I love the A&O Sub iteration but I was so bummed when I pulled into what was once one of the most picturesque little railroad towns in the western world. The little green depot, the water tank, the wooden A-frame road bridge and the false front buildings on the main street all spoke of a quieter, gentler place. I could just spend what seems like hours, parked in front of the depot pressing the different view keys.

I took one look at the 1980's Walden, pushed 1 and looked straight ahead down the track, leaving what was, behind.........

BUT! I can still punch up the StL&NA and see it again!!!!

You sorry wad!

I saw that subject and thought "Oh NO... what have I missed????"

Set me up like a sucker, you did. And I bit... hook line and sinker.

I'll get you back.



I had a feeling those that own the StLNA would have some unexpected sensations as they passed through towns they knew well... only seeing them 85 years later.

I'm like you: I like them both. Guess I'm prejudice though, eh?

Andre

I just finished my first run - Urbanette to Seligman - and thought it was great. I agree that the loss of the postcard scenes along the way (not just at Walden, but at Junction as well) is a shame. But then again, that's what they call progress. It would've taken quite a few runs to haul that weight up Seligman Hill with ol' No. 3! I can't say that I prefer looking at the chicken ranches as opposed to the water towers and all, but the ability to move from one era to another at the click of a mouse is amazing. I found myself looking ahead to the different locations I learned during my days on the StLNA, which made the run that much easier.

I really thought I would miss the electronical speed markers, but their absence made me pay a lot more attention to the road. A bit of a disappointment that I couldn't just sight-see, but I don't guess they're payin' me to ride along for fun!

So far (I haven't been to Berryville or Eureka Springs yet), she's a very nice update, Andre. And the engines are great. I love the head-out view.

Nice job!

Andy

I miss the butter churner. Truly an American institution vanished from the Ozark landscape. What's next, things that can fly? OR maybe some dodohead will think the airplane will vanquish the passenger train. I don't think so!

Uhhhh... just ranting....

Rich G

JuzKeepYerTeefClosedWenYaTalkPassinThemChikinRanches. KeepzDaFlysOut.

'Specially since I like to hang my head out the cab!

Andy

With steam... ME too! That was the natural position back when I was running steam on the ES&NA: Lean out the window, elbow resting on the window sash.

Not so with Gaetan's diesels. Given my miles in the cabs of diesels... I actually prefer the 5 key V cab with F5 x2. Sitting there in the V cab, looking through the windows, the way the exterior perspectives of the engine interact with scenes look VERY convincing to me that way.

Andre

Well yes, but there are compensations, with realistic scenes such as this

I agree with Rod. While the postcard scenes of the North Arkansas of the early 1900's is gone, there are compensations.

First of all there are the exquisite Alco's of the A&M, like this:

Paul

#2

The A&M was so busy serving the many customers on the A&O Subdivision that they even had to lease extra motive power. As a result there soon appeared on the property other locomotives such as these two C424's from the Piedmont Northern.

Paul