(Spins his "magic lock" around left index finger...)
I'm thinking I should lock this one down, however, this has some potential...
If you can limit the discussion to asking questions regarding BNSF in New Mexico and ask your modeling questions in the "HO and N Forum," then I'll let it stay.
You'll find the HO and N Forum here...
http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=32
Now, Tom...
Where exactly are you modeling in NM? Gallup? Roswell? Los Alamos? Santa Fe...? What is it about BNSF that attracts you to modeling it? And why New Mexico? Why not Iowa? Why not Montana?
Just currious.
How about the rest of you guys? Anyone else here model the BNSF, or one of the predecessor roads? Maybe you are doing the same thing as Tomas and can lend him a hand (regarding geography, structures, rolling stock, etc. Construction methods should be addressed in the HO & N forum).
As for me, being a native Minnesotan, I have a connection to James J. Hill and the Great Northern and Northern Pacific (JJH having lived in the Twin Cities). I also have a minor interest in both roads (as well as the Santa Fe). A friend of mine once worked for Burlington Northern, and I would sit and watch the BN trains roll past the "float" at Fountain City, WI, while my brother and dad would fish. I live about 60 miles away from the closest BNSF line, which is in East Winona, Wisconsin (although, BNSF has been known to run trains through Winona, MN on the former Milwaukee Road (now Soo Line/CP)), so I don't see much railroading action (other than a few glimpses of the DM&E in Rochester, MN).
I am an HO modeler who has put his layout on hold for the time being, but will eventually have an empire that represents a modern shortline ("bridge line?") that runs from Austin, MN to La Crosse, WI and north to the Twin Cities. The only connections with BNSF will be in the Twin Cities and East Winona, WI (via the former GB&W line). (The bulk of my layout will be on the old MILW line that ran through my hometown and surrounding area, that's why I have few interchange points with BNSF.)