MILW local passenger consists

[TinyTurner]

I'm looking at getting together some cars for local MILW passenger consists on my ND&UB RR, (Not Decided & Un Built RR).
Not so much the famous 'named' trains, more the sets that work well in a modest/small space/Shortline setting. There are many books to research,  I can't buy them all if I want to get some actually models done and could use some guidance as to consists and book titles to research.  Research is fun and legitimate armchair modelling 
I have found a little about the Budd Bi level cars online for later era running, which is nice as I just received a Lifelike MILW E8A 
I'd still like to know about earlier era's too, and am toying with the idea of a Soo interchange for variety.
I've got to bear in mind what models I can actually get hold of and work with (used/broken/repainting) and given that I am amazingly green in my knowledge about this, perhaps someone has some recommendations?   

[thomasjmdavis]

There are several MILW timetables online- while timetable consists can be quite specific for name trains, for locals or mixed trains they often just say "coaches", but will sometimes include a sleeper, parlor or other accommodation for first class passengers, or a coach diner or snack car...etc.
For example, here is 1955:
https://streamlinermemories.info/Milw/Milw55TT.pdf

and the MUCH smaller one from 1968 (after the mail contracts disappeared)
https://streamlinermemories.info/Milw/Milw68CTT.pdf

This page will take you to their MILW listings- note the navigation arrows to go to other timetables and artifacts, and click on the timetable cover to see the timetable
https://streamlinermemories.info/?p=5906

MILW is fairly well represented in the modeling world. Assuming you are in N scale, there are heavyweights from Microtrains (and in an earlier day from Rivarossi) and streamline smoothside cars from several manufacturers, plus the Kato Hiawatha set, and the Fox Valley Hiawatha of a couple decades earlier.  Both Hiawatha versions are reasonably accurate renditions. As to how accurate the MTL, Rivarossi, and various smoothsides are, I will leave that to the MILW experts.

[Roger Holmes]

The bi-levels were used only in suburban commuter service starting in 1961 or 62.  I remember walking with my Mom to the local commuter station (Roselle) to tour the new air-condition car which was on display for a few hours.  The main was double tracked from Chicago to at least Elgin and they just dropped the car on one of the mains before moving to the next town on the line.  When the bi-levels went into service they were pulled (and pushed) by an E unit in UP livery: yellow/gray.

Prior to the bi-levels commuter service was provided in old, mostly non-air conditioned, heavyweight cars in the 1952 paint scheme: orange with maroon window band and black roof.  They were pulled by orange/black Geeps which probably had torpedo tubes on the roof but at 5-years old I was too short to see that high.  We moved to Roselle in 1956 which wasn't too long after the Milwaukee Road switched from steam to diesel on their commuter trains.  In 1956 they still were running combines or maybe even baggage cars on the commuter trains.  My parents bought some new furniture in Chicago and it arrived in Roselle by commuter train and was delivered to the freight room on the west end of the station.

[BruceStikkers]

Morning Sun Books has "Milwaukee Road Through Passenger Service" volume 1 and volume 2 (1966-1977). I have volume 2 and it has pictures of a number of local trains on the system. The timetable information in an earlier post has detailed information that should be helpful.
The era you want to model will be important to determine what they ran on their trains.

Bruce Stikkers
St. Joseph, IL

[milw156]

found this on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/39840390@N07/49070854302/in/photolist-2oy3jQR-73HKdm-73F2VJ-2okhZTG-2mRqha2-2jwaGSs-2mRjF94-2hLdXo7-271DukS-2oP7QXb-2oSFCPB-2oQya1Q-2oP8Ksu-2oP8KUS-quTAoS-2oPaieY-2oP4N6S-2oQv9Zu-2oPaiCd-2oP7RhQ-2oQy9T5-2oP4NBm-2oQva59-2oP8KJM-TqdNxG-2kACS3E-2oVHqZu-2oVHQ8b-ZYHHG7-2oYz58m-dJ71fh-9z98Cq-59rP8Q-oBR6mB-foiNnW-fkXtDk-6prKxN-2oQy9Zs-XrjcdG-ru2gpy-2nEyi1A-2ikadwT-p7Emcd-2jy9TZg-2iR6eq6-brw4Gm-DTudkz-yoS2j9-2nEykLC

[Missaberoad]

Soo line (DSS&A) and Milwaukee Road ran the Copper Country Limited together.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_Country_Limited

https://www.american-rails.com/copper-country.html

https://cs.trains.com/ctr/f/3/p/276852/3163392.aspx

[eja]

I remember, far too many years ago, thoroughly enjoying a book entitled "The 5:10 to Suburbia" . Chicago centric with lots of commuter train information and photos.  I suspect some be be what you are looking for.

https://www.amazon.com/Suburbia-Chicagos-Suburban-Railroads-1960-1975/dp/B0006CJ742

eja

[TinyTurner]

Thank you all very much. Books ordered. Should be a good read, lots of pictures 
There is something Iconic about the Chicago skyline, part of what got me into the American scene way back.