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It appears the 30's-50's have it so far. That makes a lot of sense because of the wide range of locos (diesel and steam) and rolling stock (standard and streamline- -journals to roller bearing trucks- -40' to 70' freight, piggy back, etc.). One of the few comments I've noticed on "traction" came from "Doug in Utah." As a "rule of thumb," M.R.'s are not particularly interested in a mix of traction (i.e. street cars, interurban or over-head wire in general) with their "high iron" operations. Well, the 30's to 50's era affords you that "mix" if you opt to take advantage of it. From the 20's to the early 50's just about every town with over 50,000 population (or so) had street rail transportation of some description. If they didn't have street cars (trollys, trams), they almost asuredly had interurban connections to the larger cites. These large, heavy weight cars ran singly or M.U. (multiple units) right down "main street" U.S.A., much as subway or elevated trains now do on islolated tracks. Electrified "over head" wire systems would find "steeple cab" locos doing freight operations on short lines all over America. The truth is that electric (traction) railroading has been around a lot longer than diesel and steam combined. There are obvious advantatges of traction in model railroading: much tighter radii curves, double ended cars allows "point-to-point" operation (no reverse loops needed), passenger "lash-ups" require no laborious shunting or switching operations; both rural and urban operations are possible in a limited space. On the "down side," there is that pesky overhead wire to tackle. It isn't for ereyone because it takes a lot of patience and a fair amount of skill. If current is to be fed through the wire, it will demand good soldering skills and extra maintenance chores. Of course, standard D.C. track feed is no different from normal layout operations and usually the preferred method. If anyone is interested in adding that "final finishing touch" to a H.O. pike; opting for a simple point-to-point meet at the train station could be the answer. A single truck Birney (street car) with double trolly poles could operate in the space that only a three-lane street would require. This is just a thought for folks who may want a two week end project. I can testify that it can be a challange and a loads of fun. Oh yes, for realism, do your own overhead wire...most of the "off the shelf" stuff is ludicrous and expensive. Happy railroading all.
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