Mar 17

Estes Park: Rails on The Rockies 2017

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By Lester:

Greetings to all,

We had another successful Estes Park Train Show a few weekends ago, and I would like to thank all those who came up and helped with it. A total of 12 people had something to do with the show; some couldn’t make it, but sent their items with someone else. With the loan of track and base plates from Duane and Mark, we had one heck of a track layout with a large switchyard. The layout was in a U shape with two trains running on each side, Jim’s monorails on each side, plus the moving parade. It was like having 7 trains running the whole time. It really impressed people who attended as well as the train people. The weather was great this year, no snow or high winds. It did rain a bit in the afternoon on Sunday, but very light. I talked to one of the organizers of the show and they said attendance was great this year, but un-sure how many attended the show. Partly due to their new entry fee, so there were a lot of people showing up for both days on the same ticket.

The parade side of the layout:
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The Switchyard area:

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Eric’s buildings:

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The moving parade:

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As usual , we talked about next year’s show, and have decided to do the theme of Circus. Circus trains, circus parade, maybe a big top (not sure how), side shows and a caravel. Oh yes, on another section of the lay out, Jurassic Farm. Start thinking of ideas for next year, what can you build?

Thanks again everyone for you help.

Lester

May 11

CoWLUG Celebrates 10 Years!

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April 2016 marked 10 years since the founding of the Colorado Wyoming LEGO Users Group. There was a wonderful turnout of CoWLUG members for a special celebration to honor the 10 years CoWLUG has been gathering and displaying unique LEGO MOCs across the Colorado and Wyoming region.

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A huge thank you goes out to Abby for organizing the celebration and reserving space at Rock Bottom Brewery for both reminiscing as well as revelry.
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There were old photos passed around from the years of displays showing some of the younger members growing up, growing better build skills, as well as facial hair. There were memories shared of members no longer with us, either because of moves or their untimely passing. The celebration certainly was not the same without the presence of Jim West – a reminder of how important it is to enjoy the times one has with good friends.

IMG_9710 IMG_9711 IMG_9712 IMG_9713 IMG_9714 IMG_9715Goody bags and a gift exchange were both highlights of the evening, stirring the itch to get to building something new. Cheers everyone! Congratulations to 10 amazing years. Look how far CoWLUG has come in such a short time.

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Feb 14

Estes Park: Rails on The Rockies 2016

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Rails on The Rockies 2016

February 13th and 14th

The Rails on The Rockies held annually over President’s Day Weekend in Estes Park was another fun filled weekend of model trains, LEGO, and Lester coming up with an idea out of the box. This year’s display theme was “Islands”. A train track was laidout out around various islands created to be humorous and practical, that had boats and ships that ran around them on the track. There was a kitchen island, Gilligan’s Island, Desserted Island and many more types of islands. A small amusement park had a standard train running around it and other city buildings. The “train” ships were something new and were quite popular amongst the crowd. Thanks to all the builders, about 13, who participated in a unique display layout.

SAM_1019Duplo blended well with the theme of islands. Just need to watch out for Captain Hook and Peter Pan. And when you have a volcano, you might as well toast a marshmallow too. 

SAM_1020A popular island by Lester.


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Desserted Island is filled with yummy goodness created by Nancy

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Scooby Doo wouldn’t be out of place with a Skull Island build by Stuart, Monster Mystery Machine by Jim.

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Samantha went all out for Gilligan’s Island. SKIPPER!

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Art’s boardwalk was a great addition to the islands. It’s a very busy place to be.

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Art added a beach with a bar, rock concert, surfin’, and muscle beach. Inside Tip: Almost everything Art builds, there’s his signature concert scene.

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The smallest amusement park set up by Jim. Push buttons again were popular.

SAM_1069Nikoli’s “Penguin Island”. CoWLUG’s youngest builder keeping things cool.


SAM_1072Chris’ “Pirate Cove” is filled with many wonderful details you had to see it in person. The sails on the ships were custom made and well done.


SAM_1082A tug boat and garbage barge with a raptor drinkin’ by Lester. Michael and Meghan’s Viking ship, a classic set.

SAM_1084Some small islands by Lester and Bill. Boat races and Bat Boat, which runs on the tracks, by Lester.

SAM_1015Jim’s “Battle For The Witches Gold”. A chaotic scene featuring pirates, orcs, trolls, dinosaurs, various soldiers, a few ninjas and some wizards battling for gold.

Another fun year and can’t wait to see what Lester has planned. Thanks to: Lester, Art, Jim, Bill, Sam, Meghan, Michael, Nikoli, Nancy, Peter, Chris, (anyone I missed let me know). Early word for next year is “Steam Powered” not “SteamPunk”.