Favorite Freight Cars:

Berwick Forge & Fabricating (Berwick, PA) 50' Box (GN 1970 order 138000-138099? and 319100-319499 Series)

Pacific Car & Foundry 57' Mechanical Refrigerator (PFE/SPFE/UPFE WFEX, BREX, others?)

Pullman-Standard 4427CF, 4740CF, 4750CF Covered Hoppers

American Car & Foundry 2970CF, 4650CF, 4600CF Covered Hoppers

Thrall 52' 6" Gondola

Railgon 52' 6" Gondola

AAR 53' 6" Flat car (and log flat conversion log bunks without decking)

To go along with the EMD GP30/GP35/GP40 discussion, I want to discuss the engine types used by EMD from the 1930's to mid 1960's with an 'Evolution' timeline with the twist of starting midrange with the 567C engine.

This is going to be a work-in-progress discussing these locomotives and a blog about EMD diesel engines.

The EMD GP30 (2250hp from a 16-567D2), GP35 (2500hp from a 16-567D3), and GP40 (3000hp from a 16-645E3) represented the late 567 series engine and the transition/early 645 series engine of the 1963 to 1967 period (even tho GP30 production began in 1961 and the pre Dash-2 GP40 production ended in December 1971, I'm only covering those years and only 4-axle types).

Since I've subscribed to MRH and have been reading the issues and the blogs, I now find myself itching to start building a layout using TOMA's or some such sectional modules. I know what I want to model and the approximate era. Now I need to pick a scale, equipment, track, and structures.

I'm planning to begin work on a couple of sections for a layout. I'm currently considering hand laid or kit built turnouts. I'm looking for feedback on three subjects.

1. Central Valley vs Proto/87 kits.

2. Hinged (pivoting) point rails vs frog-to-point full rail vs replacement point rails connected with a soldered rail joiner.

3. Power routing with jumpers made from circuit board ties vs copper tape.

Thanks.

William L