Starting in January 2004, Sirrine poured 1,000 cubic yards of soil into his empty backyard to raise tracks that now stretch nearly 4,000 feet.
The project involved more than 1,000 feet of wire and 10,000 feet of conduit, and required repeated rebuilds because of construction errors—he had to scrap half the layout and start over.
Sirrine’s 17‑year construction background helped him laser‑level the tracks and build artificial mountains from flat concrete panels, earning praise from PBS for the smooth ride and realistic terrain.
Today the railway attracts visitors from around the country, and Sirrine has turned the layout into a local landmark that showcases his craftsmanship.