Which railroad do you model

[Anonymous]

I'm an N-scale modeler, and I model the E,J & E, Great Northern, Santa Fe, and Kansas City Southern. Most of my stuff I purchase from First Place Hobbies and at train shows.

[dano99a]

HO Scale modeler. Chesapeake & Ohio. I get most my stuff from a hobby shop down the street and various places on the internet who have good pricing and free or reasonable shipping. Once and a while I will buy from ebay.

[CBQ_Guy]

What RR do I model?

Guess!

Where do I buy my stuff?

99% now comes from my LHS. Initially, a much higher percentage came from model rr swaps.

[leighant]

Mostly Santa Fe. Plus freelanced logging rr based on Texas & South-Eastern, Kirby Lumber Co., Moscow Camden and San Augustine and W .T. Carter & Brother Lumber Co.

I have been gathering my N scale equipment for over 30 years from various sources. Recently got a Protex tank car from a well-known auction site. Saw a pix of the model on somebody's layout pictures on a website, and didn't realize someone had produced a model I have been wanting for several years. I missed the original run and it seemed not to be available from any hobby dealer. I wanted a Protex tank car on my East Texas railroad because they used lignosulfate byproduct from Texas-Louisiana paper mills and marketed it as a dispersing agent for settling Portland Cement.
I get stuff from train shows, mail order, visits to cities that have train stores. I live in a place with 250,000 population that calls itself a city but has no train store. Lots of decalling and a little kitbashing (more often from ready-to-run that isn't than from kits!) to get what I want.

Kenneth L. Anthony, Santa Vaca & Santa Fe Rwy, Corpus Christi, Texas

[Anonymous]

I'm in N-scale, and I model C&O/Chessie, Southern, and Clinchfield prototypes mostly. Out of some 12-15 planned engines and 12 planned cabooses in those road names, there are 3 engines and 3 cabooses that are available factory painted. So, I am painting the rest myself. But since I modify/detail most of my engines anyway, that's not as inconvenient as it seems at first. Additionally, I can pick up any deal on an engine at my LHS or online, regardless of paint scheme.

---jps

[timthechef]

I model in HO and my railroad is a fictional branchline of the B&O. Most of my stuff comes from LHS. I'm fortunate enough to live not too far from Mainline Hobby in Waynesboro PA. It is the greatest LHS that I've seen. They have practically the entire Wathers cataloge in stock!

[Anonymous]

My signature speaks for me. I model the MEC in HO Scale. I buy all of my stuff at my local hobby shop[:)], they love[:D] to see me coming because I'll buy it if it says Maine Central on it[:D]. They always have lots of MEC stuff, hmmmm........... sounds like a conspiracy to me......[:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

New York Central Hudson Division, transition era. 20x24 room with one level, masonite spline roadbed, Code 100, some handlay, Peco turnouts on 3/4" plywood (notched joints with spline. Great system, buy you need a good table saw, and a separate workshop to prepare the spline. also a serious dust mask. a planer helps too. But the results are great, and the curves just FLOW.
This is a long term project. Into it 15 months, and, as I said, just finishing basics. Now getting ready to mechanize all turnouts.
Use Easy DCC. Started with LENZ. Hated it. Now I use it for my workbench, and the Easy DCC for the layout.

[BNSFNUT]

BNSF (see screen name) in Arizona.
I get most of my stuff from LHS (We had 3 for a while but one closed) but have bought at shows and some E-Bay

[n2mopac]

I model BNSF in N scale with interchanges with UP, Fort Worth & Western, and Wichita Tillman & Jackson. The class 1 stuff is easy to come up with at the LHS or on ebay. The shortline stuff i'm having custom painted (wish I had the skills to do that).
Ron

[orsonroy]

I model several roads that ran around the Peoria, Illinois area in 1950. My main passion is the Nickel Plate Road, but I'll also be modeling engines and cabooses for the following roads: P&PU, P&E (NYC), TP&W, PRR, C&IM, CB&Q, C&NW, CRI&P, ATSF, GM&O, IC, IT.

Needless to say, virtually everything I'm planning on modeling will have to be hand painted, and most of my steam engines will need extensive superdetailing before they look like the real thing. When I'm buying engines, I'm looking for the correct type of engine, and don't usually bother with looking for the right road name ('cause I ain't gonna find it!). Painting, rebuilding, and superdetailing I can do, and actually LIKE to do, so it's no big deal that I can rarely find an engine off the shelf that fits my needs.

I'll have to scratchbuild, kitbash or build craftsman kits for all but ONE of my cabooses (an Athearn caboose that will work for the ATSF). Paint 'em all, too.

Thankfully, freight car models are pretty well covered by the hobby manufacturers. Since I'm all about detail, my manufacturers of choice are Red Caboose, Intermountain, Branchline, P2K, and Atlas. I supplement the fleet with Accurail and Bowser, and Athearn for twin hoppers. I've been buying lots of resin freight cars (60+ so far) but have only built three so far. They'll eventually become a major portion of my fleet, since you can't successfully capture the feel of 1950s railroading without them. I really wi***hey were made in plastic though.

