We want to thank all of you that have attended our monthly open houses. 

The Colorado Midland Railroad’s open houses will resume after the Spring of 2014

Please stop by our website for updates on the status of the DUS renovation and our layout.

We look forward to seeing you in 2014!

Saturday February 12th, Skip Waugh and I powered up the Grays/No Name DCC power district on the narrow gauge for its initial start up and programmed all the stationary switch machine decoders for Grays. Once we finished with the stationary decoder programming we started to test the track with RGS 455 with a short string of cars in tow. As usual we had a few missing track drop leads which is common when doing a conversion like we are doing and are fixing them as we find them.

What causes missing drops when converting from DC to DCC? Mostly it is you missed noticing a rail gap that was part of a DC block, our rail gaps are filled with styrene and once the rail is weathered sometimes you miss one or two.

So we will continue to test for the next few weeks looking for trouble spots such as proper switch throw, no engine stalls, and track infrastructure before we connect the command bus to the Junction DCC power district so we can run between the 2 districts.

Why independently test each DCC power district prior to connecting them? It’s a basic troubleshooting statement which is divide and conquer. We will know any issue we see is related to the DCC power district we are testing in and not being caused by something going on in another DCC power district. Also when you connect the command bus from on district to another if you have a issue you also know it is just related to the command bus cable connection.

I will cover our locomotive testing practices for a DCC power district in my next update.

Eric Bacchi  Narrow Gauge Operations Team

Location

where are you located?

In the basement of Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop in Suite 10. Take the elevator down one floor and were down the hall, can't miss it!

I'm not familiar with downtown Denver. Is there parking available right there at Union Station for your "open house" evenings? Thank you.

Club members generally park in the lot on the south end of the station you enter from Wynkoop street. The Central Parking lot charges usually $5 after 4pm although on special events, Rockies games, or any other the fee can easily triple or more! You may also park on the street out in front called Wynkoop using the city parking meter with a two hour limit. In the back, or the west side of the station along Wewatta you will find free parking for two hours, you will need to walk under the station tracks and into the station. A variety of parking options are currently available near the station.

Where are you located?

We are located in the basement of the Denver Union Station in downtown Denver. The 16th Street free shuttle stops at 16th and Wynkoop and then the station is just across the street. If you are taking Light Rail, the C line will get you close to the station as well.

What are the requirements to join?

Having in interest in trains and be willing to help with projects on the layout.

How long is the trial/probationary period?

It usually lasts six months

What is the purpose of the trial/probationary period?

It allows you, and us, to determine if the relationship is good

What is the cost of the trial/probationary period?

$30

What are membership dues?

$150 per year payable either annually or semi-annually

Do I need to have 2-rail equipment?

Not at all, however, if you have some or want to buy some, that is great

Do I have to own my own equipment in order to run trains?

Not at all, once you are a qualified engineer, you can run any equipment on the railroad

What projects are currently being worked on?

The big project is converting the layout to DCC.  We have started with our narrow gauge and as soon as that is completed, we will start on the standard gauge.  We are also relaying track and adding or improving scenery and structures

Come down any Tuesday evening at 7 PM to visit and learn more.

Membership

You guys have a really interesting web site. Love the photos and videos. I am curious if you have ever thought about doing some member profiles on the site? I may be weird, but I always find it fascinating to learn about the members behind the scenes. What got them into trains and what is their primary area of interest and such. Just a suggestion.

I passed along the message to some of the membership and with some time this would be a great addition. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! With the launch of our new web site, member profiles are now optional for registered users. We'll be adding more to this feature as time goes on as well.

How does one become a member?

See the article under the "Membership" within the site categories menu for a brief overview or contact us via email.

Schedule

My wife and I are planning a Denver trip in June and it looks like your open houses are the last Friday of the month. So, do you know if you plan on one for June 29

We normally close for the Summer at the end of May and reopen in the Fall. This year however is different as we are closing for Denver Union Station Hotel renovation. If you would to see the layout somebody in the club would happy to show you around in June as we will be doing some preparation for the renovation all summer leading to a September closing for 24 months. Please contact me at: erikclindgren@gmail.com

Hello, I\'m a visitor from Europe planning to arrive in Denver on Friday, Feb. 24th, but my flight has been rescheduled. If I can\'t make it in time, is there another chance to see your layout on Sat. and/or Sunday? Many thanks and best regards! Dominic

Dominic, no problem, let me know when you can make I will make sure somebody will be able to let you in. Please email me: erikclindgren@gmail.com

Do you have hours for the public that are not Friday evenings?

Our work nights are every Tuesday after 7:00 pm. Your welcome anytime to stop in during this time. Often times you will find the door shut but feel free to knock. I am sure someone would be happy to show you around. As far as seeing running trains please come during our open house. Thanks for asking!

where is your run schedule?

