07/22/2026
A little different kind of post than the usual. Four years ago, an enthusiastic group of modelers within the Hennepin Overland org set out to bring a little piece of the local south Minneapolis area into our 1:87 world. Dubbed the 'Nokomis District', this project sought to take influence and inspiration from the grain milling district along Hiawatha Avenue.
By all counts, it has been a success. To the project lead (me, writing this post!), we could have done a little better. Our task this summer is a revision and revitalization of a winning idea.
Where the original Nokomis succeeded, we will build upon. Where the original Nokomis fell short, we will do better. We are therefore thrilled to announce to the many fans, followers & visitors of Hennepin Overland that Nokomis District 2.0 is being constructed over this summer, 2026!
The trackplan, the buildings and the 'feeling' of Nokomis District will capture even more of what makes the real Hiawatha Avenue area world-renowed for industrial railroading.
We, the Nokomis crew, consulted with an outside expert to check and double check our concept and he has delivered quite a video essay on urban industrial railroading in small layout space!
How do you squeeze a massive, high-capacity industrial prototype in...
