Personally there isn't any question of what railroad to model. I plan on modeling WP power and equipment, but will throw in some free lanced short line equipment to cover what WP didn't have. Would you do a real railroad or free lanced railroad? Or like me combine them to suit your own fancy and empire? Greg
In previous attempts, I tried to find any way possible, for recreating my prototype RR. But could not get past the need to compress. Unfortunately my space available is exceeded by my dreams and budget. And memories of what once was real are just too strong. So, I found a way. It will be a line that "might have been." Operated and built to real practices. "Proto-freelance." Boxcab E50
Greg, I tend to agree with Ken that it is difficult to recreate a specific prototype with the limited space, time and budget (1 just starting college and 1 starting college in 2 years). I will pursue a freelance approach which combines reasonable prototypical yet operations with nice looking and believable settings. I don't really have a "favorite" prototype. I will probably select an era then buy some locomotives and cabooses which attract my attention at the time, select cars which make sense with them, and march on. The prototype I select will dictate the setting. This is not an issue as I will likely do an industrial switching layout. I can do large eastern cities with NYC or PRR, Gulf coast cities with IC, MoPac or SP, west coast cities with UP or SP, or a large midwestern city with about any of them. I know this is not a real rivet counter rational approach, but it works for me. I have seen some awesome prototype work in things like Model Railroader. My hat is off to the folks who do it so well. I know the limits of my time, interests, and abilities. I think I will just freelance something that is fun to run, looks good, and that I enjoy.
Ken I like your term "Proto-freelance." In all reality, my Sierra Western fits that bill. SW will use WP engines mainly and be a branch line that WP never had. In the mean time, I can paint up some silver and orange units and letter them SW. They could have also bought WP units when UP took over and I can mix my WP and UP equipment. Don, you are going about it the right way. Doing what you like and feels good. Once the trains start rolling and you are serving your customers on your layout nothing else matters. Greg