I finally got a portion of the schedule for 2011 added. Check Back for further additions.

are y ou open on christmas eve? What times?

Sorry, we are not. We will be open again January 28 from 7pm till 9pm.

Is there any charge for your monthly Open Houses?

No, there is no charge.

My 2 1/2 year old son loves trains. Do you encourage children to come to your open house dates?

For sure! We love all ages of visitors. We have special shelves along the walls in the gallery for children to stand and view the layout.

When can the public view the models?

Please have a look at the run schedule on the main page of the website for specific dates of public operations. Please feel free to stop in and see any of our run sessions that start at 7 pm in the basement of Union Station. And if you would like to stop in a see the layout, a club member should be able to show you around on Tuesday evenings after 7pm. Thanks for your Question!

Why are you not open during the summer months?

There are numerous reasons why we are not open to the public during the summer months. Some of these are: there is no ventilation in the basement so the temperature inside the layout can be unbearable particularly if the number of visitors is large; our major projects, which may involve tearing up or out parts of the layout, are done in the summer so this precludes running equipment; and also our members do enjoy taking time off as well.

When are you open for public viewing?

Our annual schedule may be found on our home page as well as a hard copy may be obtained when you visit on a public viewing night. Each month, the Club has a theme and, generally, visitors will view different trains running on that theme night. The Club also may be featuring either its standard or narrow gauge equipment. If you call the Club, you will also hear the date, time and theme for that month. Visitors should check the schedule closely as the day of the month and/or times are different throughout the year.

Layout

Are reservations required?

No reservations are needed for regular open house nights (see our event calendar on the main page). If you wish to visit another day, you would need to make an appointment.

Who actually owns the trains and other items on your layout? Are these club owned or do members donate their own trains etc. for use?

Our Colorado Midland Railway is solely owned and operated by our members. Uncounted thousands of work hours and untold dollars have gone into its creation, operation, and maintenance over our 70 year history. All was and is provided by our members. Trains that you see operating are owned by our members or by DSMR. Our Train Operating Superintendent coordinates our public operating sessions to provide a central theme that rotates monthly. This allows our visitors to see something a little different each time they come, and gives all our trains downtime for repairs and upgrades. The automobiles, trucks, MOW apparatus, and other vehicles that you see on the model railroad, with a few exceptions, are also owned by our members. The rest of the model railroad is owned by DSMR.

What is the approximate size of the layout?

The current layout consists of approximately 6500 square feet and the members continue to expand the layout. The trains travel over 4,000 linear feet of track. It takes approximately 30 minutes to traverse the standard gauge mainline and 25 minutes to traverse the narrow gauge mainline. Due to the time it takes to traverse the mainlines, trains may not always be visible to our visitors, however, the trains are running and re-appear on the lines.

Are you still building on your layout or is it complete at this point?

Although the Club is over 70 years old, it is a "work in progress"! Members continue to suggest ways to improve, enhance and expand the layout.

General

I inherited some model trains that I would like to sell. Can I send you a list of items? To what email address?

Drop me a line I'll see if can assist. Erik erikclindgren@gmail.com

I would like to bring a Cub Scout Den to view the model as a part of our achievements. Is this something that we can schedule directly with you?

Yes, please contact Dawn at the following address: dawnlindgren@gmail.com

does it cost to view on friday night?

Free admission. Thanks for asking!

My father, a Master Model Railroader, is in town and wanted to know if there was some way to come by and see your exhibit.

Certainly, please contact me at my personal email: erikclindgren@gmail.com I'll see if I can help work out a time with the membership.

I can not find the run schedule on your website, I was also wondering if you had different hours for the holidays?

Yes I need to post the new 2010 run schedule on the new site; still working out the kinks. We will be open Friday night the 28th of January from 7pm till 9pm. Thanks for asking!

We are visiting downtown next thursday12/16. Is there any chance of bringing a few kids down to see the trains around 10 am?

My sincerest apologies, we tried to answer this question but were unable to log in to do so. Would you like to schedule another time?

Are there certain standard hours that the model trains are open for public viewing, or is it only for certain special events?

Our operating sessions are posted on the wall outside the layout room at the station. Also an updated 2010 run schedule will be added this week. Please always look to our website for hours of operation and times.

Layout

Are reservations required?

No reservations are needed for regular open house nights (see our event calendar on the main page). If you wish to visit another day, you would need to make an appointment.

Who actually owns the trains and other items on your layout? Are these club owned or do members donate their own trains etc. for use?

Our Colorado Midland Railway is solely owned and operated by our members. Uncounted thousands of work hours and untold dollars have gone into its creation, operation, and maintenance over our 70 year history. All was and is provided by our members. Trains that you see operating are owned by our members or by DSMR. Our Train Operating Superintendent coordinates our public operating sessions to provide a central theme that rotates monthly. This allows our visitors to see something a little different each time they come, and gives all our trains downtime for repairs and upgrades. The automobiles, trucks, MOW apparatus, and other vehicles that you see on the model railroad, with a few exceptions, are also owned by our members. The rest of the model railroad is owned by DSMR.

