Welcome to "Our Locomotives," where we dive into the fascinating world of model railroading and the incredible machines that bring our layouts to life. On the Garrett layout, we proudly showcase a collection of HO scale locomotives from two of the most iconic names in American railroading: Norfolk Southern (NS) and CSX Transportation (CSX). These locomotives are not just models; they are meticulously crafted representations of the real-life workhorses that power freight and passenger services across the United States. Join us as we explore the history, significance, and details of these remarkable HO scale replicas.

The Garrett Layout: A Canvas for Realism

Before we delve into the locomotives themselves, let’s set the stage with a brief overview of the Garrett layout. Designed with a passion for realism and attention to detail, the Garrett layout replicates the rugged landscapes and bustling rail corridors of the eastern United States, where Norfolk Southern and CSX dominate the tracks. This HO scale layout, built to a 1:87 proportion, captures the essence of modern railroading with intricate scenery, operational signals, and, of course, a fleet of locomotives that mirror their full-sized counterparts.

Our choice to focus on Norfolk Southern and CSX locomotives reflects both historical significance and regional authenticity. These two railroads are major players in the freight industry, and their liveries and designs are instantly recognizable to railfans and modelers alike. Let’s take a closer look at each railroad and the HO scale models that bring their spirit to the Garrett layout.

Norfolk Southern: The Thoroughbred of Freight

Norfolk Southern, often referred to as NS, is one of the largest Class I railroads in the United States, with a network spanning over 19,000 miles across 22 states. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, NS was formed in 1982 through the merger of the Norfolk and Western Railway and the Southern Railway. Known for its distinctive black-and-white "Thoroughbred" livery, featuring a stylized horse logo, Norfolk Southern is synonymous with power and reliability.

On the Garrett layout, our Norfolk Southern HO scale locomotives are a centerpiece of operations. We feature a variety of NS diesel-electric models, including the popular GE ES44AC and EMD SD70 series. These models, produced by top manufacturers like Athearn, Kato, and Walthers, boast incredible detail, from the weathered paint schemes to the functioning headlights and ditch lights. Many of our NS locomotives are equipped with DCC (Digital Command Control) and sound systems, allowing for realistic horn blasts, bell sounds, and engine revs as they haul long strings of freight cars through the layout.

One standout in our collection is the Norfolk Southern Heritage series, a line of locomotives painted in the liveries of predecessor railroads like Conrail, Southern Railway, and Norfolk & Western. These special editions add a nostalgic touch to the layout, reminding us of the rich history behind modern railroading. Watching an NS Heritage unit lead a coal train through the mountainous terrain of the Garrett layout is a sight to behold.

CSX Transportation: The Blue and Gold Giant

CSX Transportation, commonly known as CSX, is another titan of the American rail industry, operating over 21,000 miles of track across 23 states, the District of Columbia, and parts of Canada. Formed in 1986 through the merger of Chessie System and Seaboard System Railroad, CSX is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Its striking blue-and-gold color scheme, often referred to as the "YN2" or "Bright Future" livery, makes CSX locomotives stand out on any track.

On the Garrett layout, our CSX HO scale locomotives are just as impressive as their NS counterparts. We run a mix of modern CSX diesels, including the GE AC4400CW and EMD SD40-2, each meticulously detailed to reflect the wear and tear of real-world railroading. The CSX fleet often handles intermodal trains on our layout, mirroring the railroad’s significant role in containerized freight transport. The sound-equipped models roar to life with the distinctive whine of their engines, adding an immersive layer to the operating experience.

A highlight of our CSX collection is the occasional inclusion of locomotives in the older "Stealth" gray livery or the more recent "Boxcar Logo" design, showcasing the evolution of CSX branding over the years. These variations add visual diversity to the layout and spark conversations among visitors about the history of CSX and its predecessor railroads.

Why HO Scale?

You might wonder why we’ve chosen HO scale for the Garrett layout and our locomotive fleet. HO scale, with its 1:87 ratio, strikes a perfect balance between detail and practicality. It allows for intricate modeling of locomotives and rolling stock while still being manageable in terms of space and cost. HO scale is also the most

CSX:
EMD SD40-2 (8198) EMD SD702 (4683), AND A EMD DASH 8-2 (5943).
NS
GP 40-2 (3057), EMDSD40-2 (5301 AND 3430).