Remote Layouts

CB&Q: Chicago – Aurora – C&I

Scale: HO Set in the early to mid-1960s, the railroad runs from Chicago (Chicago Union Station to Aurora to Savanna, IL) with North Staging at La Crosse, WI. The run from Chicago to Aurora includes the famous triple track “racetrack” that handles all freight traffic and eventually the Zephyrs and Dinkies. Era/Locale: Early to mid-1960sSize: 30' x 50'Benchwork: … [Read more...] about CB&Q: Chicago – Aurora – C&I

Worthington Model Railway

Scale: OO & OO9 The Worthington Model Railway is a British outline layout set in the 1950s - 1960s after the advent of British Railways thru the demise of steam and the ascendance of diesel traction. The layout features a series of typically British dioramas; including a small town and station, an industrial area, a castle, a Cricket Match, and a canal complete with … [Read more...] about Worthington Model Railway

The Stephenson, Cedar River & Eastern Railway

Scale: On30 The Stephenson, Cedar River & Eastern Railway is set in the 1910-1915 and traverses a short run of 15 miles between Stephenson, Mi and Cedar River, Mi, a port town on lake Michigan. The layout was begun in 2016 and the SCR&ER is built for operations and typically sees over 10 trains during a 3-4 hour operating session. Locomotives are equipped with TCS … [Read more...] about The Stephenson, Cedar River & Eastern Railway

Layouts on the Way To or From the Convention

The 46th National Narrow Gauge Convention is proud to include a number of fine home layouts for you to visit on your way to or from our convention. Details for the opportunity to visit these layouts will be available for registered attendees in our Whova™ event close to convention time. CB&Q: Chicago - Aurora - C&I Scale: HOEra/Locale: Early to … [Read more...] about Layouts on the Way To or From the Convention

From Minnesota Digital Library:

“The growth of Minnesota can be tied directly to the growth of railroads. The railroads supported farmers, millers, miners, and loggers by moving the raw materials they produced to sell at markets. In turn, the railroads brought other goods and products to the people to build their homes, businesses, and towns. Railroads also brought immigrants to settle the land and provided jobs and income to laborers and investors.

Three of Minnesota’s major railroads were the Northern Pacific, the Great Northern, and the Soo Line. While these three were not the only railroads that operated in Minnesota, they had a major impact on the state.

The U.S. Congress chartered the Northern Pacific Railway in 1864 to build a transcontinental railroad from Lake Superior to the Pacific coast. When it was completed in 1883, the railroad had laid nearly 6,800 miles of track through Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Its headquarters were in St. Paul, Minnesota.”

From ThievesRiver.com:

1) Uff da

Background: A Scandinavian import, particularly from Norwegian, “uff da” is widely used to express dismay, exhaustion or sometimes even relief. It embodies the stoic yet expressive nature of Minnesotans.

Example: “Uff da! I forgot my wallet at the cabin. Now I can’t pay for the meat raffle tickets, gosh darn it!”

2) You Betcha

Background: This phrase epitomizes the friendly and positive attitude of Minnesotans. It’s often said with enthusiasm and is used to mean “absolutely” or “you can count on it.”

Example: “Do you want to come to the hockey game this weekend? Grain Belts are on me!” – “You betcha!”

CB&Q: Chicago – Aurora – C&I

Worthington Model Railway

The Stephenson, Cedar River & Eastern Railway

Layouts on the Way To or From the Convention

2026 NNGC FAQs

Minnesota’s Three Major Railroads

Minnesota Lingo

1) Uff da

2) You Betcha

Remote Layouts

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2026 NNGC FAQs

Minnesota’s Three Major Railroads

Minnesota Lingo

1) Uff da

2) You Betcha