Cedar River Valley

An S Scale Modular Railroad based on the Driftless Region

An unaltered image of the first train to run on the Cedar River Valley.

An unaltered image of the first train to run on the Cedar River Valley.

Welcome to the Cedar River Valley

Welcome to the Cedar River Valley website—a home for the ongoing construction, research, and storytelling behind my S scale model railroad set in 1968 La Crosse, Wisconsin. If you’ve followed the project through social media, or if you’re discovering it for the first time, I’m glad you’re here. This site brings together the layout’s history, photos, updates, and background in one place, making it easier to explore the railroad as it grows.

The Cedar River Valley is a one‑person build, and that’s part of what makes it special. Every module, structure, track arrangement, and scenic detail is shaped by my own hands and my own interpretation of the Chicago & North Western’s presence in La Crosse. From the downtown district to the yard, from the Zone 2 industrial area to the Heileman Brewery complex in Zone 3, each section reflects years of research, planning, and a deep love for Midwestern railroading.

This site also serves as a behind‑the‑scenes look at the construction process. You’ll find photo pages documenting each zone, notes on design decisions, and glimpses into how the layout evolves over time. Whether it’s the reversed engine‑house approach in the C&NW yard, the River Rail Operations‑inspired industry names in Zone 2, or the sprawling footprint of the Heileman Brewery, every part of the railroad has a story worth sharing.

Most of all, I hope this space becomes a place you enjoy visiting—whether you’re a fellow modeler, a C&NW enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates detailed creative work. The Cedar River Valley is a long‑term project, and I’m excited to share its progress with you. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you’ll follow along as the railroad continues to take shape.