Passenger car selection sucks, especially considering I won't have a single streamliner on my layout (all heavyweights, baby!). Thankfully, manufacturers are FINALLY starting to address that problem. Branchline's new coaches are very nice, their Pullmans will hopefully be as nice, Walthers just announced a line of RTR heavyweights (which I'll probably have to disassemble and repaint), and even the new Rivarossi shorty heavyweights have their uses (especially their 60' baggage, which is a dead ringer for NYC cars, of which there were hundreds!). Bachmann Spectrum heavyweights are useful too.

Where do I get all this stuff? The internet, mostly. I keep an eye out for new release announcements, hop onto the NEB&W website (or dig out my own reference files), see if the car is correct for anything, and place a reservation. Ebay is a great way to flesh out your freight car roster, especially resin and RTR. It's all about getting the most bang for my buck, so I only buy about 1/3 of my stuff from the LHS. Not that I donm't want to buy from my LHS mind you, but I've gotta eat too.

[simon1966]

CB&Q and Wabash, transisiton era. I buy from the internet Tom's trains in CT, from my local hobby shop, from GATS shows and quite a bit from Ebay. I also travel alot for work and try and visit LHS wherever I am travelling. It is amazing how high some of these places are.

[Anonymous]

I model a real mix of prototypes as my layout depicts a (fictional) museum line. At the moment, an SD40T-2 in SP livery is parked in the refuelling track while a CSX Dash 8 switches a few cars (CSX appears on freight services to industries along the line).

I buy US-outline stock from various places. I visit Totally Trains in Ross on Wye fairly regularly, and have also dealt with Mac's Model Railroading and M. G. Sharp by mail order. eBay is also very handy for finding out-of-production items (recently bought an Athearn PA in SF Warbonnet livery from there).

[Anonymous]

I model BN and UP - which gives me a great excuse to run equipment from all the other roads they've swallowed up as well LOL! (GN, NP, SP&S, SLSF, CBQ, ATSF, CNW, MP, WP, SP, SSW, DRGW, etc etc.)

I get my stuff from all over - LHS, eBay, swap meets, internet, mail order, you name it.

[Anonymous]

If I like the paint schme, Ill buy it. Right now i'm into the B&M, and the MEC, but last month I was buying rolling stock for the Wisconsin Central and the CNW. Whatever suits my fancy. I get most of my stuff from Walthers of a Mail-order company in Brooklyn.

[mls1621]

I'm an N scaler modelling the Union Pacific of the mid 60's in northern Utah.

I saw a scene in a video on turbines that I've loosely duplicated and the rest of the layout is freelance.

I have one brass 8500HP turbine and two 4500HP Verandas from Con Cor. I have enough space and staging to run forty car freights.

[Anonymous]

I model the Virginia & East Tennessee Railway, a ficticious branch line of the N&W set in the early '50s. HO scale. There are numerous N&W steam locos available from various manufacturers that I can't afford. I pick up first gen diesels to repaint for the V&ET. Most of my supplies come from the LHS, but I have been known to mailorder.

[Anonymous]

I model the Northeast Corridor

im currenty expanding and adding the a new New York City scene. I'm going to add an "underground" layout under the main level to simulate the subway. I am also, going to create many skyscrapers and Penn Station. If anybody has any suggestions, i could use all the advice i can get.[8D]

[Anonymous]

CB&Q and Wabash in Hannibal, MO, late 1940's, HO scale starter layout coming soon.
Almost all of what I buy comes from my LHS, the Green Caboose.

[tomwatkins]

I model the Southern and the L&N in the Western North Carolina mountains. The time period is the late 1940's - early 1950's. Because I live in a very small town in NE Georgia, my closest good "LHS" is about a hundred miles away. I deal with them and with two shops in North Carolina that do mail order.
Tom Watkins

[Anonymous]

Spokane Portland & Seattle.

I can get lots of cars and loco's on limited runs at the local hobby shop since I live in Portland.

[DavidH]

Modeling Canadian Pacific in the prairies circa 1972 or so. All of my stuff comes from hobby shops. We have at least 3 excellent shops in the Greater Vancouver area.

David

[CP5415]

I'm protolancing the D&H owned by the CPR with an interchange with the MEC along with a separate interchange for the UP, Conrail, NS or CSX, depending on what locomotives are available to the op session.
Lets just say I have a varied locomotive fleet.
90% of my stuff comes from my LHS.

Gordon

[trainfan1221]

I freelance a regional line with a decent traffic base. Even though its an independent railroad, there is a heavy CSX and NS influence.

[jahauck]

I freelance a connecting railroad based on Santa Fe and Northern Pacific practices, in California, Oregon and Washington. Moto "Serving all the West North and South."

[ATSFCLIFF]

I used to model mainly Santa Fe because I liked the red and silver warbonnet and Union Pacific. Now I have more Burlington Northern, Southern Pacific & BNSF. I like long coal trains, so I had to get Norfolk Southern & CSX running on my free lance ficticious layout. I get most of my stuff from NScale Supply by mail order.

[Anonymous]

Chessie. I've changed my layout from the Gilby's Gin distillery in Cincinnati(Lack of room....for now!) to the old Chessie Lockland Ohio yard. 9 turnouts, the Chessie yard shop, Drywall building and Celotex factory as well as homes and roads. I've got a way's to go still..........

