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What region is your model railroad based and why?

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What region is your model railroad based and why?
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 10, 2003 9:39 PM
Where is your model railroad based? Why did you select that location(s)? What type of commodities does it haul? What era does it operate in?
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 10, 2003 10:26 PM
Hi there,

I presently operate a free lance railroad situated in the west. It is the Denver and northwestern and fictiously runs in a northwest/southeast direction with a branch to the northeast.

I chose this region for two reasons, its geography and the railroads that operate in that area, particularly the UP, GN, NP, and to a lesser extent the AT&SF, SP, D&RGW and WP.

Being a incurable model collector as well as modeller I change eras usually 3 times a year. My favorite is the transition period from '52-'58, then '69-'73 and finally, '88-'92.

Hope this information is of interest.

By the way, I live in Australia,

regards,

Howard
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 10, 2003 10:26 PM
Hi there,

I presently operate a free lance railroad situated in the west. It is the Denver and northwestern and fictiously runs in a northwest/southeast direction with a branch to the northeast.

I chose this region for two reasons, its geography and the railroads that operate in that area, particularly the UP, GN, NP, and to a lesser extent the AT&SF, SP, D&RGW and WP.

Being a incurable model collector as well as modeller I change eras usually 3 times a year. My favorite is the transition period from '52-'58, then '69-'73 and finally, '88-'92.

Hope this information is of interest.

By the way, I live in Australia,

regards,

Howard
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 11, 2003 3:02 AM
hello there, knowing little of american railroads, I bought my son a BN GP38. I already had an SP GP40. We looked on a map to see where the 2 could be seen together and Chicago stood out like a sore thumb. we are now building a chicago switching layout in the early 1990's with a small transfer yard, so anything goes, traffic wise.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 11, 2003 3:02 AM
hello there, knowing little of american railroads, I bought my son a BN GP38. I already had an SP GP40. We looked on a map to see where the 2 could be seen together and Chicago stood out like a sore thumb. we are now building a chicago switching layout in the early 1990's with a small transfer yard, so anything goes, traffic wise.
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Posted by CP5415 on Monday, August 11, 2003 3:16 AM
The US Northeast. I've been a fan of Canadian Pacific for most of my 35 years & modeling the CPR in this region allows me tons of possibilites for interchange traffic.
This is why I have locomotives from UP(leased power), C&NW (leased power), Conrail, Seaboard, NS, MEC, B&M as well from CPR,StL&H, D&H & SOO line.

Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!

 K1a - all the way

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Posted by CP5415 on Monday, August 11, 2003 3:16 AM
The US Northeast. I've been a fan of Canadian Pacific for most of my 35 years & modeling the CPR in this region allows me tons of possibilites for interchange traffic.
This is why I have locomotives from UP(leased power), C&NW (leased power), Conrail, Seaboard, NS, MEC, B&M as well from CPR,StL&H, D&H & SOO line.

Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!

 K1a - all the way

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Posted by cp1057 on Monday, August 11, 2003 5:25 AM
Primarily CN branchlines in southern Ontario. Mostly 50's era although I am starting to accumulate some rolling stock from 60's and 70's.

I find the numerous branchlines in the area interesting and have read several books on them. Travelling around the area I enjoy spotting remains of them such as abandonded rights of way, old staions, even a water tower from the steam area requisitioned for municipal use.

Charles
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Posted by cp1057 on Monday, August 11, 2003 5:25 AM
Primarily CN branchlines in southern Ontario. Mostly 50's era although I am starting to accumulate some rolling stock from 60's and 70's.

I find the numerous branchlines in the area interesting and have read several books on them. Travelling around the area I enjoy spotting remains of them such as abandonded rights of way, old staions, even a water tower from the steam area requisitioned for municipal use.

Charles
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Posted by BentnoseWillie on Monday, August 11, 2003 6:34 AM
An ex-CN shortline in Nova Scotia. I chose it mainly because it's the railway I grew up with (and on), living within viewing or walking distance of it for 21 of my 33 years.
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Posted by BentnoseWillie on Monday, August 11, 2003 6:34 AM
An ex-CN shortline in Nova Scotia. I chose it mainly because it's the railway I grew up with (and on), living within viewing or walking distance of it for 21 of my 33 years.
B-Dubya -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inside every GE is an Alco trying to get out...apparently, through the exhaust stack!
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 11, 2003 9:06 AM
Northeast Penna, in the early 50's, cuz thats where I grew up
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 11, 2003 9:06 AM
Northeast Penna, in the early 50's, cuz thats where I grew up
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 11, 2003 10:49 AM
pacific norhtwest because of the swell scenery and 1943 because I like steam, early diesels and because I just like that particular period.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 11, 2003 10:49 AM
pacific norhtwest because of the swell scenery and 1943 because I like steam, early diesels and because I just like that particular period.
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Posted by tomnoy3 on Monday, August 11, 2003 1:09 PM
I model Southern Minnesota so I have Union Pacific, Patched CNW, and some DM&E. I have an ethanol plant, flour mill, small intermodal yard, and misc. manufacturing. My layout is modeled to be about October 2000.
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Posted by tomnoy3 on Monday, August 11, 2003 1:09 PM
I model Southern Minnesota so I have Union Pacific, Patched CNW, and some DM&E. I have an ethanol plant, flour mill, small intermodal yard, and misc. manufacturing. My layout is modeled to be about October 2000.
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Posted by vsmith on Monday, August 11, 2003 3:24 PM
Southwestern US/Mexico Border,
Roughly southern Arizona into New Mexico.

Why? the colors of the rock, the rugged terrain, and the dusty towns.

The large scale track is down on my line, it is fictional narrow guage line, serving the two mining interests, one town and the only tequila factory north of the border. It is set 1950-60 during the last hey days of steam, although I reserve the right to run anything I want on it. I considered a logging layout but the thought of doing a 1000 trees really did that idea in...I prefer cactus.

   Have fun with your trains

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Posted by vsmith on Monday, August 11, 2003 3:24 PM
Southwestern US/Mexico Border,
Roughly southern Arizona into New Mexico.

Why? the colors of the rock, the rugged terrain, and the dusty towns.

The large scale track is down on my line, it is fictional narrow guage line, serving the two mining interests, one town and the only tequila factory north of the border. It is set 1950-60 during the last hey days of steam, although I reserve the right to run anything I want on it. I considered a logging layout but the thought of doing a 1000 trees really did that idea in...I prefer cactus.

   Have fun with your trains

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 11, 2003 8:42 PM
I freelance a small freight/passenger line, The Washburn & Clinch Mountain Railroad. It was formed by buying up abandoned routes and short lines in financial trouble immediately after WW II. It serves the smaller towns of East Tennessee and connects with the Southern Railroad and the Louisville & Nashville in Knoxville. It runs only steam at the current time. BTW, the layout is currently under construction. There ie a link to some photos below

http://community.webshots.com/album/84202390JSyAXg
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 11, 2003 8:42 PM
I freelance a small freight/passenger line, The Washburn & Clinch Mountain Railroad. It was formed by buying up abandoned routes and short lines in financial trouble immediately after WW II. It serves the smaller towns of East Tennessee and connects with the Southern Railroad and the Louisville & Nashville in Knoxville. It runs only steam at the current time. BTW, the layout is currently under construction. There ie a link to some photos below

http://community.webshots.com/album/84202390JSyAXg
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Posted by cp1057 on Monday, August 11, 2003 9:10 PM
It's interesting seeing people's reasons for modeling a particular prototype and locale. In many cases it's because they spent their childhood in the area. I find this really interesting and I think 'You lucky dog!' because I grew up in a suburb that was nowhere near a railway track. But for some reason I always liked trains so any contact with them was a real thrill.

The terminus of my model railroad will always be named 'Southampton' because when I was growing up my family camped near this small town on the shore of Lake Huron in southern Ontario. My dad and I would walk up the tracks into town and pass by the station. By this time (early 70's) we didn't have to worry much about trains, they were becoming a rarity. My father built a layout for me for Christmas of '75 and it had a station with a Southampton signboard. I still have this station and it will always be included in my layout even if CN never painted its stations buff.

