C&NW Galena Division 
Buzzard Gulch & Western Railroad Co.
Owner – Rick Frese
I have been model railroading from the age of 13. My dad was my inspiration for this layout and for many years I built and operated many railroads including my dads last railroad, the Buzzard Gulch & Western Railroad, which was probably one of the premier layouts in Northern Illinois in the 60’s.
He also was employed by the Chicago & Northwestern R.R. all of his life. He was the last active Yardmaster in Rockford. The line originated in West Chicago where his father was a gateman, and ran to Freeport Illinois and was called the Galena Division. I have pictures of the “Pioneer” (CNW first locomotive) on the Rock River Bridge when it was being built. I spent many summer days in the cab of which ever loco was assigned, sitting on the river bridge watching them sort cars.
In 1999 I was talking to a good friend about how I had always wanted to build the Galena Division, and we sat down and started planning how to build it. It is a double level layout. West Chicago is the eastern end and a 6 track staging yard. I have modeled Marengo, Belvidere, Cherry Valley, Rockford, Pecatonica and Freeport. The layout is DCC controlled. I am using all of my dad’s cars and even some of his engines. I operate on the first and third Tuesday of each month. I have a steady crew of 6-9, which gets a little crowded. Please contact me if you would like to see what we have created. Its not completely senicked and probably never will be since we run twice a month.
Dispatching is by Verbal Authority.
