PRR/Conrail Juniata Division Engineering Report

[Dave V]

We're here on a 3-year controlled tour...  Considering extending to 4.

[wazzou]

I've often considered doing something of a garden layout in a planned pond/water fall area of our property, however, the cost of the track is always a bit startling. 

[pjm20]

I've often considered doing something of a garden layout in a planned pond/water fall area of our property, however, the cost of the track is always a bit startling.

It actually a lot easier to just buy the rail needed and make your own track. If you want to nickel and dime, it is also easier to build turnouts. No freakin' wiring! (this is a hint, go battery power, no live track!) Everything is easier, since its so much bigger.

[Dave V]

So I've been looking at G scale track prices...



I hear you about handlaying and I would seriously consider it...but I don't think I'd have the time to do it right.

I DO however see some decent prices on the Bachmann anniversary 4-6-0 lettered for Rio Grande Southern.  The older Big Haulers can be had for cheap.

It would be interesting to take that 4-6-0 and make a D&RGW T-12 of the type used on the Chili Line between Antonito and Santa Fe.



However, I'm concerned about the cost of what is essentially entering into an entirely different hobby and its impact on the Juniata Division.

Clearly I need to make full Colonel!

[rswinnerton]

Dave, if you want some G scale track, I've got some you can have for the price of shipping. I'm getting out of G scale. My garden sucks and I'd really just like to asphalt the whole thing. Let me know if you want it.
Russ

[Dave V]

Um, sure!  How much track are we talking?

[Chris333]

That looks like a PBL photo you posted, just be happy you didn't pick Sn3  $$$$$$$$$$$$

[Bob Bufkin]

G scale - at those prices maybe you should wait for a star on your shouder

[rswinnerton]

Dave, not sure, but its all 8' diameter brass from USA Trains and Aristocraft. I also have some straight track, extra screws and a track screw tool. I don't think there's enough to make a complete loop, but it'll get ya started.

In April, there's the East Coast Large Scale Train Show in York, PA which is always good for deals and inspiration. You could also come out for the Big E hobby show in Springfield, MA. USAT and some other LS dealers usually show up along with a couple layouts.

If we know you're coming in advance, we can see to it there are accommodations and transportation.
R-

[rswinnerton]

Also, here's my friend Mark Oles' railroad (The Millersvillanova) a few years ago. You can see my Conrail train at about 1:10 and Jim's Burlington streamliner just after. Mark and I built that railroad in a long weekend including all track and grading.

[Dave V]

Russ, yes on the track (thanks!) but no on the travel...  I have to take leave at very specific times in accordance with the academic calendar.

[Bob Bufkin]

Charlie Bury, the CSX railroad cop that most of the locals here know is moving out of MD to PA and has a bunch of G scale for sale.  Another local who is into G is Jim Vecheck and he would know where to get good prices on track and stock.

[Dave V]

I'm thinking I need to take a deep breath and realize I can love something and NOT model it.  At least not right now while I have so much competing for time and money (like finishing the basement for the JD)...

[Scottl]

And... model railroads don't count for tenure. 

[Rich_S]

I'm thinking I need to take a deep breath and realize I can love something and NOT model it.  At least not right now while I have so much competing for time and money (like finishing the basement for the JD)...

Dave, That is one of the reasons I got into "V" scale modeling. In the early days of MSTS a few of the regulars at a popular train simulator web site coined the phrase "V" scale for Virtual Scale. Currently I'm aware of a free version of the C&TS route for MSTS and a reasonably priced Durango & Silverton route for Rail Works.  Any time I catch a little narrow gauge fever, I can turn on the computer and either take a "V" scale trip to Silverton or Antonito.

http://www.gtraxsims.com/

Rich S.
Modeling the P&WV in "N" scale.