Layout Pics - Wisconsin Central

[Green Bay Paddlers]

Hello all....    This is an early photo of the progress on my BN Racetrack (triple track) between Chicago and Aurora.  This is but one corner of the eventual layout.  I'd like to continue posting pictures here as the layout develops. 

[Anonymous]

cant wait to see more.  good luck

[JCasey]

Great start, also looking forward to seeing your progress!  Post more pics.
John

[Green Bay Paddlers]

http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y115/enilkja/?action=view&current=MOV00277.flv

We have an actual train running on the inside main at Western Springs.  (Yeah, you'll have to use your imagination!!!)

 

 

[Anonymous]

Looks great however it seems to me that your train has NOS hooked up to the motor.

[Green Bay Paddlers]

New Update!  We're getting there...

 

 

[MOJAX]

I’m looking forward to watching your progress. The Chicago to Aurora “racetrack” was a favorite during my rail fanning days in the 70’s.

Here is a photo I took near Naperville and this Westbound coal train was doing close to 60mph when it went by.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=57003

[dknelson]

What a nice shot of Naperville.  takes me back ....

When I first railfanned the triple track (Hinsdale mostly, usually after going to the swap meet at Dupage) they were still running the E units on Metra trains. 

Dave Nelson

[selleeg]

Great video.  I live near the BN Racetrack and have an interest in running Metra commuter trains someday on my layout (although the 4X10 layout I am currently constructing might be a bit small for the longer passenger cars).  I was wondering who makes the locomotive and cars you are using in the video.

Thanks

[Green Bay Paddlers]

Great video.  I live near the BN Racetrack and have an interest in running Metra commuter trains someday on my layout (although the 4X10 layout I am currently constructing might be a bit small for the longer passenger cars).  I was wondering who makes the locomotive and cars you are using in the video.

Thanks

 

 Thanks for the kind words.  Both the engine and the cars are all Walthers.  Unfortunately, the bilevels aren't prototypical since there really isn't a decent HO fluted stainless steel bilevel out there.  However, these surplus RTA cars will have to suffice.  :)

[Green Bay Paddlers]

Well folks - as usual - I bit off more than I could chew.  In finally getting down to the workshop again, I took a look at my layout progress and realized that the triple-track Racetrack between Aurora and Chicago simply wasn't going work.  I was going to have to condense too much, run too short of trains, spend way too much money on track/roadbed, and have too many operators in my small basement for a semi-realistic operating session.  It simply wans't going to work. 

I've spent the past few months doing research on railroads in my own state.  I've opted to use the same benchwork and model a modified version of the Wisconsin Central using WC, CNW, GBW trackage in present day.  The route will run from LaCrosse to Green Bay, then from GB to Wausau.  Stations along the way:  Wausau, Wittenberg, Shawano, GB, Black Creek, Waupaca, Necedah, LaCrosse.  

I have no new photos, but hope to upload some video in the next week or so.  Thanks for those of you who have been following my progress.  

[Cox 47]

Can't wait to see some pictures of the new WC..Good luck with the new direction....Cox 47

[Green Bay Paddlers]

Thanks Cox - I look forward to sharing new progress....

[Green Bay Paddlers]

Here is a clip of a loop of track finished tonight during the All-Star Game.

 

 

[nucat78]

 

Sorry to hear you had to bail on the Racetrack.  I live in Naperville and ride the Racetrack daily for my work commute.  I could see where modeling even a smallish segment could be tough.

But, since my parents lived in Gladstone in Duh Yoop, I've always been a WC fan.  Nifty little ex-Soo yard there.  Too bad CN ate 'em...

Do keep the pix coming!