[Anonymous]

Hey all!

I model the Pittsburgh & Ohio Railroad (Pittsburgh Division) which is a ficticious name but I do model actual locale from Pittsburgh to Cleveland. This railroad services the local steel mills along the line and instead of sharing trackage rights with other railroads they have trackage rights over the Pittsburgh & Ohio. This railroad exsisted before Consolidated Railcorp (Conrail) So during the mergers and takeovers the Pittsburgh & Ohio still survived! Paint scheme is black and yellow much like the Nickel Plate Road. Stop by and see us at our website for updates! http://www.pittsburghandohiorailroad.com

[cwclark]

I model the SP from El Paso to Houston Texas, - Sections along Highway 90 ...I said i model SP but since they've been merged with the UP i think i'll throw in a couple of UP locos to keep it prototype...

[Anonymous]

i used to have a 4x8 HO layout that i ran NS engines, and some Southern engines on and made it into a freelance railroad in a small town near me in NC.

but that hasnt been worked on in about 3 years so im gonna start over new, either with just another 4x8, or maybe going a bit bigger, dont have the space, and personally i wouldnt have fun if i had a layoud the size of texas in my basement. Im gonna base it on a shortline much like the one in my town, using a NS engine of some sort, and also plan to get my hands on a steam locomotive and run an excursion train on the railroad too.

i get most my stuff from LHS, but its not really local, its an hour away. I plan on ordering a lot of stuff over the internet in the comin g months.

[rickcoog]

I am getting back into modelling after a 10 year layoff. I will now have an area approximately 17X20ft to construct a layout. As my dad used to say, We model "Best & Only". This layout will be set in Eastern Ohio, since that is where I am from, with the era being transition from steam to diesel. So I guess that puts it in the 1940's-50's. I will be back asking advice on what could be done to make this layout work the best. I get most of my equipment and supplies from G&G Model Shop in Houston, Gus has been a great retailer for years and years, now I am getting more from the net and ebay because of the traffic problems to get into Houston.

[Mr Mekanik]

My is fictional HO but I would like to do a small section of the FNM (Mexican National Railroad) in the city of Zacatecas. The track is laid in a "Zig Zag" pattern for the Train to climb the mountain where the City Of Zacatecas is located. I rode that route in the mid 60's. Has anyone I seen pictures of the Chihuahua Copper Canyon? That is a railroad to build.
"Stay On The Tracks"

[Anonymous]

ho and n Freelanced ho-cnw//n-bnsf

[Anonymous]

I'm an N Scaler of the Santa Fe RR. I lived for ten years in and around Phoenix, AZ (1985-1995). But I didn't start my layout until 2001. I started collecting only the best MicroTrains and Kato. In order to get some of the good stuff, I could only find them on eBay. I also buy from Brooklyn Locomotive Works and Trainworld.

I recently joined the Lockheed Martin Recreational Association HO Scale Railroad Club after moving to Fort Worth, TX. I have bought six locomotives (all Santa Fe) off eBay and had DCC installed in them by AngeloHobbies.com.

I consider myself an urban cowboy (BUT NOT A DALLAS COWBOY FAN) and an urban model railroader. [:)]

[Anonymous]

will someone please tell me what LHS is

[Anonymous]

Boston and Maine. And some Amtrak stuff.

[IRONROOSTER]

QUOTE: Originally posted by crmorrow2852

will someone please tell me what LHS is

LHS is Local Hobby Shop.
I follow the PRR, Ma&Pa, and WWF (and other 2 footers). I get most of my stuff at train shows, followed by mail order and LHS. I'd get more at LHS but they don't carry S.
Enjoy
Paul

[Jetrock]

I model the "Sacramento Belt Line", an industrial belt line owned and operated by the Sacramento Northern Railroad and Central California Traction. Motive power is primarily SN, with a little CCT, and some "guest appearances" by WP engines (the parent line of SN.)

The Belt Line was electrified until 1953, and was a frequent destination for trolley railfans, who often ran fan trips using antique trolley and interurban equipment. So, while the period I model (1947-1965) is generally past the end of trolley and passenger interurban service for Sacramento, "civilian" trolleys will often make an appearance on the layout, complicating things for switcher crews trying to swap out cars while appreciative railfans snap cameras at them from rattling trolley cars on the main!

[MAbruce]

I model in N-scale and my preferred railroad is Norfolk & Western.

I say “preferred” because of my purchasing tendencies. I’m on a tight budget (no budget at present), so I’m always on the look out for great deals. That’s why you’ll see a pair of ACL SD35’s and a UP GP20 running around my fictitious east coast layout location that is supposed to be served by N&W:





Oh well, I consider them foreign power on loan. [:D]

I have to stretch my MRR dollars to the limit, so my main sources have been eBay and other on-line dealers. I also rummage though the clearance bins at my LHS. There are deals out there if you look hard enough for them, and you are not overly particular about the road names you run. I don’t buy “junk” unless I know it can be fixed up to look nice and run reliably.

It’s an expensive hobby! [xx(][xx(]

[greatn]

My sign-in says it all!! I am in HO. My freight cars I get on-line, however, my engines I get from my LHS.

