A sneak preview of Dennis Rietze's new layout

 

Former No.1 Northern Superintendent Dennis Rietze sent us some images of his new layout, the Twisted Creek Railway. Dennis is one of the most creative and inventive model railroader in the hobby. He’s well known for building an amazing layout in the crawl space of his split level house. He is having his new layout custom built to fit in the spare bedroom of he new apartment that he and his wife LuElla had moved into recently.

The plan is a modified version of one that appeared in Model Railroader magazine. As it is in an apartment, the layout has been designed to be free standing so none of the walls will be drilled into or damaged. It is supported by a series of pillars, which allows for wheelchair accessibility. As it is built in several lightweight sections using framed styrofoam boards, it can be taken down and moved without much difficulty.

All of the backdrops are attached to the back side of the layout. The most outstanding feature of the layout is something that literally is outstanding! It’s a large peninsula is supported by several long carriage bolts that are anchored to the frame of the layout.

Dennis has also recycled several structures from his previous layout. His free standing peninsula will feature a modern grain elevator depot. Dennis, who was never shy about embracing new technology, has plans to put in a street with moving vehicles. His latest project has been bridge construction, and he’s even modelling it, using HO scale dump trucks and earth moving equipment.