South Texas Railroad Prototype Modelers

10/10/2026

A quartet of MKT power is leading a train through the town of Grantham. With a rare appearance of one of the three U23Bs on the roster, these units are in control of a southbound train. The old grain facility in the background is gearing up for the upcoming season and cars will soon be arriving to be loaded with grain heading to various points across the country and ports.

10/04/2026

Another industry upgraded!

The South Texas Produce Warehouse got a single car extension today. Originally built to hold 3 RBL PD reefers, it is now capable of holding 4. Yeah, it’s not a significant upgrade, but for an ops cession standpoint, it is.

Other than that, wiring has continued. More blocks are wired into the Digitrax BDL168 and planning for the next block district that will control the branch is underway.

Progress!!! Huzzah!!!

10/03/2026

Work has begun on the Gulf Shore branch!

While some of the modules have been standing since we set up, they have never been connected. Many of these tables were new from our last set up back in 21, but the wiring was never finished. Now that the mainline is predominantly done, turning our attention to what will be the busiest branch on our layout.

While the main was down on the table seen below, the two industries only had their switches. Last night, we added the actual spurs off those switches. The larger space to the back is going to be “Coastal Bend Cold Storage” and the one in the front is “Seabreeze Distribution” (a corn syrup transload facility used by Coca-Cola).

Further on, going into the next modules, there a large grain facility, a DEF distribution center, a chlorine chemical company and a transload area. Additionally, there is a yard just beyond the industrial area that will serve the branch.

10/03/2026

Here are some photos from last night’s work cession at the layout. Ian Botello captures some views that can almost pass as the full size trains the models represent.

While upgrades are ongoing, we are also working to expand the layout. A section that has been standing but never wired, has been wired up as of last night. This branch has a small yard and at least a dozen industries. It’s going to be a busy line once it opens for operation!

10/03/2026

A MOW train sits one one yard track lead by two DRGW GP40-2s and two tracks over, a block of power lead by a SP B36-7, awaiting its next assignment on the south end of Portland Yard.

Currently Portland yard is undergoing upgrades and structural repairs as the modules are over 20 years old. The 1/2” thin plywood, 4” tall sides are being replaced by 3/4” thick plywood, 6” tall sides. Additional braces are being installed due to the years of storage affecting the module tops, imparting a curvature in the intended flat surface.m

09/19/2026

An SP local creeps past a MoPac transfer job, sitting tied down under the Holtz Parkway overpass.

09/12/2026

Had to do some repairs that had become a priority as of last weekend. There’s a reason why we no longer allow for 1/2” thick and 4” tall sides. The thinner wood unfortunately became distorted due to being stored upright, laying against a wall. Due to the amount of time they were stored, the sides became curved. With some quick woodwork and swapping out the sides for thicker, more durable sides. One done, three more modules to swap sides on. Once that’s done, the yard will be in better shape!

09/12/2026

Well, it’s been a while since we posted any shots of scenery work being done. Mostly due to the temperatures being unforgivingly hot. However today, we braved the heat and started on “weeding” up Portland Yard. There’s going to be a lot of trash, clutter and weeds, ALL over the place in Portland Yard soon!

09/05/2026

A couple out of area visitors in Portland yard yesterday afternoon! A Ferrosur C44AC dragging in and a CSX SD70MAC idling on an adjacent track. Once the Ferrosur power cuts away from its train, the crew will reach over and pick up the CSX unit and run back down the main to the roundhouse for servicing and readying for the next train.

08/03/2026