I think one of the most exciting aspects of model railroading is seeing real pictures of the exact same engines and rolling stock you’re using. When I was younger, it was REALLY difficult to find pictures of specific road numbers, but thanks to the Internet, it has become a lot easier.
Take this one, for example. First, a little background. My girlfriend is a cat person, and loves the Chessie logo. Chessie isn’t something I ever considered modelling, but because of her love of cats, the fact that the QUEST Western railroad is only loosely based on real-world locations, and that I’m working in T-Trak modules, there’s no reason I couldn’t setup a small Chessie yard for her to run.
I picked up a Chessie switcher, and I’m working to secure a few cars, but in doing a little digging, I just happened to stumble across this photo of the exact same switcher that I picked up. Seeing the two side-by-side really made my day, and my girlfriend lit up as well. =)