What is the approximate size of the layout?

The current layout consists of approximately 6500 square feet and the members continue to expand the layout. The trains travel over 4,000 linear feet of track. It takes approximately 30 minutes to traverse the standard gauge mainline and 25 minutes to traverse the narrow gauge mainline. Due to the time it takes to traverse the mainlines, trains may not always be visible to our visitors, however, the trains are running and re-appear on the lines.

Are you still building on your layout or is it complete at this point?

Although the Club is over 70 years old, it is a "work in progress"! Members continue to suggest ways to improve, enhance and expand the layout.

Schedule

My wife and I are planning a Denver trip in June and it looks like your open houses are the last Friday of the month. So, do you know if you plan on one for June 29

We normally close for the Summer at the end of May and reopen in the Fall. This year however is different as we are closing for Denver Union Station Hotel renovation. If you would to see the layout somebody in the club would happy to show you around in June as we will be doing some preparation for the renovation all summer leading to a September closing for 24 months. Please contact me at: erikclindgren@gmail.com

Hello, I\'m a visitor from Europe planning to arrive in Denver on Friday, Feb. 24th, but my flight has been rescheduled. If I can\'t make it in time, is there another chance to see your layout on Sat. and/or Sunday? Many thanks and best regards! Dominic

Dominic, no problem, let me know when you can make I will make sure somebody will be able to let you in. Please email me: erikclindgren@gmail.com

Do you have hours for the public that are not Friday evenings?

Our work nights are every Tuesday after 7:00 pm. Your welcome anytime to stop in during this time. Often times you will find the door shut but feel free to knock. I am sure someone would be happy to show you around. As far as seeing running trains please come during our open house. Thanks for asking!

where is your run schedule?

I finally got a portion of the schedule for 2011 added. Check Back for further additions.

are y ou open on christmas eve? What times?

Sorry, we are not. We will be open again January 28 from 7pm till 9pm.

Is there any charge for your monthly Open Houses?

No, there is no charge.

My 2 1/2 year old son loves trains. Do you encourage children to come to your open house dates?

For sure! We love all ages of visitors. We have special shelves along the walls in the gallery for children to stand and view the layout.

When can the public view the models?

Please have a look at the run schedule on the main page of the website for specific dates of public operations. Please feel free to stop in and see any of our run sessions that start at 7 pm in the basement of Union Station. And if you would like to stop in a see the layout, a club member should be able to show you around on Tuesday evenings after 7pm. Thanks for your Question!

Why are you not open during the summer months?

There are numerous reasons why we are not open to the public during the summer months. Some of these are: there is no ventilation in the basement so the temperature inside the layout can be unbearable particularly if the number of visitors is large; our major projects, which may involve tearing up or out parts of the layout, are done in the summer so this precludes running equipment; and also our members do enjoy taking time off as well.

When are you open for public viewing?

Our annual schedule may be found on our home page as well as a hard copy may be obtained when you visit on a public viewing night. Each month, the Club has a theme and, generally, visitors will view different trains running on that theme night. The Club also may be featuring either its standard or narrow gauge equipment. If you call the Club, you will also hear the date, time and theme for that month. Visitors should check the schedule closely as the day of the month and/or times are different throughout the year.

Membership

You guys have a really interesting web site. Love the photos and videos. I am curious if you have ever thought about doing some member profiles on the site? I may be weird, but I always find it fascinating to learn about the members behind the scenes. What got them into trains and what is their primary area of interest and such. Just a suggestion.

I passed along the message to some of the membership and with some time this would be a great addition. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! With the launch of our new web site, member profiles are now optional for registered users. We'll be adding more to this feature as time goes on as well.

How does one become a member?

See the article under the "Membership" within the site categories menu for a brief overview or contact us via email.

Location

where are you located?

In the basement of Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop in Suite 10. Take the elevator down one floor and were down the hall, can't miss it!

I'm not familiar with downtown Denver. Is there parking available right there at Union Station for your "open house" evenings? Thank you.

Club members generally park in the lot on the south end of the station you enter from Wynkoop street. The Central Parking lot charges usually $5 after 4pm although on special events, Rockies games, or any other the fee can easily triple or more! You may also park on the street out in front called Wynkoop using the city parking meter with a two hour limit. In the back, or the west side of the station along Wewatta you will find free parking for two hours, you will need to walk under the station tracks and into the station. A variety of parking options are currently available near the station.

Where are you located?

We are located in the basement of the Denver Union Station in downtown Denver. The 16th Street free shuttle stops at 16th and Wynkoop and then the station is just across the street. If you are taking Light Rail, the C line will get you close to the station as well.