PROGRESS REPORT ON MODELING ACTIVITY
by Dean D. Proper
As part of the “Zachow Historic Project” we will be building a model of the Village of Zachow circa 1949. This model will be done in “N” gauge since this is a small model railroad gauge and supplies are readily available. It will depict a portion of the “hayday” of Zachow and the transition from steam to diesel on the railroads. The C&NW ran track through the area that is now Zachow in 1903. The village was platted in 1906. The creation of Zachow was deemed necessary to supply the needs of the surrounding farm community. The C&NW acquired land in 1905 for the right of way and shortly thereafter a stockyard was built, along with a depot, and section crew facilities. The stockyard was demolished in 1944 but will be included in the 1949 depiction since this was one of the most important economic enterprises. The model of Zachow will eventually be displayed in the freight room of a replica of the original C&NW Class 3 depot.
The modeling staff is made up of “professional” modelers and is headed up by John Dornfeld (Depots by John) of Milwaukee. He is assisted by Jim Rindt of Sheboygan, and Rich Hanke of Manitowoc. Rich has had a long affiliation with the Chicago & Northwestern Historical Society.
