non-SW WIP(s)

I'm going to attempt building one of my favorite childhood memories: Railroads. I'm going to try building two different trains: Amtrak, which I use to travel North to Iowa:

And a 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive:

For the most part, I've got the Amtrak planned. The 2-8-4 is different. Help with it would be nice.

Well, what scale are you going for?

And I'd suggest using plates for the Amtrak, somehow slop them.

For the steam locomotive I suggest looking at techniques used in the Emerald Night.

Yes, you are going to need many technique pieces in black! You may need to greeble some parts up as well and don't try to use too many colors.

Gerrard wrote:Yes, you are going to need many technique pieces in black! You may need to greeble some parts up as well and don't try to use too many colors.

'oh:

Those are the basics Gerrard. I think he'll know what he's doing. Greebling? No mixing colours?

Give him useful tips.

Do you have any of it built?

You might be able to use this:http://factory.lego.com/Trains/default.aspx

Actually that would be a particularly excellent way to begin this, at least to see how awesome you could really make it.

@Jedi Joe: No, but I know for the most part what I'll need (for the Amtrak). I'm lost when it comes to the Berkshire. All I know is that I need a bunch of Big Ben wheels and a bunch of greeble pieces. Suggestions would be appreciated.
@Luke and 80-0: I have a Linux/Ubuntu type computer. It doesn't let you download stuff like that. Believe me, I've tried.
All: Any suggestions as to how to make the upper windows on the observation car? Reference Pic:

Check out my AT-ARW in the CAC forum, there's a whindshield on that. Maybe if you slap two of those together, they'll look about right.

PhiMa wrote:Check out my AT-ARW in the CAC forum, there's a whindshield on that. Maybe if you slap two of those together, they'll look about right.

And maybe add some gray 1x6 Tiles (Or Longer) over a part of the shield, to give it the separate-ness of the glass.

PhiMa wrote:Check out my AT-ARW in the CAC forum, there's a whindshield on that. Maybe if you slap two of those together, they'll look about right.

I tried that, it's a good idea, but they're to wide across. They are five long (ten long together) and my cars are going to be 8 wide.