The prototype station still exists as a restaurant and my wife and I have eaten there. Bon Apetit!!

Charles
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Posted by cp1057 on Monday, August 11, 2003 9:10 PM
It's interesting seeing people's reasons for modeling a particular prototype and locale. In many cases it's because they spent their childhood in the area. I find this really interesting and I think 'You lucky dog!' because I grew up in a suburb that was nowhere near a railway track. But for some reason I always liked trains so any contact with them was a real thrill.

The terminus of my model railroad will always be named 'Southampton' because when I was growing up my family camped near this small town on the shore of Lake Huron in southern Ontario. My dad and I would walk up the tracks into town and pass by the station. By this time (early 70's) we didn't have to worry much about trains, they were becoming a rarity. My father built a layout for me for Christmas of '75 and it had a station with a Southampton signboard. I still have this station and it will always be included in my layout even if CN never painted its stations buff.

The prototype station still exists as a restaurant and my wife and I have eaten there. Bon Apetit!!

Charles
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Posted by steamage on Monday, August 11, 2003 9:34 PM
My early 1960's Southern Pacific layout is modeled after the Southern California desert, with palm trees and cactus plants. Another section is of it is cityscape in the San Fernando Valley. Its hot and dry there all year long on the LA Subdivision.

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Posted by steamage on Monday, August 11, 2003 9:34 PM
My early 1960's Southern Pacific layout is modeled after the Southern California desert, with palm trees and cactus plants. Another section is of it is cityscape in the San Fernando Valley. Its hot and dry there all year long on the LA Subdivision.

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Posted by douginut on Monday, August 11, 2003 11:10 PM
City, northwest out of Chicago.

Doug, in Utah
Doug, in UtaH
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Posted by douginut on Monday, August 11, 2003 11:10 PM
City, northwest out of Chicago.

Doug, in Utah
Doug, in UtaH
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 7:36 PM
Southeast - Western & Atlantic subdivision of CSX between Atlanta and Cartersville, Ga., to be precise.

Scenery is one reason - fall colors, reddish dirt, gray-ish mountains and lots of trees.

Traffic is another - every type of freight moves through this area either on CSX or NS.

Density is a third - very heavy traffic flows, with good local business to go with the overhead business.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 7:36 PM
Southeast - Western & Atlantic subdivision of CSX between Atlanta and Cartersville, Ga., to be precise.

Scenery is one reason - fall colors, reddish dirt, gray-ish mountains and lots of trees.

Traffic is another - every type of freight moves through this area either on CSX or NS.

Density is a third - very heavy traffic flows, with good local business to go with the overhead business.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 8:11 PM
The Vancouver and Fraser/Thompson Canyon areas in British Columbia because these areas are incredibly picturesque and a great back drop for heavy duty, long high rail trains. I model mostly CP with some CN, eventually hope to get the Rocky Mountaineer going, along with VIA.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 8:11 PM
The Vancouver and Fraser/Thompson Canyon areas in British Columbia because these areas are incredibly picturesque and a great back drop for heavy duty, long high rail trains. I model mostly CP with some CN, eventually hope to get the Rocky Mountaineer going, along with VIA.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 9:59 PM
western NY mainly because thats where the Erie ran and its my home area. Comodities very depending on coal, grain, lumber .... still working on refining that aspect of the layout as I develop it more.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 9:59 PM
western NY mainly because thats where the Erie ran and its my home area. Comodities very depending on coal, grain, lumber .... still working on refining that aspect of the layout as I develop it more.
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Posted by wp8thsub on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 12:21 AM
I located my WP 8th Sub in eastern California and western Nevada. I wanted to model the operations of the WP's 3rd and 5th Subs, including places like Portola and Reno.

The primary operation is overhead traffic between California's Central Valley and points East, including unit grain, auto parts and coal trains. California perishables move East in reefers. All of the mainline trains are based on actual WP trains of the late '70s - early '80s. Local traffic consists of regional commodities like forest products and cement, with the warehousing business around Reno also represented.

I have interests in geology and studying plant communities, so the modeled scenery attempts recreations of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin landforms and plants from the region. I grew up in the Great Basin desert but have never seen it modeled convincingly and was motivated to give that a try.

Rob Spangler

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Posted by wp8thsub on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 12:21 AM
I located my WP 8th Sub in eastern California and western Nevada. I wanted to model the operations of the WP's 3rd and 5th Subs, including places like Portola and Reno.

The primary operation is overhead traffic between California's Central Valley and points East, including unit grain, auto parts and coal trains. California perishables move East in reefers. All of the mainline trains are based on actual WP trains of the late '70s - early '80s. Local traffic consists of regional commodities like forest products and cement, with the warehousing business around Reno also represented.

I have interests in geology and studying plant communities, so the modeled scenery attempts recreations of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin landforms and plants from the region. I grew up in the Great Basin desert but have never seen it modeled convincingly and was motivated to give that a try.

Rob Spangler

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 1:34 PM
Freelanced Mount Desert Island Railway & Navigation Co., on Mount Desert Island (now Acadia National Park) off the coast of Maine. I live in Ohio, have but a passing interest in modern or mainline railroading so my shortline is set in 1939. It's standard gauge and I'm trying to convey the feeling of a tight--budgeted line with a rustic, small-time look. MDI has rough, rocky terrain, tall trees, and lots and lots and lots of water. I'm modeling the real towns as they might have looked with railroad influence. The fishing and boat building industry are predominant.
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 1:34 PM
Freelanced Mount Desert Island Railway & Navigation Co., on Mount Desert Island (now Acadia National Park) off the coast of Maine. I live in Ohio, have but a passing interest in modern or mainline railroading so my shortline is set in 1939. It's standard gauge and I'm trying to convey the feeling of a tight--budgeted line with a rustic, small-time look. MDI has rough, rocky terrain, tall trees, and lots and lots and lots of water. I'm modeling the real towns as they might have looked with railroad influence. The fishing and boat building industry are predominant.
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 1:43 PM
Solid CP Rail!
I'm following the Laggan Sub Division (Calgary, Alberta to Field B.C), as it runs throught the Kicking Horse Pass and the Spiral Tunnels. I live in Calgary and can drive to the tunnel area in about 2.5 hours (one way). I work very close to the Alyth Yard / Ogden shop area, and can walk over during my lunch hour to look at the "sea of red" motive power in the yards. It only made sense to model what I can look at when I need some info.
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 1:43 PM
Solid CP Rail!
I'm following the Laggan Sub Division (Calgary, Alberta to Field B.C), as it runs throught the Kicking Horse Pass and the Spiral Tunnels. I live in Calgary and can drive to the tunnel area in about 2.5 hours (one way). I work very close to the Alyth Yard / Ogden shop area, and can walk over during my lunch hour to look at the "sea of red" motive power in the yards. It only made sense to model what I can look at when I need some info.
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 4:27 PM
My RR is loosely based on LIRR and NYC borough of Queens. I am just starting my layout and currently scratch building most of my bldgs and related stuff.
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 4:27 PM
My RR is loosely based on LIRR and NYC borough of Queens. I am just starting my layout and currently scratch building most of my bldgs and related stuff.
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Posted by sd452 on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 10:42 PM
I don't actually have a model railroad yet but when I build it it will be an urban switching layout located in a city in Wisconsin, in the modern era. Because I live there.
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Posted by sd452 on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 10:42 PM
I don't actually have a model railroad yet but when I build it it will be an urban switching layout located in a city in Wisconsin, in the modern era. Because I live there.
Wisconsin Central Forever
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 11:09 PM
B&O from New Martinsville,W.Va. toClarksburg,W.Va. The route we know as out the "Shortline".I"mfamiliar with the area having grown up nearby.This line has numerous bridges across local creeks,several tunnels a 2.1% grade.Industry is coal,timber and petroleum products.My time period will be40"s&50"s so I can use both steam and diesel. The terrain allows me to have mountains and streams lots of trees many small towns or villages. Moonshiner
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 11:09 PM
B&O from New Martinsville,W.Va. toClarksburg,W.Va. The route we know as out the "Shortline".I"mfamiliar with the area having grown up nearby.This line has numerous bridges across local creeks,several tunnels a 2.1% grade.Industry is coal,timber and petroleum products.My time period will be40"s&50"s so I can use both steam and diesel. The terrain allows me to have mountains and streams lots of trees many small towns or villages. Moonshiner
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 11:36 PM
Mine (when I build it) will be placed in part of West Virginia and another part in Pennsylvania. Mostly PRR traffic with some interchange from other railroads.

