Hi everyone. My apologies in advance for the length of this message, but I need some help putting my railroad in the real world and would really appreciate your insights and advice. I have been thinking about this for quite a while, but I am still struggling with it.
I don’t have a specific favorite prototype, so what is probably an easy decision for many folks is proving to be a challenge for me. My preference is a layout based on a prototype that is both plausible and meets my goals (below), although I am willing to abuse reality/history if necessary. The layout itself will be HO with a mainline of about 2.5 scale miles in an irregular, 500 sq. ft. area. It will be a single level walkaround with the mainline not repeating any scenes. I’ve settled on a mainline design, so what is left is specifying the grade profile and locating the towns, spurs, sidings and industries.
Desires:
-
Colorado, Oregon or British Columbia/Alberta location, with good scenic opportunities (non-negotiable, as this was dictated by my wife[:)])
-
Prototype railroads only, with widely available, good quality engines and rolling stock (I don’t want to HAVE to deal with brass, custom paint jobs, etc.)
-
Good sources of information on industries, equipment and location (I live in the midwest so my opportunities to see things first-hand are limited, although I have been to all the candidate states/provinces)
-
Transition era, around 1950
-
“Typical” model railroad operation opportunities: Mostly single track, local and through freight, local and through passenger, switching opportunities with a mix of industries, and a medium-sized yard
-
I’m open as to the prototype railroad(s), but I do already have some UP equipment that I’d like to use
The Oregon Trunk is currently at the top of my list, although I don’t have nearly as much information as I need. It would require some fudging (e.g., I believe the prototype tends to run tra