Fraser Canyon and Tunnel 34

Looking east into the Fraser Canyon. Photographer unknown.

The last scene on the mainline in my plan for the layout is a bit of the eastern end of Fraser Canyon leading up to Tunnel 34. This is an isolated stretch of railroad where access is pretty much by foot, via the river, or by rail. It is a popular fishing spot, and I have found a few pictures from the train, but not a lot otherwise in the canyon. In some ways, this is perfect for the end of the modeled mainline. Just plain mountain scenery.

Amtrak passing the cleanup from a Fraser Canyon rock slide in May 2004. Photo by HemiAdda2d.

The track plan for the Fraser Canyon section of the layout extends from the western end of Tabernash to the wall by the door. At that point, the mainline turns to enter Tunnel 34 in Fraser Canyon. The portal of Fraser Canyon leads into the upper reaches of the helix that will connect to staging and provide a continuous run connection back to Denver. The scenery is going to be heavily tree covered canyon walls, with two bridges modeled in the canyon. The scene is simple, but should provide a connection to the rest of the world and will help hide the connection back into the helix and staging.

Track Plan for Fraser Canyon

So, that is the mainline plan from Denver Union Station to Tunnel 34 in Fraser Canyon just west of Tabernash Colorado, 69.1 miles to the west of Denver. All modeled in 3+ decks. It is an exciting layout concept to be sure and would be an awesome site to see.

Cameron Turner