| Last updated on January 19, 2021
Check out this track plan from Model Railroader magazine
Name: Chicago Belt Lines
Layout designer: Clifton Linton and Steven Cox
Scale: N scale
Size: 8′-6″ x 23′-6″
Prototypes: Baltimore & Ohio Chicago Terminal, Belt Railway Co. of Chicago
Locale: Chicago
Era: 1970s
Style: around the walls
Mainline run: 44 feet (B&OCT), 21 feet (BRC)
Minimum radius: 11″
Minimum turnout: Peco short
Turnout control: Manual throws
Maximum grade: 5 percent (Donaldson Printing switchback)
Originally appeared in the November 2012 issue of Model Railroader.
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Thanks for the kind words. It was a lot of fun to research and design. Clif's layout is now operating and work on structures and scenery continues. If you'd like more info on the layout, please reach us through "coxys n scale and railroad blog", just google that phrase.
I agree, 11" is tight. Those were mainly curves on a few spurs in the Linden Park area. Most curves are 15" or better. As mentioned, if you have the room, use it!
Cheers,
Steven
I live south of Chicago and this is a great layout I'm thinking of building. It would be nice to see some photos of the layout along with a description of what type of benchwork, track, etc., they used.
Growing up and working near the IHB and BOCT Riverdale, Il yards, I appreciate the attention to both transfer activity and the local switching opportunities on this layout. This should provide more than enough operation for an entire operating crew. Modeling the mid 60's to early 70's with SW, NW, GP and SD units lends itself to a variety of motive power on the layout from all of the area connecting railroad (ICG, EJE, SF, MP, SS, CNW, MILW, etc. ) This layout really captures the period.
Very nice looking layout. Looking forward to seeing it in th magazine.
Okay, I haven't seen the issue yet, but 11" radius when you have that much room?
I grow up near the beltline . I had thought it was one of the busiest railroads in the Chicago area. When AMC was in Wisconsin it was the main carrier for those cars. I remenber it also carried steel ore to Gary Ind. I can remember 2 trains going in one direction(different tracks) and anothe train going in an other direction. Sometimes it would take 15 to 20 min. to get accross the tracks in La Grange. Can't wait for my Nov. issue. Thank .
Nice! A nice switching layout for those of us that like to deliver the cars in the train. It is a nice size without taking up all the basement space if you have a full basement under the house.
I'm definitely looking forwrd to reading this issue.