Why? cause I like the area I guess. I haven't spent significant parts of my life in these area's but things significant to me have happened in those states.

Alvie.
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 11:36 PM
Mine (when I build it) will be placed in part of West Virginia and another part in Pennsylvania. Mostly PRR traffic with some interchange from other railroads.

Why? cause I like the area I guess. I haven't spent significant parts of my life in these area's but things significant to me have happened in those states.

Alvie.
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 14, 2003 2:47 PM
The model railroad I model is a shortline that runs around 150 miles of track bases somewhere in or near the southern Appalachian region of the U.S. It's named the Appalachian Northern (AN). The era is modern but could be stretched back as far as the 1970s with very minor changes. The AN operates a fleet of four ALCO C424s. My layout is a bookshelf type design with a size of 2x8 feet. The section of AN I model is an industrial area that is based in a small to medium sized city. Included in this modeled portion of the railroad is a small yard and engine facility area that helps to serve the local business.
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 14, 2003 2:47 PM
The model railroad I model is a shortline that runs around 150 miles of track bases somewhere in or near the southern Appalachian region of the U.S. It's named the Appalachian Northern (AN). The era is modern but could be stretched back as far as the 1970s with very minor changes. The AN operates a fleet of four ALCO C424s. My layout is a bookshelf type design with a size of 2x8 feet. The section of AN I model is an industrial area that is based in a small to medium sized city. Included in this modeled portion of the railroad is a small yard and engine facility area that helps to serve the local business.
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 14, 2003 3:15 PM
I model three railroads. The SSW KCS and ATSF pre merger years.

The SSW is a 4x8 layout based on the common branch lines of the Cotton Belt. It hauls mostly grain. era 1996

The KCS is based on KCS's Dallas TX district. It is a 4x7 shelf layout that hauls general manafest. era 1996 - 2002

The ATSF is a 8x12x8 layout inthe shape of a C. Its based on the Lampasas Sub. A 241 mile main line that runs between Temple TX to Sweetwater TX. The railroad hauls manifest, grain, and TOFC. era 1990 - 1994
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 14, 2003 3:15 PM
I model three railroads. The SSW KCS and ATSF pre merger years.

The SSW is a 4x8 layout based on the common branch lines of the Cotton Belt. It hauls mostly grain. era 1996

The KCS is based on KCS's Dallas TX district. It is a 4x7 shelf layout that hauls general manafest. era 1996 - 2002

The ATSF is a 8x12x8 layout inthe shape of a C. Its based on the Lampasas Sub. A 241 mile main line that runs between Temple TX to Sweetwater TX. The railroad hauls manifest, grain, and TOFC. era 1990 - 1994
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Posted by emdgp92 on Thursday, August 14, 2003 3:49 PM
Southwest PA in the '70s. The mills were still here, and lots of trains made things interesting. Plus, I was born too late ('76) to enjoy it :(
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Posted by emdgp92 on Thursday, August 14, 2003 3:49 PM
Southwest PA in the '70s. The mills were still here, and lots of trains made things interesting. Plus, I was born too late ('76) to enjoy it :(
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 15, 2003 7:52 AM
Southern British Columbia because I can run my favourite CP stuff with a bit of Great Northern and UP thrown in

Tim tumber
Across the pond in England

[8D]
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 15, 2003 7:52 AM
Southern British Columbia because I can run my favourite CP stuff with a bit of Great Northern and UP thrown in

Tim tumber
Across the pond in England

[8D]
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 15, 2003 10:56 PM
Corretion!!! I 'm not fimmiler with the Dallas area so I decided to go with the Dublin Sub. A 135 mile mountain main line. Formaly owned by the SF. Shortly after SF an BN merged. The Dublin Sub. was abandoned. Wanting to bring back the Dublin Sub. I pretended that KCS bought the rugged line and huals freight from a yard in Cleburne TX to interchanges in Brownwood TX for the BNSF on the Lampasas Sub.
The Dublin Sub. was used to get trains from the Fort Worth Sub. to the Lampasas Sub. to head to Barstow Calf. After the merger, BNSF built a line that went from Fort Worth directly to Sweetwater TX, the end of the Lampasas Sub., thus forcing the line into abandonement. I'm hoping KCS would buy the Sub. becuase I would hate to see the line go to waste.
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 15, 2003 10:56 PM
Corretion!!! I 'm not fimmiler with the Dallas area so I decided to go with the Dublin Sub. A 135 mile mountain main line. Formaly owned by the SF. Shortly after SF an BN merged. The Dublin Sub. was abandoned. Wanting to bring back the Dublin Sub. I pretended that KCS bought the rugged line and huals freight from a yard in Cleburne TX to interchanges in Brownwood TX for the BNSF on the Lampasas Sub.
The Dublin Sub. was used to get trains from the Fort Worth Sub. to the Lampasas Sub. to head to Barstow Calf. After the merger, BNSF built a line that went from Fort Worth directly to Sweetwater TX, the end of the Lampasas Sub., thus forcing the line into abandonement. I'm hoping KCS would buy the Sub. becuase I would hate to see the line go to waste.
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 15, 2003 11:10 PM
My fictional RR the Cape Northern (C.J.,St.L, & N) runs in an L shape from Kansas City over to St. Louis, MO, then down to Cape Girardeau, MO and from St. Louis to Chicago it has trackage rights on the BNSF. I chose the midwest for one good reason, I LIVE HERE, and damn proud of it too [:)] plus running from KC to St.L is flat typical terrain of the plains, while running from St.L down to the Cape its fairly hilly/mountain terrain. so it gives diversity. and I model in the mid to late 90s with a medium size fleet of mostly rebuilt locos GP38-4s and GP9M-2s.
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 15, 2003 11:10 PM
My fictional RR the Cape Northern (C.J.,St.L, & N) runs in an L shape from Kansas City over to St. Louis, MO, then down to Cape Girardeau, MO and from St. Louis to Chicago it has trackage rights on the BNSF. I chose the midwest for one good reason, I LIVE HERE, and damn proud of it too [:)] plus running from KC to St.L is flat typical terrain of the plains, while running from St.L down to the Cape its fairly hilly/mountain terrain. so it gives diversity. and I model in the mid to late 90s with a medium size fleet of mostly rebuilt locos GP38-4s and GP9M-2s.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 8:54 PM
Doing a freelanced S scale railroad from Baltimore up to Reading and Catasauqua, PA. called the Deer Creek & Susquehanna. Connecting with L&NE, Reading, Strasburg, Ma&Pa, PRR, B&O and WM. Just like the architecture, scenery and those railroads. I grew up near Baltimore but I'm stuck in Texas.

Roger
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 8:54 PM
Doing a freelanced S scale railroad from Baltimore up to Reading and Catasauqua, PA. called the Deer Creek & Susquehanna. Connecting with L&NE, Reading, Strasburg, Ma&Pa, PRR, B&O and WM. Just like the architecture, scenery and those railroads. I grew up near Baltimore but I'm stuck in Texas.

Roger
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 3:20 PM
Union Pacific in 1940-60 in the west. Don't know why, I like steam and the UP had big steamers back then. Oh yeah, prototype equiptment and place, freelanced track plan
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 3:20 PM
Union Pacific in 1940-60 in the west. Don't know why, I like steam and the UP had big steamers back then. Oh yeah, prototype equiptment and place, freelanced track plan
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 4:04 PM
I model the northwest. This is the country I go into several times each summer to fly fish(great fishing!) and I love the grandeur of the area. Also, there are still old abandoned tracks through some unbelieveably stout terrain that one can walk along and take pictures of. The area east of Butte, MT has an abandoned rail line just north of I-90 that is visible from the highway. Most of the old track running east from Smelterville, ID is adjacent to I-90 and can be walked as well. The old bridges are still in place, the old tunnels have caved in, but the portals still stand. The cuts are large and awe-inspiring. The locating engineer on these lines overcame some monumental obstacles to create a railroad. It is impressive to me and it is what I try to model.

