The Chicago & Southern Michigan Railroad is an 1 1/2" scale model railroad under construction in Southern Michigan since 1996 , The first phase of the track plan will consists of approximately 800' of track in a figure eight, over and under configuration. Completed as of 1999 were a three track engine house , two track yard, stub end station lead and 150' of main line. Infrastructure improvements include heated (coal) engine house / work shop, electrical service, water and signal conduits for all of the above locations.
2000
The construction plan for 2000 included expanding the mainline by about 200'. Two concrete bridge piers were installed for a 14' removable (construction access) bridge. Also constructed were 50' of concrete reinforced retaining wall and extension of the trench, 20' fieldstone retaining wall, station platform and unloading ramp
2001
2001 continued the expansion of concrete reinforced wooden retaining wall leading toward the tunnel. Expansion of the standard wooden retaining walls to the North and East. Bulkhead walls for the curved wooden trestle and the tractor mower grade crossing. The Big project was of course the TUNNEL
2002
The Plan for 2002 is not very dramatic but sets the stage for the next two years of work. Lots of dirt needs to be moved. The approach to the tunnel from the East , walls and tunnel portal is to be completed. Permanent fencing and landscaping for the East tunnel approach. Grading for the North East portion of the railroad will be done.
2003
The beginning the West side of the tunnel approach
2004
Completion of the West side of the tunnel approach
2005
Work included wooden gates blocking the main road crossing to the property, new curved vehicle crossing, complete redo of the station to allow for longer trains. Installation of the water tower. Installation of of the Big Rock interlocking tower. Grade the line from the Cottonwood to Big Rock Junction. Much fill was added to the west end woods section
2006
The major project for 2006 was the curved wooden trestle on a grade. Work included much surveying, installation of concrete footings. Trestle bents (10) were constructed off site for transportation to the job site in the spring. The cedar was custom milled to allow the right proportions for forced prospective. Stringers were applied to the in place cut bents and then planed soothed for the application of the track panels. Alas schedules and weather took over so as we stand here in spring of 2007 that project is about 95% percent complete with a few details to go
2007
Spring of 2007 saw the track completed on the bridge, a wye switch was constructed and the last 60' of track was laid over the Memorial day weekend the Golden Spike Ceremony was held signaling the completion of Phase One. Since then attention has been given to lining and leveling the now complete figure eight portion of the rail;road. Construction will now focus on the other two legs of the wye.next year its off to the woods and the bridges over Georges Gorge.
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