I have this loco:



and a few of the Tyco bicentennial boxcars.

what I need is a small layout idea to showcase them. a place where it is always July, 1976

That particular locomotive was the first Bi-centennial one that I know of. I think it first appeared in 1972 so there is some room to work. I don't know for sure when it lost it's splendor but there are pictures taken in 1980 and it is back to normal paint. It toured for a while in a special train.
I have a friend that worked in Conway (Conrail) that chased it all over the country to no avail, and when he finally returned to work it was sitting at the fuel rack at Conway.
If you wanted to add a great detail it would be a Fourth of July Parade (Youtube search for "the great American Fourth of July and other disasters"). Don't forget all the bunting on all the buildings.
By the way, the trucks are correct for the Seaboard unit. I think you have a great idea.
Charlie

thanks for the suggestion

I think I found another great resource over on youtube. several hours of ABC News footage from July 4, 1976

ScrewySqrl Wrote:thanks for the suggestion
I think I found another great resource over on youtube. several hours of ABC News footage from July 4, 1976

Excellent source material !! I remember, my older brother and I, listening to Jean Shepherd, on WOR radio, New York, more years ago than I care to remember. Wouldn't think of ever missing that show, and all the laughs I got from it. Was good to see, recognized the voice instantly ! I'll have to play the whole thing when I have the time.

The specific 4th-of-July details can be used in almost any scene (( Fireworks might pose a significant problem, either fake them, or have a Fire Extinguisher readily available - - - model railroads don't look all that good, modeled in "Charcoal" ))

I believe there are some circuits designed to simulate an arc welder. Might be able to work that in as fireworks going off.
Charlie

I remember reading an article in TRAINS or Classic Trains about the lead up to the U.S. Bi-Centennial celebrations and how several TRAINS staff organised with their railroad contacts for locomotives painted and numbered for 1776 to be available in Chicago at a small rail yard for a magazine photo shoot in time for July publication.

I am thinking that you could use this idea as a scene setter. The premise is that Seaboard Coast Line has gathered together several of its major shippers Bi Centennial boxcars and with a suitable caboose is making a media event for tv crews and print media as well as local railfans and the public at one of its landmark stations.

Mark

Sparklers. Definitely needs sparklers.