Tom
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 4:04 PM
I model the northwest. This is the country I go into several times each summer to fly fish(great fishing!) and I love the grandeur of the area. Also, there are still old abandoned tracks through some unbelieveably stout terrain that one can walk along and take pictures of. The area east of Butte, MT has an abandoned rail line just north of I-90 that is visible from the highway. Most of the old track running east from Smelterville, ID is adjacent to I-90 and can be walked as well. The old bridges are still in place, the old tunnels have caved in, but the portals still stand. The cuts are large and awe-inspiring. The locating engineer on these lines overcame some monumental obstacles to create a railroad. It is impressive to me and it is what I try to model.

Tom
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 6:08 PM
NE Pennsylvania. I model one of four divisions on a regional (fictional Allentown Scranton & Northern) that runs from Allentown, Pa to Buffalo, NY.
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 6:08 PM
NE Pennsylvania. I model one of four divisions on a regional (fictional Allentown Scranton & Northern) that runs from Allentown, Pa to Buffalo, NY.
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Posted by timthechef on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 6:30 PM
I model a fictitous branch line of the B&O serving a small town in the mountains of western Maryland. The era is the 1920's because everything is steam!!! there are early cars and trucks as well as horses and wagons. The town is mostly a farming comunity with a grain elivator and mill. There is also a brush manifacturing plant and an Oil depot. I'm still in the building process so I plan to add a creamery and small passenger and freight depot.
Life's too short to eat bad cake
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Posted by timthechef on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 6:30 PM
I model a fictitous branch line of the B&O serving a small town in the mountains of western Maryland. The era is the 1920's because everything is steam!!! there are early cars and trucks as well as horses and wagons. The town is mostly a farming comunity with a grain elivator and mill. There is also a brush manifacturing plant and an Oil depot. I'm still in the building process so I plan to add a creamery and small passenger and freight depot.
Life's too short to eat bad cake
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Posted by russstraw on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 7:58 PM
I am in the planning stage of my home layout. Ever since I went back packing in Colorado in the early 70s and flagged a ride on the Narrow Gauge D&RG from Elk Park down to Durango, I have wanted to model that line. Right now I have my room all built out, the lighting installed and the backdrop painted. So far no bench work but I am accumulating Nn3 track and rolling stock. I want to model it as it was right after W.W.II when the RGS still came into Durango. It will be more or less a point to point layout from Durango to Silverton with a few sidings along the way with the major emphasis on massive scenery.
Russell Straw Sugar Land Route
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 8:40 PM
I model the Kansas and Missouri River Valley around KCMO/KCK. Originally I modeled 68-70, however, have changed to 80-83 as I enjoy modeling business/excursion trains. I live in Topeka, KS 60 miles west of KCMO/KCK
Ch
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 8:40 PM
I model the Kansas and Missouri River Valley around KCMO/KCK. Originally I modeled 68-70, however, have changed to 80-83 as I enjoy modeling business/excursion trains. I live in Topeka, KS 60 miles west of KCMO/KCK
Ch
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Posted by NevinW on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 8:52 PM
Currently I live in West Virginia so I model the B&O and WM FM&P line in Morgantown WV. I was born and raised in Las Vegas Nevada and grew up with the Union Pacific which caused me to love trains. I went to college in Utah and have always been attracted to the WP and D&RGW. I also think that the V&T, SPNG and the old Nevada mining roads like the LV&T, B, T&G would make great model railroads.

I could model any of these! Perhaps I should really rent a warehouse and build models of all of them! My wife would love that. :) - Nevin
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Posted by NevinW on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 8:52 PM
Currently I live in West Virginia so I model the B&O and WM FM&P line in Morgantown WV. I was born and raised in Las Vegas Nevada and grew up with the Union Pacific which caused me to love trains. I went to college in Utah and have always been attracted to the WP and D&RGW. I also think that the V&T, SPNG and the old Nevada mining roads like the LV&T, B, T&G would make great model railroads.

I could model any of these! Perhaps I should really rent a warehouse and build models of all of them! My wife would love that. :) - Nevin
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 9:40 PM
I model the area around Winchester, Virginia, and my reason is largely due to ignorance! I actually determined the name of the towns I would model based on a random decal that I liked as a kid, with the initials "WP&P" in a circular herald. At the time I lived near Norfolk, VA, and owned a single Norfolk & Western engine, so I know which way I would be heading. I chose Portsmouth as one town name (it is just across the harbor from Norfolk) and then looked on the map for a "W" town name somewhere on the opposite side of Virginia.

As time has gone by, I've discovered just how excellent my town selection was; everything that I invented as fiction when I first started modeling turned out to have corresponding prototypes in the Winchester area. The one rather funny thing, though, is that I model a coal hauler with several active mines, and yet, now that I have looked into it, the two northeaster counties of West Virginia where my mines are supposed to be located are, in fact, the ONLY two counties of the state which have never had productive coal mining!

So, my entire fictional railroad is based on a geological premise, i.e. that there was in fact a large coal seam running through the area, and my railroad's founder was a surveyor who spotted it. If there was coal there, then surely my Winchester, Paston, & Porstmouth would have come into existence, right?
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 9:40 PM
I model the area around Winchester, Virginia, and my reason is largely due to ignorance! I actually determined the name of the towns I would model based on a random decal that I liked as a kid, with the initials "WP&P" in a circular herald. At the time I lived near Norfolk, VA, and owned a single Norfolk & Western engine, so I know which way I would be heading. I chose Portsmouth as one town name (it is just across the harbor from Norfolk) and then looked on the map for a "W" town name somewhere on the opposite side of Virginia.

As time has gone by, I've discovered just how excellent my town selection was; everything that I invented as fiction when I first started modeling turned out to have corresponding prototypes in the Winchester area. The one rather funny thing, though, is that I model a coal hauler with several active mines, and yet, now that I have looked into it, the two northeaster counties of West Virginia where my mines are supposed to be located are, in fact, the ONLY two counties of the state which have never had productive coal mining!

So, my entire fictional railroad is based on a geological premise, i.e. that there was in fact a large coal seam running through the area, and my railroad's founder was a surveyor who spotted it. If there was coal there, then surely my Winchester, Paston, & Porstmouth would have come into existence, right?
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 29, 2004 2:50 AM
well my railroad is in the fictious country of boblonia running through the town of Hunterville and over the sedon river with there on army this is the true meaning of freelannced
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 29, 2004 2:50 AM
well my railroad is in the fictious country of boblonia running through the town of Hunterville and over the sedon river with there on army this is the true meaning of freelannced
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Posted by Big_Boy_4005 on Thursday, January 29, 2004 2:50 AM
Its nice to model what's in your own back yard. It makes it easy to gather info and take photos to help plan and build a layout. I've chosen a nice big chunk of the local mainline and some cool industries for switching. It should be fun to build and operate.
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Posted by Big_Boy_4005 on Thursday, January 29, 2004 2:50 AM
Its nice to model what's in your own back yard. It makes it easy to gather info and take photos to help plan and build a layout. I've chosen a nice big chunk of the local mainline and some cool industries for switching. It should be fun to build and operate.
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Posted by darkstar974 on Saturday, January 22, 2005 6:27 PM
well i am in the planning stages of a freelance rr between Pittsburgh, Beaver and Youngstown, Oh and then maybe Erie Pa hauling steel and coal to lake Erie gotta get those creative jucies flowing though
trains, trains, trains I love trains
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Posted by darkstar974 on Saturday, January 22, 2005 6:27 PM
well i am in the planning stages of a freelance rr between Pittsburgh, Beaver and Youngstown, Oh and then maybe Erie Pa hauling steel and coal to lake Erie gotta get those creative jucies flowing though
trains, trains, trains I love trains
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Posted by PASMITH on Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:10 PM
Where: Northern California Just North West of Mt. Shasta and Weed
When: 1911
What: Freelance HOn30 logging ( There was a real 30 inch gauge logging RR in that arear at that time)
Prototype: Standard Gauge, SP, Weed Lumber Company ( Longbell). SP Services Weed and my freelance mill.
Why: As a fire prtection engineer for International Paper in the mid 70's I inspected the old steam powered Weed mill and got hooked on NW early steam logging. Then I got hooked on HOn30 ( Frary & Hayden)

