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  • Member since
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  • From: Wausau, Wisconsin
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Posted by WCfan on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 8:04 PM

Well, I'm now debating weather I should have a dual era layout or not. Soo Line in 1974 is one of my favorites, and I was tossing around the idea or modeling SOO in 1974, and WC in 1995. The track would be the same, as I was planning on doing an ex SOO main anyway, and the interchange could be the same, but I think Milwaukee Road would more say it was pre-MILW merger. Power would be GP9s, GP30s, GP35s, F units, SD40s, SD40-2s, and U30Cs. Paint schemes will most be the SOO hockey Stick, and the curved one, but the "Parallelogram" scheme would also work too. I’d run the WC one day, and the SOO the next. I'm not sure just yet, just tossing the idea around.

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Posted by ns3010 on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 8:27 PM
WCfan

Well, I'm now debating weather I should have a dual era layout or not. Soo Line in 1974 is one of my favorites, and I was tossing around the idea or modeling SOO in 1974, and WC in 1995. The track would be the same, as I was planning on doing an ex SOO main anyway, and the interchange could be the same, but I think Milwaukee Road would more say it was pre-MILW merger. Power would be GP9s, GP30s, GP35s, F units, SD40s, SD40-2s, and U30Cs. Paint schemes will most be the SOO hockey Stick, and the curved one, but the "Parallelogram" scheme would also work too. I’d run the WC one day, and the SOO the next. I'm not sure just yet, just tossing the idea around.

What about modeling them both in the same time period?

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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Posted by WCfan on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 8:49 PM

I could model both periods, but the WC bought the SOO trackage across Wisconsin in 1987, and I also like the power that was in 1974. The 1980s are appealing too with the introduction to the "Candy Apple" scheme. I'm not sure, we'll see about funds and if I can get some SOO locomotives after Christmas.

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Posted by ns3010 on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 8:55 PM
WCfan

I could model both periods, but the WC bought the SOO trackage across Wisconsin in 1987, and I also like the power that was in 1974. The 1980s are appealing too with the introduction to the "Candy Apple" scheme. I'm not sure, we'll see about funds and if I can get some SOO locomotives after Christmas.

They probably still used the power from 1974 in the 80s. Idk, just a suggestion.

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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Posted by WCfan on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 9:08 PM

Humm, you make a good Point now that I think of it. The SOO retired there F-Units in the late 70s early 80s, and the U30C where retired about the same time, I think. If I model the 80s then I'd have more SD40-2s and SD40s...I'd also have 4 different Paint schemes. Maybe the Mid 80s would be good, about 1984 or 1985, just before the MILW merger.

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Posted by ns3010 on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 9:19 PM
WCfan

Humm, you make a good Point now that I think of it. The SOO retired there F-Units in the late 70s early 80s, and the U30C where retired about the same time, I think. If I model the 80s then I'd have more SD40-2s and SD40s...I'd also have 4 different Paint schemes. Maybe the Mid 80s would be good, about 1984 or 1985, just before the MILW merger.

Yeah, then you could get a nice mix of locomotives and paint schemes. It would be a little more interesting to see, i think.

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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Posted by Railfan Alex on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 9:33 PM

Some U30C's had the parallelagram logo. They got them in 1968, and they got retired in 1983-1984. They traded them to EMD for a discount on some new SD40-2's. SOO was never really a GE road, they sure liked their EMD whiners!

Alex

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:54 AM

 I have enough difficulty funding ONE era, let alone TWO! I'd stick to one, but it's your decision...

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:38 PM

I will eventually have a "multi-era" layout, since I'm doing CP from 1985-present. Every once and a while, you just swap, so instead of 85, I can change to 95, or 2000. You get the point. I have a good variety of cars too, so that will get swaped around as well.

Alex

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Posted by Packers#1 on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 7:01 PM

If I can come up with an excuse for it to be on the rails in 2008, then so sue me, it WILL be on there, lol.

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

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Posted by Guilford Guy on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:06 PM
I have a small layout so its not necessary to have more than 2 Locomotives unlike Yoshi or Tyler... I am working on an S4 to use at shows or when I feel like running it...  A pair of RS3m's, and a scratchbuilt 4-6-2. I think in the future I may expand my B&M equipment by adding an RS3 and some NESM B&M laser cut coach kits when they come out. Lamoille Valley RS3's, RS3m's, and RS11m's may also come in the future.

Alex

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Posted by Packer on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:26 PM

Since I model BN from the 1970 until 1985, I can run almost anything BN had in their original scheme, and have a little bit of the tiger stripe scheme.I was originally planning a 70s layout, but quite a bit of my equipment (all of my covered hoppers) has build dates or repaint dates past 1980 (most of my coal cars). So in this period, I could run stuff fom the "rainbow years" (cover of GMR 2009 is a good example) an then have some patched-out SLSF engines(or GP15-1s, but notin the whiteface scheme) if I wanted to.

