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Hello I am a new poster, contemplating the railroading hobby. I inherited from my great-grandfather his lock, lantern, and woolen coat he used while he worked for the Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine Railyard up until about 1940. I want to build a scale replica of his switching station (based on family testimony, he was the guy who cranked down the gates at a street intersection and was responsible for about 4 miles of track maintenance). I want it to be authentic, I do not care what the expense is, and I have many years to build (I want my child and grandchildren to be able to "see" what great-great grandpa's switching station was like; to me that is critically important). So, I have several questions: 1. Are there any online depositories of photographs of trains that would have been common in Iowa in the 1920-1940 era? I have my father looking back in our home town for any old photographs or flyers for that line, but it would be so much easier if it were online. 2. I want to know what the engines, passenger and freight cars, and any other affiliated cars would have looked like. Paint schemes, notable characterisitics, etc. Where might I find that information? 3. Which companies are recommended for historical accuracy for their trains, sheds, and switching stations? It absolutely, positively must be as authentic as possible. Farby is most unwelcome. 4. Which scale would be recommended for re-creating a 4 mile stretch of track, while keeping an acceptable level of detail? In other words, I want to be able to paint a little figure to look like great-grandpa, but I do not want the figure to be microscopic. I apologise if there is a FAQ forum for these types of questions; sometimes technology can be overwhelming. Than you for any and all assistance. Alexander M. Vasquez
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