Model Railroading > The Coumbia Gorge in N scale--advice needed

I've been working on an N scale Columbia Gorge diorama for a couple years now. It's been on the back burner waiting for other projects, and I'd like to think that I'll be finishing it up in the next few months.

Which brings me to my point--what N scale rolling stock to use when I get the diorama ready for photos. I'd assumed I would get some SP&S power and make up a 1960s to 1970s freight train, but much to my surprise I haven't been able to locate any. Have any of the manufacturers done high quality SP&S Alcos in N scale? Any custom painters out there that I should contact?

Failing in that, does anybody have any ideas on what would look at home in this setting? I already have a believable Superliner-equipped Empire Builder that would do the trick, would prefer something pre-BN.

Gardiner Cross
Cripplebush Valley Models

You need to talk to Ron or Dave at Hobby Smith in Portland, who are SP&S specialists and carry quite a bit of N scale.

http://www.hobbysmith.com/

For your time frame you need GP9, RS3, F7, FA/FB-1&2, C-424, C-425, C-636 and that lone E7 passenger loco. Switching was handled by SW-1200, S-2/4 and C-415 locos.

There are the two main paint schemes of Pullman green with red roofs and the yellow scheme plus a couple of one offs.

So you should be able to build a credible display with custom painted EMD locos from recent production and swap meet sales but the SP&S signature Century line Alcos will be missing. Nearly everything except for some RS units will be a custom paint project.

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Was it common for NP or GN power to run through on freight trains in the pre-BN era?

Thanks for the hobby store tip. I see they have a custom painted batch of RS3s in house; I may be ordering a pair.

I know LifeLike did the C424 in N.

You may want to track down a copy of a book titled, 'The Northwest's Own Railway Vol. 1' by Grande Press. It's an excellent source of SP&S information. You'll find operational information as well as motive power details. LOTS of wonderful photos. Good luck!

P.S. Don't forget to include the constant lit SA searchlight block signals! I remember them fondly as a kid.

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I seem to recall reading and seeing photos of an N scale layout based on the Columbia Gorge a few years ago. I can remember if it was Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman or Mainline Modeler (or Hindman's N scale magazine?).



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/29/15 18:47 by wabash2800.