Great stuff

I realy like it.

Superb Work as Always!

James,

Thank you for the update, everything really looks great!!

Beautiful models and

Beautiful models and extremely well done in all aspects. Your track plan is also very realistic as well. The following is not a negative comment on your work it is outstanding. That is a time period I would not choose as well as a prototype as the real thing offers very little in the form of traffic and mainline trains. Most things in the modern era offer less in the way of track and sidings and destinations than was common in the 1950s -1960s. And there is also the vastly different number of class ones and what they did.

I went to your website and looked at your track plan and it really captures the feel of the modern era and your model building is fantastically realistic. Nicely done all the way around.

Rob in Texas

Outstanding

Looks great, very realistic results.  Very much enjoying the progress so far.  Not sure if I missed it, but what are you using for the green foliage ground cover?

Inspiring all around

James,

Very, very nice work, as always. Can’t wait to see how the structures around Swanson Blvd. come together. 

Rob: I’m curious as to why you don’t like James’ time period? Modern railroading offers a great deal of operational interest. 

Also, some of us just like a more laid back form of operation as well as a manageable layout in terms of construction. With operation for example, I find watching the local UP switcher in my hometown to be captivating (and very time consuming) even though they only switch a couple of industries. 

I was inspired by James’ approach to build a similar layout because my space was limited, I liked the same regional prototype, and there was actually plenty of industries and car movements to hold my interest and keep me busy building models for years.

Great Layout.

You and Joe have been very inspirational to me and my modeling - thanks for sharing.

Jez

Tempting

To Each Their Own

As always, thank you all for the kind comments...

My base scenery is the Farm Pasture Blend from Scenic Express. From there I build up multiple layers using multiple materials until I'm happy.

Rob, I don't take that comment as a negative. Over the years I've heard reason after reason that the modern-era doesn't work for a model railroad. And over the years I've found every one of those reasons to be incorrect.

I'm glad everyone doesn't model the same prototype, time, or place that I do. It would make it less special for me and lead to a lot of boring layouts. You have your reasons for modeling what you want, just as I have mine. But I'm pretty sure neither of us is going to convince the other that their way is better.

James

Great Work!

James,

You have a beautiful layout, the modeling is superb.  It's great to see updates and look for all the little details you have put into the scenes.

I echo . . .

James

MILW Roots

The Iowa Interstate mainline is former Rock Island track, but the Grimes Line was a Milwaukee Road branch line in a previous life.

James

Modern times

We often seem to assess a prototype's value as a modeling candidate by the number of active spurs they serve.  However, I'm of the opinion that the presence of more industries doesn't necessarily equate to more operating fun.  I enjoyed railfanning the IAIS just as it was in the era I later chose to model, and didn't spend the time wishing there were more active customers or a greater variety of cars.  By that same token, I find modeling that prototype as accurately as possible to be very fulfilling, without wishing I had more.

While I understand the fun of industrial archeology involved in modeling an older railroad, I think that having the first-hand access that's unique to railfanning and researching a modern prototype can also add a lot of depth and enjoyment to subsequent modeling efforts.  There's fun to be had in modeling any era - just depends on our perspective and interests.

What you know.

"While I understand the fun of industrial archeology involved in modeling an older railroad, I think that having the first-hand access that's unique to railfanning and researching a modern prototype can also add a lot of depth and enjoyment to subsequent modeling efforts.  There's fun to be had in modeling any era - just depends on our perspective and interests."

   I think being there and having seen it makes a difference in the appeal. I can easily model from the 50's to today because I've been a railfan for a long time.  Also can model California railroading better than anywhere else cause I've seen it over the years.  I don't really have a favorite era, I modeled the 50's years ago then skipped to the 80's, 90's and now will probably model a rubber era on my new layout so I can build equipment of different eras. The 60's have some appeal right now since I've never really modeled them much and I like the mix of old and newer freight cars ,but on my workbench is a Cryo-tran car being converted to Carrier refrigeration unit then graffiti'd up so go figure  ....DaveB

This layout

This layout is my kind of modeling.I've never been one to crowd as much track as possible on a layout.I want my trains and track to be part of the layout not the only reason I built it.

I'm not saying mine is the only way to build a layout,but it is the only way I will build one.I give this layout .

WOW

Great job. Love the track work and that patched out boxcar too.

Wow, James!!!!

James, you get a big WOW from me on your latest work.  I love your railroad and all of you IAIS guys get my vote for "iconic" layouts.  :o)  I love short line and/or branch line railroads.  I love the laid back simple approach to operations.  You don't need a bunch of track and places to spot rolling stock to enjoy a model railroad.  :o)  For a lot of us, that wouldn't be prototype anyway.  )

Tom

High Praise

Thank you Tom. Coming from you, that means a lot.

James