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Ponyboy, I would like to add my voice to the chorus welcoming you to the hobby. I am an HO modeler and have been hot-n-cold with it for over ten years. Right now I am in a cold phase because I have a new son and can't find the space for the layout. It is disassembled in the attic right now. So much for my problems . . . You already have the answers to your first questions about GP and SD units and the various eras. Since you like the N&W and Sou I will point out that you probably want to model coal trains which means you want to look for engines with dynamic brakes. A dynamic brake is a set of resistors and fans that dissapate energy and slow down trains descending grades without wearing out the brake shoes on the trucks. There are so many things I would like to add but I don't have the patience to type all of it here. As for the industries for your 4 x 8 . . . I recommend the Cambria City Iron Works Boiler House by Con Cor as a coal user. I recommend the Walthers oil loading platform because it doesn't take up much space and justifies several tankers. If you get into backdrops, you could add a few large tanks painted on to add to the illusion of a major petrolium handler. I also recommend the Walthers Cornerstone Lakeside shipping because it resembles a typical freighthouse seen often in the south. It is also a fairly tall industry that would help create a view block on the layout. Items that block the view from one side of the layout to the other add to the illusion that your tracks connect to some place beyond your vision. I also have planned a two stall engine house (Walthers Cornerstone again) with service facilities from Stewart for my sons engines. There is an Atlas Lumber Retailer model that you may want to check out. The Walthers lumber facility is probably too big for a 4 x 8. Finally, I would get a small truck transfer building like the one from the Cambria City line (Con Cor) and the small manufacturing building sold by Walthers (I think it is called Leviathan Manufacturing and takes up about two square inches of layout space). Contrary to many, I think a small layout takes a tremendous bit of planning because space is all the more precious. I also agree that the Athearn blue box engine is a value and you should be happy but I want to add something else. Athearn engines have flywheels that help them run well as all good engines do these days, but it is also important to get a quality power pack. Model Rectifier Corp probably sells more than anyone else and for good reason. All of mine are from MRC. A quality power pack will run you as much and maybe a little more than an engine. Don't skimp on this item although you may be able to save money getting a used one. My final advice, if you have the patience, get a few books on some subjects to help you learn what is possible with model railroading today. I recommend the following books as a minimum . . . How to Operate Your Model Railroad by Bruce Chubb Track Planning for Realistic Operation by John Armstrong How to Wire your Layout(?) by Andy Sperandeo Model Railroad Scenery by ? Dave F. (I think) How to Build Model Railroad Benchwork by Linn Wescott A subscription to one of the major model railroad magazines like MR. Welcome aboard. - Ed
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