An introduction

[Chicago Belt & Eastern]

Thought it might be a good idea if I introduced myself before posting in earnest.

I've been mode railroading for as long as I can remember; one of my earliest memories was the Lionel train set around the Christmas tree as a toddler. One look and I was hooked for life. That was over seven decades ago ...

That doesn't mean I'm an expert or anything; but I've enjoyed a lifelong love of trains, be they prototype or models.

I am not a rivet counter and, while I totally enjoy detailed models, I am more interested in having fun than absolute prototype restrictions. Sometimes I run 1st generation diesels and the next time I run current equipment.

I've built a few layouts over the years, but right now I'm starting a new one that shares my living room in my retirement condo. Right now the layout (under construction) is an "L shaped" shelf that runs 10 x 7 feet with a depth of 2 ft. It is constructed in HO gauge and represents an urban environment that is loosely Chicago based. I can build and operate this as for a while before extending it into a larger layout.

The railroads represented are BNSF, Chicago Belt Railway and Metra/Amtrak for both freight and passenger operation. Track is Peco code 83 on mainline with code 70 spurs , minimum radius is 24" and Number 6 turnouts. DCC Power is provided by NCE with separate DC power for lighting and signals. I was a Electrical Engineer before retirement, so not intimidated by electronics, etc.

So far I have the bench work completed and the initial phase tracks (lower elevation) laid on the roadbed, with almost all the rail joiners soldered. Trains are reliably run over 95 % of the tracks, with only three spurs left to solder rail joiners ( and allow reliable power ). Every millimeter of it allows tie crawling slow speed operation.

Looking forwards to rubbing elbows and discussing stuff here !

Until then ...

 

[migalyto]

Welcome to the group!

A great friendly, knowledgeable group of members here.

Please start a build thread so we can follow along with your progress. We love photos!

 

[freescopesdad]

Welcome aboard CB&E, great to have another Chicago area layout in the offing on the forum. I got my start 7 decades ago the same way you did, at the ripe old age of 8, on Christmas morning, and never really grew out of it - thank God! I for one will be anxious to see how your layout develops.

I too started with an L-shaped layout in my drafty garage (my designated space per my beautiful landlord of 52 years) in Kato n scale. But then I soon discovered that most of the garage was filled with disposable junk and as soon as that was gone freed up more space. Eventually I decided I no longer needed a Miata which I rarely drove so now my 18x18 oyster was totally available. The layout now encompasses all 4 walls of the garage plus a peninsula. Not saying yours will do the same as a condo living room does present some major drawbacks in that regard, however I never thought 5 years ago I would get to where I am now either. I model Chicago and Northern Illinois, with BNSF, CN, Metra, UP, CSX all sharing track with time travelers from RI, CB&Q, CM&SP, CBL and WC. Even the Big Boy and Alaska SD70MAC visit. Anything goes from any era. And the Clark Oil refinery in Blue Island is still producing gasoline despite the catastrophic fire.

Let us know when and where you post additionally.

 

[NorthTexasRailroad]

Welcome to the forums CB&E! Share photos and progress when you can!

 

[ShadowNix]

Welcome and feel free to ask questions. This group is VERY helpful (and pretty friendly, unlike some boards...). I can't wait to see your progress!