Hello, newbie here with an interesting idea.

[Anonymous]

I've been researching an old Central of Georgial line lately for a possible modeling project.  In doing this I have used several tools that many of us use including using Google Earth to try and locate the old roadbed.

Today, in all of my software prowess, I discovered that I could create a 'path' in google earth in much the same way one would snap polylines in Autocad (don't worry, it's REALLY easy).

In light of the exceptional tool that Google Earth can give us, I would love to somehow start a collection of data that can be used in conjunction with Google Earth that would show paths of abandoned lines, locations of old stations, MOW buildings, equipment and other structures.  I've posted one message in the Google Earth - Transportation forum: http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/EarthTransportation/page/0 

 simply entitled "Abandoned Railroad (Rome Ga. to Kingston Ga.).  In that post you will find two links.  One that will allow you do download the path of this abandoned line into you existing Google Earth browser, and one that will simply allow you to view this online without downloading it.

 I am going to attempt to contact a Google Earth moderator and see if there is a way to start a 'sticky' post or even a seperate forum altogether in which this information can be kept in one place for easy access.  If anyone here would like to help in this please don't hesitate to get in touch.

[Anonymous]

Google Earth has been a great help to me for over a year.

I too laid a path. Mine is from Oroville, CA to Reno Junction through the Feather River Canyon. I bought a track plan of the Western Pacific from the 1960's and laid off mile markers along the path (surprisingly close to working out), identified the tunnels, major bridges, trestles, and viaducts, siding, and stations.

I also went to topozone.com and used their topographic maps to identify creeks, mountains, peaks, valleys, etc. 

I even got into editing the files google creates and was able to separate them so all towns are in one file (for example) and alphabetize them so I can load what I want and find what I want easily.

It took a long time and was fun. I learned a lot about the route which aided my field trips. (I live about twenty-five miles from Orovile.) Along the way, the satellite photographed some trains. Zooming above the path is fun and the 3d effect of the canyon can be enjoyed.

I now have a 3D Trains simulation of the California Zephyr and the Feather River route. The scenery is a little vague when it comes to rocks, but the overall effect is good. The CD comes with the highline from Keddie north to at least Almanor, so I am in the process of that trip as well.

If someone comes up with a way to extract data from Google Earth and make a Train Simulator route out from it, I would sure like to know about it. I am hankering for a Northern Pacific route for the North Coast Limited. Virtual railfanning on classic streamliners long since gone, and I get to operate the train to boot!

[al-in-chgo]

 

There's a well-regarded British map company whose name I cannot recall that has earned lots of Wow's from TRAINS posters because of its (not cheap but) very detailed rail maps, state by state IIRC, that show the correct names for operating lines, also show abandoned lines with great accuracy. 

Sorry I can't cough up the name but if you post your query or a similar one on regular TRAINS:  GENERAL DISCUSSION board you'll probably get answers very quickly. 

Your goal is a type of historical re-creation but your modus operandi is very 21st Century.  It might benefit you to find out if that British co. or someone else is already virtually carving out the type of old lines you describe.  Why reinvent the wheel, etc....

Good luck!