09-29-2011, 04:54 PM
I'm having a minor layout identity crisis.
i am unsure of which prototype i prefer, New Jersey DOT or SEPTA. Ideally, a Northeast Corridor layout would solve all these problems (they've all run on all portions of the NEC for one reason or another), but thats to big for this space!
Recent offerings of SEPTA models have made modeling such lines possible, and they may offer better opportunities for freights running on the same line as the commuter trains than does the NJ DOT stuff i've been trying to model.
these are my thoughts, input is welcome.
NJDOT former PRR/CNJ lines
Pros
- I already own 15+ Jersey Arrow III MU cars, and other Jersey Arrows may be had.
- The commuter operation I eventually want to model
- Wide vareity of rolling stock from ATSF, BN, CNJ, GN, PC, and others in various paint schemes and patches
cons
-very few RTR or kit NJ DOT equipment available. Most of it (U34CH, Comet 1 Push-pulls) operate only on former Erie Lackwanna lines.
-Many locomotives require complex custom paint jobs or difficult kitbashing to be completed. Most commuter cars are Resin kits or brass car sides. all of it is expensive
-Very little freight operations on the prototype outside of the Northeast Corridor. (could be a pro in terms of a small layout)
SEPTA Reading Division
Pros
-Simplified Catenary
-Interesting mix of freight and commuter traffic
-prototype trains no longer than 4 cars on average, even at peak.
-Recent HO scale SEPTA offerings are simpler kits and are more readily completed. Simple paint schemes and readily available decals
-Frequent SEPTA strikes result in very interesting lashups of MU cars sandwhiched between conrail diesels in commuter service
Cons
- I only own very few SEPTA models, not enough to make a full train (6 EMUs, 1 Silverliner IV, 2 Silverliner IIs, 3 Silverliner IIIs)
-Recent HO SEPTA equipment produced in limited runs for high prices. many models behind schedule for arrival on store shelves
-Nearly as difficult to obtain as NJ DOT models.
-While the Reading Division is a good prototype, it is far from the eventual Northeast Corridor model railroad I wish to build.
i am unsure of which prototype i prefer, New Jersey DOT or SEPTA. Ideally, a Northeast Corridor layout would solve all these problems (they've all run on all portions of the NEC for one reason or another), but thats to big for this space!
Recent offerings of SEPTA models have made modeling such lines possible, and they may offer better opportunities for freights running on the same line as the commuter trains than does the NJ DOT stuff i've been trying to model.
these are my thoughts, input is welcome.
NJDOT former PRR/CNJ lines
Pros
- I already own 15+ Jersey Arrow III MU cars, and other Jersey Arrows may be had.
- The commuter operation I eventually want to model
- Wide vareity of rolling stock from ATSF, BN, CNJ, GN, PC, and others in various paint schemes and patches
cons
-very few RTR or kit NJ DOT equipment available. Most of it (U34CH, Comet 1 Push-pulls) operate only on former Erie Lackwanna lines.
-Many locomotives require complex custom paint jobs or difficult kitbashing to be completed. Most commuter cars are Resin kits or brass car sides. all of it is expensive
-Very little freight operations on the prototype outside of the Northeast Corridor. (could be a pro in terms of a small layout)
SEPTA Reading Division
Pros
-Simplified Catenary
-Interesting mix of freight and commuter traffic
-prototype trains no longer than 4 cars on average, even at peak.
-Recent HO scale SEPTA offerings are simpler kits and are more readily completed. Simple paint schemes and readily available decals
-Frequent SEPTA strikes result in very interesting lashups of MU cars sandwhiched between conrail diesels in commuter service
Cons
- I only own very few SEPTA models, not enough to make a full train (6 EMUs, 1 Silverliner IV, 2 Silverliner IIs, 3 Silverliner IIIs)
-Recent HO SEPTA equipment produced in limited runs for high prices. many models behind schedule for arrival on store shelves
-Nearly as difficult to obtain as NJ DOT models.
-While the Reading Division is a good prototype, it is far from the eventual Northeast Corridor model railroad I wish to build.
Modeling New Jersey Under the Wire 1978-1979.
![[Image: logosmall.png]](http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg445/CAB_IV/Model%20Trains%202013/logosmall.png)