As this project evolves, I've discovered that I've grown as interested in prototype paperwork & ephemera as in the modeling itself. Of course, things like employee timetables, engine assignment books, and other paperwork inform prototype operations. But even other items like locomotive operation manuals - while not very relevant to a model railroad - certainly make for interesting reading, and may even enrich your operating experience further.
At the recent NHRHTA Reunion/Train Show, I came across a few such items...
... which I enthusiastically added to my collection. But one thing I saw, that I really, really wanted ended up not being for sale . . .
Thanks very much to MelR for the pic. I was apparently too gob-smacked to think of taking one myself.
This is a firing manual for the New Haven Railroad (and Central New England Rwy) dating from the 1920s. I expected such a thing existed, but I'd never actually seen one before. Now that I know it exists, I'll be on the lookout. In the meantime, maybe the owner will change his mind . . .