I am just getting started with model railroading (and this forum) and seek some advice. I plan to model the Great Northern in the 1950s (great colors, shorter cars, mixed operations) in HO. My available space is about 12’ x 12’ so the mainline would be a stretch - certainly in terms of staging. I would appreicate some advice on interesting branch lines in either the high plains or mountain regions that might be good subjects, and any suggestions on sources to consult (beyond “Lines West”, “Lines East” or the book by Hidy and others).
Probably one of the more interesting GN regions was that from Everett to Vancouver. Trains were shorter such as the diesel powered Internationals at five cars. freight trains rarely ran over forty cars and way freights along the line were numerous during the period you talk about. Their were several branch lines such as that to Anacortes and the one that served Concrete. Entire region was only 156 miles between Seattle and Vancouver and thirty miles less if Everett is used. Everett was where the mainline of the GN turned east. There was product from ships loaded on cars in Everett, Bellingham, and Vancouver. Farme equipment was shippped into the Stanwood area and farm products were shipped out. The big industry was forestry with many mills shipping lumber and paper to the rest of the nation. It was an industry rich area with fishing nets and eqipment shipped in and seafood products shipped out.
Always thought if I had the space and time would model this region myself. Just an idea.
I would have to agree with passengerfan. The western end of the Cascade
Division is a good area to model. My own intentions are to model centered
on Everett, Washington. I was raised there and still work there and live
within 25 miles. The area, as mentioned, hosted some great layout-sized
passenger train. The International, as mentioned, was inaugurated in 1950
as a 5-car train pulled by an E7A. There was also the Cascadian, another
local train which still used heavyweight equipment and was short in length.
I agree, this area is a good subject for a layout. Eventually, I will get mine
going-as soon as I settle my living arrangements.
I agree with Passenger fan and GNRick. My daughter livesa in Monroe,and my wifes from out there too. I’m familiar with most of the route from Shelby MT To Seattle.
By the way … Robe Valley… Monte Cristo. Seems theres some connection there or is it a different RobeValley?
You are correct, reklein. I live in Robe Valley-just across the South Fork of the
Stillaguamish River from the roadbed of the Everett & Monte Cristo Railroad.
I visit the various historical sites in the area from time to time. Were it not for
the GN, I would probably model the E&MC-it’s a natural railroad to model.
I am only about 20 miles from Monte Cristo.
Well with GN it would be hard to find a bad place to model. Could always do a free-lanced branch line. That way you could get the feel of the real GN without having to worry about getting everything exactly true to prototype.
Well East of the rockies to Moorehead you could model the 1500 or so miles with about ten pale green or brown and yellow striped pool tables. Or if one doesn’t havre the room just a 4x8 in the same color scheme but with a grain elevator for variety.[:D]
Thanks for the advice - I will look into the suggestions! The Everett-Vancovor area sounds interesting. I will also think about the “flat lands”…and tables.
If I remember correctly, the largest bridge on the GN was west of Fargo-Moorhead in North Dakota?? Maybe could use a model of the bridge between the pool tables??[:D][:P]