modeltrain

For my operators who just like to run trains from one end of the layout to the other, I have the perfect job for them.  On any given day in my model world, there can be 3 trains that run the entire length of the railroad.  The first being a BNSF unit grain train coming from Fargo ND.  It travels over the Otter Tail Valley to Fergus Falls, that’s where the CM&W takes over.  It goes on to Albany and takes the branch line to Pierz MN where there is a large elevator that is part of the BNSF shuttle train network.  Peirz is actually a hidden staging track, so once the train is hidden away the operator can grab train number 2.  This train is a unit coal train from St. Paul to Fergus Falls.  Coal is barged up river to St. Paul, then loaded into coal cars.  The CM&W has trackage rights over BNSF for this move.  On the layout, the train goes from the lower staging yard ( St. Cloud ) to the upper staging yard ( Fergus Falls ).  The third train is another unit grain train.  This one is run for the Otter Tail Valley from Fergus Falls to Savage MN where grain is loaded into barges for a trip down river.  On the layout this operator would start with the BNSF job then move over to the road jobs.  Since it takes about 15 minutes to go from one end to the other, if all 3 trains run it will take some time to finish.   Keep in mind that this is a single track railroad, so meets will have to be set up with both locals too.  All this together will add up to a great time with the train guys.