Modeling the C&S Como roundhouse scene
The turntable is operated with a small slow-speed geared electric motor using a pushbutton and aligned by eye. The four roundhouse tracks are sup- plemented by an outside stall for the larger locomotives such as the outside framed C&S/CB&Q No. 537 that oper- ated in later years at Como. Three ap- proach tracks allow for the staging and flow of locomotives in and out of the turntable scene during operating ses- sions on the layout.
The blacksmith shop Prominent in the vintage photos of the Como roundhouse area is the blacksmith shop and foundry. This was used to make and repair the many metal parts needed for the locomotives and cars. There was
no room for heavy fabrication in the roundhouse itself. The Como shop crew was largely self-sufficient and did most rolling-stock repairs, although the really big jobs went to Denver if they could get there. The roof cupola and the various stacks vent the fires and forges inside the shop and they are one of the features that make this an appealing model. To construct the scratchbuilt model,
sketches and plans were developed based on photos and what would fit into the scene. The building was con- structed from stripwood assembled over a frame. The wood parts were col- ored with Floquil wood stains and leather dye after some light distressing with a BBQ wire brush and the addi- tion of nail holes using a pin. Further
weathering of the wood and the tarpa- per was completed with chalks. A lean- to of wood with tarpaper surrounds the shop door. This protected the building from cold and snow during the wintry weather. The metal roof is made from ribbed seam roofing sheets from Builders in Scale. The rolled metal roofing is weathered with a combina- tion of acid etchant, rust colored paint and chalks. As a model of a working building, there are no holes in the roof although it is well weathered. The stacks are a combination of Grandt Line kits and brass tubing. The guy wires are brass wire and the roof stays are the Grandt Line eyebolts.
The boxcar sheds One of the surviving signature ele-
Serving the roundhouse is a kitbashed 50-foot turntable that is equipped with a slow-speed electric motor. Two approach tracks lead to the turntable, which serves the four round- house tracks, an additional outdoor track for larger locomotives and the ash pit track.
ments of the Como roundhouse area is the shed built from two retired boxcar bodies of different sizes. The wooden boxcars were retired in the early 1880’s and their survival today is a testimoni- al to the dry high-altitude alpine cli- mate. The boxcars date from the era in which the DSP&P was controlled by the Union Pacific. The 23-foot car was UPD&G 26510 which was formerly of the Colorado Central while the 26-foot car was UP No. 24086. Although today, the shed is almost collapsed, period photos show the car bodies mated together with beams on the roof to support the interior opening between the cars. The model is scratch- built from stripwood with beams and braces on roof. The unusual roof line makes an interesting model and is one of the characteristics of the scene. Each car side was assembled individually, painted, lettered and weathered before assembling into the building. The shed sits in weeds with a ramp to the near- by track. The open doors expose the in- terior with an assortment of bags,
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