Lakeshore Traction Company

09/01/2026

And with that... the frame-in is complete! Aside from some supports for the corner angles, the main frames of the benchwork is all built and installed. A lot of design changes have been happening throughthe construction phase and the plan has evolved even though still fitting this area.

Now, begins the wait. Before much progress happens on the layout itself, the lighting really must be installed. The plan is for track lighting to be installed... but its a waiting game to see when that might be.

08/25/2026

A continuation on construction today as more framing was built and installed in the new layout room. Transitioning from a space approximately 15' x 30' to 10.5' x 9.5' means the layout has only 1/5 the space as the first build. Its been enjoyable to see so kuch progress so quickly with this change of location. Only two more sections to build and then all of the details such as curve supports and subroadbed.

08/25/2026

A quick update on layout progress...

Since deciding to move the layout into a new space, a lot of effort has been done preparong the room and taking precise measurements to fit the room as exact as possible. With many of those details done, and some still to go, construction finally began today!

The "sub-benchwork" as it might be called has been built (mostly). This is the lower level of benchwork that provides a connection between cabinet areas and a vertical contrast allowing for rivers and hills beneath track level. The upper tier benchwork will stack directly on top of this and will fill out the area for Sandy Creek to the left of these photos, and a wider "peninsula" for the harbor and engine facilities in the center.

The cabinet bases will support most of the layout with a few supports added for stability. The 2"x4" supports will be replaced with furniture legs once closer to completed benchwork.

08/24/2026

New YouTube video! Without much to update on layout construction, spent more time railfanning around the area. Was inspired to share these short clips from the adventures.

https://youtu.be/RDgjHXvziQs

Enjoy some railfanning action from Lake Street in beautiful Miller ...

08/19/2026

Long overdue for an update... so here is a short novel.

The past month has been a whirlwind. Starting out mid July with the rebuild of the entire layout, track was nearly about to be laid again when chaos came. Between the busy season ramping up and a storm that ravaged the entire area leaving a soaked basement, progress on the layout came to a screeching halt.

Since the basement has continued to hold some water, the layout must move... to the office room!

This is the official redesign (is it still a redesign/rebuild?) of the layout that is going to be built. This is very exciting as its a finished room and should look far more aesthetically pleasing once complete.

Look for more updates soon!

08/05/2026

Not much to update on lately. Life has been very busy, but in what time there has been, cork has been cut and laid in sections, and the benchwork has been progressing with subroadbed down in most spaces.

07/29/2026

Rebuild Update: Day Six

An unexpected day without work allowed for some progress on the subroadbed and making up for what could not be done last night witb no electricity. About half the plywood is down which means track can be soon!

Theres also been time for some concept refinement and some details have been very enjoyable to iron out. Details to the story and some whimsy to the ideas. The concept is still very detailed and realistic buildings, structures, scenery, etc. but potentially some whimsy in the storyline and the operations. Perhaps some operation ideas from Petticoat Junction...

Back to work tomorrow, so see you all soon!

07/25/2026

Rebuild Update - Day Five

This morning the lower section of the peninsula was built, completing that section and making the perfect space for a lot of vertical scenery. Plywood has been mathed out and is starting to be positioned where it will go. The section between the mine and Fort Bourissa will be a new challeng as the floor is not the most level, so there is a half inch of change from left to right. Using a string to line up the supports for the subroadbed will help make a flat section and better joints at each end. This should be the next project this week as well as finishing up the plywood on these sections and starting some cork roadbed.

More details on each image!

07/24/2026

Rebuild Update - Day Four

Only a couple of hours work today as life continues to ramp up into the busy season again. Fall is probably the busiest time of the year so updates might slow down a little for the next three months, but still hoping to have engines rolling before the end of August, at least on a section. Only two sections are left to finish and nothing needs recut for those, just needing to be disassembled/reassembled in the new configuration.

The sections completed today means that benchwork is built from Fort Bourissa, as the western terminus, through the rural expanses past Oak Falls and to the edge of South Harbor, the eastern end of the line. The rural area of Copper County spans from South Harbor (past the electrical panel) to Oak Harbor (the right side of the peninsula). This section contains many fields and farms with some pasture for livestock and a few northern staples such as seed corn, barley, and potatos. This area will also feature Copper Central High School which serves the entire area and all three towns on the railroad.

Planning to have a livestream this coming Thursday, July 30th at 7PM CDT on YouTube, so I hope to see you there! Likely to be laying down roadbed or track depending on how productive evenings are between now and then.

07/24/2026

Rebuild Update - Day Three

Some progress but nothing major. About 60% of the benchwork is now complete! Will see what can get done tomorrow!