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Post by acelaphillies on Mar 17, 2014 13:32:07 GMT -5
I'm modeling Amtrak (Phase IVb), NJT and Septa, so far the layout is mostly centered around Trenton, NJ/FAIR Tower. The PRR still holds a special place though since my grandfather started out with them and retired with Amtrak That is a neat family tie. I'm sure he has some neat stories. My dream layout would be right across the river from your location- MORRIS interlocking. I would potentially model Amtrak, SEPTA, NJ Transit, and CSAO (Conrail Shared Assets Operations). I think my era would be the summer if 2011. For me, the area has a lot of potential. However, if I ever do build a layout surrounding MORRIS, it is still a ways off.
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Post by fl9m2026 on Mar 21, 2014 18:13:46 GMT -5
I model my favorite commuter/transit roads which include B&M (pre-MBTA), MBTA, Metra, NICTD (South Shore), Metro-North, CDoT, Northstar, Metrolink, NYCTA. No layout(s) as of yet, basically collecting locomotives, streetcars, rapid transit cars and commuter cars in HO in plastic and brass (with some O scale also).
Update 7/11/14: Well, you can add MARC and VRE to the list. I just secured MP36PH-3C's in both roadnames. While no one makes their newest bilevel equipment (maybe someday), both properties did use ex-Metra Pullman "Gallery" cars, many of them still in the Metra scheme with MARC logos and VRE logos and Virginia Rail Express lettering. VRE went to the extent of painting several in their current dark blue/silver with multi-stripes scheme. As there are two manufacturers (KATO and Walthers) who make the Metra cars, a realistic consist could be made for either commuter operation using those cars.
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cab4
Member
Posts: 149
Primary Railroads: Conrail, NJ DOT, Amtrak, SEPTA, NJT
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Post by cab4 on Mar 23, 2014 16:56:00 GMT -5
I should probably also add PATCO, PRSL and CDOT to my votes
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Post by jers2709 on Mar 23, 2014 18:50:14 GMT -5
I'm modeling Amtrak (Phase IVb), NJT and Septa, so far the layout is mostly centered around Trenton, NJ/FAIR Tower. The PRR still holds a special place though since my grandfather started out with them and retired with Amtrak That is a neat family tie. I'm sure he has some neat stories. My dream layout would be right across the river from your location- MORRIS interlocking. I would potentially model Amtrak, SEPTA, NJ Transit, and CSAO (Conrail Shared Assets Operations). I think my era would be the summer if 2011. For me, the area has a lot of potential. However, if I ever do build a layout surrounding MORRIS, it is still a ways off. MORRIS is a very interesting place, especially with the bridge and the NJT yard
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Post by acelaphillies on Mar 23, 2014 19:17:36 GMT -5
That is a neat family tie. I'm sure he has some neat stories. My dream layout would be right across the river from your location- MORRIS interlocking. I would potentially model Amtrak, SEPTA, NJ Transit, and CSAO (Conrail Shared Assets Operations). I think my era would be the summer if 2011. For me, the area has a lot of potential. However, if I ever do build a layout surrounding MORRIS, it is still a ways off. MORRIS is a very interesting place, especially with the bridge and the NJT yard Yes, definitely. The NJT yard makes it the ideal spot for me because I could realistically model Amtrak, NJT, & SEPTA all on the same stretch of track. I could also include a street running scene below the NEC bridge and an Amtrak MOW yard because Amtrak has a mid-sized ET yard in Morrisville. Those would be pretty cool to model.
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cab4
Member
Posts: 149
Primary Railroads: Conrail, NJ DOT, Amtrak, SEPTA, NJT
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Post by cab4 on Mar 24, 2014 20:31:39 GMT -5
I would argue the opposite, that modelling that location would be harder. Consider this, its hard to get Silverliner IVs and Arrow IIIs. Even if you can get the Island Model Works models, which are the only available ones (until IHP decides to do these again), now you need to get an operating fleet large enough to represent these operations.
It might be better to model an area with less types of trains, since at least you can realistically achieve the roster you need.
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Post by acelaphillies on Mar 24, 2014 20:41:07 GMT -5
I would argue the opposite, that modelling that location would be harder. Consider this, its hard to get Silverliner IVs and Arrow IIIs. Even if you can get the Island Model Works models, which are the only available ones (until IHP decides to do these again), now you need to get an operating fleet large enough to represent these operations. It might be better to model an area with less types of trains, since at least you can realistically achieve the roster you need. Yes, I would agree that it would be a harder location to model than just SEPTAland or NJT Territory. However, my point was that I could realistically model all three in one spot. Amtrak, NJT, and SEPTA are my three favorite RR's that I would like to model, so this area has a lot of potential. It would definitely come with its own challenges though. Like I said earlier though, this is still a ways off if it does ever happen. It is just my fantasy layout for now. Before then, I will work on smaller layouts and/or dioramas b/c I have read many warnings about the dangers of tackling too much all at once. Plus, I don't have the space, modeling skills, or financial resources to pull off a layout like that right now.
