Recent content by Iles

It may depend on the era you are modeling, but I think the best bang for the buck are the Athearn "blue box" PS 54 covered hoppers. I have a bunch and they are pretty accurate looking grain haulers.

Yes, that was the term I was looking for - "sectional". Thank you. Sometimes this planning stage is boring or unexciting etc. But I know if I don't do a good job in this area, this little car shop will never be anything but. I am hoping to be able to secure more space down the road and want to...

Thanks everyone for all the ideas and info. I am grateful for the planning help and the ability to bounce ideas out here. When I was last modeling on a regular basis, forums like this didn't exist. Initially, I was thinking of a coffee table-type design that I could easily move around while...

Yeah, I didn't realize how old the S1's are. I can't get close enough (on the property) to figure out what models they are, but ADM in Decatur, IL still has a few Alco's doing switching work. The SW10 seems like a fun project and something I might think about tackling some time. I know it...

Good stuff - I wouldn't have thought of myself....

Thanks everyone for the replies. I really like the EMD model 40....that said, I think it may be a bit out-dated for my purpose. I guess I didn't make note of the fact that I plan on modeling the modern era (let's call that 1985-present). So, I really need something that is still found in...

I figured the 44 Tonner is probably not a great engine, but in some pics the details looked acceptable and maybe with a little TLC could pass as accurate. Since I won't be running it all that much I thought maybe it could work for me. I always thought the 44 Tonner would be an ideal shop...

Hey, great idea! I probably would have never thought of that! THANKS

Okay, so the S1's are P2K....I've been away from modeling for some time and wasn't sure who made what. Those engines look pretty sharp. I guess most of the P2K stuff is real nice. I would definitely consider one of these for my "shop goat"....

I am planning a small car shop and would like to find a kit that uses corrugated steel panels....if I can't find a kit, does anyone know if you can purchase panels of this type for scratch building? Any links or help is greatly appreciated!

In another post I am discussing building a small car repair facility diorama and and considering what structures, materials, etc. I will need. One thing that is a must is an engine to move the cars (pretty obvious, huh?) I would like to equip this diorama with sound and want some opinions on...

Thanks for the replies. I enjoyed looking at TomPM's photos and tips. A lot of what he is doing will be helpful to me. I have other ideas for diorama's as well, but I am thinking that not too many people model car shops and that it would be something "different". The Illinois & Midland...

I went to a train show recently and I think the bug has bitten me to get back into the hobby. Currently, I have no room for a layout of any size. I enjoy building and detailing rolling stock and structures and was think of constructing a small (2'x4' perhaps?) diarama. My initial idea is to...