Researching the prototype, then making a model for your RR

[Grampys Trains]

I was sitting in the library today, and randomly pulled a Model Railroader magazine out of the rack. I was re-reading Tony Koester's Trains of Thought in the May, 2012 issue. It had to do with how much fun it was to research the prototype and then attempt to model it on your RR.

I recently bought a flat car kit that could be modeled two ways. It was a PRR 39A that could be modeled as a  Trailer on Flat Car or a bulkhead flat.  I didn't know anything about TOFC, so I started researching google. The more I found out, the more I wanted to model early TOFC. It turned out to be a fun project.

Here's a photo of the 39A.

So, now I needed a ramp to load and unload the trailers. More fun research yielded this model of a ramp.

Anyone care to show a similar modeling experience? DJ.

[tstage]

Grampy's,

That is a VERY enjoyable aspect of prototype/proto-lance modeling.  And it's both stimulating and frustrating because it takes time, effort, and some know-how to do sufficient research on a project.  However, when it's all said and done - it is gratifying and really adds to the enjoyment and realism of the layout.

Yes, I realize it's not everyone's cup of tea.  Even so - I enjoy it...and I also enjoy seeing it done by others on their layouts.

Tom

[BRAKIE]

Simply put research and modeling goes hand in hand..

How can you(you=general speak) correctly model a era you know nothing about?

Simply put you can't.

For a believable freelance railroad one must know and understand how a railroad goes about its every day operation.

The same can be said about(as examples) the Chessie System,CSX,CR or NS...

This of course goes beyond just buying CSX,NS,Chessie locomotives and cars..Nothing wrong there we just going the next step.

Let's look at my favorite-the Chessie.

Do you model Chessie (B&O)? If so most of you locomotive should be Chessie(B&O) or  B&O and your signals should be the B&O style same for the C&O.This would hold true till the formation of CSX.After that any CSX road will work as well as early CSX locomotives.

Norfolk Southern..You can use and mix N&W,Southern and early (none naghead) NS locomotives in the early merger years.Again signals should match the merger road you model.

Extreme? Nope..Its called prototype modeling with research.

And..

Its very simple to do in the computer age.