Have fun, everyone! And good luck.

#1 is an interesting twist I'd not considered myself. Perhaps a little too modern for what I am seeking here I think I would prefer to see something with Elmira Branch spelled out. I'll keep this in contention though until we see a few more entries to compare it against.

Off to a great start, Aitch! While #3 is definitely on the right track [sorry], #2 is closer to what I have in mind. If the drawing were less stylized... more realistic... it would garner the top ranking.

No problem, I can work on that!

TheAitch is definitely on to something with this presentation. Overall, #7 gives me the impression of strength and stability, whereas #5 appears to be more "skeletal". As for color, I do not intend to discount the use of multiple colors in the design; I just like the use of graytones in these particular submissions.

Still, I keep coming back to #3. This might make its way back up in rank as this contest progresses and I see a larger variety of designs come in.

I am really enjoying seeing what you're all coming up with! Good work, all. With entries #12 and #13 I'm seeing a trend toward caricature, though. I realize it's a lot to ask given the short time frame we have available, but I wonder if something a bit more photo-realistic can be achieved with your designs?

After showing these concepts to a small group of associates, it turns out that the one that is the furthest from my initial vision is the most popular. Go figure! Ranking adjusted accordingly :)

CH - is there anything else you'd like to see regarding my entries? I could try new colors, try some new elements, etc. Just let me know!

Excellent work, everyone. I am liking what I am seeing; many variations on a couple basic themes. If I were to make any suggestion, it would be (at your discretion) to include a line or phrase indicating what I do. "Custom Scale Models" or "Fine Scale Modeling" would be appropriate.

Keeping things "railroady" is working, too. #30 is another concept I'd not originally considered; it definitely resembles the style of an old-time railroad herald. Seeing that the company name comes from a branch of the former Pennsylvania Railroad, it would be entirely appropriate to base the logo on the Pennsy's famous Keystone herald. It will be interesting to see what creative use of fonts can do here.

Quazzi - Please see the PM I sent you regarding the similarities of our logo. Thanks.

Hope, I'm not being inappropriate here but I am thinking of the CH's usage of the logo and the usability. You might want to reconsider having many gradients in a logo as well as the scalability of it. Many gradients will not reproduce well for anything other than web and when scaled down for say a business card you will also have issues. Just something to consider.

Thanks for the input, TheAitch. I see my challenge will be to determine a clear-cut winner in this contest; many of you have submitted a number of excellent designs based on a theme, - thanks for that variety. Some designs may prove to be too complex, although you've all done well taking my suggestions and incorporating as many elements as I can toss out, often on a whim.

Yes, I anticipated many similarities between individual designer concepts, It's the occasional "oddball" that has really attracted my attention... the first received being #3, upon which many of you have picked up and carried forward; then the "herald" styles too numerous to mention; and now a builder's plate (#56). I love the creative mind (and am seriously jealous of the talent exhibited here).

I am commenting as many as I can, as quickly as I can. Rankings will continue as often as feasible.

Designers, keep an eye on my top 5. That's the quality you're aiming for. The rest are all (with few exceptions) variations on a theme.

Excellent job, everyone, thank you. I am overwhelmed by the choice at hand, and have asked the opinions of a small group of friends. I'll be making a final decision and close this out over the next several days.