Current Layout by Ken Zieska

Layout Name:

"Minnesota Heartland Western Division"

Official Web Site:

Visit

Layout Status:

active

Track Type:

Layout Style:

Around-the-room, with peninsula

Track Manufacturer:

Shinohara, Tomalco, handlaid (Fast Tracks)

Rail Size:

code 100

Min. Radius:

48"

Ruling Grade:

Mainline Track Length:

400'

Era:

1960s

Setting:

urban Minneapolis, Minnesota

Railroad(s) Modeled:

SOO, NP

Control System:

DCC (unknown brand)

Featured In:

The S Scale Resource, Dec 2015, pg 36

S Gaugian, Sep 2001, pg 34

NASG Dispatch, Dec 1998, pg 16

Notes:

Ken's backgrounds were painted by Dave Jasper, and some by Ken's wife. The layout started in one room, but has expanded into others, including new additions to the home.

Videos:

Ken takes you on a tour of his layout

Onboard video of the layout (part 1)

Onboard video of the layout (part 2)

A long freight train snaking through the beautiful scenery

A quick video shot before the 2010 NASG Convention

The Burlington California Zephyr pulled by Rock Island FT locomotives

Modern power on the layout

Northern Pacific F-units Notching Up

A view of Lennon Bridge. This imposing structure is over the confluence of the Little Cannon Creek and the Rumansoda River.

Ken says that one of the great joys of his railroad is sharing it with their grandson.

Similar to Minneapolis, the railroads cut their line around and through the limestone plateau. In this photo, the Northern Pacific train pulling empty coal hoppers from the power plant, is waiting at the stop sign protecting the crossing of the two track mainline leading to the urban switching area. The SOO Line train is on the wye and when it reports clear, the NP train will be cleared to cross the double-track diamond and return to the NP 27th St Industrial yard.

This is looking down the street of Centralsoda toward the Minnesota Heartland yard.

Pines and Prairies Campground. This is a popular railfan spot, lots of trains, fresh air, and wildlife.

The vacationers come and go, but the sites are always spectacular.

Ken's staging tracks are the "end of the line" and the primary place where all of his railroad's traffic originates.

This beautiful display shelf is actually part of Ken's layout running through the downstairs bathroom! On the Employee Timetable, it is called "Duloo". You are seeing a reflection in the bathroom's mirror.