I was just on Google Earth and decided to take a look at one of my favorite railfanning places: Mullan Pass in Montana. As I was thus looking at the Satellite picture of the whole area, the Idea came to me that this website is a great tool for making a prototype layout. Has anyone ever thought of that?
The “static” version of Google Maps (and other mapping services) has offered satellite shots for some time. It is a good tool, and I am sure many have used it (them). Interesting that sometimes rail lines do not show up in the photos when they are on the map (and vice versa).
Andrew
Go to here…
http://local.live.com/
and type in ‘interbay, wa’ in the ‘where’ box. This will give you a superb view of the BNSF Seattle Interbay yard.
Make sure you click the ‘bird’s eye’ view.
George
Google Earth is GREAT!!! It has given me views of some areas I model that I could not find anywhere else. Unfortunately the resolution/focus is not equal in all areas (eg. I model Fort Worth and Wichita Falls, TX. Fort Worth is clear and glass, but Wichita Falls I can’t make out a thing). I love this site. Give it a try if you havn’t already.
Ron
i use it all the time, if you have any kind of graphics editing program, you can hit “print screen” just above your insert key, and paste it into the program. i zoomed all the way in and panned it enough to where you could line them up. it’s good to crop out the nav bar and stuff, too.
n2mopac, i did this for Fort Worth from tower 55 through around north yard, i was planning on just modeling fort worth, but am researching going farther, much like yours… got any pics??
mac
Do they offer a version that will give satelite photos of a railyard in the 1950s?[;)]
sounds good to me i might try it out.
Mac,
I lived in North Fort Worth (Watauga) from 2000-2003 and took quite a few pics while I was there. I have some pics of North Yard, Trinity River Bridges, Hodge Yard (Fort Worth & Western), and Saginaw area. I also have a few from Wichita Falls. I’m not a great photographer, but some of them are ok. Drop me an e-mail and I’ll be glad to scan you some as time permits.
Ron
For those of you interested in Illinois aerial photography from 1938-1941, try this link.http://www.isgs.uiuc.edu/nsdihome/webdocs/ilhap/county/
ron, (n2mopac),
i’m sorry, i meant pics of your layout!!
i live about 3 miles from tower 55, my ideal weekend afternoon is chasing trains with my kids and trying to get neat shots all over that area.
i haven’t seen to many people model it, but it’s bustling with activity
mac
I looked up the farm I grew up on to point out that the abandoned right of way for the CG&P was visible.
38 degree 51’ 20.98" N
84 degree 05’ 42.30" W
What I found was a great example of how the picture varies from one area to another. The ROW would be in the color part of the photo.
I never thought to look at that or use that. Thanks so much for the idea.
Steve
I didn’t even know about this. Man, is it COOL! Many thanks!