Welcome back to the Modern DT&I!
This video showcases all active model locomotives on the Modern DT&I roster as of January, 2025. For a complete fictional roster, including some history, click the link below to my roster Google Doc. More fun units planned this year, stay tuned!
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More about the Modern DT&I
Concept and Layout:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fYeTSz_Yol_POmkgZC1P7Jg3lTmNf6DfYkxwxzFWn0w/edit?usp=sharing
System Map (Note: you can click on many lines and locations for labels and more info):
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=12vi93V_v29rWndtS03fYl25mzcf9WwJ6&g_st=ic
Roster, including modeled units:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AMA7XFRw97Va_5zZ2MU1oshq-MzsZZyp/edit?fbclid=IwAR1OscB-fb2gRNtvWDQVUQ-2ZLYNupUhz3Ah2nqHpa1T18EWznaibcvfhA0#gid=481814455
FAQs
Q: How big is the Layout?
A: Roughly 12x15 bedroom with a 5x5ish walk in closet with the walls knocked out.
Q: Do you host operating sessions?
A: not yet…still working through the plans for those.
Q: What DCC do you use?
A: NCE wireless with JMRI WiThrottle
Q: Where do you get your locomotives?
A: I either remove the decals on DTI releases myself, or have them custom painted when a model the DTI didn’t prototypically have is wanted.
Q: What track do you use?
A: Peco code 83 and Walthers turnouts where fit is needed. Minimum mainline radius is 28” and sidings 22”. Turnouts are #5 and up.
Q: Your models would look more real with graffiti…are you going to add it?
A: No, never. Regardless of talent, graffiti is still defacing others’ property, a crime, and not something I wish to condone by modeling it. In the mythical world of the MDTI, graffiti is a federal crime.
Q: Are you married? My spouse would never let me have that!
A: Yes, my husband helps build it! We are just two big kids living the dream…lol
Q: Where is the sound coming from?
A: Various clips I’ve recorded, and other YouTubers who’ve given me permission to use their audio. It’s dubbed over the video in several layers to ensure accurate horns, bells, prime movers, and sometimes even rail clack rate. A ten minute video can take as long as 10 hours to edit together, and is often why you’ll see me post shorts or reels over a long-form video.
Q: What time period is the layout set in?
A: 2006-present. Note that I also do not strongly adhere to the FRA’s years of service for freight cars, so you’ll see some older cars mixed in.
Q: Are there any livestreams of prototype MDTI locations?
A: Yes! Durand and Owosso, MI, St. Louis, MO, Blue Island, IL.
Q: I have (insert old train collection description here)…do you want to buy it?
A: No. I don’t get involved in collection sales.
Q: Where can I buy a train like that?
A: In most cases, you can’t. I’ve taken a stock model and made many modifications such as paint, weathering, lighting, etc. In this hobby, if you want something specific, you likely have to make it. It is model railroading, after all.
Q: I don’t see CSX or BNSF or (insert favorite modern road here)…why?
A: The MDTI is a multiverse since I work with several different modelers who do their own what-if railroad such as the Modern SP or Modern Burlington. So my rules of the world are:
1. Conrail exists without being split. In theory, it leases off secondary lines which the MDTI takes advantage of.
2. CSX assumes the Chessie identity, so CSXT reporting marks but Chessie System name and colors. You’ll still see the merged road reporting marks such as B&O as well.
3. BNSF doesn’t happen, and in most cases neither does BN. This is mainly because we all agree there should be a modern Santa Fe, and several model modern components of the BN.
4. SP and UP don’t merge. UP is satisfied with its CNW connection to Chicago and its former WP lines to the Bay Area. SP becomes profitable with the DRGW merger and some Rock Island line acquisitions.
5. Instead of focusing on EVs, the govt invests heavily into cleaning tech for existing power plants, keeping many coal and steel operations viable. The country’s political atmosphere is an overall rail-friendly environment. That’s why there are still so many branches in use on the MDTI map in coal country.
If you’d like to know more, reach out! Thank you for visiting!
#moderndti #hoscale #modeltrains #lgbtqowned