Prototype information for building a layout

[pennsy1349]

I have been searching the web to find information and maps to build a layout. I am finding alot of older information, but I am looking for a span of the 1950's to the late 70's. In formation that will show me yards, industries, plus what the terrain is along the train route. Also what the rolling stock and engine roster would have been.

Is there any specific locations I could look at. Or are there multiple locations I need to get this information.

Appreciate any help you can give me! pennsy1349

[tomikawaTT]

Best source of info for terrain features would be the USGS quadrangle maps, which have very detailed contour data and show rail routes (if they existed when the map in question was surveyed or updated) but not track plan specifics.

Much of the older information is still useful. BNSF locos fresh from the erecting floor roll past innumerable buildings that predate the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, the ATSF predecessor road in northern Arizona. Street plans in the older parts of towns are also pretty much set in concrete by property boundaries and such.

The best bet is still to visit the area in question (not always possible, I admit,) take LOTS of pictures (or video,) then filter out obvious anachronisms like Circuit City and Home Depot stores. This also gives you a chance to talk to the local folks, especially at the historical society and the county courthouse. (If I hadn't done that, I never would have learned that Grants, NM, was once a uranium mining center.)

Research can be a PITA or a lot of fun. It all depends on attitude.

Chuck

[Eriediamond]

What railroad are you looking for????

[Tom Bryant_MR]

Aside from USGS , try this thread for the maps.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=64961

[orsonroy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pennsy1349

I have been searching the web to find information and maps to build a layout. I am finding alot of older information, but I am looking for a span of the 1950's to the late 70's. In formation that will show me yards, industries, plus what the terrain is along the train route. Also what the rolling stock and engine roster would have been.

You're asking for a LOT of information, for a period where the railroads were in a state of flux. Heck, you're asking about steam, first AND second generation diesels!

You'll have to narrow your focus. Pick a five year span to research, Pick a single road to focus on. THEN maybe you'll be able to find the data you're looking for.

QUOTE:
Is there any specific locations I could look at. Or are there multiple locations I need to get this information.

As with anything else, the longer and harder you look, the more data you'll find. For some roads like the Pennsy, there's LOTS of data online. For most, there's a little data out there, and for others, there's basically nothing. There's no single resource online (or in print) that will tell you EVERYTHING you want to know, so you'll have to look in multiple sites.

The internet IS becoming a good RR data file, but it's not there yet. For most RR topics, it's still a good supplemental data source, mostly for photos. For maps, rosters, and operating statistics, you'll still have to go to the printed word. Luckiy, there are MANY good online chat groups that deal with specific roads or themes (freight cars, Baldwin diesels, etc), where you can ask for recommended books (just don't ask people to type in what the books contain: that's plagarism AND pretty rude; asking to clarify something that's IN a book is OK, but make the effort to read it yourself)

I can't recommend specific sites until you narrow your focus.

[ndbprr]

Microsoft terraserver should help you tremendously. Generally there are at least two different sattelite views of an area plus a USCGS map available. By comparing the two you should be able to identify just about any geographic area and yard as well as branch lines that no longer exist. Best resolution is about 300 yards to the inch and that is generaly adequate.

[kansaspacific1]

Looking at your profle, you might want to try prrths.com, the web site of the Pennsylvania Railroad historical society, if you are not already a member. Beyond that, local historical museums and libraries in the area you plan to model can be a fantastic resources. Good luck in your research!