Peter Smith, Memphis
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Posted by PASMITH on Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:10 PM
Where: Northern California Just North West of Mt. Shasta and Weed
When: 1911
What: Freelance HOn30 logging ( There was a real 30 inch gauge logging RR in that arear at that time)
Prototype: Standard Gauge, SP, Weed Lumber Company ( Longbell). SP Services Weed and my freelance mill.
Why: As a fire prtection engineer for International Paper in the mid 70's I inspected the old steam powered Weed mill and got hooked on NW early steam logging. Then I got hooked on HOn30 ( Frary & Hayden)

Peter Smith, Memphis
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Posted by swimminbob on Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:23 PM
My model railroad is roughly based on the Central Vermont/New England Central and the Canadian National. I can sit in my house or on my porch and watch the NEC/Amtrak trains go by several times each day. There is nothing quite like it to get the modeling urges surging.
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Posted by swimminbob on Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:23 PM
My model railroad is roughly based on the Central Vermont/New England Central and the Canadian National. I can sit in my house or on my porch and watch the NEC/Amtrak trains go by several times each day. There is nothing quite like it to get the modeling urges surging.
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Posted by jabrown1971 on Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:26 PM
I am trying to put together a generic midwest layout that can be set anytime from the 60's through today. I have several influences that I missed by virtue of being born too late, but have learned about through history. I can run just about any midwestern trunk line that exists(ed).
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Posted by jabrown1971 on Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:26 PM
I am trying to put together a generic midwest layout that can be set anytime from the 60's through today. I have several influences that I missed by virtue of being born too late, but have learned about through history. I can run just about any midwestern trunk line that exists(ed).
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Posted by SilverSpike on Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:29 PM
My HO scale model railroad is based on railroads that operate in south east Louisiana in that the companies are the prototype and the landscape is fictional. That is I have motive power and consists for the Kansas City Southern, Southern, and Norfolk Southern. I am looking to also expand possibly to the Union Pacific, and the Texas and Pacific (older stuff). My landscape is fictional but have named the various towns after local areas in and around New Orleans.

- Ryan

Ryan Boudreaux
The Piedmont Division
Modeling The Southern Railway, Norfolk & Western & Norfolk Southern in HO during the merger era
Cajun Chef Ryan

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Posted by SilverSpike on Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:29 PM
My HO scale model railroad is based on railroads that operate in south east Louisiana in that the companies are the prototype and the landscape is fictional. That is I have motive power and consists for the Kansas City Southern, Southern, and Norfolk Southern. I am looking to also expand possibly to the Union Pacific, and the Texas and Pacific (older stuff). My landscape is fictional but have named the various towns after local areas in and around New Orleans.

- Ryan

Ryan Boudreaux
The Piedmont Division
Modeling The Southern Railway, Norfolk & Western & Norfolk Southern in HO during the merger era
Cajun Chef Ryan

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Posted by leonardbrand on Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:58 PM
Southeast, Grew up next to ACL,CofG,L&N,Seaboard, GM&O and the Wof A / WP and remember the old Birmingham Southeasten. I call it the Seaboard Southern, A short connecting trunk line that runs between the NS and CSX ,and goes on to a harbor port which supplys most of the SS's incomeing. The SS use mostly late diesel, but there is a rail museum in one of the towns that the SS goes thue that has a big collection of steam as well as old diesels that run excursions over the SS which lets me run mostly anything I want.
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Posted by leonardbrand on Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:58 PM
Southeast, Grew up next to ACL,CofG,L&N,Seaboard, GM&O and the Wof A / WP and remember the old Birmingham Southeasten. I call it the Seaboard Southern, A short connecting trunk line that runs between the NS and CSX ,and goes on to a harbor port which supplys most of the SS's incomeing. The SS use mostly late diesel, but there is a rail museum in one of the towns that the SS goes thue that has a big collection of steam as well as old diesels that run excursions over the SS which lets me run mostly anything I want.
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Posted by PistolPete on Saturday, January 22, 2005 8:03 PM
I model a finctional BN division point with major facilities and interchanges in one direction with the UP and in the other direction with the SF. It also will have a small industrial switching section. The location is someplace in the west. The is no real main line run, just switching a yard, the interchanges and the industries. The layout is G shaped 8x10x12x13 and about 2 feet wide.
As for why, my first new engine was a BN SPD-40. I liked the looks and the color pattern.
"Model Railroading is a great pastime, BUT SOCCER IS A WAY OF LIFE" Enjoy Life Pistol Pete
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Posted by PistolPete on Saturday, January 22, 2005 8:03 PM
I model a finctional BN division point with major facilities and interchanges in one direction with the UP and in the other direction with the SF. It also will have a small industrial switching section. The location is someplace in the west. The is no real main line run, just switching a yard, the interchanges and the industries. The layout is G shaped 8x10x12x13 and about 2 feet wide.
As for why, my first new engine was a BN SPD-40. I liked the looks and the color pattern.
"Model Railroading is a great pastime, BUT SOCCER IS A WAY OF LIFE" Enjoy Life Pistol Pete
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 22, 2005 8:33 PM
I'd have to say "ditto" to what 4884BigBoy said. I liked the transition era steam units that UP was running (FEF's, Challengers and Big Boys) and decided that I would build my railroad empire around those units. I haven't yet built my layout, but I am planning to model the west, although not a specific location. I am planning to run the above mentioned units, so Sherman Hill would be the most accurate prototype to model. Having never actually been there, though, I am planning a more generic western US layout with mostly UP consists. Since I am particularly interested in the transition era, I am planning to run late steam and early diesel units on my layout, both freight and passenger. With the design of the layout that I have come up with, though, it could easily be Tehachapi, CA, since I will be building a loop like that in Tehachapi. Anyhow, since the terrain is freelanced, I suppose I could just call it "anywhere I want it to be!"

-Joe
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 22, 2005 8:33 PM
I'd have to say "ditto" to what 4884BigBoy said. I liked the transition era steam units that UP was running (FEF's, Challengers and Big Boys) and decided that I would build my railroad empire around those units. I haven't yet built my layout, but I am planning to model the west, although not a specific location. I am planning to run the above mentioned units, so Sherman Hill would be the most accurate prototype to model. Having never actually been there, though, I am planning a more generic western US layout with mostly UP consists. Since I am particularly interested in the transition era, I am planning to run late steam and early diesel units on my layout, both freight and passenger. With the design of the layout that I have come up with, though, it could easily be Tehachapi, CA, since I will be building a loop like that in Tehachapi. Anyhow, since the terrain is freelanced, I suppose I could just call it "anywhere I want it to be!"

-Joe
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 22, 2005 11:11 PM
Here is a quick run-down of my layout theme and era....

Deere Valley & Western, without motive power or rolling stock of its own enters lease and trackage rights agreements with ATSF, SP, WP and UP after purchasing some little used and abandoned right-of-ways in California with financial backing of the John Deere Company. John Deere uses its own motive power and rolling stock on the DV&W tracks and is a financial contributor in construction and rehabilitation of the rail lines. The line serves the agricultural areas of California from Sacramento to Los Angeles and sees a tremendous variety of freight and passenger equipment on its trackage. The ficticious town of Deere Valley is located in the rural outskirts of Stockton, CA.

The era is 1959/1960. A variety of soon to be retired steam and 1st generation diesels are common sights including the occasional UP Big Boy which is routed from Wyoming for special fast heavy produce freights to the East. A couple of times a Big Boy was even seen hauling a passenger consist when the diesel power broke down and no other engines were available to continue the run.

Photos of the current 4x8 (scheduled for demolition and replacement this spring) can be seen at Webshots. Just click on the link in my signature.

I chose this area of the country because I enjoy the western mountain and valley scenery and the big steam still used on the western roads in the '50s. I am also big into John Deere, and my layout theme revolves around John Deere equipment and the construction of a "John Deerre Western Parts Distribution Center" in Deere Valley.
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 22, 2005 11:11 PM
Here is a quick run-down of my layout theme and era....