[Anonymous]

I model Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, and Rio Grande. I live in Gainesville, Georgia, but I used to live in Southern California. The Railroads they have here are Norfolk Southern and CSX. I go to three different hobby shops to buy what I need.

[Anonymous]

i model Canadian Pacific Railway Mainline roughly between Boardview, and Winnipeg between the years 1980-2000. I like 2 run 20+ trains with three head end locomotives! I also have a small LHS in town that i buy alot of stuff through!

[Anonymous]

An HO freelanced CSX / Chessie / Seaboard merger!! Every once in a while a Conrail will show up on the main line. My layout services lumber, aggregate, plastics, and a few misc industries. My focus latley has been in my 14 track freight yard. It has over 30 switches, and an engine facility.
My money is dedicated to Walthers and EBAY

[Anonymous]

HO Metro North/Amtrak operations along Connecticut's Shore Line for me. The New Haven always did everything right! I get my stuff from Model Memories, and the Walthers distribution family.

[Anonymous]

Believe or not - the Ma&Pa in HO With a Pennsy interchange. Almost a sin here in central Kansas and the heart of Santa Fe country. I get most of my stuff on E-bay or some dusty hidden shelf in a backwater hobby shop.
My 7 year old daughter models Chessie (what else) [:)] in N scale. We get quite a lot of her stuff on e-bay also, but our local hobby shop at least carries some Chessie.

[Anonymous]

I model the Ma&Pa (Maryland & Pennsylvania) in S scale. Getting many items is difficult in S so I have to use every source known to man! Bills Train Shop is the best source along with my FLHS, ebay, trains shows and fellow S scalers. Modeling the Ma&Pa is great fun and I've also done it in HO but somehow doing it in S is much more fun.
Long live the Route of the Milky Way!!

Roger

[Anonymous]

I model the BNSF in a fictional setting in central Oklahoma. My railroad serves all but one grain elevator which see's a daily freight!!! . I usually buy my stuff in bulk at train shows to keep me busy till the next one!

BNSF ALL THE WAY!!![8D]

[Anonymous]

I have been planning to do a small version of the Northern Monmouth County (NJ) line that tied into the steamers coming into Atlantic Highlands (NJ). I believe it was the Central RR of New Jersey. This line was extensive in its day. One of the branches was direct to Monmouth Race Park. Any info would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by DavidH

Modeling Canadian Pacific in the prairies circa 1972 or so. All of my stuff comes from hobby shops. We have at least 3 excellent shops in the Greater Vancouver area.

David

thank you

[Anonymous]

Hi, Can anyone be of help? I would like to get some information on a New Jersey RR that operated in the mid 1800 to 1960's before Amtrak took over. I believe it was called the Jersey Central for a while.
There was one connection in Atlantic Highlands to sidewheel steamers that ran to New York. Any help would be appreciated. GF

[Anonymous]

i model a santa fe frieght operation with a little rio grande and an amtrak line runnin throught the middle of it all

i get my stuff at Dibble's Hobbies or at train shows

[Anonymous]

I'm freelancing a Northeastern urban switching route. It's 9'x2' with a 3' "L" extension at one end. It's really an extended Timesaver. Time frame is 1945-1950 or so. All the track is down, and it's been great fun to operate. I'll probably never build a run around layout again. I'm also building a 1'x5' switching route to carry from room to room. I'm hooked on switching routes, I guess, thanks to Earl Smallshaw and his Feb, 81 MR article on upgrading the Varney Dockside. Right now, I'm 100% (early) diesel as I've had no end of problems finding steam switchers that operate really well for me . If I can't get my Proto 2k 0-6-0 to do so, I'll stay with the early diesels. I'm still hoping to find a Walthers SW-1. Maybe e-bay.

Unfortunately, the LHS's in my area are dirty, dingy and depressing so I feel compelled to buy stuff on line. It's a catch 22, I'm afraid, as they can't make improvements if they don't make money and can't make money if they don't make improvements. In addition, they seem to be poorly stocked and want 100% MSRP for every item. And then there's a 7% sales tax. I'd love to buy locally, but I can't throw money away either.

smyers

[Anonymous]

SSW KCS BNSF and im planning a SF layout im a strictly athean Locomotive and rolling stock buyer but my track is mostly wathers

[IRONROOSTER]

QUOTE: Originally posted by GPFISHER

Hi, Can anyone be of help? I would like to get some information on a New Jersey RR that operated in the mid 1800 to 1960's before Amtrak took over. I believe it was called the Jersey Central for a while.
There was one connection in Atlantic Highlands to sidewheel steamers that ran to New York. Any help would be appreciated. GF

Try this web page http://jcrhs.org/cnj.html for the Central Railroad of New Jersey.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

I'm an Z-Scale modeler from Norway. I try to build with an Colerado/Denver/Rio Grande western look of some sort.
I've never been to US but I hope to do so soon.
We have some excelent shops here in Norway for MR-Hobby and we buy from other conties to.



