Cory Mohl, a 43‑year‑old resident of West Valley City, hauled 40,000 pounds of gravel and laid a 400‑foot railroad track around his backyard between December 2015 and May 2016, investing roughly $18,000 in materials and labor.
Mohl grew up building model railroads; the backyard project was his way of bringing that childhood passion into a living, rideable reality. He sourced a small locomotive from a local enthusiast, avoiding the cost of a custom engine, and began grading the ground himself before setting ties, rails, and switches over dozens of weekends.
The project consumed hundreds of unpaid hours and required careful alignment to keep the train running smoothly. He measured the track’s curvature to fit within the residential lot, ensuring the line could loop back into a shed and through a narrow driveway.
Once the line was operational, it quickly became a neighborhood attraction. Children lined up to ride, and parents watched as their kids climbed into a small car and were whisked along the track. The railroad has turned Mohl’s yard into a community space where neighbors gather to watch the train chug and chat.
Looking ahead, Mohl plans to extend the track further and add seasonal decorations—lights and holiday themes—to keep the experience fresh. He intends to expand the line next year, turning the backyard railroad into an evolving project that reflects his ongoing love for trains.
With the line now open to the public, Mohl’s backyard railroad is poised to grow, drawing more families and becoming a local landmark in West Valley City.