Chicago based track plan HO Scale room

[Outsailing86]

Hi all, 

longtime arm arm chair modeled looking to build a HO scale layout in a spare bedroom. Would like a Chicago based plan, involving Metra. Is there a source for HO scale Metra cars? 

I saw a trackplan from Mike Welch in 1972 I am thinking to “unwind the spaghetti“ for around the room layout. Approximately a 12’ x 14’ space in my basement (room hasn’t been made yet). 

I plan on adding a few industries for a local switcher and able to stage a unit tanker, manifest, and intermodal train. 

Thanks,

Dan

 

[cuyama]

Welcome to the forum. Your first few posts are moderated, so they may be delayed. 

Outsailing86

Is there a source for HO scale Metra cars? 

An Internet search for "HO scale Metra cars" turns up a number of offerings from KATO and others -- era matters, of course. I don't know how accurate they are or how important accuracy might be to you.

Outsailing86

I saw a trackplan from Mike Welch in 1972 I am thinking to “unwind the spaghetti“ for around the room layout. Approximately a 12’ x 14’ space in my basement (room hasn’t been made yet). 

That can be a good approach, those track plans are likely too crowded to be built, operated, and accessed as they were published in the Sept. 1972 MR.

I used a twice-around design for a model of the C&NW Chicago commute in Model Railroad Planning 2014 that might offer some ideas. But it’s in a larger space and for an earlier era, so not directly applicable. It included a freight yard and some freight switching.

Good luck with your layout.

Byron

 

[joe323]

I would pick up the Kalmbach book on Chicago (can‘t remember the exact title but it was something like Chicago Americas Railroad Capital) Among other things is a detailed fold out of the Chicagoland area with a map of the track plans.  

Obviously you can’t model the whole the whole plan unless you have infinite time money and space but it should give you ideas.

[Eric White]

Kato makes some nice Metra equipment in N scale. That might allow more intresting commuter operation in your space if that's what you want to focus on.

Eric