My primary modeling interest is Union Pacific branch lines during the 1960s, with Northern Pacific a distant second. Although the intellectual aspect of prototype research, of both equipments and regional operations is a very enjoyable exercise, for years, I have over analyzed my modeling preferences. Much of this struggle is rooted in the amazing diversity of landscape and railroad action in the Pacific Northwest; it is a land of arid wheat deserts, logging branches, and industrial centers. As a native of eastern Washington, my interests lie primarily with wheat branches, with a secondary focus on produce, canned food, and timber traffic. Eventually I may model the UP and NP between between Walla Walla, Washington and Athena, Oregon, or if afforded a larger space, between Walla Walla and Dayton. But that's for the future . . . .
Some of the Union Pacific projects I have researched and am slowly modeling, include the rebuilding of auto and box cars into maintenance of way cars, as well as chip racks for hauling wood chips; rebuilt general service gondolas for log hauling (with and without sides). While the number of accurate, or easily improved freight car kits has grown substantially in recent years, many of the most interesting prototypes still require considerable work in order to build up a model fleet of unique, era appropriate equipment. Currently on my workbench are several Branchline 40-foot AAR boxcars, that require some modification to accurately model Union Pacific and Northern Pacific 40-foot boxcars. More will follow on those subjects.
I am very interested in unique, but important, prototype freight cars, and would welcome posts from other researchers and modelers who discuss their work. Drop me a line if you are working on an interesting project, the more info and techniques that can be shared, the better.
Happy research and modeling,
Marc
Happy research and modeling,
Marc
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