My latest photos http://194.143.113.189/tjm/modelltog/Z-Scala/2004-06-06/index.htm

More on my Homepage http://194.143.113.189/tjm/
PS: bilder=pictures

Torsja

[Anonymous]

HO Scale
ex-Erie at NYC in Corning, NY was inspiration...
NYC had engine shop before I explored area.. Erie & NYC had interchange.
My layout is nearly all fiction based on those operations.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by xdevilx11

I model the Northeast Corridor
.... I am also, going to create many skyscrapers and Penn Station. If anybody has any suggestions, i could use all the advice i can get.[8D]

Let's see.. Empire State building 2 blocks away...
1200+/- feet tall / 87 .... about 14 feet in HO scale
(or is that N scale?)

Enjoy!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by GPFISHER

Hi, Can anyone be of help? I would like to get some information on a New Jersey RR that operated in the mid 1800 to 1960's before Amtrak took over. I believe it was called the Jersey Central for a while.
There was one connection in Atlantic Highlands to sidewheel steamers that ran to New York. Any help would be appreciated. GF

Can it be CNJ? (statue of liberty on logo)
Look for CRRNJ, CNJ on the web- Jersey City to Somerville was the main line... controlled at times by Reading or B&O - so look them up, too. WWI access to Pennsylvania Station via B&O (thanks to Fed Rwy Admin).
Paralleled Lehigh Vally route.
They ran 'mother hubbard' style steamers, too.

Lots of LHS's carry (at small premium) their equipment in this area (central NJ)
Look for shops in Piscataway, NJ and Scotch Plains (that's Tom's - the piscataway store I forgot the name of right now). Tom's does some scratchbuilding of truly IMPOSSIBLE to find stuff!

[Anonymous]

Reading Railroad in the Anthracite Coal mine Country of Central PA, where I grew up. I'm in the begining process of building a shelf type layout in "N" scale. I try to buy locally but so far I've purchased a lot from Ebay or locals who are getting out of the hobby. Been pretty lucky so far. I need to get further on the benchwork so I can start laying track.

Dave

[Sunset Limited]

I model the Southern Pacific, Living in El paso, Texas where I grew up on SP/SSW. I model HO AND N scale. My grandfather worked for SP at the roundhouse during the 40's and 50's, so I have a place in my heart for SP! I too enjoyed seeing lashup with Rock Island RR and also seeing Mopac and Santa Fe. All these railroads and also Rio Grande will be in my next N-scale layout.

[guilfordrr]

I am an INVADER from the world of Lionel, and I model the Pennsy as it was in the late 50's.

[Anonymous]

I model four periods of Canadian Pacific's Kootenay Division in the 1950's. First is the all steam period to April, 1953; second is the transition period, April to June, 1953; third is the Alco and Fairbanks-Morse period, June, 1953 to 1956, and fourth is the all F-M period to 1959 and beyond. Passenger trains will be full trains with steam or F-M power to 1958 and RDC-2's after the timetable change in April, 58. I buy from Central Hobbies in Vancouver, BC, when I can but I have been buying Athearn light USRA 2-8-2's and Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0's and FM H-16-44's on eBay.

[Anonymous]

I am an ex o gauger. I was sick of getting screwed paying top dollar for lionel, k-line and MTH equipment that didn't run right. So I started in Ho scale, and I enjoy the hobby more. I can find cars and engines I want. Wisconsin Central, Soo Line, and CNW interest me.

[Anonymous]

Long Island during the mid 1960's. Which is tough out here in the desert. (Tucson, Az.,) Some online purchases, some LHS, ( mostly for track, turnouts, ect. However I did find a Long Island decal set at one of the LHS's . What are the chances of that?)

[lesterperry]

C&O, is there any other? I model from around 1940 to 1970. I know that is a wide span but sometimes I am in the mood for steam sometimes diesel. I have a 375 - 400 square foot building in back of house not sure of exact size. Existing layout almost completely sceniced. Planning 400 square foot expansion project when scenery is all finished.

[Anonymous]

I model the Burlington Northern in the late 1980s to the mid 1990s in HO. I have gotten many of my locos off of eBay. Just about everything else comes from www.1stplacehobbies.com where I can find incredible prices. My LHS isn't much use, for lack of products and prices that are over retail.
Reed

[nslakediv]

modern day NS between Ft. Wayne and Cleveland, with shortline. The Train Shop in Tiffin,Oh, no internet shopping here.

[Anonymous]

GOTHAM CENTRAL LINES: I am Building a layout based on Gotham City from Batman. I am using New York Central Equipment Relettered as Gotham Central. It is an urban layout paralleling New York City. I have 3 boroughs planned one is similar to Manhatten, the borough of Gothica will have several skyscrapers the centerpiece being Wayne Enterprizes Tower that is 15 HO stories tall; it is half complete. Another, Arkham is more residential similar to the Bronx, the last is a combination of Brooklyn and the New Jersey meadowlands called Stonegate its two Centerpieces will be its docks and Stonegate Penitentiary out in the meadowlands. It is set in the 1940s and i am only using steam. I have plans for lightrail and a subway as well. For the most part the trains will be hidden under the city streets downtown except for a cut between some of the buildings, but there will be street cars to make up for it and i am detailing the underground station platforms. However, the trains will be completely visable in the other boroughs aside from when they're squeezing between buildings. One of the more interesting things is the lighting and backdrops i am working on the sky is lit red, yellow or gray depending on the time and type of day. Those of you who read the comics or watched the series for Batman probably get the picture. The layout is pretty massive i drew much of my inspiration from George Sellios, i figure go big or don't go at all. I get most of my supplies from LHC and the internet.

