The Hills Line is an eight-mile industrial spur of the Iowa Interstate Railroad serving the eastern Iowa towns of Iowa City and Hills. This HO Scale version replicates the practices, policies, and procedures found on the prototype to provide guests and operators a flavor of real-life railroading.
Recent Posts
Vertical Horizon Extension
When I originally build the backdrop for the town of Hills, I only built what I assumed I needed for the scene. The plan was that the Eldon C. Stutsman structure would block most of the horizon, eliminating a lot of wall space that needed to be covered. When I actually built the Stutsman complex, … Continue reading Vertical Horizon Extension
Towering Reminder
There’s a large elevator-type structure between the industrial spur main track and the runaround on the west side of Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc. I have absolutely no idea exactly what purpose it serves. What I do know is that 1) it’s clearly part of the Stutsman operation in Hills and 2) it clearly identifies where … Continue reading Towering Reminder
Maintenance of Way
A few years back I came across a photo of some MOW equipment spotted on the old Nagle Lumber spur in Iowa City. Since it fit the modeled era for The Hills Line, I wanted to included some representation of that scene on the railroad. The only commercially available product I was able to locate … Continue reading Maintenance of Way
Baker’s Half Dozen
Seven years with the same railroad. That’s a new personal best for me. My thanks to all of you for joining me on this journey so far.
The Hills Line 