The Lyon Valley Northern, modern in concept, is a freelanced layout which depicts a western theme

No one railroad can meet the customers' demands. New ties between the great railways of the United States and Canada have created a co-operative sharing of trackage rights. These arrangements specifically allow the CNR and BNSF to use all available motive power and rolling stock to keep trains rolling from Alberta to Montana and back.

This is Chris' newest layout after moving to Ottawa. With the name derived from his surname, the "Lyon Valley Northern" is a 25x26 ft freelanced HO Scale Railway. It provides an opportunity for model railway hobbyists to experience the full range of operation of a modern North American rail network. Unit trains, mixed and way freights, as well as passenger service allow crews to travel the double track mainlines; classify rolling stock in yards and deliver and pick up goods at industries: mines, mills, factories, warehouses, distribution centers, elevators and storage tanks.

Scenery is complete. Of particular note is Chris's creative backdrop painting techniques which serve to pull this expansive layout together in fine fashion. Chris has presented hands-on clinics on his technique at several conventions. More recently, Chris has also entered the craftsman structure side of the hobby, and the results of his efforts can be found at several sites around the LVN.

Chris opens his layout with the fellows of the Friday Night Group for enjoyable and entertaining train operating sessions. The crews that run these trains include an engineer at the throttle and a trainman to handle the switching. With five operations moving simultaneously, it gets very exciting. Cooperation, situational awareness and conscientiousness are keys to the success of operating sessions. The main operating rule that is in effect at all times is: "to have fun!"