Castle Rock Railroad

History:

Castle Rock Railroad runs from the industrial city of Castle Rock in the North to Monument approximately 25 miles to the south. The terrain proves a challenge as it dips and climbs along the railroad and the surrounding views vary between savannah and forest punctuated by populated areas. Roughly mid way between the two major towns is Larkspur, an urban area complete with passenger stop and sidings serving the commercial interests of the town as well as housing a preserved F7 at the engine shed.

Located in the foot hills of the Colorado Mountains, Castle Rock was first established as a mining camp for a gold rush in the area in 1859. An influx of several thousand gold seekers arrived over the following years hoping to strike fortune. Castle Rock itself is now a moderate city at the Northern point of the railroad and has transformed into a hub for industries such as a massive cement plant, metal works as well as an intermodal freight yard. There is also a terminus station from where the citizens of Castle Rock can access the Transcontinental Railroad via Monument. This connection saw the extension of many services that brought tourists and holiday makers to the area in search of a quiet get away.

Monument was founded as a high quality resort community in the wake of the gold rush near Castle Rock. Several high quality hotels were opened and the town began to attract many health savvy individuals seeking the high altitude and dry weather offered. A few decades later, the Castle Rock Railroad was formed, creating a fast and affordable line up from the Santa Fe Transcontinental Railroad that passed to the south of the region. Current industry in Monument is dominated by the granary and glass works, although the small yard often serves to sort through freight from Castle Rock.

Focus Time Period:

This fictional railroad is based on an area between Colorado Springs and Denver for the interesting geography and rock formations and is set in the modern era circa 2009. Larkspur houses a preserved F7 engine which is frequently seen in operation down the railroad.