Historic accuracy and research resources?

[iis612]

I am having a bit of a hard time researching my transition era layout that will be centered around C&NW and the Chicago Stockyards of the late 40's.
If anyone is interested in sharing some internet links, I will gladly post all that I have.
I would lead out and do so, but I am in a bit of a time crunch.

 

[railohio]

What sources have you checked? If you're just searching the Internet you'll come up with a whole lot of nothing. Have you even used railroad and regional historical societies, period newspapers, or any books? There is a great wealth of information out there and those who think it's all on the Internet will definitely miss out.

 

[iis612]

I have located the following links that provide some historic information:
http://baldwindiesels.railfan.net/cnw/index.html
http://baldwindiesels.railfan.net/cnw/index.html
http://www.cnwhs.org/memberphotos/index.php
http://www.cnwhs.org/
http://baldwindiesels.railfan.net/contents.html
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/
http://www.steamfreightcars.com/index.html
http://www.steamfreightcars.com/index.html

I agree that there is a wealth of information available in books, historic societies, museums, newspapers, etc. However, that does not mean that the internet is not a viable source.
I have been able to locate mounds of information regarding the Chicago and Omaha stock yards, but I did not include the links here because they aren' needed.

 

[hooknlad]

Wikipedia, would be one reference source that I would look into. BTW welcome to the Gauge iis612 !!!

 

[CNWman]

:thumb: welcome fellow CNW modeler!:thumb:

 

[iis612]

Thanks for the welcome
I have looked at Wikipedia and have found some information that is useful, but for whatever reason I didn't bookmark it. I will do that though.

 

[iis612]

Here is another great link that includes 3 line maps from the late 50's to mid 60's pertaining to the Chicago Stockyards:
http://www.lakemirabel.com/Railroad/ChicagoRiverIndiana.html#StockyardsMap

This link has several links to other railways with SEVERAL other maps, and historical data complied by the Chicago Historical Society.
So far it is a valuable resource.

 

[Russ Bellinis]

Have you joined the CNW Historical Society? Often times the railroad historical society for the railroasd that you model will be among the best resources for historical info.

 

[iis612]

I considered doing that until I looked into it. I gain nothing exceptional by joining except an invitation to a yearly event (that I most likely couldn't or wouldn't attend), and a quarterly publication.
All of the archived history information they have is available to the public at the DeKalb Public library, or through request to the curator.

 

[nachoman]

I think brian has a point - the internet is great for some things, but less than perfect for others. The same goes for purchasing things - ebay is great but not always the best deal. I suggest you see what is in the DeKalb public library. I know for my modeling interests, there is a great, and complete book available at my local library. That information is nonexistent on the internet.

kevin