n audio podcast exploring RAILS, the Railroad Awareness, Intelligence & Logistics System, and how a series of working model railroad electronics projects evolved into a modular system designed to make the railroad more aware, interactive and engaging while keeping the human operator in control.
What started as a simple question about Rock Island history led me deep into Colorado railroading, from the Rocky Mountain Rocket and Colorado Springs to Denver’s North Yard and the floods of 1965. Along the way, I discovered a very real connection between Rock Island and the Denver & Rio Grande Western, and some unexpected inspiration for Creekside Timber & Milling.
Seven feet of Creekside Timber & Milling is finally taking shape on the workbench. The track isn’t mounted yet, but the complete plan, including the modified Inglenook switching puzzle, fits and the individual modules are beginning to look like one railroad.
From finished wooden boxes to working T-Trak modules, Part Two covers track mounting, adjustable leveling feet, wiring, Anderson Powerpole connections, removable laser-engraved backdrops and the paint by number system designed to bring them to life.
From digital design to finished wooden module, Part 1 follows the laser cutting and assembly of two T-Trak modules for the Widow Creek Railroad, including a standard single and a depressed module designed for below track level features.
