I don’t know whether this publication is still available, but if you’re into scratchbuilding, try to find “HO Wild West Structures You Can Build.” Complete plans and material lists for 20 unique and original structures. Includes a list of suppliers for every western detail. Cowboys, wagons, figures. etc.
Distributed by Mark J. Bigelow, DBA James Publications, 1006 Landings Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33413. jamespub@aol.com 561-434-2944 Copyright 1999.
A valid architectural resource is Calico Ghost Town, in California not far from Barstow. Originally a silver mining town, it was purchased by the Knott family (of Knott’s Berry Farm fame) in the 1950s, then turned over to San Bernardino County as a historical park in the 1970s. Some of the buildings are original. Others were built as copies of the originals by the Knott family (Mr Knott had worked there during a brief mining revival early in the 20th century, which was the reason for his interest.)
There is a 2’6" gauge ‘amusement park’ railroad, but the working town never had direct rail service.
Apparently, Calico wasn’t very wild. Of course, it acquired law enforcement (deputy sheriff and two constables) early on.
Googling Calico Ghost Town Images will give a lot of ideas.
On another note, the Central Pacific Railroad Sacramento Shops built several of the Virginia and Truckee locomotives. Not all far west locomotives came from the East. (The fanciest builder’s plate I’ve ever seen is on V&T #18, Dayton, on display under cover in Virginia City. With its surrounding grillwork it fills the area below the running board between the drivers. It’s a Sacramento engine.)
Chuck (Mojave Desert resident modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Chuck, you’re absolutely right about locomotive construction in Sacramento. But my point was that the general architecture of North American locos and other RR equipment tended to be fairly consistent. Those Sacramento engines looked very similar to their Baldwin stablemates that had been built in Philadelphia. For that matter, at a somewhat later date the Willamette Iron Works of Oregon built geared locomotives that were basically the same as a Shay from Lima, Ohio.