I have no layout, but do have a good sized roster of engines and cars. (large enough that I'm still working on listing it all)

The sad thing however, is that I don't have a single SD40-2; BN had 779 of them, before they got the SLSFs eight.

Vincent

Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....

2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:38 PM

Guilford Guy
I have a small layout so its not necessary to have more than 2 Locomotives unlike Yoshi or Tyler...

 

Yeah, even with 5 locos I come up 3 short, not including extras... Here's my planned loco assignments:

  • GP9M #1701: White River Junction yard switcher.
  • GP7 #8569 (currently out of service): West Formanek turn, number 41T.
  • U23B #2306: Through freight 403.
  • U23B #3243: Through freight 403.
  • SDP35 #1402 (currently out of service): Through freight 402.
  • Locomotive Needed: Through freight 402.
  • Locomotive Needed: Impack bare-table set 400/401.
  • Locomotive Needed: Impack bare-table set 400/401.

I can cut the trains down to one alternating through freight, plus the yard job, local, and intermodel train. That would leave me only one loco short...

Hmmm...wonder if MBKlein still has U23Bs on sale... Mischief

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Posted by Packer on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:59 PM

Tyler, have you figured out why that GP7 doesn't work yet? If the wires to the motor clips got loose, I could ship some with a wire soldered to them if it's infact the wires.

I figured out where that sound/motor decoder I got yesterday came from. Turns out it was from an Athearn Genesis F-unit. Now I'm trying to figureout how to wire the thing into a spare Bachmann FT I have. Once I figure that out, I can use that decoder in my rotary plow. Then I'll have a spare lenz decoder, which will probably go to my GP35 whenever I finish it. (which should be soon, just bought the driveshafts)

Vincent

Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....

2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.

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Posted by super cheif n on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:03 PM

Hi guys.

 I'm now going to start focusing on BN, BNSF, and Burlington Route. With my Super Chief on the side and what ever else I like.

- Jackson
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Posted by super cheif n on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:03 PM

Hi guys.

 I'm now going to start focusing on BN, BNSF, and Burlington Route. With my Super Chief on the side and what ever else I like.

- Jackson
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Posted by WCfan on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:23 PM

I might go for a light two Eras Tyler. With two, you need double the equipment.

I might just buy a few SOO SD40s, and SD40-2s to run a 1974 SOO OP session. We'll see about the funds. First I need to get a SD9, and a SD40-2.

Tyler, you could also lease power. HLCX, FURX, CEFX, CITX, GCFX, EMDX, ect are just a few. You could also make up your own leasing company. Depending on your year, you could have SD45s, SD40s, SD40-2s, and SD45T-2s. Or you could even have any locomotive you'd want. EMDX had quite an interesting power mix at times. Ex MILW Bandits could be found in EMDXs' roster. You could also go GE too. The nice thing about your own leasing company is you can have any locomotive in any paint scheme. New England Leasing Company, NELX. Tongue

Vincent, I love the tiger stripe. Have you seen photos of the Orange and White Tiger Stripe? That's my favorite variation, although, it was probably only put on one locomotive!

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Posted by Packer on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:27 PM

Never heard of the orange and white tiger stripe. I'm guessing it's similar to what BNs E-units (no one makes a good plastic one) had.

Vincent

Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....

2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 20, 2008 11:28 AM

Packer

Tyler, have you figured out why that GP7 doesn't work yet? If the wires to the motor clips got loose, I could ship some with a wire soldered to them if it's infact the wires.

 

I haven't touched the loco since the decoder blew, as I've been so busy with other stuff...

Jordan, I may go for a leaser at some point, but the main problem is that I just don't have the actual loco yet... I was wondering about the U23B not because it matched the majority (2) of my fleet, but because they were really cheap... ($50 for an Atlas!)

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Posted by Guilford Guy on Thursday, November 20, 2008 2:34 PM

When I'm over I'll have the CCRR S4, and LVRC RS3's if those would assist...

I don't know what kind of Decoder challenge you want, but MB Klein has Athearn 38-2's in Leasers, VTR, GRS, D&H, and other railroads for 35$. Too bad you didn't get the udnec SD45's from Bachmann a few months back. MB Kleins till has U23B"s for 50$, and P2k U30C's for 50$ as well. Lastly, they have Trainman 38-2's in CP for 60, and Undec for 55...!

yayyyyyy

Alex

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Posted by Packers#1 on Thursday, November 20, 2008 3:25 PM
WCfan

Tyler, you could also lease power. HLCX, FURX, CEFX, CITX, GCFX, EMDX, ect are just a few. You could also make up your own leasing company. Depending on your year, you could have SD45s, SD40s, SD40-2s, and SD45T-2s. Or you could even have any locomotive you'd want. EMDX had quite an interesting power mix at times. Ex MILW Bandits could be found in EMDXs' roster. You could also go GE too. The nice thing about your own leasing company is you can have any locomotive in any paint scheme. New England Leasing Company, NELX. Tongue

Or, you could use the AAT as a leasing company. Remember, the DDWH is controlled by the same guy that runs the AAT, so in theory, I suggested to you, owner to owner, to try out the AAT roster, lol.