[Anonymous]

We (my dad and I) mostly model Santa Fe, WP, BNSF, SP, & a little bit of everything else sprinkled in. We get most of our equipment at Discount Model Trains (DMT) in Addison, TX 4641 RATLIFF LN. 972-931-8135 or from friends and train shows. Right now we are in the process of expanding to a much bigger Arizona Desert-like railroad.

-Matt

[Anonymous]

Model CPR in the transition era in and around Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Tore my layout down totally and am starting to rebuild it and everything else.

Most purchases are from 2 hobby shops that are 1 1/2 and 3 hours away and alot from Ebay with everything being stripped and repainted.

[Hawks05]

well i don't really have a certain railroad i model. if i find something i like i'll buy it. the railroads i really like though are BNSF, BN, CB&W, GN, CNW, and starting to like UP.

my favorites though are probably now BNSF-UP, and BN.

hopefully though when i get older and get my own place i'll try and mainly model BNSF probably. I'll probably model around where i live now. its always UP but sometimes you'll see a BNSF loco in the mix. I really like grain hoppers and stuff like that.

[Anonymous]

I model the CB&Q mainly but have satisfied my need for that locomotive by allowing myself to go up to BN pre merger with SF. In Australia and NZ we dont have the choice that you guys have, which means importing, which means import duties etc.

Graham

[Anonymous]

I model in HO. I dont have a layout yet but when I do its going to conraill and my freelanced railroad the Worcster Central.

EDIT: there will also be alot of CN&W motive power.

[Anonymous]

I model CSX in the northeast with no particular location. Also have some Conrail, Chessie System, and NS thrown in along with my fictional railroad, Mid Valley.

[Anonymous]

I model the Norfolk Southern and CSXT in HO scale, and the RR they bought up.

[Anonymous]

Been slowly working on an early 1950's layout with a steam GN passanger, Diesel CBQ and CNW freight.

[Anonymous]

I'm in n-scale I model the CNJ and ERIE LACKAWANNA. The CNJ is modeled because I grew up In Jersey City And the EL because my father worked for them .And of corse I have to custom paint AND DECAL EVERY LOCO AND CAR because CNJ and EL are so hard to find in n-scale.

[Anonymous]

the central Pennsylvania interchange between EBT (East Broad Top) and Conrail, including a small, shared engine servicing area

the EBT is now just a tourist thing, and Conrail is now ..... well, you know

the EBT used to bring coal from the mines to an interchange with the PRR, in southern central Pennsylvania

I'm buying everything from the LHS....except for DCC stuff ....Tony's.

Jim

[PistolPete]

I model in HO, my main focus lines are BN, SFand UP. I also model some MEC and BAR. I am currently building my first real layout. It's an interchange, switching layout featuring the BN, UP, and SF.
I have no real LHS, so I buy mainly at shows and at LHS I find while on vacation. I use MR to look up LHS in areas I visit.

[Anonymous]

I model the ERIE and some NYS&W. I am planning a fictitious single track branch line with a Susquehanna interchange. I have a newly acquired 25' X 25' area to model in. I am planning to include staging and at least one other connection to an ERIE branch. I am lucky enough to drive past Model Railway Post Office on my way home which is where I have obtained 95% of my stuff. Other discontinued items, I have purchased from e-bay.
Mark
http://webusers.warwick.net/~u1015590/

[Todd McWilliam]

I model the Rock Island, and The Union Pacific, and some CNW. Iget most of my stuff off of e-bay.

[Anonymous]

Just getting back into it after a 5-6 year break, and I have a bunch of Santa Fe, HO, mostly around the mid-50's to early 60's when there was a mix of zebra stripes and the 'new' blue & yellow paint schemes around. I'm broad enough about the era, though, that I can trot out some steam or early b&y warbonnets should the mood strike me.

Original layout was a 4x8 set in the prairie (as in, i was new at it and didn't do much with different grades :)). That's just about torn down now, to be replaced over the next several months with a new around-the-wall open girder layout (8'x9.5' space, give or take). The plan now is to 'move' the layout to the New Mexico area, so I can introduce some foothills, canyons, and a tunnel or two for the track to disappear into a hidden staging yard. And I may toss in a SP train or two with trackage rights for variety.

New purchases so far have been a mix of LHS and internet vendors, depending on what it is and if the LHS has what I want. Unfortunately, there's a lack of LHSs around me, and the ones I've been to recently tend to stock mostly East Coast rail road equipment, so I'll probably be doing most of my purchases over the internet when I need new locos or ATSF-specific rolling stock.

[Anonymous]

well, im kinda a mixed fan, my layout has a variety of lines, from the dixie land, to santa fe, and baltimore and ohio, but if i had to choose i would go with pennsy!

[Anonymous]

I am starting a new model railroad and I plan to run Norfolk Southern and Amtrak. When I have enough money I will include Union Pacific and CSX. I will order most from internettrains.com.
Also there is a store nearby: Springfeild Station
They have many hard-to-find things.