Deere Valley & Western, without motive power or rolling stock of its own enters lease and trackage rights agreements with ATSF, SP, WP and UP after purchasing some little used and abandoned right-of-ways in California with financial backing of the John Deere Company. John Deere uses its own motive power and rolling stock on the DV&W tracks and is a financial contributor in construction and rehabilitation of the rail lines. The line serves the agricultural areas of California from Sacramento to Los Angeles and sees a tremendous variety of freight and passenger equipment on its trackage. The ficticious town of Deere Valley is located in the rural outskirts of Stockton, CA.

The era is 1959/1960. A variety of soon to be retired steam and 1st generation diesels are common sights including the occasional UP Big Boy which is routed from Wyoming for special fast heavy produce freights to the East. A couple of times a Big Boy was even seen hauling a passenger consist when the diesel power broke down and no other engines were available to continue the run.

Photos of the current 4x8 (scheduled for demolition and replacement this spring) can be seen at Webshots. Just click on the link in my signature.

I chose this area of the country because I enjoy the western mountain and valley scenery and the big steam still used on the western roads in the '50s. I am also big into John Deere, and my layout theme revolves around John Deere equipment and the construction of a "John Deerre Western Parts Distribution Center" in Deere Valley.
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Posted by NYCentral1 on Sunday, January 23, 2005 3:01 AM
When it's built, a fictious section of the New York Central, based around the NYC mainline in the Albany, N.Y. area.

I expect to model the transition period of the 40's-50's. The reason for modeling NYC? Besides that fact that it's the greatest railroad in history?[;)]
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Posted by NYCentral1 on Sunday, January 23, 2005 3:01 AM
When it's built, a fictious section of the New York Central, based around the NYC mainline in the Albany, N.Y. area.

I expect to model the transition period of the 40's-50's. The reason for modeling NYC? Besides that fact that it's the greatest railroad in history?[;)]
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 23, 2005 5:00 AM
Ship and Go with the C&O. C&O, B&O and Western Maryland, Why sir you ask, first of all I live beside original B&O trackage, the C&O for its mighty steam, Western Maryland for it's ability to resist even the power of the C&O before the Chessie era. Transition era but epically the years during WW2. The ability of all the railroads to move the men and materials needed to fight and win the war in Europe and Asia. To be able to have early hoods and car body diesels working along side of Big steam moving mountains of coal then the economic backbone of our country while troop cars filled with the sons and daughters of liberty shared the rails with famous people riding famous trains amidst all the glamour of once was rail travel. And for my own little Clarksburg Charleston & Western lines a freelanced ride thru the heart of the hills of Appalachia Terry
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 23, 2005 5:00 AM
Ship and Go with the C&O. C&O, B&O and Western Maryland, Why sir you ask, first of all I live beside original B&O trackage, the C&O for its mighty steam, Western Maryland for it's ability to resist even the power of the C&O before the Chessie era. Transition era but epically the years during WW2. The ability of all the railroads to move the men and materials needed to fight and win the war in Europe and Asia. To be able to have early hoods and car body diesels working along side of Big steam moving mountains of coal then the economic backbone of our country while troop cars filled with the sons and daughters of liberty shared the rails with famous people riding famous trains amidst all the glamour of once was rail travel. And for my own little Clarksburg Charleston & Western lines a freelanced ride thru the heart of the hills of Appalachia Terry
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Posted by CPPedler on Sunday, January 23, 2005 5:44 AM
Well I am 58 years old and until July 2000 I had seen a great deal of the world through military service but I had never been across the pond but we went to the Calgary Stampede that year and I fell in love with the Canadian Pacific, at Banff actually . I stood on what remains of the station there and saw 3 AC4400's with a manifest of 145 car of all shapes and sizes coming east and it was tanking along at a heck of a pace. I thought to myself 'this is something that I want to model' , so I do and I'm getting a great deal of pleasure from it ,....so there you have it. CPPedler.
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Posted by CPPedler on Sunday, January 23, 2005 5:44 AM
Well I am 58 years old and until July 2000 I had seen a great deal of the world through military service but I had never been across the pond but we went to the Calgary Stampede that year and I fell in love with the Canadian Pacific, at Banff actually . I stood on what remains of the station there and saw 3 AC4400's with a manifest of 145 car of all shapes and sizes coming east and it was tanking along at a heck of a pace. I thought to myself 'this is something that I want to model' , so I do and I'm getting a great deal of pleasure from it ,....so there you have it. CPPedler.
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Posted by tcf511 on Sunday, January 23, 2005 9:48 AM
I'm working on my first layout. It is freelanced based upon the Front Royal, VA area where I now live. It gives the opportunity to mix in two prototype railroads, the N&W and SRR as this was an interchange point. I grew up in the northeast people visiting will be more impressed if they see buildings or areas that they recognize. The time is 1958 for two reasons, one I can mix late steam and early diesel and two I can also include some classic autos like the 57 Chevy and T-bird.

Tim Fahey

Musconetcong Branch of the Lehigh Valley RR

 

 

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Posted by tcf511 on Sunday, January 23, 2005 9:48 AM
I'm working on my first layout. It is freelanced based upon the Front Royal, VA area where I now live. It gives the opportunity to mix in two prototype railroads, the N&W and SRR as this was an interchange point. I grew up in the northeast people visiting will be more impressed if they see buildings or areas that they recognize. The time is 1958 for two reasons, one I can mix late steam and early diesel and two I can also include some classic autos like the 57 Chevy and T-bird.

Tim Fahey

Musconetcong Branch of the Lehigh Valley RR

 

 

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Posted by grayfox1119 on Sunday, January 23, 2005 10:19 AM
I am building my 1st layout, it will include the former Boston & Albany route that runs through my town. I also plan to model part of the MEC and Mountain Div through Crawford Notch NH into VT. In general, I am going to model the New England northern states plus Mass.
The reason? It is easier to model areas where you know and live and can easily drive/visit to see the industry, the rail lines, the spurs/sidings etc.
Of course you also can get topos of more distant areas, and do far away areas also, that has more rugged countryside for modeling mountains, tunnels, deep ravines, etc.

Dick If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got!! Learn from the mistakes of others, trust me........you can't live long enough to make all the mistakes yourself, I tried !! Picture album at :http://www.railimages.com/gallery/dickjubinville Picture album at:http://community.webshots.com/user/dickj19 local weather www.weatherlink.com/user/grayfox1119
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Cherry Valley, Ma
  • 3,674 posts
Posted by grayfox1119 on Sunday, January 23, 2005 10:19 AM
I am building my 1st layout, it will include the former Boston & Albany route that runs through my town. I also plan to model part of the MEC and Mountain Div through Crawford Notch NH into VT. In general, I am going to model the New England northern states plus Mass.
The reason? It is easier to model areas where you know and live and can easily drive/visit to see the industry, the rail lines, the spurs/sidings etc.
Of course you also can get topos of more distant areas, and do far away areas also, that has more rugged countryside for modeling mountains, tunnels, deep ravines, etc.

Dick If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got!! Learn from the mistakes of others, trust me........you can't live long enough to make all the mistakes yourself, I tried !! Picture album at :http://www.railimages.com/gallery/dickjubinville Picture album at:http://community.webshots.com/user/dickj19 local weather www.weatherlink.com/user/grayfox1119
  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Fairmount (Syracuse) NY
  • 1,226 posts
Posted by JPowell on Sunday, January 23, 2005 10:49 AM
Freelanced in-progress building. CSX/Conrail; Syracuse NY area. Modern times. Why you ask? Cause I can and I want to! I own (freelanced) Powell Transport, Inc who does all the transportation needs for the East Syracuse (NY) Co-Op Industrial Park. So, in general, I am building my 1st layout, a industrial park. Lots of switching w/ a spur and siding leading to the Park from the CSX Yard in DeWitt NY. Powell transport leases motive power (mostly 4-axles (GP38-2's come to mind here...) and an ocassional 6 axle) from CSX, Conrail, and a few from leasing companies.

