Another newb here. Been playing with trains off and on for about 55 years - 027, HO, N, now back to HO. Currently finishing off a chunk of basement for an HO shelf switcher a la Mindheim's Downtown Spur. Since I'm in Chicago, I'm planning on proto-lancing the Elk Grove or Bensenville industrial parks or maybe the BNSF Argonne spur. I don't feel I have enough space to run 100+ car freights on a roundy-round as much as I also enjoy fanning mainline BNSF, UP and CN. ;-)
Welcome aboard! With family thereabouts, I've enjoyed a few days watching and photographing the BRC (I think) yard alongside Chicago Ridge mall.
Welcome aboard. If you have been in the hobby for 50+ years, is it possible that we have met in 2004 on the real rails during the 261/2816 doubleheader out of St. Paul?
Welcome to Drainboard Chuck. That plan for your HO layout sounds interesting. Downtown Chi-Town may options there; looking forward to see your progress