This N-scale railroad was conceived as a Montana short line railroad serving the “Selway Valley” south of Missoula, MT in the early 2000’s.

The SVRY serves the agricultural and chemical customers of the “Selway Valley” on its 16 miles of railroad.  In Missoula, the SVRY interchanges with Montana Rail Link, BNSF, and somehow, the Milwaukee Road. Further south, there is an industrial area in South Missoula with plenty of traffic to keep a switch crew busy nearly around the clock. On up the valley the Worden Creek branch takes off up the hill to Worden Chemical.  Rounding the bend and crossing Worden Creek the railroad finds the community of McClain with Western Sand and Gravel and the McClain Team Track, a central spot for the many farms and orchards in the valley to receive their goods. The railroad reaches the end of the line near a place known to locals as Carlton, but more easily identified by the out of service crossing at US 93.

Passenger service is provided to the valley using SVRY’s RDC’s and occasional visiting DMU’s. Interchange power see’s a variety of mostly 4-axle power from all interchange partners. 

The railroad is Digitrax simple DCC with an option for wireless WiFi throtles (Wi-Throttle/Train Driver).  Operations occur at a relaxed pace with no dispatcher, though track warrants (verbal) are used to manage the comings and goings of trains.  Switchlists are used for car movements and switching is the main focus of the track plan.

Scenery is mostly complete (95%) and while the layout has some unfinished areas (staging yard), overall, the scope of rendered portions of this area of Montana is nicely done!

The room-sized layout will host 5 people, with all positions being exchangable during the expected lunch break.  This will allow all operators to get to run all the train types available, plus take a break from time to time.