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Post by backshophoss on Mar 29, 2014 2:12:24 GMT -5
At Oceanside CA,Amtrak,Metrolink(SCAX),and Coaster(SDNR)share the station and a yard,known as Stuart Mesa,as a branch that runs to Escondido Ca with DMU's during the day and freight at night. BNSF will run a freight to San Diego from Horbart yard in LA and drop cars on the freight tracks at Stuart Mesa yard. Stuart Mesa Yard has a running repair shop and fueling facilties.
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Post by mttrains on May 26, 2014 13:06:28 GMT -5
Penn Central commuter under the wire is first Early Amtrak (even late 70's) Sunnyside to Washington is next Modern Era Amtrak is last... and yes I like the phase V amfleets. LOL
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Post by acelaphillies on May 29, 2014 13:33:33 GMT -5
Penn Central commuter under the wire is first Early Amtrak (even late 70's) Sunnyside to Washington is next Modern Era Amtrak is last... and yes I like the phase V amfleets. LOL First of all, let me welcome you to the forum! Those sound like some neat modeling subjects. Electrified Model RR's are super neat. What stage is your layout in? Planning? Construction? Scenery? I would be very interested to hear about your modeling strategy/techniques for modeling a railroad under wires.
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Post by mttrains on May 30, 2014 0:58:35 GMT -5
My primary interest is the Penn Central into early Amtrak era under the wire from New York to Washington DC. Dirty passenger trains just like I remember them. Fell in love with electrics when I saw a NY bound metroliner depart Stamford, CT and the arc off the wire as a kid. Ever since then I has been pans and catenary.
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Post by backshophoss on May 30, 2014 2:39:04 GMT -5
Then you remember when GG-1's wandered under the ex-NH wire as well,there was 1 metroliner trip,NHV to DC, then return to NHV and layed up at the platform over night at NHV,except on the weekends.
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Post by mttrains on May 31, 2014 9:49:19 GMT -5
I was passing through Stamford on a family trip to Cape Cod. I was 7 years old at the time. When I traveled to St. Louis with my Grandmother there were times when we took the train leaving out of Penn Station. I did see the Black GG1 pulling the train. I road in the older Pullman Sleepers at that time. This was the late seventies when this equipment was pass its life cycle. The reverse back up move into Union Station in downtown St. Louis was cool too. I saw the Old and tired E8's on the front. Railroads were dirty and run down from my childhood. That has stayed with me into my modeling. The avatar on my posts is from a previous layout built for display with functioning catenary for pantograph contact but not powered. My stuff is on the customer layout page on the Model memories website. My initials are MT. Thank you Acelaphillies for the welcome!! I am building a chainsaw layout now. It's for trying different benchwork, track laying and scenery techniques. I am also using it to test run equipment that is being built and test run programmed decoders in cars and locos. I have masonite strip sub-roadbed coated with a thin top layer of silicone and L-girder benchwork. I did this top layer to help reduce the sound of the roadbed so I could hear the speakers. It was labor intensive but it was worth it. I have four mainline tracks with some semi built brass cantenary supports. The K-style PRR. I found that Andy Rubbo's methods worked best for me so that is what I am basing mine on. I will make some modifications and have done so already. The catenary wire will not be modeled until I am sure whether or not I am moving again. Weathering... I am a firm believer of it. I cannot fully model the Penn Central era without it. Besides... I have never seen a clean train.
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Post by acelaphillies on Jun 1, 2014 16:18:32 GMT -5
mttrains, I checked out the Model Memories site ( www.modelmemories.com/heavyelect.htm#thomas if other members want to check it out) and your work is top notch! I gotta say, when I first saw your avatar I thought it was the real thing until you said it was of a layout. Do you still have the old layout around or has it since been demolished? That sounds like a nice layout that you have in the works right now. I think that for realism you can't beat the Rubbo-style catenary. That said, the Model Memories stuff seems good for people looking to start out with heavy electric modeling. I have always wanted to try out their catenary but have not gotten around to it yet. Maybe I will build a diorama with it, because right now I don't have the $$ for a whole layout. What was your experience like with the MM stuff? Would you recommend it?
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Post by mttrains on Jun 2, 2014 7:43:31 GMT -5
Thank you for the kind words...That layout was 21 inches by 7 feet and in the office of my apartment. It's gone now. I moved into a house since then but this one is not permanent either. I started with MM years ago. I honestly would recommend the MM product line to anyone modeling heavy electrics. If someone were to model New Haven then I would absolutely recommend it. Even though I make my own PRR catenary now I still contract Don of Model Memories to make other items for me. My GG1 upper intakes and rebuilt metroliner roof humps were made by him in 2011. Those are part of his product line now. He will be making some signal bridges as well which are on the site. Regarding a layout full of MM catenary, one should start out with a couple of bridges to support a section of wire and go from there. It is really satisfying to see your locos and Mu's pass you by touching the wire... really cool. With the MM product I was able to run the pan on the wire during normal operation for a couple of layouts. The wire has to be hung in a zigzag pattern like the real thing. Once you start, you will get the hang of it (It comes with instructions explaining everything). I want that option again. Andy's realism and Don functionality.
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