In this MRVP exclusive series from James McNab, you’ll get to see the start of an all-new HO scale layout. When a basement plumbing disaster forced the demolition of his established Grimes Lines, James seized the opportunity to create something new…and share his construction efforts of The Hills Line, a 12 x 22ft HO scale model railroad, with you!
The Hills Line with James McNab: Introducing the IAIS Hills Industrial Spur in HO scale
By Angela Cotey | May 20, 2020
| Last updated on February 8, 2021
Just as on the IAIS Grimes Line, track on The Hills Line is laid directly on extruded foam (pink this time). The only areas where plywood is used is the base of the Iowa River.
I noticed that while the previous layout was built on a blue foam base, the new layout is track laid directly on plywood, with the exception of the bridge scenes. Not even cork roadbed! I’m curious about that choice. I myself model an uncharacteristically flat area of Washington State, the Green River valley. While my layout has no grades, the topography is by no means as flat as plywood, so I used a layer of blue foam to create ditches, embankments, etc. to help show subtle elevation changes. I’ll be interested to see how the scenery comes together. The scenery on the first layout was well done.
Hi James, this is a great layout! Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi James, Excllent jobI learned a little history of the region as I am from Muscatine, but now live in Maryland. Just a little knowledge, my cousin’s husband owns the Maid-Rite chain in Muscatine. I am looking forward to seeing the evalution of your layout on future shows.
Thanks, I like the Easy DCC and your throttle.
More details about The Hills Line are available online at http://thehillsline.com, including the track plan, prototype history, and latest progress on the layout. However, even more content will be coming in future episodes of The Hills Line with James McNab, right here on Model Railroader Video Plus!
I remain a big fan of EasyDCC, and am continuing to use the same system I purchased back in 2004. The addition of Iowa Scaled Engineering’s ProtoThrottle, however, is a game changer for replicating prototype operations.
For those that asked about a derail, I don’t currently have one in place on The Hills Line. In the future one will be installed at the southern end of the Hill Track that connects the industrial spur with the IAIS Yard in Iowa City, and serves as staging for the layout. Crews will unlock and open the derail at the start of each session.
Wonderful job James. since predecessor of the line was Iowa City & Western/B,CR&N which I researched and model the B,CR&N, CR south.
Wow, what a great layout. Looking forward to seeing more of it. Thanks James for showing it to us.
James nice to see the Hills line been built to the operating stage. It’ll be a GMR for sure. .
I’m glad to see James back. His layouts demonstrate that even a fairly simple track plan can be interesting to operate and watch. Only a few industries are needed as well. I am looking forward to further chapters of his rebuilding after being flooded. Thanks for again featuring a true work of art in the making.
Wonderful video. Down to Earth!
Thank you everyone for your kind comments. Let me try to answer your questions.Thanks for watching!
James, when I first saw the Grimes Line in MRP 2014, it became a personal favorite. I always considered it a “great model railroad” for its scope, execution and quality.I think you are heading toward creating another layout that rightfully can be called a great model railroad.
First time I’ve seen Easy DCC, how do you like it?
I grew up in central Iowa and was saddened to learn of the fate of the Grimes line. I also lived in eastern Iowa for about seven years and have driven through Hills on several occasions. Looking forward to your completion of the Hills line.
Excellent video and layout. Could have toned down the music though. I’d rather hear sound equipped motive power and rolling stock. could you also show how the derail functions? I have an Alexander Models derail kit that I need to assemble for a spur that I’m modeling. The prototype is still there off the CP(former Milwaukee Road) main line that runs near my home in Milwaukee. They also have an old gondola parked there that’s been there for a long time. Is that the usual practice?
Good start. Any chance of showing the track plan as designed? Would give a better understanding of the flow and switching needs. Also noticed an installed turnout under the mainline bridge with no diverging track present. Future need or abandoned track? Great layout for the Protothrottle.
A great start, looking forward for some more updates in future videos. Looks like some great switching.
So, James, how many times have you re-laid track because what you put down the first time didn’t work?By the way, nice creek bed.
Well done presentation, Jim. You found the silver lining in that storm cloud. I look forward to your future episodes
An excellent start to the series. Eagerly waiting for the next episode
Great news to see a new series, thanks for sharing James. Would you please consider sharing some details on how you model and incorporate the derail into operations? I have been an armchair / cyber modeler since the internet was new but only recently discovered derails and would like to know more – especially since I will soon launch my own layout…in a couple of years!!!
James, sorry to hear about the rimes Line and your basement. Glad you are getting back into things. I admired your construction and photography of the Grimes line and it looks like the Hills Line will keep the tradition. I’m looking forward to seeing things prfogress.