I have lived only 22 years, but have been a big fan of the Chicago Transit Authority for every one of them. I grew up on a small street (Allen Ave.) where I could hear the Logan Square Subway in my basement. Every weekend I would nag my mother to take me on the train. This was, at least, cheaper than than buying toys or going to Chuck E Cheese.
I was unfortuante in that I did not realize that one day there would be no 6000's, no 1-50's, and no 2000's. A couple years after they were retired, I started to get nostalgic about them. I was at the library and I picked up a book about the CTA and started reading.
The idea of a layout came when I was in studyhall during my sophomore year of high school. I sketched out a plan that has kept its basic shape ever since. I did make an attempt to build it. Though I didn't get far (it was ghastly) I kept trying from time to time.
I took advantage of my woodworking class and made what I thought was a beautiful model of my 35th Street subway station, complete with escalators and fare collection. However, somebody didn't think it was so nice and broke it.
So, I finally gave it another go last year. My progress has been slow due to funding, but so far I have a few nice buildings, my 65th Street Yard almost ready, and a few different L structures, some plastic and some wood. The first additions will be 6000's, followed by the rest in chronological order. I hope you will come to enjoy the world of Michigan Island! |
