April 2019 UP and SP work in the Kokomo Valley and The Union Pacific Tackles the Blue Mountains, Both in N Scale

Kokomo Junction Railroad in N Scale

See the freelanced Kokomo Junction serving eastern Washington. The modern little shortline operates independently, hauling freight and building toward an excursion line that will be sure to draw railfans from all over since it includes a Big Boy and a Challenger. The railroad is still building its roster but is already busy at work serving the Kokomo Valley with its secondhand Southern Pacific and Union Pacific locomotives. In addition to the story, photos, and video of the layout, we share a brief interview with layout owner John Pettigrew about the manual switches he built for the KJRR.

Union Pacific’s La Grande Sub in N Scale

Watch the Union Pacific’s long freights on the steep grades in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon. The multi-unit consists based in the 80s-90s haul freights on Bill Arseneau’s version of the Union Pacific’s La Grande Subdivision from Nampa, Idaho to Hinkle, Oregon. You’ll also see the Pioneer traveling the line as it travels its regular route from Seattle to Salt Lake City. We share video, photos, a partial history of the UP, and how Bill the N scale multi-level layout.

Build a Manual Switch Throw for Any Scale

We show you how to build your own manual switch throw similar to the ones John Pettigrew built for the Kokomo Junction. It’s a simple project suitable for anyone who has a layout ready for turnouts.