Feather River Route (FRR)

The Feather River Route is a rail line that was built and operated by the Western Pacific Railroad. It was constructed between 1906 and 1909, and connects the cities of Oakland, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah. The line was built to compete with the Central Pacific Railroad (and later Southern Pacific Railroad), which at the time held a nearly complete monopoly on Northern California rail service. The route derives its name from its crossing of the Sierra Nevada, where it follows both the North and Middle Forks of the Feather River. The route is famous for its impressive engineering qualities and its considerable scenic value. (From Wikipedia)

After much deliberation, our membership decided on the layout shown below and benchwork began in 2023. The goal is to run trains on the mainline before the end of 2024 and then proceed with scenery.

FRR Layout Details

  • The n-scale prototype runs from Oroville, CA to Portola to the Reno junction just west of the Nevada border
  • Layout covers 40′ x 30′.
  • Connects with current DPE layout over removable bridge
  • DCC (computer) control using Digitrax and JMRI PanelPro.
  • 120 hand laid turnouts:
    • #10 for high speed crossovers
    • #8 for mainline access and passing sidings
    • #6 for yards and local spurs
  • Turnouts, block occupancy detection and operating track signals using the latest LCC Technology.
  • All turnouts are motorized and may be operated from:
    • your smart phone
    • the dispatcher’s computer screen, or
    • local control panels.