The 20×26 layout is open grid around the wall with a center peninsula using homosote over plywood roadbed. Two levels are connected by a four-turn helix with a second three turn helix dropping to lower level staging. The mainline starts at Spokane yard and includes a 12-track hidden staging. The main continues through areas including Lake Pend Oreille at Sandpoint, Tunnels at Fisher River, Flathead Tunnel, Whitefish, Issac Walton Inn Essex, Snow Sheds, Two Medicine Trestle. The main ends at Shelby Yard with a 12-track staging yard in the open representing a crew change location. Scenery is 50% complete with all track and signals operational. The railroad is NCE DCC wireless operation. The layout is fully signaled using RR Cir-Kits and BLMA equipment. All turnouts are dispatcher controlled by JMRI CATS software using a modern CTC panel. Remote dispatching is frequently used from Florida. Local control is granted by track authority to crews using fascia mounted push buttons. Car cards and waybills (over 500 cars) are the operational system for car movement with over 28 multiple car spot locations. A group of 6 operators bring the layout to life once each month. Through trains run from Spokane staging representing west coast locations to Shelby and the east connections. A third staging yard exists on the lowest level representing MRL Laurel Yard. Four interchange tracks allow other railroads access. Local switch jobs total 8 trains with approximately 12 cars each. The locals switch all the industries in the town serviced with some trains servicing multiple towns. Through traffic involves 8 trains of various types TOC/COFC, auto racks, grain, crude oil, coal and trash. Amtrak #7 and #8 the Empire Builder provides passenger service in both directions to the division.
