The David Popp New Haven layout in April MR got me to thinking. Nearly every modeler has a favorite railroad that they either model closely, or at least pattern their layouts after. For reasons he explains in his article, David chose to model an interesting “second choice” by building the NH in N scale, instead of the Soo Line in HO.
Now I have begun to wonder which railroad, and in what scale, I would model if circumstances forced me to stray from my first choice (a certain western logging RR in HO, circa 1955). In fact, I have already answered this question once: while living in an apartment several years ago, I built a 30" x 60" N-scale layout based on the modern Montana Rail Link. But, when I moved into a house with more room, I went back to my first choice instead of expanding my MRL layout like David did.
So, if I found myself compelled to model a different railroad, what would I choose? I’m pretty sure it would still be a rural short/branchline operation that I could operate by myself. Maybe I would model one of the NYC branch lines in southern Michigan, where I lived for a few years? But, I also believe there are some other interesting railroads I might want to research and model.
While I’m busy musing on this one, maybe some of you could reply and explain which railroad is your primary modeling interest, and what other lines you would consider if you had to make a second choice.
I model the SP as if it never disappeared, if I were to choose a second railroad it would be the Santa Fe. Both are western railroads from my youth out west.
I model the NYC but always have had an interest in the PRR. I like their Loco roster and really like their herald. If I ever get a large enough layout I could put both the NYC and the PRR RR together. That would be cool.
Terry[8D]
Your choice of railroads is excellent since the NYC and PRR competed head to head in many areas and had parallel tracks out of many towns. You could have them both and be prototype for sure.
bangert1- I agree the PRR and NYC would look great sharing a layout. I have four Steam (BLI) and twenty two Diesels (various). Even though I model the transition era I prefer the Diesel Loco’s. Maybe when we move at the end of the year and have our own house again I can get big enough radi to run steam engines and have them look good. But for now I love to run my diesels w/sound.
Terry[8D]
It would be very interesting if a large club had a warehouse of sufficient size to operate a National layout that could simulate the Northwest to the Northeast and the Southwest to the Southeast with some reality. You would not have to have a second choice on such a layout.
You would think that a Railroad Museum could plan and operate something that would simulate the US railroads in general. Maybe grants could be used if it was a history study of transportation and the building of America in the early part of the last century. .
I model the CB&Q, loosely in the 1960’s. Second choice would proabably be Rock Island, but CN&W or Milwaukee Road are right there. Obviously I have an affection for midwest granger railroads.
Now that you mention midwest granger roads, I have a latent interest in the Minneapolis & St. Louis. If I found just the right M&StL branchline to model, preferably one that interchanged with one of the larger grangers you mentioned above, I could be sorely tempted.
I model the Japan National Railways, with a freelance Japanese short line connection.
If I ever change, I might model the dinky little lines that once served the Pacific coast of Taiwan in On30. Or I might simply let my overactive imagination run riot. (How about a Norfolk and Western Beyer-Garratt, or a DMU traveling Playboy club?)
I model the Midwest granger lines of CB&Q, NP and C&NW. If I was starting all over again, I would seriously consider the PRR. The range of locomotives and cars available for the PRR is enormous and I like the terrain of the Northeast.
My layout is modeled around passenger operations centered on a major union station in a ‘protolance’ (meaning imaginary) Mississippi River city. I specifically did this to model multiple roadnames with a reasonable rationale for it.
But having said that, 80% of my equipment is PRR and NYC, just as you describe. Over time I’ll dilute that, but those dual roads will likely always remain the ‘centerpiece’ roadnames for the layout.
Have you ever been to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago? They have a great HO layout modeling Chicago to Seattle…no it’s not the whole country but it’s probably as close as you’ll get to a full country layout.
To answer the question I’d probably freelance a RR and paint up my own locos and stuff, but of course have many interchanges.
Terry,
If you have it or can get a copy, check out the August '05 issue of Model Railroader.
The issue has a FINE layout of the NYC and PRR. Good luck, Dave
EDIT: To stay on topic… I model Southern, but on the new layout that’s in the
works I would like to throw in a little L&N along with the Pensacola and Atlantic.
I would like to add these two simply because these railroads serve Northwest
Florida area for many years. Here’s a link to a little history for anyone interested: http://www.wfrm.org/wfrmhistory.html Dave
Probably a close relative railroad - I’ve always been somewhat partial to the Lehigh Valley, but the LNE might back a good alternative - kid of reverse of Jim Hertzog in the March MR, he had an LNE layout and went to Reading.
Failing that, something single-tracked for more operating interest and easier planning. Double-tracking removes operating interest and adds planning complexity. Dunno what road though - probably something Southern more than a Western road.
I model Conrail, in the 80s. I’ve thought it would be fun to occasionally backdate to the 70, and run Penn Central. I primarily preffer 80s railroading, so my second choice would be Norfolk Southern.
I’d always have room for Chessie System locos, though.