I know the BN ry is extensive, but can anyone guide me to the best source of on-line info/images of scenery and track features eg. bridges, for the BN in the NW corner of the USA eg. Wash state down to northern CA?
I’'m creating a 12 x 5 foot HO layout with 2 BN locos. I love the SF locos too so I thought I would stick to this region. I can find images of locos but not much on the scenery .
Cheers,
Roscoe
I’m thinking of two possible sources for info.
One is to buy one of the “Color” books on the railroad (or actually ANY rr that ran/runs in that geographic area.
Two is to try and find “somewhere” (rr swaps, collectors, online) old company calendars of same.
Hope this helps.
See Ted’s site. Nothing less than fabulous. http://www.icehouse.net/funnelfan/
tom
Tom,
u r right…absolutely brilliant, esp. the Columbian River Gorge - breathtaking scenery and wonderful detail to research for my layout.
Now I’ll have to save up some $$$ for a railfan trip to WA!
Cheers mate,
Roscoe
[;)]
I don’t think the Santa Fe ventured into Washington state. Lots of Union Pacific up there to go with your BN, but I don’t think Uncle John Santa Fe ran very far North of Southern California. Please understand that I am, by no means, an expert. And before somebody misunderstands and comes on ranting let me say that YES I do know that the Santa Fe ran as far North as Nebraska in the plains states and of course as far North as Chicago in Illinois! But I don’t think they ventured up the west coast to Washington.
On the other hand, it’s your railroad so do it the way want and enjoy. As you progress please post some pictures for us. It’s always fun to see someone else’s railroad!
Cheers,
Ed
G’day Ed,
Yes, I am sticking to BN and UP. I had built a 5x12 foot HO layout, open grid benchwork with 3 levels of track twisting and turning but after some nasty derailments (including damaging the bodywork of a loco) I decided to rip it up and start again. The 5x12 benchwork remains as a base module for a modular design that will eventually extend to a 12x18 rectangle of corner and straight modules. Since the layout is in a garage, the modules can be set up for a night of operation, then dismantled for the return of the family Voyager. The new layout will have a double mainline, no grades and large 30" curves for long trains. The base module has a simple loop with a passing loop, several spurs for industry and a yard for switching. I’m currently scratchbuilding a 130’ turntable for the servicing area. The layout will also have connecting tracks leading to the future modules.
Progress is much better, considering the little time we (a track gang of 4, soon to be 3) spend on it (3 hours a week). We use a single layer of polystyrene foam sheets (1.5" thick) over the benchwork. Roadbed and trackwork is so much easier than nailing on to firm plywood! I’m glad we made the change, because the modular approach really excites me: the prospect of honing the modelling skills on a smaller area, in the garage or on the dining table, not only must lead to a better finish, but make it more enjoyable. I also like the fact that other people can contribute away from the workscene in the future.
Ed, how can I attach a photo?
Cheers,
Roscoe