RiverRail - Michigan Central by Randall Page

Welcome to the Future Michigan Central Railroad.

The MC was formed in 1846 to provide rail between Detroit and St. Joseph Michigan. In 1867 it became a part of the New York Central System, yet it still operated under the MC name. By the 1950’s it was fully merged into the NYC and the Michigan Central name was added to the growing list of fallen flags.

The Michigan Central’s primary focus will be railroading during World War 2 around the area of Detroit, Michigan. Detroit was key in manufacturing and distributing much of the United States war production. Aircraft, tanks, jeeps and trucks of all types were built and sent to the front lines, the majority of it by rail. In addition the MC moved troops and people in numbers never before seen. It is hoped that this layout will give operators a taste of what it may have been like to move the nations goods and people in 1944.

This two level layout is in the works and will be in a unique space located above a large garage/workshop. This makes for several interesting challenges due to slanted ceilings, knee-walls and bi-level floors. Central heat and cooling will maintain comfort and a full bathroom on the ground level will provide relief. Digitrax will provide the DCC operating system and pre-war phones will be used to communicate with a dispatcher. Operations will include freight, passenger and troop train movements.

The MC will focus on the area between Windsor and Ypsilanti Michigan. Some creative compression will be required to make things fit as needed to stay true to the emphasis of WW2 railroading. Some of the key locations will include; Ford’s Willow Run bomber plant, Selfridge Army Air Corps Base, MCs Junction Yard, the Michigan Central Depot, and the Windsor Tunnel. Other war industries will be added as space allows.

Construction of the bench work is expected to be completed near the end of 2009. Track work is hoped to be finished and working by the end of 2010. Scenery will come sometime after that.