| Last updated on January 19, 2021
Download this track plan from Model Railroader
Name: Calumet & South Chicago RR
Layout designer: Michael Sharp
Scale: HO (1:87.1)
Size: 12′-0″ x 14′-6″
Prototype: freelanced
Locale: Calumet Region of northwest Indiana
Era: mid- to late-1960s
Style: double-deck shelf
Mainline run: n/a
Minimum radius: 21″
Minimum turnout: no. 4
Maximum grade: n/a
Originally appeared in the October 2013 Model Railroader. Click on the link to download the PDF of this track plan.
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Cannot find the forum nor any of the posts or photos…probably just looking in the wrong place, but some help would greatly appreciated as we’re (my sons and I) are trying to design a double deck ‘shelf’ layout and the ‘ramp’ is something we’re having issues with. Thanks!
I just became aware that we can comment on the plans. I will post some photos in the Model Railroader Forum in the Layout section. I hope that will help. Briefly, the ramp connect the actual layout (top level) from the lower classification yard/staging area (lower level). I made the ramp 8 feet in length, so that is obviously the length of the longest train. Most trains will consist of 2 engines, 8 to 12 freight cars and a caboose. The upper level yard (Belt Railway of Chicago) was designed with that 8' maximum train length in mind.
The ramp is hinged at the wall. Thus, with a separation of 7" between levels, that makes the slope a bit over 3.5 degrees, up or down. I tested this slope with several "sample" trains running uphill, and they all were able to pull the trains without issue.
The key to making the layout work for me is disguising the mainline where it turns toward the ramp. It needs to look as though it runs parallel and behind to the structures and therefore, out of sight. Hope this helps. I'll post the photos on Forum. Thanks for the comments
Mike Sharp
Interesting track plan. Can you show how the "ramp-transfer" track actually works. We need a x-section of the ramp. Will there be any followup to these questions?
Perfect for me,from Chicago and lived in the Calumet region,all 3 versions work well. I would do the steel mill,as I have all the Walthers buildings. Also my area is just a bit larger. I belong to a large model R.R. Club but need a small switching layout at home.
Pictures would be a help…
There are two notations that mention the numbered arrows indicate photo locations. Where are the photos? Otherwise, difficult to understand the staging to layout setup. Interesting article though.
Looks to be interesting, as a one-industry layout, but I have only been able to download the first page. I often have this problem with downloads from Kalmbach.
Conceptually, this is a nice plan. I especially like the three industrial settings that the track plan can be adapted to fit. The steel mill and stamping plant scenarios fit well into the manufacturing environment here in northwest Indiana.
Would like to have seen photographs of this layout. The track diagrams alone donot work for me, especially the explanation of the ramp arrangement to the staging area.