Modeling NMRL

Operationally, New Mexico Rail Link combines elements of modern high-velocity intermodal railroading with the character of traditional western regional railroads - offering multiple modeling opportunities, on any scale. 

Long-distance intermodal trains operate alongside mountain helper districts, local switching jobs, commuter corridors, industrial branches, and regional manifests. Dispatching emphasizes fluidity and precision, with passenger operations carefully integrated into freight schedules across key territories.

The system was intentionally designed to support multiple operating styles simultaneously:

• high-priority intermodal operations,

• bridge-route manifests,

• mountain railroading,

• regional branchline switching,

• commuter passenger service,

• interchange-focused shortline activity,

• and industrial operations unique to the Southwest.

The result is a railroad that feels simultaneously historical and contemporary — grounded in real western railroad geography, economics, and infrastructure while imagining how those pieces might realistically evolve into a unified 21st-century regional system.

At its heart, New Mexico Rail Link is built around a simple idea:

Connecting the Interior West through rail corridors that never fully existed — but perhaps should have.

CORE CONCEPT

NMRL was intentionally designed as a railroad that can be modeled in stages.

Phase 1

Compressed/Split Layout

Represent:

• Albuquerque

• Belen

• One mountain district

• Missoula

Operations:

• Through freight

• Rail Runner

• Local switching

Phase 2

Regional Expansion

Add:

• LANL

• Farmington

• Pueblo

Operations:

• Interchange

• Passenger

• Branchline freight

Phase 3

Full System

Represent:

• Spokane

• Denver

• El Paso

Dispatcher-controlled operations.

POTENTIAL OPERATING JOBS

ABQ Yardmaster

Builds southbound trains

Rosario Turn

Weekly aggregate delivery

Belen Yardmaster

Intermodal terminal

LANL Local

Northern New Mexico switching

Farmington Turn

Industrial service

Pueblo Classification Job

Mainline blocking

Dispatcher

Systemwide traffic management\

New Mexico Rail Link Industries (by subdivision):