Notice to all visitors and members of the Train-Sim.Com message forums: If you plan on using a signature banner in your posts, we would like to remind you that there is a maximum size for banners. That maximum is 450 pixels wide by 120 pixels high, and not to exceed 25k. Your compliance is appreciated. FORUM RULES Problems? There are two common reasons for problems with logging in and posting messages. The first is that you are running a firewall that prevents your messages from being sent to the server. The other is that you have cookies disabled; the DCForum software requires cookies to work properly.
Just a thought, anybody in progress of making this route, or thought about it, or even heard of it there isn't alot of information on this railroad, it just started last year, but the passenger cars, and locomotives (F40s!!) are very very nice There is a nice article in Trains Mag. and some brief stuff on Kansas City Southern's website as well....I do believe this is the only "US" Railroad that operates it's own passenger service, and doing a dang good job at it!
Brian E. Bundridge Founder - Evergreen Tracks Seattle, Washington
Actually, it's not a "US" railroad anymore, though it is US-operated. Ownership went over to the Panamanian authorities back in 1999. (Along with that of the Canal itself!) And while it was *re-started* last year, it goes back a whole lot further than that! There's some information and some picture from its previous incarnation at this site:http://www.trainweb.org/panama/pg.htmlI've thought about it for some time as at a bit over fifty miles in length, I think it would make a very nice route for MSTS. And the combination of seashore, rain forest, various rivers, the Continental Divide, Lake Gatun, and urban scenery in combination with the unique nature of the Canal in would make for great visible interest. In my mind, I can envision making a passenger run across the Isthmus while ships are transiting the canal alongside or in the background.In addition to the current state of affairs, you could choose from several important periods to model. In fact, you could even model it back *before* the canal was built. (Lot's of custom objects there, eh?) Or during the period when the Canal was under construction.However, I think that DEM data would be a "must" due to the wide variations in topography. And I'm not sure that the data is available for our use. Suffice it to say, we can't just take a short road trip to check things out.Who knows, maybe there's someone living in Panama who might give it a go. I'd certainly download it.Henry Did I mention that my Mom is from Panama?
>I do believe this is the only "US" Railroad that operates >it's own passenger service, and doing a dang good job at it! You are forgetting the Alaska Railroad, which is the ONLY dual service US railroad, because PCRC is not in the US. I assume by railroad you mean Class 1 freight railroads and not including Amtrak (which is not doing such a good job) and commuter railroads.PCRC is operated by KCS(NAFTA) but is only under lease from the Panamanian government. The railroad itself is in Panama, though it was once in the US controlled Canal Zone, which was transferred over to Panama in 1999. It is doing a better job as a full service railroad than any other railroad in the western hemisphere, if not the world.
Hey guys!You may have just got your wish. I'm a military brat and railfan freak to boot, and I lived in Panama for 5 years. It just so happens that I have detailed charts of the topography and the entire rail line. It really wouldn't be too terrible a project, but my RE skills are pretty suspect. I guess the big thing is the terrain. DEMs would be *really* nice!!! =)Anyways...just to add some comments...I moved to Panama in 1990. When I got there the railroad was in shambles. The road had a couple old Alcos (RS-3?) and a couple of SW1200/1500. They owned a large fleet of 50' flatcars and several 30s-era heavyweight passenger coaches. Their usual train consisted of one loco, plus maybe 12 flatcars with a container on each car, plus a passenger car bringing up the rear. I once heard that during this period, they would be paid $50 for each container they moved across the Isthmus. The route is heavily jungled and is treacherous in some places. The train would often move slowly and was easy to chase. Of course, I was much younger, but the history wasnt lost on me. I just rifled through my slide book and found about 15 slides of the railroad from 1994/1995. I'll try and get some prints made! =)One of the neatest things was seeing their yard. From 1991-late 1994, the yard was a shambles. Cars (mostly 40' boxcars!), were rotting away, as well as several passenger cars. Well, around early 1995, they got serious about things, pretty much scrapping anything that wouldnt run and cleaning up the yard. The SW got a new silver, red, green and blue paint job, too! I do actually have 4 print pictures of the yard in that state, and I will post those soon, too!Anyways...nowadays, The Panama Canal Railroad is a division of the NAFTA Railroad, AKA Kansas City Southern Industries. They run a small flock of GORGEOUS F40PH knockoffs (want to say Amtrak refurbs), and *supposedly* there is an(ambitious) project to double-track and concrete-tie all 50+ miles. That would be something to see. And just in case you all get the railfan bug, Panama is a great (safe) country to visit. =) I would be happy to take any questions!Brad Kostelny Greyfox070@aol.com
On my one visit to the Isthmus, I was there somewhat earlier than you. Back in 1966 things were still in pretty good shape with the Railway. I believe we took the train from Paraiso <sp> to Panama City and even at my (then) young age I enjoyed the ride. I think the bigger Alcos were RSC2s or RSC3s and the passenger cars were ex-US stock modified to the 5-foot gauge then in use. I think there were some Alco switchers around back then as well.My grandfather worked on the Canal Zone at the time and it was like a transplanted bit of the U.S.A. There was a very substantial U.S. military presence back then. Trains, ships and Army stuff! What more could a ten-year old kid ask for?!?I understand that there's supposed to be a big celebration for the 100th anniversary of Panamanian Independence next year. That would probably be an interesting time to go.I wonder if there's any useable way to create terrain from topographical maps. (I doubt it.) Anyway, who know where this will go?Henry
