Prototype information for the modeler

I'm really having no luck finding maps or diagrams of the local tracks in the Milwaukee area. I'm trying to design a layout based on the CP and UP lines and yards in and around Milwaukee. I've used Google Earth and Microsoft Terra Server to view aerial photos, but it's not always easy to make out where the switches are and if that blur is a siding or not. I live here, but I'd like to avoid driving to all the locations to do recon, and some areas would be inaccessible. So I'm looking for a diagrams, like I've seen on some timetables, that show where sidings are, how many tracks in a yard and how they are connected, siding lengths, and so on, preferably for free. I don't even know if i'm searching with the correct terms. I'd also appreciate timetables or info on what the section of track are called.

In my search for Chicago dearborn Station Prints and drawings i found this page , maybe of some help to you.

http://www.railsandtrails.com/diagrams.htm

Grtz Jan

You may have luck at the municipal planning office, local library, or historical society. You may have to go out, but at least it's to only a few spots instead of all over town... [;)]

Andrew

coldguy,

I have found the USGS Quadrangle maps very helpful in determining track arrangements. Topozone hosts online versions where the tracks are pretty easy to identify. Go to http://www.topozone.com/ and scroll down to find the "Place Search". Enter something like "Milwaukee", select "IL" from the state dropdown, and press Go. Should get you started.

Some of the tools in this thread on New England track plans might help.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=56415

any one know of a set of photos or videos of the visalia electric railway in addition to besides d. bowan's site?

Frogger9041,
This link to a Google search:
http://search.earthlink.net/search?q=Visalia+electric+railway&area=earthlink-ws&FD=0&channel=narrowband
appears to contain some references that should help. You also might want to check the "fallen flags" site:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/misc-v/misc-v.html
If you don't mind the suggestion, your query is less likely to get lost in a thread
if you don't "piggyback," but instead start a new topic. Hope this helps.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

Coldguy...Try Maps.google.com then zoom in on Milwaukee...

CP only deals with UP at Mitchell Yard and i/c with CN at Duplainville

from a CP train reporter!

mike

See my reply (below) in the New England Trackplans forum.

If you can make the trip, go to College Park, MD to the NARA (National Archives and Registration Administration) and get copies of track plans from all over the nation. Visit the NARA site: http://www.archives.gov/research/arc/

Click on the yellow button "Search", type in this number "587535" (the ARC identifier number). It'll take you to the info page. Here's a summary of that page:

Title of document: Revised Railroad Valuation Maps, ca. 1920 - ca. 1960

Location: Cartographic and Architectural Records LICON, Special Media Archives Services Division (NWCS-C), National Archives at College Park, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001 PHONE: 301-837-3200, FAX: 301-837-3622, EMAIL: carto@nara.gov

Scope & Content: This series consists of revised right-of-way and tract maps, station maps, profiles, and related indexes. Also known as detailed land maps, they usually are in the form of annotated blueprints measuring 25 by 54 inches. The series coverage is nation wide and the map sheets contain information on land acquisition (grantor and grantee information) and engineering details such as the layout of track and the locations of roads, buildings, and bridges.

For anyone who is looking for PRR or PC track plans, also visit the Pennsylvania State Archives at: http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/dam/railroadPRRlandmaps.htm
You'll find a list of track plans, etc on microfilm available to copy.
Again, you have to go there to get them.

Anyone in need of Boston and Albany track plans (more like schematics to me), with curvature and grades of the main line, from Rensselaer, NY to Boston, see: http://www.zekedev.com/sites/boston_line/index.cfm

The Maptech site is good too but lacks detail that I'm looking for.

In fact, does anyone have info on the track plans (detailed with industry spurs) of the Framingham, MA area?

I'm planning a model layout of the Framingham Wye (plus North yard and Nevins yard) in Massachusetts, during the 50-60's period, including the Saxonville Branch and Medfield Junction. Any detailed track plans are welcomed.

See pictures of Framingham at: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/
Click in the keyword "Framingham" in the sites search machine.

Note:
The right-of-way of the North yard in Framingham was under NYNH&H and then NYC ownership during the 50-60's - not sure of when NYC took over NYNH&H's right-of-way in that area. Any source (NYC or NYNH&H) will work.
And, B&A sold out to NYC in the same period. So, NYC had right-of-way between the mid 50's to 60's, before being consolidated under PENN CENTRAL..

SO, until I can make a trip to Maryland and Pennsylvania, if anyone has material that can be sent by e-mail, I surely do appreciate it.

Daniel

I know that this site has a ton of diagrams for the EL but check here for your road info:

http://gelwood.railfan.net/

See if you can track down an old city map or a DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer has current and some not current lines indicated. Wisconsin issue broken down by county and pages are oversized so it makes a good reference - including downtown Milwaukee.