Free-Mo S Scale

Chicago & Northern Western in La Crosse, WI

A group of single track modules built by Shane Lambert that represent the Chicago & North Western (CNW) railroad operations in La Crosse, WI around the fall of 1968. This set begins after the CNW crosses the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) and the Milwaukee Road (MILW) at Grand Crossing.

Downtown La Crosse Yard

This module is based on the Chicago & North Western yard in downtown La Crosse, WI as it appeared in 1968. The module includes the C&NW Depot, Freight House and team tracks. It is designed as a 20 foot long scene using five 4 foot modules, but could be expanded by adding additional sections in the middle. The prototype used the main line for a switch lead as this yard was a dead end yard.

Chicago & North Western yard in La Crosse, WI by Shane LambertDowntown La Crosse Yard - Click to Open in New Window

The design of this yard will also allow it to be used as a staging yard for operations, or a crew can be assigned here to build up trains for crews to switch other areas. I chose to model this yard instead of the much larger Chicago, Burlington & Quincy yard due to space consideration on the module. To facilitate switching Max Beml Scrap, the lead was moved to connect to the end of the Depot track so the storage tracks can be used as needed.

Module Specifications

Type:
Single Track End Module
Length:
20 Feet
Width:
24 Inches
Track:
Tomalco Track Code 100 flex on the Free-mo end to the first turnout, then Code 83 all other tracks.
Turnouts:
All turnouts are #6 and will be built using Fast Tracks jigs.
Scenery:
Detailed representation of the Downtown La Crosse, area as it was in 1968.

List of Industries

IndustryDescriptionSpots
CNW Freight HouseThe CNW Freight House track is used for general freight and perishables.
  • 4 Box Cars for General Freight
  • 3 Reefers for Perishables
Team trackDouble track team tracks with side and end ramps for loading and unloading of freight cars.
  • 16 Box Cars, Gondolas or Reefers for Consumer Goods
  • 4 Flat Cars for Trucks, Tractors, Lumber
Platform TrackPlatform track for mail service.
  • 2 Box Cars for U.S. Mail
Storage TracksStorage for inbound and outbound cars.
  • 11 Track 1s for General Freight
  • 11 Track 2s for General Freight
Max BemlScrap yard
  • 3 Gondolas for Scrap

Check Out My Other Modules

Below is a list of modules that I am planning to build. Click on a module name to learn more about it. See all of my Modules.

ModuleGroupLengthIndustriesStatusETA
Ready Mix ConcreteCNW La Crosse5 feet1In ProgressSpring, 2025
C&NW Indian Hill DistrictCNW La Crosse20 feet5In PlanningSummer, 2025
End Modules2 feet0In PlanningSpring, 2026
Curve Modules6 feet0In PlanningSummer, 2026
Second Street, La Crosse, WICB&Q Zone 315 feet9In PlanningFall, 2026
West Avenue - La Crosse, WICB&Q Zone 315 feet5In PlanningWinter, 2025-2026
Heileman BreweryCB&Q Zone 320 feet9In PlanningSpring, 2026
Los Angeles Produce Terminal18 feet1In PlanningSpring, 2027