Midwest RAILS

Midwest RAILS (Railroaders Active In Large Scale) is a large-scale modular model railroad club that was formed in 1978. Our current membership live mostly in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. They own and operate large-scale model trains in several scales including 1:20.3, 1:22.5, 1:24, 1:29 and 1:32 on standard 1-3/4 inch rail spacing.

Most all of the modules used to construct varying size layouts, including our 6 foot radius corners, our transition modules, and two bridges are owned by the club, as well as most of our standard straight modules (30" x 47-1/4"). A few members own their own straight and corner modules, which meet the club’s standards. Our rectangle, two track, layouts range in size from 20’ by 24' to 24’ by 44’. The modules included in any layout are decorated by individual members. As a result, our layouts have a variety of interesting scenes.

The layout is not era or railroad specific, members are able to run any kind of consist that they may be personally modeling or collecting.  Members run their own trains on the layout.

Although we hold business meetings as needed, Club activities are primarily focused on setting up our layouts at model railroad shows and other events, and running trains. We participate in several events each year. Keep checking the web site and Facebook page for the most current event information.

Anyone interested in running large scale trains, and/or building large scale railroad dioramas, is always welcome to attend any one of our show dates to see our layout in action and learn more about our club.

You may also send us a message from our contact page with questions or to request additional information.

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