I am currantly researching building an N-scale layout based on CN/IC's route from Chicago to Iowa. I grew up in Rockford, Ill, along the IC and have long thought about doing this. I am wondering if anyone out there is from the same area and might be able to help with prototype operations info. My questions are things like: Where is the local switcher based? Where are the cars picked in the area taken to? Are they hauled back to Chicago to be assembled into trains? I plan on modeling a point to point railroad with loops at each end for continuous running. A large yard will represent Chicago on one end, and another large yard will represent Waterloo Iowa on the other. The Rockford area and it's industries will be a large scenicked area as will the Belvidere Chrysler plant. Are there any other large yards between those areas? Any suggestions, ideas, or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanx
I have also got quite interested in Rockford as inspiration for my layout - especially as it is also served by the Illinois Railroad and DME. There have been some specific posts on Rockford recently on the IlliniRail.com site. There is a set of Rockford photos on flickr by wales23us which are very useful too Phil
