"The Ahnapee & Western of Downers Grove (A&W) began inside the house
in October 1977. After 18 months of planning the outdoor portion of the Garden Railroad,
right-of-way began in April of 1999. Currently there is about 350 feet of track which
includes two complete independent main lines which cross over each other twice. There
are also two passing sidings, one for each mainline. "There are only a handful of structures, but the green growing
stuff is more abundant. Rolling stock consists of several locomotives; Moguls, Ten Wheelers,
and Atlantics. An RS-3, F-3, GP7 and GP9 round out the Diesel roster. The car rolling stock
covers all types available."Expansion plans are underway. We plan on adding another 100 feet
of mainline track to one loop with the right-of-way already cleared and graded. This expansion
includes seven new turn-outs along with new underground wiring distribution. Two small water
falls, creek and pond have just been completed. Two new forest areas have also been added.
Hopefully, I'll have my 10 foot trestle completed by the 24th."
|