I’d like to build a small HO layout based on the Hejaz Railway of World War I. It would appear that the Ottomans only had Swiss-made SLM 2-8-0s in operation. This is my first project for my train-obsessed son and I know essentially nothing, so I’m hoping some kind enthusiasts will take a moment to chime in and answer some questions.
a. I’m about to start reading about WWI trains and mid-east railways but don’t have a starting point. Any recommendations?
b. Assuming it’s correct that only a special class of SLM 2-8-0 were in operation, can someone identify a close-enough engine for me to adapt? Wikipedia link with image,
c. Any other random ideas, thoughts or suggestions wrt to the setting I’ve chosen or getting started in model railroading?
Thanks in advance!
UPDATE:
Since I’ve posted, I’ve learned the following:
a. The following engines from that era are also legit:
Baldwin 2-6-0 Mogul
Borsig 0-4-4-0 mallet
Stephenson 2-2-2
Neilson 2-4-0
Stephenson 0-6-0
Baldwin 4-4-0
b. Early 20th century trains aren’t popular at all, and my odds are slim.
c. Early 20th century European trains are even less popular.
d. Most of the scenery items are only available in OO’ish scale (1:72 or 1:76)
So I’ve given up on exact replicas and am just looking for something from that era that looks close enough in any scale/gauge ( HO, OO, HOn3, HO30, HOm, etc)
Well, there’s a co-incidence. I just recently finished Lawrence’s book about, among other things, blowing up that railway–not a lot of detail stuff, though.
There might be someone here who has some information, but I would suggest finding a forum in England, as they were also quite involved with de-constructing that railroad; and there could be people there who could help. Of course, if you speak/read German or Turkish, forums there could be even more useful.
Your list of locomotives does show some as being built in the US. If you could post pictures, perhaps we could match you up with something.
I note that the railroad was approximately meter gage. Anything you choose from the North American market will be 30" or 3’ gage. If you can find European prototypes, they might likely be meter gage and not compatible with the American style locomotives.
I see a lot of research for you in the future–sounds like fun!!!
I’ll search for active UK RR forums and try there as well.
I don’t particularly mind the gauge; if it’s HO or HOn3 or HOn30 etc. I’d prefer OO, since that’s the best scale for period scenery pieces, but at this point I’m no longer picky.
If you want to use something based on a North American prototype manufacturer, I suggest entering “bachmann 2-6-0” and/or “bachmann 4-4-0” in a google image search. Bachmann makes various versions of these types in various scales and gages.
I note that the sample 4-4-0 is so simple looking that a person might almost scratchbuild it except for the basic drive.
It’s kind of tempting to have more than one locomotive, so before choosing a scale/gage, consider that concept.
And, of course, there’s rolling stock. North American rolling stock will probably be a worse match than something from Europe.
I’d expect to find the equipment you’ll want more from there than from here.