Pro Train: Inyo Lake

From Rugged Mountains to the Shores of Inyo Lake

The story of Inyo continues.

After the railroad conquered the rugged terrain of the Inyo Mountains and connected the remote mining districts of the east, a new frontier awaits: the vast region surrounding Inyo Lake.

Following directly on from Pro Train: Inyo Mountains 2, this new route expands the railroad network toward the shores of the lake, connecting established mining operations with growing settlements, new industries, and the rapidly developing Lake Inyo City.

Experience approximately 24 miles of scenic railroad, combining spectacular lakeside running, industrial switching, heavy freight operations, mining traffic, narrow-gauge railroading, and modern Amtrak passenger services.

A New Chapter in the Inyo Story

Your journey begins at the familiar Lake Inyo Saline, already known from Inyo Mountains 2. For decades, salt has been harvested here and transported by rail to the main network.

But the region is changing.

Economic growth around Inyo Lake has created demand for a new railroad connection along the shoreline to the emerging metropolis of Lake Inyo City. Built primarily as a single-track branch line, the new railroad follows the picturesque shores of Inyo Lake for long stretches.

Towering mountains rise in the distance while the tracks wind between the lake, desert landscapes, small settlements, and industrial areas. The result is a route that combines the rugged character of the Inyo Mountains with the wide-open scenery of the American West.

Freight Is the Lifeblood of Inyo Lake

Despite its scenic setting, Inyo Lake is anything but a quiet railroad.

The development of Paiute Crater and its surrounding mining operations has transformed the region into an important freight corridor. Mines require a constant supply of machinery, fuel, equipment, and other materials, while extracted resources must be transported back toward the main railroad network.

Salt traffic from Lake Inyo Saline adds another layer of freight operations — including work on the local narrow-gauge railroad.

At the northern end of the route, Lake Inyo City presents an entirely different challenge. Its extensive industrial district features numerous sidings, loading facilities, and switching opportunities.

Deliver incoming freight, collect loaded cars, assemble new trains, and keep the industries of Inyo Lake moving.

Passenger Service Along the Lake

Freight isn't the only traffic on the line.

Take control of the Amtrak P42DC Phase VII and haul Superliner passenger trains along the spectacular shoreline toward Lake Inyo City.

The contrast between relaxed passenger operations beside the lake and demanding freight and switching assignments creates a varied railroad experience where every journey can feel different.

Three Railroads – Countless Possibilities

Pro Train: Inyo Lake includes equipment for several completely different styles of operation.

Take control of modern Amtrak passenger trains, haul heavy freight with powerful Union Pacific and Southern Pacific locomotives, or return to the narrow-gauge network around Lake Inyo Saline.

Included locomotives and rolling stock:

• Amtrak P42DC Phase VII

• Amtrak P42DC Midnight

• Amtrak Superliner Phase VI cars

• Union Pacific AC4400CW

• Southern Pacific AC4400CW

• Narrow-gauge equipment for Lake Inyo Saline operations

Two Main Route Sections

Explore the Inyo Lake region across two connected railroad corridors:

Paiute Coal Mine – Paiute Crater – Lake Inyo

Experience the industrial and mining side of the region. Supply remote facilities, collect freight, and move heavy trains through the rugged landscape.

Lake Inyo – Vultures Nest – Lakeside – Inyo City

Follow the shores of Inyo Lake toward the growing city, combining spectacular scenery with passenger services, freight operations, and extensive industrial switching.

Your Assignments

There is always work waiting somewhere around Inyo Lake:

• Operate Amtrak passenger services along the coastline to Lake Inyo City.

• Transport salt from Lake Inyo Saline to regional industries.

• Operate the narrow-gauge railroad and collect salt from the saline.

• Supply the mines at Paiute Crater with machinery, fuel, and materials.

• Collect raw materials from the mining region.

• Switch freight cars throughout the extensive industrial facilities of Lake Inyo City.

• Assemble heavy freight trains for onward transportation to the main railroad network.

• Explore the region from an entirely different perspective with a helicopter ride.

Trainz Living Railroad Support

Pro Train: Inyo Lake supports Trainz Living Railroad, bringing additional activity and operational possibilities to the route and helping the Inyo region feel like a living railroad network rather than simply a line from one destination to another.

Discover Inyo Lake

From salt trains on a narrow-gauge railroad to powerful AC4400CW freight locomotives and Amtrak Superliners running beside the water, Pro Train: Inyo Lake brings together several very different sides of American railroading.

Explore remote mines. Serve growing industries. Switch the yards of Lake Inyo City. Haul passengers along the shoreline. Or simply enjoy the sweeping views across the lake toward the distant mountains.

The railroad conquered the Inyo Mountains. Now it reaches the lake.

Welcome to Pro Train: Inyo Lake.