In this visit to the Gogebic Iron Range, layout builder Hans Schlegel hosts an exclusive video tour of his HO scale (1:87) model railroad highlighting Chicago & North Western (C&NW) and Soo Line railroad operations under steam and diesel-power during the mid-1950s and early-1960s. Travel with Hans, as he takes you to faithfully modeled Michigan and Wisconsin locations on his 23 x 27-foot layout. Highlights include intricate railway bridges and buildings, forest scenery, mainstreet boulevards, and scores of structures associated with the iron ore hauling industry.
Along the main line, featuring a 1.35-percent grade, you’ll also see equally intriguing models of C&NW and Soo Line diesel freight power, including Geep and Alco units. But steam power from a fading era is also present and working hard on the layout.
Operating sessions are a part of Hans Schlegel’s enjoyment of the hobby. He hosts round-robin group sessions, were 12 trains run in about 3½ hours, using RailOP car routing and radio NCE ProCabs.
When you’re finished watching all of this layout action and scenery unfold, you’ll certainly find numerous other C&NWand Soo Line model railroads featured in the Trains.com streaming video collection.
Want to know even more about the HO scale Gogebic Iron Range? Pick up a copy the special-issue publication, Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide 2022, available from the kalmbachhobbystore.com!
Thank you very much for sharing your layout. You have done an amazing job of both scenery and track work. I especially love the way you curved the backdrop for the amazing 3D visual effect.
Fabulous scenery, very well done! And the modeling replicating the actual structures… just incredible. The way you blended the photo backdrops with the foreground scenes is especially impressive Hans!
Great job Hans. The scenery and smooth operation is top notch. Just amazing.
Thanks everyone for your kind comments.
Hans Schlegel
That was a delightful video of a really nicely done layout. Those mines are fantastic modelling. Thanks for sharing and inspiring me.
Outstanding! Really nice and very detail.
God Bless
Every bit as impressive when I saw it in person.
FANTASTIC!!