Of course, I'll make allowances in the roster, it was just going to be frieght car leasing, but who says we didn't branch out into locos, just mention what units to be on the roster. Oh, and the AAT scheme should be real easy to paint, we'll see though, After Saturday, i'll be able to paint my GP35 in it (getting tired of A) not having any locos painted for the AAT, B) the NW paint is starting to be dull, and C) I'm probably just going to patch the U23B if I get it.)

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

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Posted by Montana Railfan on Thursday, November 20, 2008 3:46 PM

 Hey,

 

Sorry it took a lot longer than expected to reply but, in awnser to your question their most recent roster reads 4 numbered 390-393.

 

Ken

Owner Eastern Montana Industrial Railroad (HO and N Scale)
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Posted by Guilford Guy on Thursday, November 20, 2008 5:07 PM

psst... *don't do it, AAT is worse than Guilford with their loco's, and did you see the size of those flanges and treads and couplers?! Good luck getting through a frog, grade crossing, or rail less than 130 lbs/yard...

Alex

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Posted by WCfan on Thursday, November 20, 2008 7:17 PM

Vincent, here's somewhat of a picture of it. It was the only picture I could find.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=172767&nseq=12

Tyler, good luck with getting some cheap units! I know Ebay has some P2K SD45s for like 80 bucks.

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Posted by Packer on Thursday, November 20, 2008 8:56 PM

WC fan; so that's what you meant by white tiger stripes.

Trainworld has those P2K SD45s for about 40 bucks each. (thats where I had my parents get mine), and some P2K GP30s for 30 bucks each (the ATSF one I had came from there, swapped shells to get a BN unit). I have some P2K units on ebay with a "buy it now" of 35 each. (a GP9 and 3 SW9s)

Vincent

Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....

2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.

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Posted by WCfan on Thursday, November 20, 2008 9:05 PM

Vincent, I found better photo from a resource I ALWAYS forget about. This locomotive would be one of those on my "Wish List".

http://archive.trainpix.com/BN/EMDORIG/GP50/3110B.HTM

BTW: You can call me Jordan.

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 21, 2008 8:18 AM

Guilford Guy

psst... *don't do it, AAT is worse than Guilford with their loco's, and did you see the size of those flanges and treads and couplers?! Good luck getting through a frog, grade crossing, or rail less than 130 lbs/yard...

 

Huh? What do you mean? I'm not modeling it in N Scale...Whistling

I'm thinking about making the SDP35 into a leaser, as it's the most "odd-ball" unit I have, a 6-axle EMD among second generation 4-axle GE's and first generation EMD Geeps. Now I just decide the leaser company... Does WIN have a lease fleet? Or would they have extra power and lease out an old beat-up odd-ball? That would work nicely, and I could have a (patched for) WIN locomotive on my roster. I'd just make a decal with the painted out area and the WIN lettering on it.

Vincent: PM me about that P2K GP9, okay? Another GP9 would fit well with the GP9 and GP7 that I already have on my roster.

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Posted by WCfan on Friday, November 21, 2008 6:20 PM

Tyler, we can make the SDP35 work. I would number it WIN 300. I'll say that the WIN picked it up from the Montana Western, and made it into a leaser. I'll also say that the WIN leases the 3 Ex MW SD40s too. To patch it you can use any color. If you Want to use WIN colors to patch her, they would be BN Cascade Green, and WC Gold (Or any dark yellow).

I also figured out how to make my other Freelanced Railroads, Illinois Minnesota and Western (IMW), and Montana Western (MW), to fit in with out disrupting other RRs. The IMW would have started the WIN, but the IMW got bought by the DME and turned that into the ICE in 2001. The state of Wisconsin wanted to keep the WIN independent, so the RR still runs. The MW I'm saying basically got absorbed into the MRL in the late 90s.

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 22, 2008 7:41 PM

 Uh, WIN 300? That would work I guess, but I'd prefer to have it WIN 1402 if I can... I don't really want to have to decal those tiny little lighted numberboards until I've decaled more that... *counts decal jobs I've done* ...zero times...Whistling Is WIN 1402 available? It just hasn't been renumbered to 300 yet...

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Posted by WCfan on Saturday, November 22, 2008 7:52 PM

Sure Tyler! Anything to make it easier for you, I know what it's like to decal small number boards, it's a pain.

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