After getting the general layout, it’s time to open up the DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer for the state that I’m interested in. This is a book of maps that gives great detail for both roads and railroads. In cities, you might be better using the Rand McNally Road Atlas (or a state-issued map with urban blow-ups), but for all other places, you can’t beat the DeLorme Gazetteer to find and follow the railroads. It shows lots of smaller roads, and many of them are named, although some just show a numerical designation that matches up with the small white plates you see along the road. This is a tremendous research tool, as it shows both a detailed look at both the roads and the railroads together. It is also an invaluable aid in railroad photography, as you can see which way the roads and railroads are oriented in order to get the optimum sun angle. While giving this a good looking over, I might find some interesting rail lines that I am unfamiliar with. Now it’s time to get out the book of railroad maps published by SPV, their Comprehensive Railroad Atlas of North America, that is split up into different states and regions. Not only does it show great detail, but it also shows trackage rights and previous owners. If I find an interesting line, I will go back to the Railroad Traffic Atlas to get an idea of whether it still sees service, keeping in mind that the information is dated. The SPV atlas might even show some other branches and abandoned lines that I might want to explore, so it’s back to the Gazetteer to see what I can follow.