Current Layout by Dan Navarre

Layout Name:

"Keweenaw Bay and River Raisin Railroad"

Layout Status:

active

Track Type:

Layout Space:

21' x 24'

Layout Style:

Basement-filling, multi-level

Track Manufacturer:

Tomalco Track flextrack & turnouts

Rail Size:

code 100

Min. Turnout Frog:

Min. Radius:

38"

Ruling Grade:

Track Height(s):

43", 49", 53"

Completed:

benchwork: 95%; track: 50%; scenery: 0%

Setting:

West Virginia

Railroad(s) Modeled:

C&O, Pere Marquette

Control System:

DCC (ESU)

Notes:

Dan is, of course, better known for owning River Raisin Models, the importing company for exquisite brass models in S and Sn3.

An overview of Dan's layout under construction. The layout is essentially U-shaped, with return loops at ends of the U.

These are two models of the brass Pratt bridge that River Raisin Models imported in 2001.

These downtown Thurmond background buildings were 3D-printed. The plywood template is planned to be the backdrop for Thurmond.

Both regular track and the turnouts are those made by Tomalco Track. The straight turnout is a #10, but Dan mostly uses curved turnouts in this layout. The Masonite hardboard in the foreground is the future river bottom.

The next collection of photos were taken by Bill Lane during the open house at the 2026 NASG Convention. This is Dan standing next to his layout. As you'll see, Dan has made a lot of progress over the 5 years that have passed.

This is the return loop on the left side.

The backside of the return loop.

On the other side of this return loop.

The left-side return loop is visible in the background on the left. In the foreground are two of the brass Pratt bridges that River Raisin Models imported.

The return loop on the right-hand side.