What began as a passion project in 2000 has grown into a breathtaking railroad empire. In 201, it was relocated to its current home in Reno, Nevada, where it now stretches across several thousand feet of track, weaving through dozens of tunnels, bridges, and water features. The line circles the entire property—indoors and out—creating a truly immersive experience that visitors can explore and enjoy.

Every corner tells a story, with handcrafted buildings inspired by real locations around the world. The railroad features three distinct divisions—Alpine, Western Pacific, and Tahoe Junction—each powered by its own dedicated feed. A Zimo DCC control system drives the operation, while LGB locomotives and rolling stock keep the trains rolling smoothly along durable nickel-plated brass track, supported by continuous concrete landscape curbing. Trains run year-round, pausing only when winter snow becomes too deep.

Beyond its engineering marvels, the Alpine and Western Pacific Railroad has become a community treasure. Hosting multiple open houses and charity events, it has proudly raised over half a million dollars in support of both local and national causes.

The Alpine & Western Pacific Railroad is truly a family project, built with a shared passion for travel, railroads, engineering, and the outdoors.
Hawley and Jill are the founders of MacLean Adventures, a specialty travel company that creates unique small-group experiences around the world. Their travels have taken them to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations, with a special love for Switzerland, where they own a second home in the beautiful mountain village of Wengen. Many of the railroad’s Swiss scenes are inspired by the places they have explored together.

Jill is an accomplished athlete and one of the most decorated synchronized swimmers in history. She won an Olympic Gold Medal in synchronized swimming, is an eight-time World Champion, and has been inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. She is also an avid skier and enjoys sharing her passion for the mountains through MacLean Adventures.

Hawley has been fascinated with trains since childhood. His love of railroading, combined with his passion for engineering, history, travel, and photography, has grown into the Alpine & Western Pacific Railroad. He enjoys designing and building realistic railroad scenes inspired by both North American and Swiss mountain railroads. When not working on the railroad, he enjoys skiing, fishing, and leading MacLean Adventures tours around the world. Their younger son, Will, is graduating from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in finance and plans to attend law school. Outside of academics, Will is an accomplished equestrian show jumper who has competed at the highest levels of junior equestrian sport, including representing the United States in international competition. Their older son, Harris, graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Commercial Aviation. After earning his pilot certifications, he was selected for the United States Navy Fighter Pilot Program, where he is pursuing his dream of flying high-performance military aircraft.

The entire MacLean family shares a lifelong love of skiing and mountain adventures. Whether exploring the Swiss Alps, traveling the world, or working together on the railroad, they enjoy creating experiences and memories that bring people together.