Layout Snapshot

Type: Switching / Industrial Layout
Scale: HO

Layout Shape: 'L' shaped shelf, maximum size of 17 feet along one edge, 6 feet along the other edge. As at May 2008, a 12 x 1 feet extension is being built (call the MWSL elsewhere on this site) which will allow the layout to be expanded to a 'U' shape at some future point.

The layout has been designed so that it can be expanded in the future by simply adding extra modules 6 feet or less in length as space permits. The layout can also be configured in various sizes.

• 8 x 6 feet 'L' shaped
• 10 x 6 feet 'L' shaped

and various other configurations depending on space available.

Motive power: All diesel, GP's, SW's, SD's, RS's, FT's and small switching locos.

Rollingstock: Mostly 40 to 60 scale feet in length.

Control System: ROCO LokMaus 2 DCC, although most turnouts are Peco Insulfrog turnouts which means DC can be used on the layout and have locos isolated from track power.

Setting: Located between Indiana Harbor Belt (IHB) and Elgin, Joliet and Eastern (EJ&E) lines, near Illinois / Indiana border, mid 1970's to mid 1980's.

Layout Construction: Pine frame, with either MDF, Masonite, Chipboard, or no base (depending on what the scenery needs). The layout is constructed of modules 6 feet or less in length and 2 feet or less in width.

Amount of Track: Approximately 100 feet. About 30 feet of that is classified as 'thoroughfare trackage'.

Scenery Construction: A variety of methods including polystyrene base covered in plaster bandage, and cardboard meshing covered in plaster bandage. Because of the 2 foot wide baseboards, the scenery is mainly concentrated on those facilities the railroad serves, and the landscape features closest to the railroad itself. The layout is mainly flat, but there are some 'ups and downs' in the scenery to add a little scenic interest. There are also some trees and other features which give a more scenic dimension to the layout.

Building commenced: Mid 2005, inside a 10 x 7 feet spare room. In 2006 / 2007, extra modules were built making the layout 'U shaped and a lot bigger than the original 10 x 7 feet area required for full set up. In 2008, due to a move one leg of the 'U' was dismantled, making the layout an 'L' shape, maximum size 17 x 6 feet.