For another source of information, I suggest joining the ATCS Monitor group on Yahoo Groups. You must have a free Yahoo account and then apply for group membership, just note your specific interests in railfanning.
The ATCS Monitor program (requires Windows) can be loaded with layout 'kits' for many RR subdivisions. Even if a specific kit is 'stale', the content such as control points doesn't change very often.
Links to my Google Maps ---> Sunset Route overview, SoCal metro, Yuma sub, Gila sub, SR east of Tucson, BNSF Northern Transcon and Southern Transcon *** Why you should support Ukraine! ***
mudchicken Be advised that the FRA and STB GIS sites are far from complete or accurate. Like any other GIS, the product is only as good as the input. (one of those "trust, but verify" things, garbage in - garbage out)
Be advised that the FRA and STB GIS sites are far from complete or accurate. Like any other GIS, the product is only as good as the input. (one of those "trust, but verify" things, garbage in - garbage out)
Thanks for the words of caution. I'll treat the info at these sites in a manner similar to Wikipedia: Generally good for an overview, but verification advised for any important details.
As for the accuracy of printed maps, last year I grabbed a Chicago road map specifically because it included rail lines. Then I noticed the labels on the routes: 'B&O, 'PRR', and others of similar vintage.
It was from a 'major' mapping company with a copyright of 2013, and included a disclaimer (paraphrasing): 'to the best of the publisher's knowledge, information was correct at the time of printing'. I realize that some corporate names live on past mergers, but I'm pretty sure it included a bunch which have been defunct for many, many years.
It was clearance priced at $0.35, so I didn't examine closely it before purchase. Although it doesn't fulfill my intended purpose of having a current reference when I travel to/through the area, it does give an interesting historical perspective.
Yes, intentionally putting errors on maps is a way to catch unlawful copying. I beleve that is why one SPV map has "Former coarse of river" on it.
Johnny
I remember hearing once that all maps have minor mistakes. This is do the publisher can tell if someone else is copying their work.
MC's point is well-taken. I can remember Chicago street maps prepared for the various oil companies by Rand McNally or Gousha that showed streets that may have been platted but did not actually exist.
MidlandMike For mile markers and other info try: https://fragis.fra.dot.gov/gisfrasafety/
For mile markers and other info try:
https://fragis.fra.dot.gov/gisfrasafety/
Wow, thanks! As someone who looks at RR maps as giant puzzles, this is like finding the Rosetta Stone.
Of course, I'll also probably curse you when this starts keeping me up past my normal bedtime ('No really - I'll logoff after I finish exploring the KCS interchange points...').
Looks like my caffiene intake is going to be on the rise...
Duplicate
Also, check online to see if your state DOT publishes its official railroad map. Some even offer free printed copies.
A rather inconsistent source of railroad data is the older topographic maps on historicaerials.com.
Sometimes there are no maps at all, sometimes they go back to the early 20th century.
They won't have mileposts or railroad unique landmarks, but they do usually show ownership of the line (good for working out a line's history), and may show certain location names that may not appear on conventional maps.
There are generally aerial images for a number of different years, too. The resolution isn't always that good, but you can still pick things out.
Another tool in the toolbox.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Kind of an "up-to-you" Steve. I've got a railroad atlas for the Northeast that ran me $35, but I thought it was worth it, just for research purposes and general information.
However, if you only need information for three counties in your state let me suggest the road map books put out by ADC. They're quite complete and will show rail lines in addition to the roads in your area, at least the ones I have do.
Barnes and Noble bookstores carry them, and I think you can order them on line.
https://www.kappamapgroup.com
Average price is around $17.
If you have a reasonably large screen, and access to reasonable printing, see how far you get with
https://www.openrailwaymap.org/
before you need things that are only in one of the proprietary printed volumes. (That community likely is a lot quicker both in finding and correcting errors and in adding new resources or functionality...)
The one I'm looking at is $35. I only really need maybe three counties (in my state) worth of maps. Is there another source? I found plenty of older maps online, but nothing recent that would have mile markers and the sidings.
Regards - Steve
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