I plan to set my layout in the early-to-mid 60s. Would I still be able to use that book that Kalmbach is coming out with on modeling the 50s, as a reference?
Hard to say since the book isn’t out yet… Parts of it you might find usable. What defines the 50’s is the phase out of steam in favor of diesels. But it was also a transition era for other aspects of the railroads. As the Post Office switched from rail to trucks, local passenger trains were dropped. The NY&OW goes out of business, shortlines every where go out of business or seriously retrench, i.e the Ma&Pa drops the Maryland portion of it’s line. Most of the narrow gauge lines that managed to survive the war like the East Broad Top cease operations. Street car lines switch to buses.
Even if you don’t model the era, I think you’ll find it fascinating.
Enjoy
Paul
Sure you can. If you are not modeling a top-of-the-line, cash-rich railroad, then its most recent equipment may well be a few years old already, or from last years’ catalog.