I am going over the design of a new layout. It will be a small industrial shortline, most likely an abandon branch of a railroad from the glory days . However, I cannot decide on the era. I've grown a liking to model metal structures, alcos, and Ford C type trucks. Can all these elements be incorporated into one layout? Any help would be great!!! David
I'm not sure what you are asking. If it is what are the best type of engines and cars for a "small" layout my best guess based on what I have observed is that "Small locos and cars on small layouts". Especially with the tight radius curves that are likely. I have been testing my engines on the various radius curves and such. I'll post some extremes in a bit. You might be able to sneak in the shorter SD units.
Steve, for clarification my question is: Can metal structures, alcos, and Ford C trucks fall into the same era? If so, which one? Anyway, thanks for your comments. David
After hours of research, I have come to the conclusion that it is posible to have metal buildings, alcos, and Ford C trucks in one layout. I found that the Alco RS-2 was first built in 1948. It is still used today I'm sure. I also found that the metal building technology was founded in 1985. The Ford C truck was the hardest to find. But it tured out to have the greatest promise. Athearn did not specify what, was other than "C". In fact there are 5. The C600, C700, C800, C7000, C8000. The C600 was produced in the mid-60's. The C8000 was produced in the early 90's. So I have answered my own question, perhaps I do need to pay a visit to the mental ward. David [ 27. December 2004, 22:59: Message edited by: dvess111 ]
David, It really doesnt matter whether all 3 criteria fitted into the same era, in any layout you have the right to take "modelling licence" and do whatever you would like. Your plans sounds very intersting though, have you designed a track plan yet? When you do be sure to post it for us to see.
I'm not sure what you mean by "metal buildings". I worked in a prefab metal building in early 1960s and they had been around a while then. Plain old corrugated tin on wood frame goes back at least to late 1800s. You didn't specify Alco DIESELS, did you? Alco steamers back to WW1 and before... The only relatively late element is the Ford type C trucks.