//signed// John Powell President / CEO CNY Transportation Corp (fictional)

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/nuts4sports34/

Hunter - When we met in January of 2000, you were just a 6 week old pup who walked his way into this heart of mine as the only runt in the litter who would come over to me. And today, I sit here and tell you I am sorry we had to put you down. It was the best thing for you and also the right thing to do. May you now rest in peace and comfort. Love, Dad. 8 June 2010

I love you and miss you Mom. Say hi to everyone up there for me. Rest in peace and comfort. Love, John. 29 March 2017

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Fairmount (Syracuse) NY
  • 1,226 posts
Posted by JPowell on Sunday, January 23, 2005 10:49 AM
Freelanced in-progress building. CSX/Conrail; Syracuse NY area. Modern times. Why you ask? Cause I can and I want to! I own (freelanced) Powell Transport, Inc who does all the transportation needs for the East Syracuse (NY) Co-Op Industrial Park. So, in general, I am building my 1st layout, a industrial park. Lots of switching w/ a spur and siding leading to the Park from the CSX Yard in DeWitt NY. Powell transport leases motive power (mostly 4-axles (GP38-2's come to mind here...) and an ocassional 6 axle) from CSX, Conrail, and a few from leasing companies.

//signed// John Powell President / CEO CNY Transportation Corp (fictional)

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/nuts4sports34/

Hunter - When we met in January of 2000, you were just a 6 week old pup who walked his way into this heart of mine as the only runt in the litter who would come over to me. And today, I sit here and tell you I am sorry we had to put you down. It was the best thing for you and also the right thing to do. May you now rest in peace and comfort. Love, Dad. 8 June 2010

I love you and miss you Mom. Say hi to everyone up there for me. Rest in peace and comfort. Love, John. 29 March 2017

  • Member since
    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 23, 2005 11:10 AM
Between Philadelphia and New York City. Mostly in the 50's, thats when I grew up in. When I was a kid, me and a buddy used to walk across town to see GG1s pull fast passenger trains.
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    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 23, 2005 11:10 AM
Between Philadelphia and New York City. Mostly in the 50's, thats when I grew up in. When I was a kid, me and a buddy used to walk across town to see GG1s pull fast passenger trains.
  • Member since
    October 2012
  • 527 posts
Posted by eastcoast on Sunday, January 23, 2005 12:32 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by appst03

Where is your model railroad based? Why did you select that location(s)? What type of commodities does it haul? What era does it operate in?


As the name implies, I model the East Coast U.S. Mainly focused on the
Southeast region along the Atlantic Coastline from Florida to North Carolina.
This gives me flexability with my equipment choices. I have a freelanced road
anyhow so this further minimizes location problems. I grew up in TampaBay, FL.
but now reside and work elsewhere near a prominent landmark. I mostly model
passenger operations but do have some industries like plastics and lumber.
Alot of my businesses are wharehousing,shipping,receiving from truck to train,etc.
Since I model what I know, the era is set from 1970 to present day but some of the
stuctures are built to be dated further back. This is a work in progress and may
see changes as time goes on.
THANKS FOR ASKING.
  • Member since
    October 2012
  • 527 posts
Posted by eastcoast on Sunday, January 23, 2005 12:32 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by appst03

Where is your model railroad based? Why did you select that location(s)? What type of commodities does it haul? What era does it operate in?


As the name implies, I model the East Coast U.S. Mainly focused on the
Southeast region along the Atlantic Coastline from Florida to North Carolina.
This gives me flexability with my equipment choices. I have a freelanced road
anyhow so this further minimizes location problems. I grew up in TampaBay, FL.
but now reside and work elsewhere near a prominent landmark. I mostly model
passenger operations but do have some industries like plastics and lumber.
Alot of my businesses are wharehousing,shipping,receiving from truck to train,etc.
Since I model what I know, the era is set from 1970 to present day but some of the
stuctures are built to be dated further back. This is a work in progress and may
see changes as time goes on.
THANKS FOR ASKING.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 23, 2005 5:34 PM
My region is Southern California and it is because it is a region I do not live in and I want to model a region I have never visited. Easy and simple no need for three paragraphs to why.
  • Member since
    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 23, 2005 5:34 PM
My region is Southern California and it is because it is a region I do not live in and I want to model a region I have never visited. Easy and simple no need for three paragraphs to why.
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Carmichael, CA
  • 8,055 posts
Posted by twhite on Sunday, January 23, 2005 6:25 PM
Northern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, midway between SP's Donner Pass and WP's Feather River. Specifically, the Yuba River watershed, between Nevada City, CA and Yuba Summit. The era is WWII, it's all steam. Railroad modeled is the Rio Grande California Extension between Utah and Oakland CA, with SP and GN (Highline) trackage rights. Also some 'borrowed' eastern steam since the Rio Grande is perennially power-short (C&S, N&W, Pennsy, C&O). Season is early Fall, which makes the line heavy with east-bound late-season reefer blocks. Also regular freight, seasonal cattle movements and westbound Utah coal trains to service west coast defense factories (and the railroad--it's the only coal-burning rr on the West Coast).
Tom
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Carmichael, CA
  • 8,055 posts
Posted by twhite on Sunday, January 23, 2005 6:25 PM
Northern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, midway between SP's Donner Pass and WP's Feather River. Specifically, the Yuba River watershed, between Nevada City, CA and Yuba Summit. The era is WWII, it's all steam. Railroad modeled is the Rio Grande California Extension between Utah and Oakland CA, with SP and GN (Highline) trackage rights. Also some 'borrowed' eastern steam since the Rio Grande is perennially power-short (C&S, N&W, Pennsy, C&O). Season is early Fall, which makes the line heavy with east-bound late-season reefer blocks. Also regular freight, seasonal cattle movements and westbound Utah coal trains to service west coast defense factories (and the railroad--it's the only coal-burning rr on the West Coast).
Tom
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Sunday, January 23, 2005 7:00 PM
The Seneca Lake, Ontario, & Western (SLOW) is a fictional railroad based on the New York, Ontario & Western in name only. It lives up to its name as it has been in construction for 25 years and isn't showing any signs of being close to finished yet. It is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region of New York and connects with the NYC and the Northern Central Branch of the Pennsylvania RR both of which did come into Canandaigua, NY where I was born. Ultimately there will be models of the Lisk Plant in Canandaigua as well as many of the mills found on the old Penn Yan and New York RR that went from Dresden, NY to Penn Yan, NY (nicknamed the Corkscrew RR by the NYC which absorbed this shortline). It will haul coal from PA and the little mine that will be built sometime or other as well as paper from mills in the area and enamalware from the Lisk plant. It, of course, will have to bring supplies to each of the industries as well.

The time period is post WW1 the USRA period. Why? I don't know, I just like the steam locos and equipment of that era and it HAS to be steam..... Fwhooooooo Chuf, Chuf, Chuf is just so much cooler than Rumble, BLAAAT, Rumble! [;)]

Ray

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Sunday, January 23, 2005 7:00 PM
The Seneca Lake, Ontario, & Western (SLOW) is a fictional railroad based on the New York, Ontario & Western in name only. It lives up to its name as it has been in construction for 25 years and isn't showing any signs of being close to finished yet. It is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region of New York and connects with the NYC and the Northern Central Branch of the Pennsylvania RR both of which did come into Canandaigua, NY where I was born. Ultimately there will be models of the Lisk Plant in Canandaigua as well as many of the mills found on the old Penn Yan and New York RR that went from Dresden, NY to Penn Yan, NY (nicknamed the Corkscrew RR by the NYC which absorbed this shortline). It will haul coal from PA and the little mine that will be built sometime or other as well as paper from mills in the area and enamalware from the Lisk plant. It, of course, will have to bring supplies to each of the industries as well.

The time period is post WW1 the USRA period. Why? I don't know, I just like the steam locos and equipment of that era and it HAS to be steam..... Fwhooooooo Chuf, Chuf, Chuf is just so much cooler than Rumble, BLAAAT, Rumble! [;)]

Ray

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • 2,844 posts
Posted by dinwitty on Sunday, January 23, 2005 7:39 PM
will be building a multi-railroad line with interchanges using a multi-level shelf module design I am engineering.

location is chicago style lines, NS, SS, NKP,NYC, BRC, the also N&W and VGN in the east, all lines will be able to get traffic to/from each other via various interchanges.

