First we have the southern terminus of the railroad, Panamint Junction. This is where the M&P interchanges with the standard gauge Los Angeles & Independence RR. In reality this is the Trona RR today and Panamint Jct. is located on the long strait section to right-of-way just below the dry lake, just above a large siding which I presume is used for storage. The next few images are captures of the junction. Changes have been made since these were taken, but the over all layout is the same.



Mr. Tice took a lot of inspiration from the Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge and the Nevada-California-Oregon railroads and so a the HOn3 model railroad he built showed that influence. I attempted to reflect that on the route as well. Here a single stall engine house and a gallows turntable are used by the M&P, though the turntable is dual gauge so that SG locomotives of the LI&O/CO/SP could be turned here. Obviously locomotives have evolved in size over the years so I'll be adding a turning why somewhere eventually for larger SG equipment. There is also a transfer trestle here to expedite the transfer of ore and minerals the M&P ships. A transfer platform is also located here for transferring other freight and goods. There is also a jointly used depot with platforms at either side.
Here are some images of the line further north as the right-of-way now skirts the shores of Searles Dry Lake. This area and in particular the section north of the lake are rather lonesome, similar to the SPNG.





This section of the railroad follows the same grade as the Trona RR. However when the line reaches Trona it continues on north to Valley Wells. The grade here is fairly easy going, gently varying, but staying under 2%. Valley Wells is a crucial location along the line as it is the only place for water until Ballarat, CA, the northern terminus. Here are several industries and also where the M&P loads water cars to be shipped up to Slate Range Pass/Crossing. Water there is pumped into the tank at the pass for thirsty southbound locomotives. The grade from Valley Wells to the pass is a steady 2.5% which is an easy climb even for the line's 4-4-0s. However on the northern side of the Slate Range mountains the grade descends an arduous 4% into the Panamint Valley. Helpers are needed to get the ore trains up to the pass and hence why it is so important to have water there. Below are some early shots of Valley Wells.


It's quite a modest location, though I have made several changes to the town and industries. Unfortunately I do not have any shots of the line out of Valley Wells. I'll see if I can snag some soon. Next up is Slate Range Pass.