handrails seen in part 12, photo 1380, so I removed them. I have to think about redoing them or not. Future will tell. This Part 13 shows the progress east of the twin Tunnels. There was a great amount of scenery to be built, and I had to create an access hatch in case a derailment would occur on the upper track by the "big loop" tunnel portal. (Pls note: All photos have been taken before July 2023)

1381 - Start of the styrofoam stage.	1382 - Opposite viewing angle.

1383 - With and without the access hatch. The arrows show the limits.	1384 - With and without the access hatch. The arrows show the limits.

1386 - Progressing scenery.	1389 - Progressing scenery.

1387 - Scenery close-up by the upper track portal.	1392 - Start of the plaster work at the east portals.

1398 - Open grid is installed and the subroadbed is tested.	1399 - Open grid is installed and the subroadbed is tested.

1400 - Progressing scenery. Only one roadbed is permanently attached, so I can stand inside the grid to work on the landscape.	1401 - Progressing scenery. Only one roadbed is permanently attached, so I can stand inside the grid to work on the landscape.

1404 - The second roadbed is installed. The board in the foreground is the future creek bed. The track is partially ballasted, far side and in between the rails. The inside will wait for scenery completion.	1405 - The second roadbed is installed. The board in the foreground is the future creek bed. The track is partially ballasted, far side and in between the rails. The inside will wait for scenery completion.

1406 - Progressing scenery.	1407 - Progressing scenery.

1408 - Progressing scenery.	1409 - Progressing scenery.

1410 - The scenery is completed.	1411 - The scenery is completed.

1412 - Completed scenery. Some ballast still to come.	1413 - Completed scenery. Some ballast still to come.

1417 - Temporary end of the eastbound scenery progression,	1418 - Temporary end of the eastbound scenery progression.

1420 - Details: oil dealer and scrap yard.	1421 - Details: oil dealer and scrap yard.

1422 - More details, scrap yard.	1424 - More details, scrap yard.

1425 - More details, loading dock.	1426 - More details, loading dock.

Part 15: - PROGRESSING EASTWARD AND BUILDING THE REMOVABLE SECTION AT THE ENTRY DOOR by B. Frontanau (France) BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB
	1504 - Progressing eastward. The different sizes of cables I use are visible: Stranded 0,5 mm2 soldered to rail, connected to 2,5 mm2, itself connected to the main bus: 4mm2
Plan 5 - Completed plan, lower level (see Part 14 plan 1), right side of the room	1553 - "Scenery detail, the pump is actually moving."

1506 - Hidden underneath the plywood cover are, the outside track which leads to the helix, inside track is a return loop. A second return loop will be installed inside the first one.	1505 - Wooden grid stage, it will carry the helper locos refueling service.

1429 - Scenery completed	1430 - Scenery completed

1431 - The rear track is the spur to the loading dock-	1432 - The locos service area is taking shape

1433 - Closer view	1435 - Yard office installed

1436 - Abandonned past in the desert dust	1438 - Overall view. The rear track sand tower is no more in use

1440 - Closer view	1441 - Closer view

1442 - Closer view	1456 - Waiting helper

1457 - Idling switcher	1463 - Waiting for the call of duty

1462 - Details close-up	1459 - Higher viewing angle

1455 - More details	1446 - Progressing East

1447 - In the foreground is the site for a future industry	1448 - This is the interface for the future removable section (room entry door).

1450 - Building the removable section	1451 - Side view

1452 - West interface	1453 - East interface

1464 - Scenery progression	1469 - Western part of the removable section and the removable section of backdrop. In the foreground the spur/tail track for the coming industry.

1470 - Opposite view looking East	1471 - Removable section / backdrop almost completed.

1512 - A small shack added by the tail track.	1490 - Overall view of the now completed industry and local water tower.

1491 - Aerial view	1493 - Aerial view

1488 - Closer view	1489 - Closer view

1508 - Closer view	1494 - Side view. Bins are loaded by a front loader.

1509 - More views	1510 - More views

1511 - Different angle	1513 - Removable section, different angle. In the distance is the start of the future Part 16. I'll see you then!

go back to the Diorama main page - click here / go back to the Layout main page - click here

Part 1 = the finished diorama in 2016

Overview of famous rock formations named after photographer, Herb Sullivan - 7658

7661

7660

7659

7662

7664

a Santa Fe EB train is passing the curve - 7561	very realistic landscaping (real or scale) - 7564

dirt road for access to tracks - 5519	7540

7136	5514

7809	7771

7573	6931

7736	7765

7763	7532

8285	7734

Part 3 - Sullivan's Curve - the real thing (2010 to 2014) - Part 3

May 2010 taken from the air already with BNSF third Main Track in service by W. Meer

