Think I found a RR to model

[Neopuron]

So in looking around last night I came across The Richmond Fredericksburg & Potomac. It's a older rail line that isn't in service anymore, now part of CSX. I am ok with the paint scheme and I think it may be a little easier to model after something that is local, or was. It also has some serious history that I have been able to find online. Plus the section of tracks through the area here offers me the ability to use a few different RR lines. CSX, VRE, and many of the other lines that use this stretch of track that come through my area. Liking the idea of it... Anyone else in the area doing something similar?


I was hoping to see some more information in regards to the DCC post I made but I think I should have enough to go on for now. Watched a few youtube videos about how to wire the decoders up and other good bits of info. Seems easy enough.

Found another local hobby store about 20 miles north of here that is a bit bigger then the one I was going too. Might get lucky and find one of the RFP engines in there. If not may order one or two of them offline. Atlas is one of the makers I have been able to find so far. Planning a trip up there this upcoming weekend to see what they got. Plus Daddy needs some more presents so....SCORE Will see if they carry the NCE DCC kit, or something that will suit my needs. Again really just wanting to get sound to the engines, layout wont be big enough to run a handful of trains at once, so DCC may be overkill for me. But like all things Im sure in time it will grow so might aswell get it out of the way now eh?

Anyway,

Thanks for reading!

Derek

 

[Irongrave]

the RF&P is a great RR to model, a good fleet of locos ability to run lots of other railroad power. have a point to point with 2 big yards or one yard in the middle and run trains in both directions. If i wasn't a die hard D&H fan RF&P is one of my other favs

 

[Cjcrescent]

I'm assuming that you're modeling the RF&P in the diesel era. Go for it, but you may want to research the RR in its steam days.

One thing that the RF&P had was absolutely the most beautiful 4-8-4's to ever hit the rails. The "Statesman" and "General" classes were outstanding, and absolutely gorgeous locos. (This is coming from a Southern RR steam nut!)

Each "Statesman" was named after a famous Virginian statesman, like Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and so on. The Generals were named after famous civil war confederate Generals like Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, etc.

Steam or diesel, the RF&P is a great RR to model.

 

[Beachbum]

There's a 1:1 scale RF&P caboose at the Tredegar Iron Works historical park in Richmond. I have a pic somewhere that I took of it when my son and I were touring Civil War battle sites in Virginia. Virginia commuter rail runs on former RFP tracks through Fredericksburg, I think, and the Richmond passenger station is an interesting design.

 

[Neopuron]

Virginia commuter rail runs on former RFP tracks through Fredericksburg, I think, and the Richmond passenger station is an interesting design.

I ride the VRE (Virginia Railway Express) commuter train often. So I am up close with those engines. Fredericksburg to Union Station in DC and back. Again by picking this RF&P RR; gives me a nice selection of options to play with. Or atleast something to start with.

Space is going to be my biggest challenge. I have a 11x9 room to work with. So been searching around on the the web to get some ideas for a shelf layout. Ive toyed around with the idea of going N scale, but honestly HO is all I have been exposed too and it just sticks. I think the shelf will work out much better over all then just filling the room with a 4x8.

This will be my first layout since being in the hobby as a kid. So Im sure in time I'll pick some things up, and when I move the family into a bigger home, Ill make sure to have a larger garage/basement/attic that is "The Train Room"

Derek

 

[Neopuron]

I'm assuming that you're modeling the RF&P in the diesel era. Go for it, but you may want to research the RR in its steam days.

For starters yeah it will be the diesel era. Ive read a little about them nice steam engines in the history. And I do love the looks of some nice looking steam engines. Being my layout wont be as big as I would like to start Im sure in time I would have both era's.

Just being able to model after something local with so much history I have a feeling I will be able to go quite a bit with it. Thank you for the info. Just out of the gate I dont think my limited space and track plan would do them steam engines any justice

Doesnt mean I cant get one though

Derek

 

[Irongrave]

with a shelf type layout on one of the walls build a BIG yard then have the line going both ways might be a little hard but could work

 

[malletman]

Depending what scale you decide on, the local hobby shop has 2 of the older Atlas yellow box four axle EMDS in the RF&P colors for sale from a collection. Both are in thier original boxes, have the Roco drive that is very smooth with just a light growl when they run. Very resonable prices on them. If your intersted, PM me and I will forward the shop contact info. Mike

 

[West Virginia Midland Man]

You can't go wrong with Atlas/Roco. I have their first run RS-3s and 25 years later...they run like champs.Some of the finest locos on the M&WV, the twins.

 

[Neopuron]

Depending what scale you decide on, the local hobby shop has 2 of the older Atlas yellow box four axle EMDS in the RF&P colors for sale from a collection. Both are in thier original boxes, have the Roco drive that is very smooth with just a light growl when they run. Very resonable prices on them. If your intersted, PM me and I will forward the shop contact info. Mike

I may be interested in finding out some more info about the engines. Do you have the store info? Ive been looking online for them and the best I have seen them go for new is about $150. Seems a little high as they arent loaded with a decoder or sound? Insides must be plated with gold...

Derek

 

[West Virginia Midland Man]

It's called the rarity factor. Those Atlas/Roco units are no longer made, therefore they command a higher price. Also, roadnames play a big factor. RF&P is not a common roadname, so they bring more money as well.