Mark Saphir

Left photo shows the main control section consisting of 2 panels. In total, there are 3 panels with 1215 devices hardwired to their respective devices on the layout.

Martin Pirnat

Mike May

Ray Schmudde

The SRVN is a proto-freelanced contemporary short line in a 10 x 13 spare bedroom, inspired by—but not modeled after—the San Luis and Rio Grande (now the Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad) in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. A shelf layout with a center peninsula, the 70-foot main line features continuous running capability but is operated point-to-point. A 50-foot branch takes off from the main line and climbs to a second deck along three sides of the room. Shelf width varies from 7 to 12 inches. The SRVN ships freight via its two connecting gateways, one east (BNSF and UP) and one west (UP). Grain, hay, lumber, molybdenum ore, potash, potatoes, and pulpwood are SRVN’s outbound traffic, with agricultural chemicals and fuel making up most inbound loads. The local coal mine has recently been abandoned. Power is by first- and second-generation diesels, all DCC. Visitors are most welcome.