Tour the HO scale (1:87.1) Chicago, Peoria & Western, John Brennan’s masterfully designed model railroad depicting the flatlands of Illinois in September 1940. Housed in a dedicated 35 x 45-foot building, this expansive walk-in empire features a 230-foot mainline modeled after the CB&Q, EJ&E, and Illinois Central.
The open-grid benchwork supports meticulously handlaid code 70 track, providing a prototypical foundation for steam-era operations. The scenery is a rich tapestry of hand-painted backdrops, wood-flour ground cover, and custom-built structures, including the massive engine servicing terminal at Aurora. Powered by Digitrax DCC, the railroad utilizes a sophisticated car-card and waybill system to manage 19 trains per operating session, from heavy coal drags to high-priority freights. It is a true masterwork that captures the Golden Age of Midwest railroading!
Read more about this amazing display in the April 2026 issue of Model Railroader magazine!
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Great layout!
Operated on this layout many times. I miss John.