Northern Minnesota Railroad Heritage Association, Inc.
Home of the "Northern Trackers"
phone: (218) 692-1900
HO Historical Layout 
The HO layout fills a 30’ x 30’ room. It is multi-leveled, generally depicting the route that was developed by the Minnesota & International railroad that existed from the 1890’s until being taken over by the Northern Pacific. The M&I was basically a logging railroad that eventually ran from Brainerd to International Falls, MN. Many of the towns that were served by the “Mike & Ike” between Brainerd and Bemidji, MN have been replicated. With the development of iron mining in Minnesota, several lines developed the industry and are incorporated in the layout for diversity. Thus the layout incorporates the operations of the M & I, Northern Pacific and Soo lines. The time era for modeling is from 1905 to 1940, which allows levity in road cars and scenes. The layout is set up on frame work which was covered with homosote that was clued down. All track is nailed down. Digitrax DCC powers layout with four divisions. Click here or on the photo for further photos and more information
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Click here or on the photo for further photos and more information
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The O gauge layout is 53’ x 13’. The bench work is constructed on independent tables connected with bolts and electrical plugs. The tables can be easily separated and move about if necessary. The side rails are steel, (as in 2x4 steel walls). The platform is OSB plywood with Homosote glued on the sections. The track is nailed to the Homosote.
The layout is blocked to permit mixtures of control choices. Lionel’s TMCC is the power source utilizing Trainmaster units or ZQ throtties.
The O gauge layout traces its origins to a major donation of equipment by the estate of a model railroader. Utilizing the donated equipment the layout follows a terminal railroad system. This allows running trains from different intercity roads on the same track. The layout is free-lanced with no attempt to model a specific geographic location or time period. Further donations through the years promoted new scenes on the layout. Many Lionel attractions have been incorporated with strategically placed power buttons to activated the attractions by the public.
Construction began in 2006.
Click here or on the photo for more information.
There is a Lionel 027 gauge model train layout typical of model trains many 
years ago. Visiting "children", young and old can operate this layout by themselves. It is decorated for the Holiday season for this picture. Joe Hampl is leading the discussion.
This layout is portable and has been used at train shows.
Also note in the background the display windows featuring locomotives and cars of all scales.
This room is also our "store" area for the sale of used equipmentand track.
