The Chicago & Mackinac Railroad
A model railroad operating in Western Michigan during the summer of 1967
The C&M is modeled from Grand Rapids, through Cadillac and Petoskey, on it’s way to Mackinaw City where it interchanges with northern railroads via the railroad car ferry, the Chief Wawatam, crossing the Straits of Mackinac and connecting with one of our partners, the Soo Line, to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and beyond.
Running from Fort Wayne, Indiana to Mackinaw City, Michigan, the Chicago & Mackinac Railroad (C&M) follows the Pennsylvania Railroad (ex-Grand Rapids & Indiana (GR&I) route through the western portion of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
The C&M Story
Learn about the C&M concept, the alternative history, the physical layout and some Michigan railroad history.
Building the C&M
Learn about the building concepts used, see a monthly progress report and how the layout was built in 10 months.
Operations
See how the Chicago & Mackinac Railroad operates, see operating session reports and operating documents.
Legacy Layouts
See archived photos & videos of the previous three iterations of the C&M railroad dating back to the 1970’s
Projects
Learn about various projects that have taken place or in progress on the C&M plus other model railroading in general