Thanks very much for the info, this was very informative. I plan to go with DCC...I don't know much about it, but I like what I've read lol. I will probably try and look up a Kato heavy 2-8-2, as I'm sure there will be some out there somewhere. My idea for the secondary passenger service is an intercity train with a mix of both heavyweight and smooth side cars. It will serve in-between places that my flagship streamliner with E-units won't stop at. I do like the thought of using a Berkshire for power. I can say that the railroad only ordered steam locomotives with dual purpose capabilities in the final years of steam.

As for the rest of the railroad, EMD F-units, GP7s, SD9s, and Alco RSD-12s will handle most all service. I've yet to come up with a name though.....Gulf, Mobile & Texas ("Gulf Coast Line") has a nice sound. Maybe Atlanta, Gulf & New Orleans ("The Gulf Road").

Looking into the possibilities of building an N scale freelanced layout. The theme will be a 1950s bridge line type railroad in the Southern U.S. with a Nickel Plate Road flavor (i.e. fast freights, similar motive power). My questions are concerning steam power. Bachmann's 2-8-4 is a given, so that's out of the way. Here are the others on my wish list:

• 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado
My ideal plan is Kato's heavy Mikado with GHQ Model's Southern Railway Ms-4 detailing kit. I love the look of these. They seem to not be in production anymore, though. Are these hard to find, and better yet, are they good runners/pullers if they can be found? Any others out there that someone can recommend?

• 4-6-4 Hudson
I'd like to have a J3a type Hudson for my secondary passenger train. Anyone make a decent N scale model? I've seen the Con-Cor Hudsons on the internet and they look decent to me....but are they good operators? Are they even still in production?

I'm brand new to the N scale game, especially when it comes to steam power. Any opinions, experience, and recommendations are extremely appreciated!

Sounds like lots of fun. A very good way to realistically run what you like no matter what the era. Thanks for sharing!

Len,

That's a very interesting modeling concept. How can I find your story on your railroad, and do you have a locomotive/rolling stock roster posted anywhere? I'd enjoy reading about it.

Thank you sir, sounds like sound and simple advice!

You're right jbrock, gotta make sure we're still allowing ourselves to have fun! That's the most important 

Thanks all!

Roger,

I got out a couple DVDs I had with some footage of railroads around the mid 1960s and watched them again. It definitely reflects what you said. From what I've seen, I guess it would be acceptable to have around 2/3 of my rolling stock in the same 40s-50s "transition era" equipment that many others model? I don't really consider myself a "rivet counter." If I can just capture the general look and feel of the era, I'm satisfied.

Does anyone know of any reference books that would be a good guide to modeling freight rolling stock used during the 60's? Something with plenty of pictures and examples of everything from boxcars and coal hoppers, to tank cars and piggyback equipment.

Thanks for the great ideas and conversation guys! Well I sent my request by email to the sales folks at Bachmann. I even attached a couple photos of some Prairies working hard through deep timber and remote countryside, thinking I might get lucky and inspire the right person    They thanked me for the thoughts and photos, then politely told me they were currently focusing on improving their existing products like the new 4-4-0, and that they had no plans in the near future for a new 2-6-2 lol. Oh well, back to the drawing board!

Maybe I'll go down the list of manufactures with my request and see if I can't persuade (a.k.a. pester) someone into producing us one  Hey someone, somewhere had to do it!

I think that would really be ideal to release a new 0-6-0 with a conversion kit for a 2-6-2, Trainman203. Bachmann would be "killing two birds with one stone." Freelancers would have the option of two different locomotives, yet they would have the same familiar "home road" look if you wanted both. I like this idea.

As for the old Roundhouse 0-6-0, I wasn't familiar with it. But after looking them up and seeing a couple that were converted/detailed/weathered, they don't look bad at all in my opinion. One would definitely make a good stand in until someone finally offers one. I'm sure finding one would be no easy task.....

I have the cheap Bachmann "2-6-2" in storage that I had on my first layout. I've considered trying to dress it up a little....

Thanks for the comments and info, guys. Lots of great ideas here. I enjoy seeing everyone's thoughts on what a good design would be. Keep em coming!

Very nice example! There hasn't been a train whistle (or horn) in our small town since the mid 50's. But there is still a surviving 4-6-0 from the Paris & Mt. Pleasant Railway that used to run through here. It was originally built as Texas & Pacific 316, and later sold to the P&MP. It still operates on the Texas State Railroad today. I hear Bachmann plans to offer a model of it.

http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?road_number=TP%20316

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6192

Those were neat locomotives as well RAM. I think it's interesting that they were used so widely on the Santa Fe, yet were so uncommon on most other Class 1 railroads. Makes you wonder why other roads didn't try the same

Hey Bachmann, how about producing an HO Spectrum 2-6-2 Prairie? True, you do already have a Prairie, but it's more geared toward the train set aspect of the hobby. You have some great looking Spectrum steamers available, and I believe you would have a lot of buyers for an equally detailed 2-6-2. Models of these little engines have been few and far between. Well detailed examples have been even rarer! There's a lot of modelers of small backwoods shortlines, logging railroads, and rural branch lines that would jump at the chance to add one to their roster. Many of the current products out there (from anyone) are models of bigger mainline locomotives, and just don't give the flavor of a small railroad that's "off the beaten path." A little Prairie would be just the ticket. Something similar to McCloud River No. 25 would be great. With no other competition to my knowledge, I think you would be highly successful. Just a thought!