Rail-served Industries
Following are the modeled rail-served industries on the Buffalo Creek & Western HO scale layout
Maple Hollow Farmers Co-op
The Maple Hollow Farmers Co-op was established in the 1940s by a group of local farmers who wanted more control over grain marketing. Their first wooden elevator was built along the Great Northern branch, giving members a reliable shipping point and reducing their dependence on private elevators.
During the 1950s and 1960s, the co-op expanded steadily. Annex bins were added to increase storage, and new handling systems improved efficiency at harvest. Later, in the 1970s, a fertilizer facility was built next to the elevator, providing members with access to both dry and liquid products. The addition of a small feed mill soon followed, making the co-op a multi-service hub for the surrounding agricultural community.
When Burlington Northern announced plans to abandon the branch in the late 1970s, the co-op played a crucial role in saving rail service. Its board of directors joined forces with Anderson Grain, Prairie Valley Grain, and local officials. Together, they helped create the Buffalo Creek & Western Railroad, ensuring that regional farmers kept their link to national markets.
By 1985, the Maple Hollow Farmers Co-op is the largest customer on the BC&W. Its facilities includes the original elevator, annex bins, a grain dryer, fertilizer bins, and a feed mill. Outbound shipments are dominated by wheat and barley, moved in covered hoppers. Meanwhile, inbound traffic consists of fertilizers, feed ingredients, and occasional boxcar loads of seed or machinery.
Anderson Grain Co.
Founded in the 1938 by brothers Carl and Raymond Anderson, Anderson Grain began with a small wooden elevator on the Great Northern branch. The goal was simple: reduce long waits at the co-op and offer faster service. As a result, the elevator quickly attracted farmers who valued efficiency and independence.
During the 1960s, the Andersons expanded steadily, adding annex bins and upgrading their grain handling equipment. These improvements helped them compete with larger operators, while also establishing Anderson Grain as a reliable independent shipper. Furthermore, the business gained a reputation for fair practices, which encouraged long-term loyalty among local farmers.
In the late 1970s, Burlington Northern announced plans to abandon the branch line. To secure their future, Anderson Grain joined forces with local co-ops and county officials. Together, they helped form the Buffalo Creek & Western Railroad, ensuring that rail service would continue for the region’s farms.
By 1985, the Maple Hollow facility still features the original elevator, along with one annex bin and a modest truck-dump setup. Although smaller than the BCF Farmers Co-op, Anderson Grain remains a steady customer for the BC&W. In a typical year, the elevator ships several hundred carloads of wheat and barley, making it an important part of the shortline’s traffic base.
Prairie Valley Grain
Prairie Valley Grain was founded in the mid-1950s by a consortium of local landowners who wanted modern, high-capacity grain handling. From the beginning, the facility featured large steel bins and dual loading tracks. This design allowed it to move grain quickly and serve regional harvests with greater efficiency than older wooden elevators.
Through the 1960s and 1970s, Prairie Valley Grain steadily expanded. Additional storage bins and upgraded conveyor systems were added, which further increased its capacity. As a result, Prairie Valley grew into one of the largest private elevators in the area. Its size and modern layout also gave it a competitive advantage over many smaller co-ops.
By 1985, Prairie Valley Grain stands as the eastern anchor of the BC&W. During harvest, it regularly loads cuts of covered hoppers bound for Burlington Northern interchange. The elevator ships large volumes of wheat and barley eastward, supporting both domestic and export markets. In addition, Prairie Valley occasionally receives inbound seed and fertilizer shipments for local farmers, reinforcing its role as a key agricultural hub.
View the trackplan to see the rail-served industries location on the layout.