Well, as a freelance modeler, there is a little “Whim of fancy” to the ATLANTIC CENTRAL roster, but not much. All the ATLANTIC CENTRAL locos could have realistically belonged to a railroad in this region. And all have a number of common features and a back story that makes them plausible.
There are no clearly west coast type locos (like Big Boys or GS-4’s) simply painted ATLANTIC CENTRAL. There are no highly unique locos like those from roads like the PRR painted ATLANTIC CENTRAL.
My B&O, C&O and WESTERN MARYLAND locos are pretty much correct, with a few close “stand ins” for a few pieces.
Even though I model a NYC freight depot and servicing track but not a particular one, I still strive for prototype fidelity and plausibility on my early 40s layout. I do not operate locomotives that would not have operated together because of road number changes. In fact, I have a sheet that lists the years of service for each locomotive - as they are currently modeled. (One VO-660 switcher only had an 18-month “window” of service before having it’s road number changed.) My structures and automobiles also reflect the times and are era-appropriate.
I will freely admit that I do have one anachronism on my layout: A '53 VW Beetle - only because I had a Super Beetle for 7 years, with a lot of fond memories to go along with it. I will also add that I have appreciated the heat in my last batch of cars though. [:D]
Well, unless you model in a popular scale, say HO, and a popular era, say 1945-1960, and a popular road, say PRR, you’re probably going to have a hard time being strictly to prototype.
OTH you don’t necessarily have to go the other way and double head your Big Boy with a Dash 9.
If your favorite road uses NW2 diesel switchers for example, then using SW9’s because that’s what is available would still be in the spirit of your road. Up to you if that’s close enough.
That’s not to say I feel any ill will toward any of the rest of my engines, but I spent quite a bit of time around the 3 prototype Midland Geeps, so they get the prize
My favorite engine for steam is the “decapod” 2-10-0 (Baldwin I1sa class about PRR). About diesel motive power is the early diesel EMD F series, with F3 and F7 mainly.
MTH and BLI (both for their DCC sound) are my favourite brands.
With all the PRR stuff that is and has been available over the years, it must be fun to model with such a wonderful selection of motive power and rolling stock to choose from! When I was a kid back in the 1950s, I received two train sets: one an American Flyer S-gauge with a Pennsy K-4 Pacific, the other was a Tyco HO gauge with a little 0-4-0T tank engine and a bobber caboose in Pennsy livery. Although I never actually saw a real live Pennsylvania RR train in my lifetime, having lived my entire life here in Minnesota, I do have a soft spot for this railroad, due to the above!
This may sound weird, but my favorite is my old Athearn BB SW7 (I call it an SW9), painted in Toledo Erie Central livery (nee ATSF). It has some running problems (contact, I think), but it just looks cool doing the switching jobs around the layout. It also has that sentimental value to me, as I repainted it and did some detailing on it as well. I also can’t forget my Atlas ALCO S2, painted in EL livery. Probably the best little loco I own.
My favorite model is the Division Point N&W Y6b. As an N&W fan and modeler of this prototype, the Y6b is all about hauling coal especially in the Pocahontas Division during the 1950’s.
As any one who has read my posts knows, I am a Western Maryland fan. The Atlas GP40, which came out in HO in the '70’s, was responsible for me going to Diesels as my primary interest for power. WM purchased only 5 GP40s in the red, white and black circus paint scheme for their initial buy, and I have purchased and renumbered enough of this model to have at least one of them for each prototype in the 3795 - 3799 series. They look good, pull well and can accept KD #5’s just fine!! JWH
My favorite steam engine(s) are my HO scale Overland Western Maryland H-8 2-8-0s. These are the rebuilt versions with the dual cross-compound airpumps hanging on the smokebox fronts. They’re very hefty looking but compact 2-8-0’s and with the great WM Fireball and stripes look wonderful. They are also great runners and pull like a stud Mastadon! Roger Huber Deer Creek Locomotive Works
My favorite diesels are my HO Atlas H24-66 Train Masters in the FM Demo paint schemes. They are huge and impressive diesels and the beautiful red with yellow & black paint scheme is striking to me. Just wish I had the sound versions! Roger Huber Deer Creek Locomotive Works
