OK , I am new to this and so far really excited about it. I am building a layout based on Alaska and need to find out the availibility of Alaska theme goods, ie, loco’s , rolling stock, structure, etc And so far I am finding not much out there. I live in the San Diego, CA area. Any help would be appreciated whether it be via internet or actual locations in my area.
Thanks,
[#welcome]
You have come to the right place for information. The Alaska Railroad is quite unique. I have not personally seen it, but I have researched. First off, what era are you looking at? And what scale? You might want to try some websites like www.cabboosehobbie.com and www.modeltrainstuff.com. These two sites allow to search for a particular roadname. You may have to paint, decal, and detail your own locos and cars. As for some structures, you may have to kitbash and scratchbuild your own.
There are some members on here that model the Alaska Railroad and they may post some responses on here. As for me, I mostly model BNSF.
Good luck
Errrr…a scale would help [%-)]
Assuming we’re talking HO here…
Athearn has done a number of runs of locomotives (and rolling stock). There have been 2 runs of SD70MACs in the Gensis line, and a number of runs of GP-38s and GP-40s. Atlas just released a run of GP-38s, I believe. And also has released a run of MP-15s. Kato also released a few road numbers of the SD70MACs.
As far as rolling stock, Athearn has the most extensive variety - from reefers to box cars, to ballast cars. There have been a run of 40’ gondolas as well. Walthers has done a number of runs of coal porters. As far as passenger equipment… that’s much harder to find. Bachman has done the McKinley explorer cars, but most of the passenger equipment on the ARR is fairly custom, or simply not pre-made (you’ll have to customize/paint other models to match the prototype).
Here are some useful links:
http://www.roundhousehobbies.com/modelers.htm - Randy specializes in ARR models
http://www.myalaskamodeltrains.com/- Dave has a good summary of stuff, but most of his stuff hasn’t been updated for a year or so.
http://www.alaskarails.org/ - John has great insight/contacts with the ARR, and quite an extensive online collection of imagery.
You can also frequently find Alaska equipment on eBay. Also realize that aside from power, the ARR sees rolling stock from all over the country. As the point of entry for rail equipment is a fairy from Seattle to Whittier, there are a lot of foreign roads that end up on the ARR - especially CN and CPR. Because of that, nearly all equipment would look at home on the ARR.
And, as noted
Cool railroad to model, I was up there in July, took this shot, this flat is designated for “Raft Service”, they haul the rubber rafts and rafters up the river and drop them off, talk about customer friendly.
I’m also working off & on on an Alaska themed HO layout. I highly recomemd Randy at Roundhouse Hobbies! I’ve bought Alaska locomotives and rolling stock from him. I plan to include the Walthers railbarge and apron on my layout. There actually is a railbarge that runs weekly, I think, between Seattle and Whitier, Alaska. Randy also has a good selection of past calendars that have great photos, alot of which he took. I think it’s a great railroad to model!
Sorry, N scale
Check out the following web site. Akaskarails.org/ John Combs who runs this site is a self appointed Historian of the Alaskan RR. A lot of data here. As for obtaining Alaska themed equipment check out Atlas, Walthers, Athern, Kato, Bauckman & Ebay websites. Do your research on prices before purchasing items fron Ebay. For engines I prefer Atlas & Kato. I am in the fist stage of modeling the Alaskan RR. I have started with the Whitter Seaport. Most goods to Alaska arrive here by carfloat as this port never freezes over.