N SCALE LAYOUT UPDATE: Finishing Western Avenue Yard trackwork & starting scenery

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

If you liked this video, have a look at the rest of the series, following my progress as I build my N scale layout. kzbin.info/aero/PL9EbvMybGN907gyhcnU44CnfFIKRxIE_H

[@ronzack4572]

I came across your videos back in January 2022, if I remember correctly, and was SHOCKED to find someone in the UK modeling one of the most interesting stretches of railroad on planet earth: the BNSF Chicago Sub! I'm a lifelong resident of Illinois, and have enjoyed watching trains on this section of railroad, from Union Station in downtown Chicago, all the way to Rochelle, where the BNSF crosses the UP in one of the busiest grade level crossings on earth (no joke), to where the BNSF parallels the Mississippi River in Savannah, IL. Also enjoyed watching BNSF trains from across the river in Dubuque, Iowa, and most recently, at St. Paul Union Depot. My sister lives in Aurora just a few blocks from Eola yard, and I've been known to volunteer to take her dog for a walk so I could have an excuse to go watch the trains travel through! My some of my most favorite memories were from a few years ago, when on any give Saturday I would travel to La Grange and Berwyn to sit and watch the trains zoom by, Berwyn being my most favorite spot, followed closely by La Grange. One would often see a nice variety of Metra, Amtrak and BNSF freights go by. It didn't hurt that "Berwyn Toys & Trains" was close by (on old Rt. 66!), home to an incredible display of three-rail "O" scale model trains. Always made it a point to stop by, and buy something, even if it were just a single boxcar for my HO scale layout I was planning. Beginning in January, I made a fateful decision to switch to N scale, and started searching KZbin for inspiration, and found your channel! It's been very inspiring indeed. I plan a very modest layout, done to the T-TRAK standard, depicting the Burlington Northern in northern Minnesota during the 1970's, with attention mainly on the "Twin Ports" of Duluth and Superior, WI, which is a wonderful place for anyone who loves trains. I can't thank you enough for sharing these videos on KZbin of your layout's progress. They have brought back many wonderful memories for me, and make me want to go back out to Berwyn for some more train spotting adventures! Before this month is over, I do hope to go down to Galesburg, IL for their Railroad Days celebration, Galesburg being a very BIG and important town for the BNSF. Though sadly I will be driving rather than taking the train! Amazing but true: I've ridden trains on most of the lines that come in and out of Chicago, but for some odd reason, have never had the opportunity to ride a train on BNSF, despite the many Metra and Amtrak trains scheduled everyday. I will need to do something about that one of these days...

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

Thank you, Ron! Glad I could help inspire you :-D Yes, a South African living in the UK modelling Chicago! :-D I've visited Chicago many times over the years, and as I love BNSF have spent plenty of time railfanning in the area, mostly at Downers Grove. Amazingly I have only ridden one line in Chicago (well, apart from the L), and that was from Aurora to Chicago back in 2019. Was great seeing the line from the track - we sat in front downstairs, so had a full view of the route, especially interesting going through the yards. I have been up to Rochelle many times, and my previous layout was based on that area. Looking forward to seeing any videos you do on your new layout.

[@HumancityJunction]

I love the look of the staging yard and main yard. I love seeing all the tracks side by side.

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

It’s a bit hypnotic 😀

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

It's coming along nicely, keep poking at it. Bob

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

Thanks, Bob! I’m plodding along…it’s getting there!

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Peter very impressive layout

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

Thank you, James!

[@nicksanto882]

Very fine Peter!

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

Thanks, Nick!

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Great layout

[@peter_borcherds]

Thanks James!

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

Finally managed to get some work done on the layout! Progress will speed up now…as will the update videos!

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

Ooh, thank you! I’ll have a look for him! A viewer sent me a 3D file for the Western Springs station, which I’ve had 3D printed, but Downers Grove would be awesome, one of the stations I want to include. I’ve just bought myself a new 3D printer, so I’ll see if I can get in touch with @djsmeltzer (update: just found out he actually already follows me on Twitter, so I’ll definitely be in touch!)

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

Ah, so you’re also Daniel? @djsmeltzer is your dad, right? Was a bit confused at first as thought you had two accounts! I’ll definitely be in touch! Do you know where I can see photos of that Downers Grove station your dad did, can’t find it on his Twitter

[@jerrysmith1929]

I remember only one such ambitious attempt to model Chicago. That was a HO layout which appeared in Model Railroad Craftsman decades ago. It's beginning to look like you may be able pull it off.

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

Ah, thank you! I’m doing what I can…I love Chicago, but doing what I can while living in the UK and visiting the US once a year. Luckily I have a few friends in the area who are helping and a few viewers of my channel who have offered help with photos, etc

[@jerrysmith1929]

@@ChicagoSubNScale the bigger the challenge, the greater the reward

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

@@jerrysmith1929 true!

[@1947acw]

Lekker. Tot sien's boet.

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

Ha ha! Ja, til volgende keer! 😀

[@gregalanharper]

I’ve only ever gone through Chicago on my way to the airshow at Oshkosh. If I change to the B787 in my airline, however, I will get to fly into ORD. Maybe then I can get some research shots for you, though I’m quite sure there are already more than enough resources out there to fill your cup! By the way, should the B787 change take place, I’ll get to go back to LHR again. (Hint hint.) 👍

[@ChicagoSubNScale]

Greg, will be amazing if you get to fly the B787, amazing aircraft! I can never have enough research shots, so thank you for the offer! As for Heathrow, I’m only 30 mins from there, so you’re very welcome to drop in! 😀