[Anonymous]

I model the B&O and PRR, 1945-1955 between Washington DC, Pittsburg, and Wheeling WV (Ohio River). That's a long route, taking a lot of room, particularly when contrasting the mountainous terrain of the B&O vs. the mostly level runs of the PRR. So I have to build in modules until I obtain a larger place to put it all together. Nearly all my stuff comes from local hobby stores.

[friscobob56]

FRISCO in HO scale.
[swg]
I've gotten my stuff here, there & everywhere, but currently my two local suppliers are Discount Model Trains in Addison, TX, and Silver Spike Hobbies in Denton, TX. I've also done business on eBay, and online with Cherry Creek Hobbies in Torrington, WY (I recommend this guy- he's got a small operation, but his prices are good and he's prompt).

[nslakediv]

NS mainline between Cleveland and Ft. Wayne with a shortline connection. I am tried and true to my LHS.

[Anonymous]

The Delaware and Hudson and its branch through Glens Falls, N.Y. and Lake George, N.Y.

I buy my stuff at shows and at Victoria Station in a town north of me.

[Anonymous]

CSX and CN with some locos on lease from santa fe, also with an amtrak superliner service running fairly frequently between the big cities

i buy most of my stuff off mail orders or online, get some stuff at LHS and buy at swap meets whenevr i can

[Anonymous]

I model the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad in 1999. A Dash 8-40CW in McGinty colors is a beautiful sight.

[Anonymous]

I model the Rutland and Central Vermont with some St J & LC, CN and D&H.I have had no luck with E-Bay and avoid it. I buy mostly at local hobby shops wih some mail order.I am heavily in to resin kits and have been working on some of the new Branchline Passenger cars. I do a lot of scratch building with styrene being my favorite medium.Brass is no longer an option

[Anonymous]

I do both HO and N-scale.

In HO I model the B&O in the late '50s Washington D.C area.

In N-scale, I do the Pennsylvania around 1941, in of all places Pennsylvania.

Alvie.

[BRJN]

The Fort Wayne Belt Line is a fictional RR set in 1900. I have a 2 ft x 6 ft board for subroadbed, so I have an industrial switching layout. Track plan is a modified Timesaver. The most work so far has been research into hometown history and actual businesses present. This can be done even on NO budget, given a good library. [:)]

Major connections (and presumed ownership): Pennsy, Nickle Plate, Wabash. Also some Vanderbilt-family (NYC, LS&MS), Lake Erie & Western, B&O and affiliates, "Clover Leaf" RR equipment.

[macchoo2]

Hell-o,Gary here. I model the ATSF 1930-1945,Illinois division. Going to be a shelf layout 28' long. That way I can run bil board reefers, also during the wars years, can run anybodies equipment because of the shortage.

[rexhea]

I model Southern RR, but also have GM&O and Norfolk Western . The area is freelance in the Southern Appalacians. I buy about 20% on Internet and the rest with my LHC. The LHC is geared toward RC, but he will order and match the net prices. (I got tired of the delays with the net orders. I think some of them turn around and order from Walthers[:-,]Its a real pain to find Southern and GM&O roadnames in quality merchandise.

REX

[Anonymous]

The New York Central, of course, in N scale......you mean there is ANOTHER railroad?

[Anonymous]

Its awsome to see some other Maine Central modelers on here. For me I model the Maine Central / Portland Terminal / Boston & Maine interchange at South Portland. I have a small version of Rigby yard, the Portland water front and the paper mill at Cumberland Mills / Westbrook. There is also leased power from Bangor and Arostook, and new Guilford SD-26's on the way. My layout can be seen below:

http://community.webshots.com/user/nhguy21


Josh

[BRJN]

QUOTE: Originally posted by styrene wizard

The New York Central......you mean there is ANOTHER railroad?

Umm, if I can get my alternate history to work out, you can be NKP's little brother. [:o)]

[DonaldAgne]

I model the JNR (Japanese National Railways) in the 40's and 50's in N-scale and get my rolling stock from local hobby shops here in N-gauge Heaven.

[Anonymous]

H.O. for me!

I'm currently putting together an Irish Railway layout, my own line "The Blarney Castle Scenic Railway." But I hope to put together a late model Pennsylvania / PennCentral layout. My father-in-law worked the Pennsy for over 40 years, and it will be a tribute to him. I hope to recreate the old Margie Yards area in North Philly.

[Anonymous]

Santa Fe & Union Pacific. I maybe adding a local Illinois service later.

[Anonymous]

I know there are more of ya, come on tell us which railroad you model and where you get your stuff![:D]

[Anonymous]

N-scale
I'm working on a small layout modeled in Denver and Rio Grande
i'm working with late 1800's to early 1900's

[Anonymous]

I read through all the posts already and I can't believe that I'm the only one modeling the Milwaukee Road...

I'm modeling a fictional branch line of the Milwaukee Road, based loosely around the Milwaukee area and points north... HO gauge.

I buy from anyplace that has a good deal or has something I really need, but a lot of stuff comes from our LHS - Davis Trains in Milford, Ohio. By far the best LHS I've been in.

[Anonymous]

The Milwaukee Road liveson in my train room. In my 1:160 world the BN merger did not include the Northern Pacific. The Milwaukee Road and the Northern Pacific merged to form the Chicago, MIlwaukee and Northern Pacific (Milwaukee Road). I model the eastern and central Montana area. I get most of my supplies at the LHS, with some at train shows.

