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.

Indian Hill District

When I first started planning to build an S Scale module for demonstrating operations at train shows, this was the area I wanted to model. As a Chicago & North Western fan, I wanted something close to home. Thanks to Dennis Weber from the RiverRail group, I was able to gather some useful information on the industries served in the fall of 1968 by the Chicago & North Western.

The track plan below reflects all of the industries between Grand Crossing and St. Andrews Street (not modeled on this set). The plan is to build this at the same time as I am building the CNW La Crosse Yard module, which on the prototype would be to the right of this diagram. I will likely also need my curve modules to create a U-shaped layout for use at shows.

Chicago & North Western Indian Hill Industrial AreaView Full Size

This module set is planned for 20 feet long with five 4 foot modules. The track at the Rubber Mills went behind the building on the prototype, but there is not enough room for this on a module, so I moved it to the front. I also reversed the switch for Trane Co Plant 6 to allow this module to be used as a standalone switching puzzle.

Module Specifications

Type:
Single Track
Length:
20 Feet
Width:
24 Inches
Track:
Tomalco Code 100 flex track on the main line, Code 80 on the runaround, Code 70 elsewhere.
Turnouts:
Number 6
Scenery:
Buildings and vehicles from the 1960s

Operations

This module will be switched by a local crew originating in a yard that will likely be placed to the right of the module. The short runaround will make it interesting to switch Continental Can and Trane Co Plant 6, but should add enough interest to keep potential new operators interested.

List of Industries

IndustryDescriptionSpots
Gateway FoodsGrocery warehouse.
  • 2 Box Cars for Groceries and Beverages
  • 2 Reefers for Groceries and Beverages
Continental CanProduces tin and aluminum cans for the food and beverage industry.
  • 1 Box Car for Coil Tin and Aluminum
Gamble RobinsonFresh produce warehouse.
  • 1 Reefer for Fruits and Vegetables
La Crosse Rubber MillsProduces rubber and La Crosse Footwear products.
  • 2 Box Cars for Raw Materials
  • 2 Hoppers for Coal
  • 1 Tank Car for Oils
Trane Co Plant 6Built heat exchangers for HVAC equipment.
  • 3 Hoppers for Coal
  • 3 Box Cars for Raw Materials

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 La Crosse YardCNW La Crosse20 feet1In PlanningWinter, 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