Hello, I am just retired and now living in Florida. I was originally from New England, western Massachusetts specifically. I grew up near a Boston and Albany line and as a kid liked riding my bike to the local junction and watch the NYC switchers in the yard. My grandfather retired from NYC, was a car knocker and a brakeman among other things. I have been building plastic scale models since ten years old but always liked trains. So I decided to build a few static models of the trains I liked and grew up with. I am looking at possibly some NYC, B&M, Conrail, Penn Central and a few short line diesels. I don't know much about brands or quality but I am starting with an Athearn HO GP35, it seems to have good quality and wire hand rails. Any help would be appreciated. I am guessing my best bet is to buy undecorated, unpowered from E Bay? Thanks---John
Hi John, Welcome. Glad to have you on board. Being in N, I don't know much about HO. Though there are many here I'm sure will be happy to help you. BTW, I'm slightly familiar with western Mass. Back in the late 40's and early 50's, I rode up the NYC Harlem Div. to Chatham, was switched onto the B&A to Pittsfield, then switched to the North Adams branch so I could board B&M's Minute Man. Though the last time I had to board a B&A Beeliner at Chatham for North Adams. Fun memories.
Welcome aboard from another NY Central fan, growing up along the Mohawk Division. You will enjoy it here.
Welcome to TrainBoard! Please hop over to our HO Scale forum and see what ideas those folks might have available for you.