So, you're not a transition era modeler? Well, how about the 1980's? Boxcars are at their peak, the Staggers Act has deregulated the
railroad rate structures, and say "good bye" to the caboose - railroads are rapidly changing. Come find out what you need to know to model this era!
The history of the CB&Q's California Zephyr, one of the last great named passenger trains. Learn how three great railroads cooperated to provide fast, comfortable, family-friendly service from Chicago to Oakland and San Francisco in some of the most stylish passenger cars Budd ever manufactured. We'll begin with the early planning in the 1940's and conclude with the last scheduled trip prior to Amtrak taking over the route in 1970.
The history of the CB&Q's Pioneer Zephyr, one of the first diesel streamliners. Learn how Ralph Budd conceived of an all-stainless steel, diesel-powered, streamlined passenger train, designed from the start to be the 'last word' in rail passenger travel.... the Zephyr. We'll begin with the early planning in the 1930's, follow the train through it's long history on various routes, and conclude with the train's permanent home in the refurbished Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
The earliest attempted crossing of the Sierras by rail terminated in this town in late 1887. By 1900 two large saw mills - one of which later built a connecting branchline - along with a box factory, fruit packing sheds , a foundry, and farms were all shipping products, while mines, businesses and farms were importing machinery, fuel, and supplies. From 1915-1953 traffic expanded up to two trains daily of 20-30 cars each in late summer and during WW II. Presenter illustrates with photos and maps.
Understanding PFE involves far more than its refrigerator cars. The way the company did business, the ways it managed its many facilities, including shops and ice plants, and the ways refrigerator cars were built, serviced, repaired and operated, all form a complex and interesting story. Both for the historian and for the modeler, this presentation provides a detailed and inclusive view of these matters, along with some car fleet information.
My friends and I made several trips to the Westside Lumber Company before and after the mill closed. Finally we built our own powered railcar and travelled the entire length of the line from Tuolumne to Camp 45 and Camp 40. We took over 1000 photos.
Layout design based on research from Sanborn Insurance maps, aerial photos, railroad maps, and USGS topographic maps. Some examples that I used on my model railroad as well as some areas close to the convention will be presented. Sources for your own use and exploration will be provided. A great way to study the prototype for design and operation.
Researching the prototype railroads can enhance our modeling in many ways. We will explore and review many available
resources, their significance to the industry, and usefulness to our hobby activities. Examples from personal research into
the history of the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway will be included.
Trailer Train was formed in 1955 by Pennsylvania Railroad and Norfolk and Western Railway to provide a pool of flat cars for the emerging Trailer on Flat Car (TOFC) business. By 1960 Trailer Train was operating autoracks, later also containers. Renamed TTX in 1991, the company is today operating more than 200,000 cars, one of the largest fleets in North America.
Jeff and Pam Johnston model the Sugar Pine Lumber Co. / Minarets & Western Rwy. circa September 1927. In this clinic Jeff presents a look at what it takes to be a prototype modeler of a relatively obscure company. Historic photo and blueprint research, location visits, use of existing models, plus kitbashing and scratch building are all part of the run package.
