I am planeing on modeling Conrail in the mid 90’s. My plan is to model coal drags w/ some helper action being put into play. Now this will be my first model railroad layout I’ve ever built, I have room to be bigger than 4x8 but want to start small to make sure I like model railroading.
I’m still in my planeing stage, and have read a couple of books on track, and planeing for relastic operation. So what I’m asking is does any one have any ideas for me to keep operation fairly intersting, any good general info on Conrail, as well as routes to model? Just a little fyi I was kind of looking at the WV 2ndery sense I live pretty close to that line so any info on that line would be helpful as well. Thanks.
By the mid-1990s Conrail focused primarly on through trains, but did have a sizable network of high traffic branches - Secondaries in Conrail talk. Most low density lines were abandoned or sold off.
Your goals for the plan in HO would crowded in a 4x8. There really isn’t enough room for a coal drag big enough to justify helpers. And the big 6 axle power, probably won’t look right.
You might want to try one of the secondaries that supported more dense industrial traffic. Many of these lines were serviced by 2 unit sets of 4 axles - GE B23s and B36s, and EMD GP15s, 38s, and 40s. You could also use SW1001s, SW1500s, or MP15s.
That is really a good site for Conrail that nbrodar suggested. I too am modeling the Conrail line and have found that site to be very informative. It has pictures, rosters of locomotives, and running stock. My layout is also a 4x8, and is my first. I am also in the process of wiring it to run in DCC. I am installing my first decoder in a Athearn GP38-2. I am focusing on Conrail’s lines through the Port of Erie, PA, which have mostly been ripped up now. If I can be of any help let me know.
That was my concern was that in 4x8 it would get crowded and might not look right, I’m glad to have a second oppion on that. Also I was at Conrail Cyclopedia yesterday before I posted this and it is a very good site.
Now with secondaries could you explain more to me there function and what might happen on them. Like I mentioned before I live really close to a part of what in conrails day was the West Virgian secondary I dont know if NS still call it that or not.
Hey thanks for offering your help I’d be intersted in any information you have/ learn along the way. Anything from little tips, to just general info on Conrail.
but I warn you I am still teaching myself, as I have never had any previous experience in MRR. I did just install my first decoder today in my Athearn GP38-2. I am still laying track. I am in the process of wiring my table for my DCC Zephyr which I should get in the next week or so. I sure hope the decoder I installed works correctly. I will test it as soon as I receive my system. I am trying to figure out the optimal wiring of the main bus. Might use suitcase wire connectors, but the ones I have are to large for my bus wire gauge. Or I could use terminal blocks. Or just go the old way and solder the feeder wires directly to the bus. I am trying to avoid a continuous loop of bus wire if at all possible.
My problem with N scale is that it is just to small for me to work with. I like HO it fits in my hands nicely. Plus I have plunty of room to expand later, I just want to start small with 4x8 just to be positive I like model railroading. This will be my first real attempt at a layout.
That’s what I used to think…until I was disappointed to find out my HO 18" radius curves were inadequate for the modern trains I wanted to run. Now, HO scale looks too big for my eyes and hands! Also, if you have a large loco/car collection in N, it doesn’t take as much space!
sighs After some thinking I might look into N scale, but you see I’m just to stubboren to change at times so most likley I will stay with HO, but thanks for the advice.