I have an N Scale layout in progress, set in Iowa in the late 1950s. I know that both the CRANDIC and FDDM both ran electric interurban service, and I thought it might be interesting to have either or both represented as a secondary feature of the layout (even if these lines weren’t in operation quite as late as the period I’m modelling). If anyone has attempted to model either of these lines before, or has pictures of someone else’s models, I’d like to see them. I expect I’ll have to resort to kitbashing, etc. But I’m thinking under-wire interurban passenger service could be an interesting talking point for a layout set in Iowa.
You are going to have to apply a little ‘artistic license’ - By the late 50’s, passenger service and electric operation were long gone on both lines.
CRANDIC - Last passenger train was in 1953. Freight service was dieselized with EMD switchers within a year.
FtDDM&S - Desielization happened in 1954, and the C&NW bought the line in 1968.
Jim
CRANDIC is still running, as a diesel powered freight mover owned by Alliant Energy.
If you actually put up N scale wire it probably would be a talking point. I’d like to be a fly on the wall when you have the first close encounter of the wrong kind with the spiderweb. I expect the language could get colorful - somewhere between blue and ultraviolet.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in Septetmber, 1964 - in twice-N scale with virtual catenary)
Are we talking Actual working caternary power? or just stand in lines?
On my first layout, I used some black thread for power lines. Man looking at some of the photo’s of this layout makes me want to go back and try again… hmmmmm, I think I might. time to locate some atlas Code 80 track.
When I was in HO (Have been in N for about 20 years now) I had a couple of Crandic engines and caboose to represent the interchange between them and the Rock Island at Iowa City, IA.
I know a guy who was, and might still be, modeling the FDDM&S in the diesel era in HO. I know he had custom decals produced. Someone did a run of FDDM&S box cars a few years ago, a hobby shop in Des Moines still has some.
Jeff
I’ve found some FDDM boxcars - not sure which manufacturer - and plan to use at least one on my layout. What interests me more at this point is the passenger service. As jrbernier has pointed out, it will require a bit of “artistic license” to run such trains on my layout, but only a bit, and I’m okay with this. If I was to kitbash or repaint/decal some of these interurban trains though, are there any recommendations for models to start the kitbashing/repainting project?