N-Scale Modular Model Railroad Group Project
Modeling the San Ramon Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad as it appeared in 1914-1924 in the San Francisco East Bay Area
See and learn how we have researched and recreated history, and displayed and presented our modular and sectional layout, while building friendships and great memories along the way
Why we modeled the San Ramon Branch:
The right of way (ROW) still exists and is easily accessible:
Much of the former SP San Ramon Branch line ROW has become the paved and accessible Iron Horse Regional Trail
Some historic Branch Line railroad structures still exist:
The former SP depot at Danville (CA) has been exceptionally restored as the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Other existing structures can be found here (add webpage hyperlink)
THE BOOK written specifically about the San Ramon Branch Line:
Irma M Dotson has written the definitive book about the Branch titled: San Ramon Branch Line of the Southern Pacific; very complete with 1912 SP track diagrams of the Line and of each station site, illustrated by Charles Endom. More info (add hyperlink)
To recreate history and former rail-served towns, sites, and to educate:
While the ROW remains as the Iron Horse Regional Trail, most lineside towns and sites along the former Line have since been developed beyond recognition
To display N-Scale “prototype” (realistic) modeling to the public:
Many of the former Branch Line rail-served towns and sites have track diagrams and Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps available from the US Library of Congress, aiding with accurate prototypical scale modeling
To create a group modular and sectional model railroad project:
Born as an N-Scale Danville depot model & Covid project by group founding member, Dave Connery, interest gained among his friends to model as much of the Line as possible in the 1914-1924 era
A Gallery of Layout Showings, Video Presentations, Design and Construction Techniques, and Historical Resources
Our website pages and links showcase our group’s work from the project beginnings to present date
click on image for MSRV website
Blogs / Website Updates – Watch, Read, Learn
Contact the Webmaster
Questions, Comments
(C) 2026 San Ramon Branch Modelers Group
San Ramon Branch Model Railroad 