I have the W/WBB models of UP 1982, 1988 and 1996 diesels. (MP, MKT, and SP Heritage). Sunday I was able to ride with the real deal on a special UP train in Houston. (See real trains.)
Now, how many on this board have an attachment to models of engines or cars that they themselves have road, have driven, or have repaired in the real world?
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I only own two steam engines, Milwaukee Road 261 and the Canadian Pacific Empress 2816. Seen here double heading. I took this photo back in 2004.
I have the NYC 8223 RS-3 that is currently in Old Forge pulling excursions.
I have ridden in the cab many, many times over a four year period. Started out filming a DVD for the museum, then filmed almost every run for that time period tell we moved. Matt from this Forum was my sound man on many of the runs. Someone made a brass O gauge version of the SP 2472. It was two rail or I would have bought it. Wish someone would make a three rail version. Third Rail are you listening. Don
When Conrail got the SD80MAC units, I got a cab ride on #4123 when it was about a month old. Kato made that number in HO scale; I wasn't able to get it when it came out but I'm currently on the lookout for one...
I'd also like to have a model of the first locomotive I ran, an ex-Seaboard/CSX Geep rebuild. That, unfortunately, will have to be a kitbashing project...
The train my father was the conductor on shortly before he retired (LIRR FL9AC). I got to ride in the cab, and bought him this K-line model for his retirement: 
A real one:
In a previous life, I had been a fireman and engineer at the Illinois Railway Museum and have fired and run both the Frisco Russian decapod 1630 and the 60 ton 3-truck Shay, J. Niels #5.
I have the Bachmann HO Russian lettered for 1630, not a 100% accurate model, but it will do for now. An S scale brass importer has announced a model of J. Neils #5 in her later St. Regis Paper/Klicitat Log & Lumber livery. I am eagerly awaiting delivery of the Shay.
Rusty
Most of my model roster has been built around my personal experience with the prototype.
Bob
I have the area around my passenger station loosely based on the layout on ATSF at Newton Ks. Spent hours there connectinf between the TEXAS CHIEF/LONE STAR and SUPER CHIEF/SW LTD. Also, Newton had a derrick (crane car) near the station. Got me hooked literally on MOW stuff.
When Conrail got the SD80MAC units, I got a cab ride on #4123 when it was about a month old. Kato made that number in HO scale; I wasn't able to get it when it came out but I'm currently on the lookout for one...
I'd also like to have a model of the first locomotive I ran, an ex-Seaboard/CSX Geep rebuild. That, unfortunately, will have to be a kitbashing project...
Funny, they brought SD80MAC 4129 into Greenfield Village when it was brand new. I believe that was the first locomotive cab I was ever in (I was probably about a year old then). I saw Lionel is making that number in their new scale Legacy SD80's, but because I have the Lionmaster ones there is no real need to spend the money on another. 
And the real 4129 when it visited back in 1997. I would have been 2 years old then.
Mike Lavendar:
I know you stated you're looking for the HO version of the 4123 but I found an available N scale model. Here's the link in case you're interested:
Bob
I have fond memories of the Reading's Iron Horse Rambles. The first ran on October 25, 1959, the day after the N&W's final excursion with No. 611.
Today and tomorrow are the 53rd anniversaries of those trips. No. 2124 is now on display in her freight scheme at Steamtown. Built in the Reading Shops in April, 1947, she is the newest steam locomotive in the collection.
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