Despite the continued reconstruction of all the highways leading up to Estes Park after last fall’s disastrous flood, there was a solid showing for CoWLUG members participating in this year’s display, organized by Lester. Above a corner of the city showcases buildings by Meghan, Duane and Samantha.
Jim M.’s interactive amusement park received continued action by the younger crowds.
Below, Art created a mountainous backdrop to Jerry’s fort.
The mountain’s tunnel spilled out into a very large Western section of the layout with buildings by Lester (Market,) Grimy Gulch station by Jeff, and a multitude of detailed structures by Meghan and Duane populating the action.
A Spanish village by Jerry spanned the length of one side, bringing us to an Indian village by Jim M. and Bent’s fort by Ian.
No one was quite sure exactly what was happening between the hedgehogs, bears and an octopus….
Samantha’s detailed western structures and scenes were a popular draw, especially with the addition of LEGO Movie references.
There was plenty of train wreck action happening as Lester changed out various trains during the show (the blurry figure lower right behind the tarantula leg) and tested the number of characters that could be added to numerous cars. The crowds looked on, very entertained.
Low clearance under Imagine’s steampunk tarantula contraption from Wild Wild West brought inquisitive looks from onlookers.
Beyond the western area, Meghan’s gorgeously colorful victorian street created a lovely spot to stand and gaze. Lester certainly looks pretty posing behind them. I think the pink house is giving him a rosy glow. 🙂
Lester’s pièce de résistance this year was his addition of the steampunk street scene and various steampunk inspired vehicles and figs.
And literally bridging the gap between steampunk and city features was Duane’s quadruple bridge, dam and river scene. The underwater and cave features were particularly exciting for the shorter members of the crowd who could peer in at their own eye level.
The city scape continued to grow this year with more buildings (by Stuart, Lester, Duane, Samantha and Meghan,) and activities.
And since the LEGO Movie hit theaters, there were of course several relevant action scenes playing out in the streets. Here, Imagine’s redesign of Lord Business’ Lair uses his huge legs to stomp his way through the streets.
Finally, it wouldn’t be Rails on the Rockies without trains. There were trains of all kinds, moving through every part of the layout all day – thank you train builders: Lester, Duane, Michael & Jim M! Lester would like to extend his thanks to everyone who took part in building, displaying and tending the show over the weekend. It was a truly fabulous collaboration by all.