[Anonymous]

IF I decide to go for it, it would be my newly devised KC Lines idea and would reflect the city of my nativity thusly:

* HO Scale.
* Era: mid-60s. (+ or - a couple years. [:)] )
* Locale: KC area
* Theme: Loosely based on the West Bottoms area of KC.

Railroads involved (as mood inclines) would be any of the KC area lines of the era, namely:

Frisco
Katy
Kansas City Terminal
CB&Q
UP
Rock Island
ATSF
Wabash/NW
GM&O
KCS
Missouri Pacific
Milwaukee Road
Chicago Great Western

Why fight it, right? [:D]

Andre

[UPJohn]

I dont have a layout yet but after many years of waiting im finally going to start building a layout in the garage. Its going to be completely freelanced and called the Appalachian Central. I get most my stuff from a local hobby shop about 15-20 minutes away in Delran called M&G Hobbies. I have ordered one engine from Athearn's website though.

[Anonymous]

CP Rail with ONR running rights.

[Anonymous]

The Rio Grande

I am new to Model RR so I have been experimenting with different stores online and on Ebay. I also get some stuff at LHS

[Anonymous]

I model the Canadian Pacific on the north shore of Lake Superior in HO and the Sandy River and Rangley Lakes in 3/8" scale. I buy my HO supplies at my LHS and scratch build my 3/8" scale equipment but buy some supplies by mail from a hobby shop in Arizona.

[Anonymous]

Having been in the Carrollton, Texas area for the last 25 years, I suppose my layout plan focuses on the downtown area. The era would have to be set somewhere between 1990 and the present day...That involves modeling BN, BNSF, UP, SP, post - SP from the unfortunate takeover, Fort Worth and Western, and Dallas, Garland and Northeastern...As far as purchases, I suppose my LHS (Discount Model Trains in Addison, Texas) and www.ebay.com

[HAZMAT9]

I model Southern Pacific all the way, especially looking at the era of the 1950's-70's. Building a fictional layout somewhere in the low deserts of California (throwing out the idea of modeling the Coastline), instead adding more to city scene. I'm very interested in the SP Overnight and the Black Widow paint schemes. I purchase about 80% off Ebay and Internet hobby shops and about 20% at the LHS here in Phoenix, Arizona. Steve

[TheK4Kid]

I am modelling my layout in Pennsylvania RR of the late 40's earlly 50's in HO
Mostly all steam.

[Anonymous]

I model in HO. My layout is called the Colorado & New Mexico Lines. It's based on southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. It a freelanced layout.
I started out when my dad gave me his old trains. But as I grew up, I now get stuff from the hobbystore (Hobbytown USA).
Also, I model in the present time. The line continues on the Joint Line, it's really my view for it. The loco's I have for it are: UP(4), SP(2), DRGW(4), BNSF(4), ATSF(4)

[Anonymous]

New Haven,circa '68, in HO,I get my trains anywhere I can find them,trainshows,mailorder,the local guys,(I have two within a mile of me),people have even given me old stuff, I go through it save anything that has potential on the layout.You can never have enough detail parts....

[Anonymous]

I model the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic. The era just before and after its merger into the Soo Line. (Marquette to Calumet). From Champion north, it is the route of CMStP&P's Copper Country Limited. I get almost everything the best LHS in the world. The Lake Superior & Ishpeming is also on the layout (Marquette to Republic/staging)

[bogp40]

The B&O, WM and C&O up thru Chessie , but no CSX for now .

[Anonymous]

I'm new here...1st post.

I model in 1:87. Fictious regional RR.
Albany, Shermann Island & Stockton
Runs parallel to the ATSF through Franklin Canyon, CA in the San Francisco Bay/delta region
Main motive power is GP38-2's
Main commodity is aggregate
Exchanges with: ATSF; UP; SP; Napa Valley Southern; Stockton Terminal RR

[bikerraypa]

HO and N. Pennsy, Bessemer & Lake Erie, and Western Allegheny. I get most of my stuff on eBay and from mail order, since my LHS isn't very L (about 45 miles)

Ray out

[THayman]

I'm into VIA Rail in HO scale primarily, running CN as well. Get most of my stuff from local hobby shops, Ottawa and Merrickville. Some coaches online, lot of stuff is scratch built.

[Anonymous]

I model Chessie, Conrail and CSX from the late 70s to present in and around Rochester,NY.

I get my stuff from all over. Despatch Junction, Ebay, various internet shops, swaps, etc.

[camarokid]

I model the southwest desert to run UP, SP and SF from 1935 to 1957 to get my 56 Chevy in the mix and to add all those nice T-Birds when they were a real car.
I get 99% of my hobby at my LHS.
Archie

[Medina1128]

My railroad is the Clinton-Golden Valley. It is an imaginary short line road with an interchange to the Missouri Pacific/MKT. I get my stuff from mosty 3 sources; Walthers, eBay and a small model railroad store in Grandview, MO, Show Me Lines.

[knewsom]

I model the Norfolk & Western and Southern lines in the 1930's in HO scale. I am trying to base it in the foothills of Virginia.

Kevin

[Anonymous]

All about the C&O here.