A few links

For a TON of prototype location information, please set aside a few hours to digest Dan Roble's excellent site:

http://wvncrails.weebly.com/

There are dedicated sections to both West Virginia and North Carolina, and each section of railroad described includes old photos and recent shots of the same areas.  A gold mine for prototype info on these regions and their railroads, and just generally interesting reading.

For info on modeling the 1920's, including a list of manufacturers, visit Eric Hansmann's blog:

http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/

The first listing under the 'pages' section on the right side of the page is a 'guide to 1920s era HO Scale plastic freight cars.

I would add that there are a few 'vintage' kits, such as the Ulrich 'Cars of the Roaring Twenties' and the Central Valley Old Timers that build up into nice cars of the 20s and 30s, if you prefer craftsman-type kits.  And Eric's site has a listing of Westerfield resin cars that will fit the era nicely.

This should get you started.  Is this what you're looking for?

Galen

galen

 Just the thing I was hoping for! reading this lot will keep me out of the wife's way for a while .

Ma & Pa

Try looking at the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad for ideas, this railroad sounds like it would fit your wishes.  On another post, the Susquehanna and New York has also been suggested.  Have fun with your search.   

fishmack

I'll definitely look both of those as well, thanks for the suggestion.

Buffalo Creek and Gauley might suit too?

or the East Broad Top if you like narrow gauge/standard gauge interaction? ......DaveB

Wheeling Terminal Railway is

Wheeling Terminal Railway is another example some of which is covered in my on going history blog. A great example is Eric Hansmanns Layout and blog dealing with the B&O freight terminal in Wheeling WV in the time period you are talking about.

http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/author/EricWH2/

Eric's blog is a great source of information and you can see some photos of appropriate steam locos that you mentioned above.

DAVEB & ROB

 I never knew there was so much varity and choice! Boy. this going to keep me busy

Age of Steam web site

http://www.ageofsteamroundhouse.com/index.php

Construction underway of a Roundhouse and steam and diesel engines and rolling stock. Located in Ohio.

And if that's not enough

Try the website appalachianrailroadmodeling.com for even more great information on the subject.

thanks

 Well what can I say but thanks too every one for their time and help. As the space wont be available for layouts for a while this is just the sort of thing to keep me going.

sources of 20s 30s stock

I model the periods of 1910 through 1939.  These craftsman models should keep you occupied until you have built a layout.  No room?  I thought the tiny Inglenook design was British!

These two are my favorite sources of very high quality models from that time period:

• Funaro and Camerlengo http://www.fandckits.com
  • amazing detail in these kits. 
  • craftsman quality and craftsman difficultly of construction.
  • Drill every hole for every grab step.
• Tichy Train Group http://www.tichytraingroup.com
  • beautiful detail in these items. 
  • Not as difficult as F&C

 I do not use only craftsman kits- I'd certainly go crazy and blind drilling all those holes.  Here are other good sources of rolling stock I use for that time period

Accurail single-sheathed and double-sheathed boxcars.  Often lettered as rebuilt in the 40's or 50's, you may have to entirely repaint and decal them.

AAR series - look for x23 and x29. From Athearn and others. Built from 1920 through the 40's, you may have to re-decal them.

tank cars:

Bachmann proto 2000

Roundhouse

That should keep you busy for a few years.

Westerfield

makes some nice early era freight car kits. They are not cheap but take quite a while to finish so might be worth the price if you enjoy the building process .....DaveB 

Franklin & South Manchester

Your also may want to check out George Sellios' Frankin & South Manchester, which is set in 1935, for some ideas.