distributors, flour mill, chemical distributor, scrap metal yards,
cement distributor, oil distributor, propane distributor, and a
transloading terminal.
The railroad primarily uses leased GP38-2 diesels. It once had a
leased SW1500 (Conrail logo still visible).
Satellite images may capture freight cars in the siding, and pro-
vide a clue about the length of the siding and type of freight
cars used. As a bonus, Google Street View may capture freight
cars at an industry or siding, and if you are fortunate, as I was,
an engine crew switching an industry.
To help with modeling the railroad and designing the track
plan, take as many screen shots and notes as possible.
Design
Let’s start the initial design phase by defining requirements of
the model railroad, keeping in mind the reality of the budget
and space.
The design goals are:
Point-to-point operation
Modular design
Easily expandable
Easily transportable
Industrial switching
Freight yard
One engine (GP38-2, hopefully)
Modern freight cars
Avoid compression
Operational challenge
