The Cedar River Valley: A 1968 S Scale Modular Model Railroad
Meticulously researched, prototype-inspired S scale layout modeling the Chicago & North Western’s operations in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Welcome to the Cedar River Valley, a dedicated log chronicling a solo project with a deep focus on proto-freight operations. Set in late 1968 across the scenic Driftless Region, this S scale modular model railroad captures the precise traffic patterns, iconic urban geography, and industries served by the Chicago & North Western (C&NW) and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) railroads. Designed with operational fidelity in mind, this project tracks the transition from simple benchwork carpentry to advanced layout electronics and scale modeling.
Explore the Layout
C&NW Classification Yard
A massive 7-track terminal layout yard built over a 20-module footprint designed for maximum car handling efficiency.
Zone 2 Industrial District
A fully developed urban switching district packing multiple rail-served prototype industries named for fellow modelers.
Zone 3 & Heileman Brewery
A dedicated module featuring the sprawling structural complex of La Crosse's historic G. Heileman Brewing Company.
Latest News
Printing Car Cards and Two‑Position Waybills for Zones 1–3
Printing Car cards and two‑position waybills for 94 car spots across all three zones, creating realistic freight cycles for smooth, prototype‑inspired operations.
Laying Out the C&NW Yard
March 1st marked yet another major turning point for the Cedar River Valley: the day the C&NW Yard, representing Zone 1 of our layout, finally began taking physical shape. After weeks of leveling modules, installing wiring, and confirming alignment across all twelve sections, the focus shifted from carpentry to trackwork—the moment
Twelve Modules Standing
February 27th marked one of the most transformative days in the Cedar River Valley project so far. After months of planning, building, wiring, and steady progress, all twelve modules were finally stood up and locked into place. For the first time, the full footprint of the layout existed in three dimensions,
A Full House and a Productive Work Session
February 1st brought one of the most energetic and enjoyable work sessions the Cedar River Valley has seen so far. The layout room was filled with good company as Thomas Heilman, Ron Copher, and Al Lesky from the River Rail Group joined fellow S scale modeler Charles Sherman for a full
The First Modules Arrive
Just before the end of the year, the Cedar River Valley reached an exciting milestone: the first module sections arrived on December 23rd, built by Dan Benjamin of the River Rail Operations group. Up to this point, most of the work had focused on the Zone 2 shelf and the early shaping
The Beginning of Construction
Construction of the layout officially began on August 10th, marking the start of what has already become a deeply rewarding and creatively energizing project. At that time, the railroad carried the working title Midwest Grocers Association, a name chosen mostly as a placeholder while I focused on benchwork, early track planning,