The Mojave Desert and
Southwest Mountains Railroad
Construction on the new layout for the Mojave Desert and Southwest Mountains Railroad started in June of 2004. The layout will eventually occupy just over half of my back yard or about 1800 sq/ft. Trains will operate on three separate but interconnected loops. As the name implies this fictiscious railroad is set in California's south central area and encompasses terrain from the Sierra Mountains in the north though the harsh Mojave Desert to the mountain range north of Los Angeles knows as the San Gabriel and Pelona Vista Mountains on the south. The era of operation is still fluid, but will need to extend at least into the late 1930's (since I have begun collecting automobiles into that time period). The primary industry on the layout will be a gold mine served by a Gn15 railroad. "All" rolling stock will be scratch built as will the structures. Place and industry names are derived from desert flora and fauna as well as family names. My Hartland 2-4-0 Dutches is named the Hilary Kay after my mother-in-law. Lee's Mill is named for my paternal grandfather. Place names so far include Black Widow Gultch, Black Widow Gold Mine, Sidewinder Station, and Chuckwalla Springs.
To see photos and follow the progress visit The Mojave Desert and Southwest Mountains Railroad