May 2010 We are standing near the UP Track incl. Canyon siding (below are BNSF tracks) by W. Meer

June 2011 from left: BNSF MT-2, MT-1 and above UP track w/Canyon siding by W. Meer

May 2013 The Rocks rest in piece as there is no train around by E. Hänseler

December 2014 BNSF EB Cristmas Train on BNSF MT-1 going uphill by G. Trüb

May 2013 as seen from the left side. Below BNSF MT-2, MT-1 and above UP track w/Canyon siding by E. Hänseler

May 2012 UP SB on former SP track by M. Frei	May 2012 Two BNSF intermodal trains by M. Frei


West end of sullivans' Curve module 025	On this photo you'll notice the slight winding nature of the track support to get a more interesting effect. 031

new part at left and old part at right 033	Test fitting the module. Later I slightly cut down the highest part of the fascia. 035

Here you can see part of an old diorama I built in the 80s. It was discarded but I saved a few pieces to be inserted in future projects. It is a small drywash with abutments and bridge. I had to cut out a portion of the subroadbed to make it fit. 037	This is the plaster phase for a cut through a rock formation. 038

This photo shows the now inserted dry wash. 043	The expending scenery west of it with some hoodoos also called "the twin mushrooms" by the railroaders. 046

On this photo you see how the lower rock strata matches those found at Sullivan's curve. The angle of the stratas helped me to build a logical scenery transition between the two dioramas. 064	Slowly progressing scenery west of the dry wash. 068

This is the virtually finished scenery at the transition. Fascia isn't painted yet. 072	Here, the swallows nests are visible in the cracks between the stratas 074

150	096

Guardrails have been installed on the short bridge. 151	I used Peco code 83 American for the mainline and bulk code 75 for the guardrails. 152

154	155

The finished diorama. Pencil traces on the backdrop mark the painted "horizon" I added later on. 220	221

The rock formation at left is carved styrofoam, a technique I wanted to try. 241	242

244	712

Special light effects (early morning or late evening or night) are getting a very realistic view.

400	401

402	403

405	406

404	415

420	423

411	419

795	797

799	800


On this photo the end of the module closest to the camera will be the interface with the Sullivan's curve module. Notice the "stepped" frame to accomodate the 3 % downgrade to the right.. 279

Test fitting the module. 281	282

285	286

311	312

Making molds for the tunnel portals. 314	316

Plaster of Paris portals gently drying. 317	Building the tunnel becomes a challenging puzzle. 318

A piece of track is installed, ballasted and weathered before carrying on. 325	330

331	335

337	The aisle side will be on the right. 342

343	348

Future underpass for a dirt road. The metal culvert is made of aluminium cake container. 435	436

440	441

442	443

450	Module installed, the interface is still visible in the distance. 454

458	Another culvert with "homemade" retaining walls. I love that. 465

Tunnel view from the aisle. Note the scenic curve-counter curve. 511	512

516	517

518	519

520	720

471 is the start of the next module. I used 3 mm isorel (masonite ?) for the fascia instead of the 10 mm plywood.

471	721

This time I chose to put the styrofoam and cut holes to install the risers and screw them to the grid, . . . 475	. . . instead of filling the foam around the subroadbed. Result: A WASTE OF STYROFOAM, so no more. 476

487	491

493	495

496	498

500	719

717	718

501	716

502	505

507	508

752	753

754	757
This module marks the end of the eastbound scenery progression. In a not too far future I'll show you what's going on at the lower level, with, for example, a replica of the Santa Fe's "spider bridge" in New Mexico. Bernie.

Part 14: - LOWER REVERSING LOOPS AND HELIX CONNECTION. - PLANS OF THE BNSF DESERT & SIERRA SUB. by B. Frontanau (France) BNSF DESERT AND SIERRA SUB
Part 14 is a short word about the lower loops and lower connection to the helix, and also four plans showing how things are connected, and the names given to the different spots found along the line. Plan 1 is the lower level. Plan 2 is the upper level. Plan 3 is the summit level. Plan 4 is the upper loop and the upper connection to the helix, this last part is hidden under the summit level.

1427 - Lower hidden area. In the foreground is the track connecting the helix, then the two ends of the two reversing loops can be seen. Only one is completed.	1428 - Opposite view. In the distance is where eastbounds enter the hidden area and where westbounds quit it.

Plan 1 - Lower level, the right side, partially hidden, is not totally planned nor completed.	Plan 2 - Upper level.

Plan 3 - Summit level.	Plan 4 - Upper reversing loop and upper access to the helix. This trackage is hidden below the summit level.

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