i have been working on an ho model railroad for a few years now. i have narrowed my designs to the lehigh valley than ran from hazleton, pa. into the villages of sheppton and oneida, pa. between the late 1920’s to early 1930’s. this is anthracite coal country before the mines closed down. i am looking to obtain as much information as is possible (maps, photos, records, etc) so that my model is as prototypically accurate as is possible. does anyone have any suggestions?
Join one or more sociteis that specialize in that area. The Anthracite roads Historical society covers that region. Don’t know of others but there is also reading-talk a forum where you can ask questions after joining.
Anthracite Railroads Historical Society.
Dave H.
brat,
I’m modeling the RDG and PRR in the Pottsville/St Clair area, 1945-1955. In addition to the suggestions above, I’ve found some good information in the “local history” style books usually located near the check-out counter of various book stores. Also, Arch and Bruce Kantner chronicled a lot of anthracite railroad activity - they have some wonderful books with great pictures and interesting captioning. If you get a chance, the PRR Museum at Strasburg has a great store with a very good library of books for sale - and check out some local train shows when they come up for other material.
Welcome to the forum.
found this hazleton photo on a local board- the engine exists, and is being restored. maybe a good place to start with a company, and rolling stock anyways.
http://flaggcoalcompany75.com/ look under #126 engine history…
For pictures check out PennPilot – greatest website for PA railroad modelers.
They’ve digitized aerial photos of the entire state of PA that were taken in the 30s through the 70s. Amazing detail and the best dang information site on the web. You have to do a little research to figure out where to start (what county, etc) but that’s easy enough.
Hope that helps.
Check out weatherly Pa. At one time they had a roundhouse and shops and I believe they built about 90 steam engines there. Its a great modeling town. Somewhere on the web I got an old map showing the tracks and layout. When I get to work Fri. I will look it up and let You know.