Tom,
Keep in mind that what I'm trying to do is put together a sort of believable train, not necessarily a totally accurate one. I want one where Burlington fans don't bust out laughing. So I doubt I'll become a store of useful information.
I really appreciate the list of off-road cars. I noted that one list was combined Galesburg and Savanna. Since I'm leaning towards doing Twin Cities-Chicago, I kind of think that the UP/SP/Rock cars were probably not on the Savanna trains, but the Galesburg.
So, although I've got UP and SP baggage cars, I thought it wise to leave them off. On the other hand, I'm well stocked with GN. Plus PRR B60's. And even a bit of NYC.
But anyway. I do have the consist pretty much under control, and I'll share my plan:
2-3 E8's, as upcoming from Walthers
Burlington:
2-Walthers hvwt baggage
3-Walthers converted troop kitchens, with trucks changed
1-Railway Classics Havelock in silver
1-Walthers Budd 29 seat parlor (I know it's wrong, but it's a stand-in waiting for the right one)
1-Walthers Flexi-van ('cause it's Q red and silver--how can I resist?)
Off road, as mentioned, is currently GN (plenty available) and a couple of PRR B60b's. And I do have a Walthers CNW 60' baggage, too.
I know there are lots of converted troop baggage out there, but I don't want to overdo the "troop" cars--got three already.
I would like a couple of more Q cars--probably something Budd and shiny. And it would be nice to have something else Eastern. Not NYC, so much, but something smaller. Say B&M, maybe. Or E-L.
And, finishing it off, I have half a dozen Branchline REA cars I can stick on the end.
So. I think things are looking good.
Anyway, that's the plan. And thanks again for all the info. I appreciate it.
Ed
Edward Sutorik