I've done some web-hunting on this setup, and it appears that TSBY runs GP35s for their motive power, as well as some leased engines from GATX.
I guess what I'm looking for, is if anyone else is local to Michigan, and has any other info on this line? I'd like to model it set in 1998, so I could also run the Dinner Train out of Traverse City. (yes, I'm taking artistic license with GLC in that time frame)
I plan on getting more pictures of their locomotives, once I get an idea of when they run through this area. (I live less than a mile from their tracks)
Oh, I'll be modeling all this on an HO layout, probably starting out on a 4x8 table, and then expanding from there.
I'm also really looking forward to heading down to Owosso and getting lots of pictures of their switchyard there, and shop operations.
Oh happy day!!!! I stopped in at the LHS, and they actually have TSBY engines! The last two from the warehouse, tho. They're Atlas, and they have #839, "City of Traverse City", and #394, "City of Claire"..... They goofed on the spelling of Clare, there isn't supposed to be an "i"...
Either way, I REALLY hope they don't sell the engines for a while, because I WANT THEM!! $89.95 each, and they are DCC-ready. (not that that's a huge issue for me, since I don't intend to run DCC for a LONG time)
I've also found out that the old Dinner Train ran F7s, and they're stored down in Owosso. (hopefully not repainted yet)
I like your choice of prototype! Some spots to consider for modeling your line are the interchanges: Ann Arbor RR at Osmer, CSX at Annpere, CN/GTW and Huron & Eastern at Durand, and the Mid-Michigan at Alma. Some signature industries would be the sand pits at Yuma and the grain elevator on the Middleton branch. There was an ethanol plant being built near Ithaca which did not get finished - you could use your modeler's license and have it be completed, though it would be at an earlier date.
You can also run SRI excursions with the Pere Marquette #1225 to various destinations along the line.
You'll find quite a bit of information on the GLC/TSBY in the forums at www.railroadfan.com from people with a lot more knowledge than me.
And as far as starting with a 4x8 table, I would read professional layout designer Byron Henderson's thoughts on them. Make sure that you understand the limitations that format can impose.
Have fun, and I look forward to hearing about your progress!
After doing some thinking and sketching, I'll just be using a 4x8 sheet of plywood. I'm thinking I'll have it ripped into an 8x6 table, with a 4x4 area in the middle that I can step into. (all sides 2' wide, and probably an 10x10" 45 degree angle piece cut from the outer corners, and moved to the inside.) Debating whether I want to do a liftgate or just a duck-under bridge across the open 4'.
You may want to consider a shelf layout that runs around the perimeter walls. It will allow you more linear feet for your trains to run. If you cut it down the length and attach it to the sidewalls, you could end up with 16 feet of track plus 24 inches of depth. I will be a point to point with multiple switching opportunities.
Larry
I don't have a dedicated room for just trains, or that would be a far more viable option. It's going to be built in the living room, so it'll need to be mobile, as well. (locking casters under the legs)
I will probably start working on mine again soon. I need to get the roadways cut and placed. I am in TC also. As far as where the TSB runs in TC, I know they hit Cherry Growers, the scrap metal business on S. Cass and a lumber yard just west of Turtle Creek Casino.
I've spent some time on the GLC website, so I know they visit Rifkin... That would be an interesting area to model, with all the industrial stuff...