The Splitrock Mining Company layout

05/28/2026

Brass MLW S-13/RS-23 enter service. DCC & Sound/lights by ELS Train Service. (Brass magicians) Extra electrical pickups added by Joe Binish. (Thanks Joe!) Rapido/ Home Shops version available for preorder.
DenverTrains.com SRMX code for 5% discount.

05/27/2026

Alco C-424’s serviced and ready

05/23/2026

Splitrock Mining Company Operations session success. Moved enough red dirt to send a boat on the way to Cleveland. Thanks Joe B and Dan D for being the test crew.

05/22/2026

Check out this old Rock Island caboose. Give the Missouri Northern layout a follow!

Tom and Dan are trying to figure out their next moves or perhaps wondering if they can grab lunch at Moe's before getting to the rest of their switchlist. The ex-Rock caboose has seen better days.

Tangent caboose weathered by Splitrock Mining.

05/21/2026

The representatives from the National Narrow Gauge Convention stopped by for an inspection and photo collection. They are looking for local layouts to include in their convention tours. As John Lennon said on that rooftop in 1969: "I'd like to say thank you on behalf of the group and ourselves, and I hope we've passed the audition"

05/20/2026

Layout cleaned up for inspection. The National Narrow Gauge Convention is in the Twin Cities this year. Representatives are stopping by for photos. I hope the Splitrock is good enough to be on the layout tours.

05/20/2026

The ‘Big Fitz’ is in Agate Bay. That means Operations Season has begun!

05/19/2026

I’m glad I added a fire watch tower on my layout. Northern Minnesota is having a tough time this spring!

05/12/2026

Magnetic 🧲 handbrakes.

05/05/2026

Sigh.. 😔