I am looking into creating a system map for my model railroad, to show where I envision the main and branch lines operate in the Midwest. I’m wondering if anyone knows the best way to modify a map image (for example, a map of Wisconsin) and to draw-in the routes showing the system ROW?
Hi Wiar: I went to Mapsco and got the 1 to 25000 maps of the area that I was interested in. Actually I got a map from the USC&G that showed all the maps of the states of Wisconsin and Michagan. I then ordered the 1 to 25000 maps that covered the area that I was interested in. Actually the general maps maybe good enough. I got some clear acitate and made overlays of the area of my railroad and drew the track in with grease pensil. I changed the route as I figured the route out. When you have everything worked out then you can mark the maps with something more perminent. I hope this helps.
You can download the 1:24,000 maps from the USGS. They even have a system to help you identify which maps you need. Then go to ESRI.com and download a free copy of ArcExplorer. You can then bring these maps up in Explorer. Then just trace your route out on the maps.
Are you wanting to make a system on real geography or a ficticious geography?
WIAR wrote:
“I am looking into creating a system map for my model railroad, to show where I envision the main and branch lines operate in the Midwest. I’m wondering if anyone knows the best way to modify a map image (for example, a map of Wisconsin) and to draw-in the routes showing the system ROW?”
Try here. You can download these maps and either print them out and draw the routes on them or maybe use MSpaint to draw them.
http://geography.about.com/library/blank/blxusx.htm
http://www.abcteach.com/Maps/midwest.htm
http://www.abcteach.com/directory/researchreports/maps/states/
I used a DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer book. There’s usually a small scale map in the front covering the entire state, followed by the large scale USGS type maps.
After, sketching out a rough idea, I drew the route map in with colored pencils.
Nick
The cheapest way is to use last year’s DOT map. You can usually get them free. some already have existing rail lines put in. Then simply use a marker to lay out your route. Take time to write down all the little communities along your route.
Chances are, somebody planned to build your route, they just didn’t have the money to do it.
What the DOT map may not show is any big hills you would have to avoid or build around.
Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions![:)]
If you can find some, maps from the World War 1 era (1914-1918) will show the rail net at its maximum extent. You could place your line on a subsequently-abandoned track. I have a VERY good public library nearby; yours may have something or be able to inter-library loan stuff.
Here’s a site with maps from 1895.
I believe it’s just shows railroads.
BRJN wrote:
“If you can find some, maps from the World War 1 era (1914-1918) will show the rail net at its maximum extent. You could place your line on a subsequently-abandoned track. I have a VERY good public library nearby; yours may have something or be able to inter-library loan stuff.”
I just found this product which looks like it’ll do exactly what I want for creating an electronic map of my system: