While reading some ICC valuation documents, I noticed something that got me thinking.  The water tanks were typically filled in one of three ways - gravity, by steam siphon pump, or gasoline powered pump.  That (mainly the gasoline engine at first) got me thinking about the sound these things would make.

Have a question that I am hoping I can get answered here.  I am modeling my favorite railroad, the Yancey Railroad, and they purchased their #2, a GE 50 tonner, from the US Navy.  It remained in US Navy livery until 1975, but I am modeling 1969.  I have no color photos of this unit; all are in black and white.  My question is: What color comes close to what the US Navy used in the late 40's?  Everyone calls it a blue-grey.  I looked through the Floquil charts and see nothing that comes close.  Maybe use GN Big Sky Blue and add a few drops of grey?&n

Domestic Content?   The $500 starter layout contest got me looking at what is available.  Some of the old domestic manufacturers are fallen flags and it is difficult to identify products as Made in USA.  A classic starter layout of 40 years ago would be Athearn kits, Atlas track, and Revell and Suydam structures.  Bowser, Roundhouse, Mantua, Penn Line, and Varney offered steam locomotive kits.  MRC supplied power packs.