Mixing different RRs

UP and BNSF power are consistently visitors to the CSX Chicago Line (former New York Central main line) through here in Rochester.

The Conrail Shared Assets "Chemical Coast Line" in Central New Jersey (former CNJ, Elizabeth to Perth Amboy) and the Port Reading Secondary (former Reading, Bound Brook to Port Reading) constantly host foreign power. DME, CP Rail, CN, etc. are consistently seen and I think an NS Heritage Unit or two have made it there also.

So there's plenty of justification for "Rule #1"-- though it does not need justification.

I am "true" to my layout's 1963 time period for operating sessions-- any other time, anything goes.

 

That is highly sacrilegious... It's one thing to mix roadnames, but to break the sacred temporal boundaries between modelling eras is a very grave offense.

Oh well, at least you weren't running a BN loco in there. That would be unforgiveable to pit two mortal enemies against each other.

 

I'm pretty much of a prototype modeler and doing ATSF in '72, but I also love small geared steam locomotives and western PA logging. There's a combination you can't justify on a layout.

So one thing you never see, but should, is multiple layouts. The 'big' layout is ATSF '72, where the only power variety is the incredible mess ATSF had that year on changeover on paint schemes, pretty much everything was coming or going that year even if non-ATSF runthrough power was almost nonexistent. But the second, portable, modular, smaller layout is the Hickory Valley, firmly stuck in western PA in 1920, with all the local and historic small steam on it - the most recent acquisition being an Atlas 4-4-0.

I've found this to be a very effective antidote on getting either bored or stale. Hmmm... what to work on tonight, more 25' bark cars or repainting an IM 65' mechanical reefer to ATSF billboard?

So if you do find yourself struggling with Rule #1... there's the ultimate solution. No rule says that if you're both prototype and conflicted on what you like to do that you can't do a second layout, particularly when there is NO SIMILARITY between scenery and era. Dave Vollmer can mix PRR and Conrail with some ability, but this stretches reality a bit.

Now if I could figure out what to do with the collection of modern regional shortline diesel display power I've accumulated on the B&P, ALY, WNYP, LEF&C, etc., etc! Don't think I haven't been thinking about a third one. More smaller layouts can be even more fun than one big monster. I did deliberately design my 'logging' branch module so that it's generic enough to look eastern for photography purposes anyway.

 

I caught an NS Heritage unit in Boron Ca. between Barstow and Mojave and I used to see NS and Ferromex units in Cajon fairly regularly when I lived down there.


Having said all that, I'm going to repeat what I just said in the HO forum in friscobob's thread about custom painting a Genesis engine.

Buying whatever engine suits your fancy is fun, and perfectly fine and everyone that want's to experience the hobby in that way should feel free to do so. I know I feel that urge often enough and have enough units that aren't strictly speaking right for my stated goals. However, I am more impressed as an admirer of Model Railroads and railroaders by those who have put in the thought and have the strength of will to stick to a far more strict plan.

Again, I agree Rule #1, but come on, buying any locomotive that suits your fancy, because it's pretty is like a kitten playing with a sparkle ball. Ooo Shiny.
Having the gumption to stick to a set of specifics and then following through is far more interesting in my mind. It's certainly what I aspi....Hey SQUIRREL!

 

I agree with the second layout idea. My main RR is BN, but if I get tired of green & black, I'm building a generic branch line. I will run roads that were in my area in the '70s. That leaves me with AT&SF, BN, CRI&P, EJ&E, GM&O, ICG, MILW, N&W, PC, and my Turtle Creek Central. I did allow myself to stray a bit so I can include IAIS. I may include a few more down the line. C&EI, KBS, and LSBC come to mind. I do have a few "borrowed" engines that appear on the BN. One leased unit, and one each AT&SF, DRGW, UP, and PC.

 

BNSF and UP show up here in Kentucky on both CSX and NS on a regular basis. About 10 years ago a SP rolled by.

Gary

 

A couple of days ago I saw a train with a BC Rail and an Illinois Central engine on the head end. On UP trackage deep in Texas. I've seen a couple of the NS heritage units here, too. Basically anything and everything makes its way thru the UP around here.
As far as modeling, I model SP and have a huge roster but I'll buy anything that catches my eye. I collect locomotives, and I'm okay with that. I don't understand when people say they like a certain model but they won't buy it because it doesn't fit their layout. Buy what you like, it's supposed to be a fun hobby!

 

Just down the road in Pueblo yard I've seen the KCS units and some NS units. There's sometimes an old BN unit floating around.

I'm modeling Stockton, CA in the 50's which had SP, WP, AT&SF, TS, CCT and ST&E. GN and D&RGW units visited on occasion. Today, UP and BNSF dominate, but CCT & ST&E still exist and operate in town.

I operated on a layout in Omaha which modeled St. Joseph, MO. It had 5 yards and even more railroads represented.

 

Other than purpose running various roads on one's lay out like I do because they are thru frt and pax. It seems to me that over time one is likely to see just about anything on the rails for what ever reasons. One thing on my layout is the logging power will never be seen on the the thru main as they are simply way too busy to run around the main and get lost .. the one or two company owned pax cars is used for the logging and mill workers families , it goes to Seattle and Spokane once a month and is free to these workers and families . So far I have not been able to negotiate a deal with either NP, GN, UP so I may have to buy / lease an engine to pull this set .... :teeth: and yep, It will be a dandy for sure !

 

Another oddball, INRD's SD90s have been seen regularly as far north as Minneapolis as power for trains on CP, usually coke or one of those related. Usually, you don't see high horse regional power too far from home, unless their heading to a new home, but the big boys, most definately

Although I do it in HO, one of my outlines is that I;m doing a power and equipment leaser (Well, TBX) so I can give myself an excuse for oddball power--its been bought and leased.

 

Back in the 70's,we had BN units on run through freights on the EL..Once again,love living here,I just did a BN F45 to run on EL trains.Even better,since I model 1972,that was the year of the Agnes Flood..Tracks out all over,every railroad ran on everybody elses track..So,perfectly normal for EL or PC to run on the LV or D&H..

 

The way I do it is, I write my own history. :wideeyes:
That way I can have a GG1 running on SP track. After all SP had considered electrifying the Sierra crossing.
hmmm maybe even paint one in Daylight colors.

I already have plans to paint an Alco FA/FB and a Baldwin RF-16 freight shark unit in SP Daylight and/or Black Widow. The 2 axle diesel units work and look better on a small layout than the 3 axle units. Plus the Baldwin units look neat.

 

Don't forget that some of the seasonal carriers like the B&LE , DM&IR and BAR leased out most of their fleet in the off season.

Randy

 

Very true. For a couple of seasons, DMIR SD18s could have been seen hauling coal on the Clinchfield.