I thought I would start a new topic with the specific idea of discussing what is a good era to model in S Scale. I have a couple of ideas I am working on, and I would like comments and ideas on them. In general, given the space available and my interests, I would like to focus my layout on industrial switching. I have a couple of eras I am considering for such a layout: Late 1950's- early 1960's. This would allow a variety of WW2 and later equipment and is before the mergers and Conrail events of the 70's and 80's. One could run a variety of road names, etc. Late 1970's-mid 1980's. This layout would probably focus on a petrochemical facility. The advantage is that this era is better fixed in my memory, as I was working by 1980 as a chemical engineer in the petrochem industry. This requires tank cars and covered hoppers. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Don- For me, I'm a fan of the pre-mega-merger disaster era. I do suppose that growing up in those years, 1950's, 1960's, had a great influence. So that's what I'm looking for. Roofwalks. Lot's of 40' box cars. Etc. Great variety of still existing RR companies. Boxcab E50
For variety of available cars, the 50’s and 60’s are well covered. Just a few of American Models cars would be considered too modern. Pacific Rail Shops has a couple versions of 40’ box cars, and 50’ box cars. The PRS ACF center flow hopper will work too. SHS has cars that will work well too. SHS also sells another makers hopper and tank car. Would have to look at the web page to double check that. Des Plaines Hobbies has a tank car too, that will fit in nicely. For engines, EMD is well represented. If you want Alco’s, then there is the RS-3, FA-2/FB-2 and PA/PB-1. Steam Depot in New York has a couple of Alco S series switcher kits in pewter that are well designed and good runners. Unfortunately Steam Depot doesn’t have a web page. For a layout, I’d lean towards the 50’s & 60’s. Contrary to that, I’m currently modeling the 70’s & 80’s. The reason for that is I’m a fan of the Railbox box cars and that vintage equipment. I also hired out on the WP in 1979 and got to work on the F-7’s as a brakeman. In 1989 I became an engineer and ran the ex-WP GP35’s in local and yard service. Also, in the 70’s, there were a lot of cars from the 50’s nearing the end of their career and still can be used. Of course, with the new steam engines becoming available, make back dating all the more inviting. Basically, there are two covered hoppers, which are center flow, available. SHS has the PS-2 in two bay and three bay. I don’t know how appropriate they are for the petro chemical industries you want to model. Tank cars will be on the smallish side, even the modern ones AM offers. Too bad S scale doesn’t have any big tank cars offered like Atlas O has. Maybe a list of cars you would need could be posted here and see what is out there to fill those needs. AM has the Railbox style car in two versions, sliding door and plug door. If you are modeling after 1984, AM has an SD60. AM’s GP35 is the next newest model out there. Granted, GP9’s were still quite common in the 80’s. There is no SW1500, yet. SHS has the SW9 that could be used. Anyway, these are some random thoughts I have. Greg Elems
Greetings from someone who helped build a bunch of those cars! I was at PC&F 1974-1976. Keep that great info coming! Boxcab E50
Almost all were box cars. If I recall correctly, we did build one small order of 40 footers. (SP?) A few gondolas or hoppers. Can't recall which. One order of w/v cabooses for BN and Milw. The rest were 50 box cars in many variants. I remember at least ATSF, MP, RBOX, BCOL, BCIT. Also recall the fussing with ACI labels to get the darn things so they'd work. I worked both car lines. Fabrication. Sheet metal. RIP/finishing tracks. Most every place except the foundry and paint shop. The "old car line" was what the dark ages must have been like. Awful. Dark, dirty, smoky. I hated that hole. It wasn't adequate for building 50 footers. But they jammed them through. Plenty of people got sick or hurt there. Boxcab E50
Another source for tank cars. The pictures I've seen were of the Tank Train cars. I don't know any pictures on the web of the S scale models. But here is the address: Rusti / Downs Manheim Machine and Tool Co.139 Nevin StreetLandcaster, Pa. 17603 Here is the link to Des Plaines Hobbies tank cars and open top hoppers. http://www.desplaineshobbies.com/s_rollingstock.html This link is to K-Line. These are tinplate cars, but they may offer some possibilities for detailing and adding scale trucks and couplers. http://myflyertrains.org/k-line.htm The tank cars look a lot better than the box cars. When I saw these cars in person, I was surprised that the trucks look as good as they do. NWSL wheels might be all that is needed with Kadees. Greg
