im starting a new jersey railroad in 1950's
what would the stores look like to depict 1950's?
and would there be steam and diesel trains?
As for the stores and general appearance, you need to do some research, as on Google. As for the locos, someone else may answer that.
Bo
I grew up in Jersey. Never saw any steam locos in passenger or freight service. Buildings were often brick front in town centers. Cape Cod was a popular house style in that time frame in suburban areas, or "farm houses" in the country.
You need to try do do some research. However, the DPM buildings are perfect for the 1950s as are the Smalltown (?) and many of the Walthers kits - I'm thinking their depots, the diner, the gas station, the coal dealer, among others.
Steam depends on when in the 1950s. In 1951-53 there would probably still be a lot of steam. By 1957 most would be gone. It would also depend on WHERE in New Jersey. Many large citis had smoke ordinances.
Gene
The last CNJ passenger train ran on September 24, 1955 as a special run so mainline steam passenger service was gone by then. The first diesel box cab came is 1925. After World War II, diesels came - Baldwin babyfaces, F7s in 1947, Alco RS1, RS3, & FM trainmasters by 1956.
Railraods with passenger sevvice in Jersey include Reading, Jersey Central, Erie Lackawanna, Lehigh Valley. Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Line. Add freight haulers such as Lehigh & Hudson River, Susquehanna, Black River & Western, Hoboken Shore, Morristown & Erie, Rahway Valley, & Raritan River. Some op these are shortlines so your location could determine which one(s) to use.
Most freight cars would be 40' box cars & other short cars.