Prototype Trackage Maps

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Hi I am looking for track alignment maps for the Tehachapi Loop, Horseshoe Curve, Spiral Tunnels, Keddie Wye, and Cascade Tunnel areas. Any ideas on where to find these?

2

This one is fun…

http://www.openrailwaymap.org/?lang=en&lat=53.083301544189&lon=9.6000003814697&zoom=10&style=standard

This site has a bunch, too, but mostly eastern roads:

http://www.railsandtrails.com/diagrams.htm

This site you have to dig for it but the curve is in there somewhere. (I made a link that’s easier to find)

http://sbiii.com/prrtrkch.html#hshucurv

Good Luck, Ed

3

Thanks!

4

What I meant though is actual paper maps like an atlas.

5

I’m not absolutely sure about Google maps, but I think they do have rail lines on the maps. Find the place you want, zoom in (or out), then switch to satellite view, and it should give you a picture of the actual trackage as it exists today. Then print it out. For areas like Tehachapi or horseshoe curve, those are current and not much has changed in the basic layout. Eg: horseshoe curve has three tracks now, but used to have four. It’s still within the same space.

But, if you want trackage plans from a specific time or are no longer there, then you have to dig for it. Sometimes old city maps will show track layouts. Some sources like USGS and universities will have archived photos. Also, check the railroad’s historical society for maps.

I hope this helps.

6

Thank you!

7

Yes, Google maps will show everything that is there, and you can zoom in enough to count the ties. I use it a lot.

Mike.

8

Wow! Thanks for the advice. Check out my other prototype info forum threads I have and my website: cascadenorthernrr.webs.com

9

Just curious what would be a good railroad atlas?

10

Rand McNally used to produce a pretty decent one but I don’t know how recently.

https://www.amazon.com/McNally-Handy-Railroad-United-States/dp/0528210653

I like the SPV’s Railroad Atlas:

http://www.steam-powered-video.co.uk/acatalog/USA_Railroads.html

You might find them on Amazon or Ebay.

https://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Railroad-Atlas-North-America/dp/1874745137/ref=pd_sim_14_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1874745137&pd_rd_r=GDD1S0TPCCXH2G1KV4BG&pd_rd_w=rYziA&pd_rd_wg=e18Tu&psc=1&refRID=GDD1S0TPCCXH2G1KV4BG

Ed

11

Thanks!

12

Ive got a couple of railroad atlases (not sure where they are at the moment). You can pick them up at large train shows (got mine at the national train shows). Look for the tables with old railroad artifacts (timetables and the like).

You might also check USGS topographic maps, and sandborn fire insurance maps.

13

By chance what would be the closest train show to the pelican state?

14

Try this:

http://www.easttexas-modeltrains.org/trainshows/

15

The US Geological service has maps that go back to the early 1900’s. They usually show all the railroads that were operating when the map was made.

You can download them and print them out for free.

16

Thanks!

17

Actually, they tend to show the railroad tracks; not the operating railroads or, necessarily, what railroad was using which tracks. The earliest USGS maps are from the 1880’s in some areas.

https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/maps/TopoView/viewer/#4/39.98/-100.06

18

Cool!

19

You might also try the Library of Congress. They most likely have a complete set of the circa 1918 railroad valuation maps.

20

You might also check universities in state where your specific maps would be located, sometimes they have the valuation maps as well. Google: New Haven Railroad Valuation Maps. It will take you to the UCONN website, where you will find a map of new England with a bunch of little red squares on it. Those are valuation maps. They are surveys that show tracks and trackside structures.