N&W is unique as I enjoyed O WInston Links recordings, and I have ridden SS and NS.

VGN is interesting for the electried portion it had I will model.



  • Member since
    August 2004
  • 2,844 posts
Posted by dinwitty on Sunday, January 23, 2005 7:39 PM
will be building a multi-railroad line with interchanges using a multi-level shelf module design I am engineering.

location is chicago style lines, NS, SS, NKP,NYC, BRC, the also N&W and VGN in the east, all lines will be able to get traffic to/from each other via various interchanges.

N&W is unique as I enjoyed O WInston Links recordings, and I have ridden SS and NS.

VGN is interesting for the electried portion it had I will model.



  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 23, 2005 8:33 PM
Well my FIRST new layout is based in Dept. 56. It will be a simple oval with a
passing track to highlight my Better Half's Christmas Village and to hone my skills to tackle layout #2.

Layout #2 will be the Cincinnati, Georgetown & Portsmouth a mixed gauge, mixed passenger & freight, mixed steam & electric line that existed from the late 1870's to 1933. Once I decide how to condense about 100 miles of track and 35 sidings into a scale model I will decide on the exact era. I may even try to rationalize a a way for the line to survive into the 40's and 50's.

I grew up a stones throw from the abandoned right of way and spent most of my life in the area it served.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 23, 2005 8:33 PM
Well my FIRST new layout is based in Dept. 56. It will be a simple oval with a
passing track to highlight my Better Half's Christmas Village and to hone my skills to tackle layout #2.

Layout #2 will be the Cincinnati, Georgetown & Portsmouth a mixed gauge, mixed passenger & freight, mixed steam & electric line that existed from the late 1870's to 1933. Once I decide how to condense about 100 miles of track and 35 sidings into a scale model I will decide on the exact era. I may even try to rationalize a a way for the line to survive into the 40's and 50's.

I grew up a stones throw from the abandoned right of way and spent most of my life in the area it served.
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Northern Indiana
  • 1,000 posts
Posted by PennsyHoosier on Sunday, January 23, 2005 9:26 PM
Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, because they are the coolest places on earth!
Lawrence, The Pennsy Hoosier
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Northern Indiana
  • 1,000 posts
Posted by PennsyHoosier on Sunday, January 23, 2005 9:26 PM
Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, because they are the coolest places on earth!
Lawrence, The Pennsy Hoosier
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 24, 2005 1:12 AM
I'm freelancing because I couldn't come up with a place that I could afford to go and visit enough to do justice in modeling. I will have some double stack/container work, general cargo in all the standard cars, some passenger (C&NW and yes, Amtrak as well) along with an occasional visit by the old S.P. Tank Train. There will be a lot of excursion trains to account for the steam fix I need and some historic John Bull and Dewitt Clinton type of runs as well.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 24, 2005 1:12 AM
I'm freelancing because I couldn't come up with a place that I could afford to go and visit enough to do justice in modeling. I will have some double stack/container work, general cargo in all the standard cars, some passenger (C&NW and yes, Amtrak as well) along with an occasional visit by the old S.P. Tank Train. There will be a lot of excursion trains to account for the steam fix I need and some historic John Bull and Dewitt Clinton type of runs as well.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Montreal
  • 241 posts
Posted by CFournier on Thursday, January 27, 2005 1:23 PM
The setting is central California, the WP, SP and SF between Monterey and San Francisco with a little inland scenery in between...Because it is exotic to me.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Montreal
  • 241 posts
Posted by CFournier on Thursday, January 27, 2005 1:23 PM
The setting is central California, the WP, SP and SF between Monterey and San Francisco with a little inland scenery in between...Because it is exotic to me.
  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 34 posts
Posted by Train1725 on Friday, January 28, 2005 1:33 PM
Captsmokey,
I'm from Queens, what will you be modeling? I plan to (eventaully) model Sunnyside Train Yards and maybe the Hell's Gate Bridge. Alos, i might include the #7 Train.
  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 34 posts
Posted by Train1725 on Friday, January 28, 2005 1:33 PM
Captsmokey,
I'm from Queens, what will you be modeling? I plan to (eventaully) model Sunnyside Train Yards and maybe the Hell's Gate Bridge. Alos, i might include the #7 Train.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 28, 2005 1:44 PM
La La Land, cuz that's where I spend most of my time. ; 0 )


m
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 28, 2005 1:44 PM
La La Land, cuz that's where I spend most of my time. ; 0 )


m
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: SE Nebraska
  • 249 posts
Posted by camarokid on Friday, January 28, 2005 7:10 PM
Desert Southwest. It's always warm. Whatever suits my fancy at the time. 40's and 50's.
Archie
Ain't it great!!!
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: SE Nebraska
  • 249 posts
Posted by camarokid on Friday, January 28, 2005 7:10 PM
Desert Southwest. It's always warm. Whatever suits my fancy at the time. 40's and 50's.
Archie
Ain't it great!!!
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Ft Wayne IN
  • 332 posts
Posted by BRJN on Friday, January 28, 2005 9:42 PM
My layout will be based on Ft Wayne IN, set in 1900 (or so). I am modeling a Belt Line.

This is because I have lived here all my life, I have access to a Top-Ten-Best-In-The-Nation library (which makes research easy), and I like history. If / when I get something transportable built I intend to write up a presentation that I can take around to schools with a little hands-on fun on the side.

One of the books I found was a Fort Wayne Yearbook, 1905. It included a list of every industry in town. So I can put in:
- tombstone maker
- piano and organ manufacturer
- world's largest maker of handles
- broom builder
- grocer's warehouse
- meatpackers
- brewery and strong spirits
- women's hosiery
among others.

I get to interchange with PRR, NKP, Wabash, Lake Erie & Western, Grand Rapids & Indiana, and LS&MS, which all came into town.

The actual track I want to simulate has been about half-abandoned, but I can still get near the right-of-way to take pictures for backdrop use.

I get a variety of scenes for future modules. There is some rural area on one end, residential city, industrial (switching puzzle), and a riverside scene near one end's yard.
Modeling 1900 (more or less)
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Ft Wayne IN
  • 332 posts
Posted by BRJN on Friday, January 28, 2005 9:42 PM
My layout will be based on Ft Wayne IN, set in 1900 (or so). I am modeling a Belt Line.

This is because I have lived here all my life, I have access to a Top-Ten-Best-In-The-Nation library (which makes research easy), and I like history. If / when I get something transportable built I intend to write up a presentation that I can take around to schools with a little hands-on fun on the side.

One of the books I found was a Fort Wayne Yearbook, 1905. It included a list of every industry in town. So I can put in:
- tombstone maker
- piano and organ manufacturer
- world's largest maker of handles
- broom builder
- grocer's warehouse
- meatpackers
- brewery and strong spirits
- women's hosiery
among others.

I get to interchange with PRR, NKP, Wabash, Lake Erie & Western, Grand Rapids & Indiana, and LS&MS, which all came into town.

The actual track I want to simulate has been about half-abandoned, but I can still get near the right-of-way to take pictures for backdrop use.

I get a variety of scenes for future modules. There is some rural area on one end, residential city, industrial (switching puzzle), and a riverside scene near one end's yard.
Modeling 1900 (more or less)
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 29, 2005 4:05 AM
Oregon Coast, small towns, waterfront, low mountain range, logging,agriculture, mining, lots going on here. Fictional narrow gauge surviving into 1950, interface with Southern Pacific standard gauge for in-out freight and passenger movement. Also a 'rail museum' collecting and restoring narrow gauge equipment from all over --justifies having out of period equioment.
Jennifer
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 29, 2005 4:05 AM
Oregon Coast, small towns, waterfront, low mountain range, logging,agriculture, mining, lots going on here. Fictional narrow gauge surviving into 1950, interface with Southern Pacific standard gauge for in-out freight and passenger movement. Also a 'rail museum' collecting and restoring narrow gauge equipment from all over --justifies having out of period equioment.
Jennifer

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