Red Rock-Green River On30 Layout Tour DVD

By Chris Lane

Bill Iwan’s Red Rock-Green River layout needs no introduction to the readers of the 2009 On30 Annual. The freelanced railroad is loosely based on the Chama, New Mexico yard of the Denver & Rio Grande and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. His beautiful equipment and breathtaking scenery were very inspiring to the readers. This DVD picks up where the Annual left off by showing the trains operating (with full sound) set to a peppy bluegrass soundtrack. It also showcases some of Bill’s innovative layout animations, which he promised to share the nuts and bolts of in future Annuals.

The DVD begins with D&RGW #268 pulling a stock train out of the Green River station. The train winds through some scenery and then emerges from a tunnel and traverses a narrow shelf reminiscent of the High Line between Durango and Silverton. The train then stops for water and we see the first of Bill’s animations: an operating water tank spout. When the train arrives at the stock pens, we are treated to some switching. Then the #268 becomes a caboose hop back to Green River. In the next segment, RGS Goose #5 takes a spin around the layout. Then, double-headed K-28s pull a long passenger train. Finally, we are taken on a tour of the layout and see some of the close up detail work in addition to more animations including operating roundhouse doors, coaling tower, glowing ashpit and an opening door on a “reading room.” The last segment of the DVD shows a still photo sequence of the layout under construction through to finished scenes.

Pros: This is an “amateur” production, but it looks and sounds profession throughout. The editing is tight, and camera work is solid and focused and sounds of the trains and background music are in perfect balance. It is fun to see a beautiful layout from the pages of a magazine come to life on screen. The construction sequence alone is well worth the price of the DVD. You will be astounded to see how this railroad resides in a very modest space, and you’ll get some great scenery ideas seeing the backdrop and scenery in-progress. This DVD is an invaluable companion to the 2009 On30 Annual.

Cons: Unfortunately, you won’t enjoy the DVD nearly as much if you don’t own the 2009 On30 Annual. There is no narration or text included, so it can be very hard to orient yourself without the track plan in the Annual. You’ll also get much, much more enjoyment from the video if you read the Annual text that accompanies Bill’s article, as you can see how his ideas and experiences translate into the finished layout.