Hello from Pennsylvania

After a recent move to Pennsylvania, I have finally gotten a space carved out for a smallish -- 30"x8' layout. Been lurking her for a month, or two. It's time jump in the water. N-scale. Western Maryland/B&O/C&O/Chessie/Maryland Midland. Mostly 60's-70's era, I think. The first 4 I named have obvious historical connections, and three have direct connections to me. I included the Maryland Midland because I used to live near the tracks they use and I have many times seen the prototype of the one MM loco in my collection.

The layout will eventually represent portions of the original WM service area, as far as the economics of the layout are concerned, though it's all flat right now, which means that the projected Elkins, WV coal connection may morph into a Union Bridge, MD limestone facility.

I have attached a photo of the layout's current condition, and one of a loco that I will have some questions about. It's a lot of trackage in a small space, but I love to run trains in something different from a circle of track. My imagination can separate Hagerstown from Baltimore even when they are only a few inches apart.

I think I can figure out where to post layout and construction questions when I have them.

On the loco, however, I'm interested to know what the various parts are that show up in the model -- e.g., which of the blowers visible on the top are for what purpose? Dynamic brakes? Turbocharger? Prime mover cooling? Can you tell me where I would post questions about those items and others, or suggest how I would go about finding out on my own?

 

Hi Cactus, welcome, glad to have you on board. Your track plan is interesting, lots of operational possibilities. Looking forward to seeing your creation progress.

 

Welcome aboard, Cactus. Looks good so far and we will look forward to your progress.