NP2626 I wonder at the percentages of what modelers are strict adherents to prototype operations and use only the locos that one would find on their chosen line and what modelers are strict adherents to the whims of their fancy? Myself, I am very intrigued with the locomotives in use by the Northern Pacific. I am also dismayed at how few N.P. locos are available (and at the high cost of those, which are)! However, my intrigue with the N.P. has kept me focused on acquiring N.P. equipment, even though logically I could allow trackage rights to the Great Northern and Butte Anaconda & Pacific.
I wonder at the percentages of what modelers are strict adherents to prototype operations and use only the locos that one would find on their chosen line and what modelers are strict adherents to the whims of their fancy? Myself, I am very intrigued with the locomotives in use by the Northern Pacific. I am also dismayed at how few N.P. locos are available (and at the high cost of those, which are)! However, my intrigue with the N.P. has kept me focused on acquiring N.P. equipment, even though logically I could allow trackage rights to the Great Northern and Butte Anaconda & Pacific.
Well, as a freelance modeler, there is a little "Whim of fancy" to the ATLANTIC CENTRAL roster, but not much. All the ATLANTIC CENTRAL locos could have realistically belonged to a railroad in this region. And all have a number of common features and a back story that makes them plausible.
There are no clearly west coast type locos (like Big Boys or GS-4's) simply painted ATLANTIC CENTRAL. There are no highly unique locos like those from roads like the PRR painted ATLANTIC CENTRAL.
My B&O, C&O and WESTERN MARYLAND locos are pretty much correct, with a few close "stand ins" for a few pieces.
Sheldon
Modelling HO Scale with a focus on the West and Midwest USA
Even though I model a NYC freight depot and servicing track but not a particular one, I still strive for prototype fidelity and plausibility on my early 40s layout. I do not operate locomotives that would not have operated together because of road number changes. In fact, I have a sheet that lists the years of service for each locomotive - as they are currently modeled. (One VO-660 switcher only had an 18-month "window" of service before having it's road number changed.) My structures and automobiles also reflect the times and are era-appropriate.
I will freely admit that I do have one anachronism on my layout: A '53 VW Beetle - only because I had a Super Beetle for 7 years, with a lot of fond memories to go along with it. I will also add that I have appreciated the heat in my last batch of cars though.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Well, unless you model in a popular scale, say HO, and a popular era, say 1945-1960, and a popular road, say PRR, you're probably going to have a hard time being strictly to prototype.
OTH you don't necessarily have to go the other way and double head your Big Boy with a Dash 9.
If your favorite road uses NW2 diesel switchers for example, then using SW9's because that's what is available would still be in the spirit of your road. Up to you if that's close enough.
Enjoy
Paul
I would have to say my favorite locomotives right now are these three........
Dennis Blank Jr.
CEO,COO,CFO,CMO,Bossman,Slavedriver,Engineer,Trackforeman,Grunt. Birdsboro & Reading Railroad
Right now it's these 3
That's not to say I feel any ill will toward any of the rest of my engines, but I spent quite a bit of time around the 3 prototype Midland Geeps, so they get the prize
Karl
NCE über alles!
My favorite engine for steam is the "decapod" 2-10-0 (Baldwin I1sa class about PRR). About diesel motive power is the early diesel EMD F series, with F3 and F7 mainly.MTH and BLI (both for their DCC sound) are my favourite brands.
Angelowww.prrho.com
Torre63 My favorite engine for steam is the "decapod" 2-10-0 (Baldwin I1sa class about PRR). About diesel motive power is the early diesel EMD F series, with F3 and F7 mainly.MTH and BLI (both for their DCC sound) are my favourite brands. Angelowww.prrho.com
With all the PRR stuff that is and has been available over the years, it must be fun to model with such a wonderful selection of motive power and rolling stock to choose from! When I was a kid back in the 1950s, I received two train sets: one an American Flyer S-gauge with a Pennsy K-4 Pacific, the other was a Tyco HO gauge with a little 0-4-0T tank engine and a bobber caboose in Pennsy livery. Although I never actually saw a real live Pennsylvania RR train in my lifetime, having lived my entire life here in Minnesota, I do have a soft spot for this railroad, due to the above!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
rdgk1se3019 I would have to say my favorite locomotives right now are these three........
SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader
North West Short Lines vertcle boiler brass Shay.
Peter Smith, Memphis
This may sound weird, but my favorite is my old Athearn BB SW7 (I call it an SW9), painted in Toledo Erie Central livery (nee ATSF). It has some running problems (contact, I think), but it just looks cool doing the switching jobs around the layout. It also has that sentimental value to me, as I repainted it and did some detailing on it as well. I also can't forget my Atlas ALCO S2, painted in EL livery. Probably the best little loco I own.
Burlington Northern #24 rdgk1se3019 I would have to say my favorite locomotives right now are these three........ those are still the coolest GP30's I've ever seen.
rdgk1se3019 Burlington Northern #24 rdgk1se3019 I would have to say my favorite locomotives right now are these three........ those are still the coolest GP30's I've ever seen. Thanks........I actually looked into having a "FatHead" made with one of them........about a 2 foot by 3 foot one.
My favorite model is the Division Point N&W Y6b. As an N&W fan and modeler of this prototype, the Y6b is all about hauling coal especially in the Pocahontas Division during the 1950's.
Craig North Carolina
As any one who has read my posts knows, I am a Western Maryland fan. The Atlas GP40, which came out in HO in the '70's, was responsible for me going to Diesels as my primary interest for power. WM purchased only 5 GP40s in the red, white and black circus paint scheme for their initial buy, and I have purchased and renumbered enough of this model to have at least one of them for each prototype in the 3795 - 3799 series. They look good, pull well and can accept KD #5's just fine!! JWH
My favorite locomotive is the one running at the time. I have too many (over 60) locomotives and can only run 2 or 3 at a time by myself.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
alco's forever!!!!! Majoring in HO scale Minorig in O scale:)
Harry here in Colorado: Although I model a fantasy or private railroad name, the COAL BELT LINES centering toward the anthracite region of Pennsylvania, my inventory of motive power reflects my preference for Conrail and before that the Penn Central era. The greater majority of my prime movers reflect a preference toward EMD power. I have a scattering of ALCO and GE power, the ALCO's are mainly allocated to the coal mine region. My freight cars are just the opposite. Go figure on that one. # # #
I love the NRE Genset model from Atlas Trainman in UP paint scheme. Got four pairs of them but like to mix them with the Athearn Genesis GP15 (the ex MP version). That makes nice consist as UP runs them in SoCal.
Reinhard
I model the Great Northern RR Cascade Division, Seattle to Spokane, 1949-1951. It is extremely difficult to find new and economical products to match my favorite loco's, the 4-8-4 S-2 and the 2-8-8-2 R-2. Just wish Broadway Limited would couple an 18,000 Vandy Tender and modify the boiler to a Belpaire on their new Mallet 2-8-8-2. I could then move the 4 air pumps to the front, etc. I know PFM imported some beautiful models in the 60's and 70's which can be found on the Web. However, they are out of my budget, are finicky and require modernization to be DCC compatible. I have a couple beautiful PFM S-2s. Right now neither run and are awaiting modernization while I complete trackwork.