Is there a correlation between age and period chosen?

[KenPortner]

The thread on N scale modern structures (or rather the lack thereof) got me thinking about the periods modellers choose to model.

If you look at the products available you'd conclude that transition era is the most popular modelling era.

Is this because most model railroaders are 50-60+ year old males who can remember that era or is it because you get to use both diesels and steam?

Do younger modellers tend to choose the current era with the big diesels and intermodal trains more than the steam or transition eras?

If there is a generational bias then I'd assume that in the years to come we'll see more current day structures and rolling stock/locomotives.

What do you think?

[Primavw]

I think I chose modern becuase thats the era I grew up in. Being 23 years old, the 60, 70's didn't appeal to me because they are unfamiliar. I think the transition era would be pretty popular because of the reason you spoke of. I think everyone's inner child like to play with all types of trains and the transition era gives you an excuse to do so.

[coachc]

I'm 32 years old and for me the modern era is interesting with all the leasing company shortlines but I like the late 80's early 90's the best. This is probably because it is the era I grew up in, watching the CSX trains go through the old L&N tunnel near my home with my aunt. I also like the look of the diesel locomotives compared to steam. I hate to admit it but the transition era is my least favorite because there is something I don't like about seeing steam and diesel on the same layout. I know it happened but I've never liked that look. It just doesn't "look" right to my eyes, probably because I didn't grow up in that era. I don't dislike steam, I wouldn't mind modeling a 1920's era logging railroad someday. I just like steam era to be steam and diesel era to be diesel. I don't hate steam but it just doesn't appeal to me like a U-boat or a Geep does.

[SteamDonkey74]

I think there could be some correlation.

In my case, I love old steam AND I love 70's era freights and passenger, in part because that's what I grew up around. To me, the newer GE ACwhatchamacallits just aren't as interesting to model. My preference is for a couple rattle-canned old diesels built from the 50's through the 70's all running together.

One reason I chose to model more of a 'what if' scenario with the Portland and Western is that I get to model all sorts of old diesels AND it's not unheard of to have the 4449 running on the system since it does frequently. I am, of course, pushing the envelope a bit since my plans are to get a cab-forward and possibly a Big Boy for "railfan excursions." I am sure I am not the only one who is using that "cheat."

[Calzephyr]

There could be some correlation to the modelers age and era, however, I entered N scale in 1983 and most of the trains which ran then were 2nd generation diesels. My timeframe for modeling is 1950's to 1960's. I liked the passenger trains of that era and that was the basis for my choice of era.

I didn't have any steam engines until 2002... now that many are available... I have them but still hold to the 1950-1969 time frame even though many of those steamers were no longer in passenger duty by mid-1950.

[Tudor]

Mid 1950s, simply because I love that era. Before "political correctness", slower time, and the biggest reason is because I love steam, and I love early diesel, and get to play with both.

[Rob de Rebel]

Of course there is:
You model what you knew or remember, in my case I wasn't around (or old enough) to see steam in operation, but I did see it on TV quite alot and in my early childhood. So the transition period is what I like the best. I find it the most interesting, mixed power sources, sounds, operations, name trains, not like todays sterile unit trains of this and that. But everyone has their own preferrences, so go with what you like you'll enjoy it more.

Rob

[MOPMAN]

I model the Missouri Pacific in the mid 70's as that was the era of my most active railfanning days. I was in my mid 30's back then.

[Thieu]

Growing up in Europe, I have never seen any American train so my choice is not based on what I saw during my childhood. So, why did I choose the transition era? Mainly because of the magazines: I read MR and saw layouts that depict 9 out of 10 the 50's and 60's. I liked the northeastern landscape, I also wanted some passenger trains, so I chose New England in the 50's.

So, my choice was based on what you Americans find the most interesting period in railroading.

PS I am happy with it, because I really like Alco's, and the enormous diversity in rolling stock and railroads.

[mtntrainman]

I'm almost 60.

I like anything diesel...mostly from the 70's-80's. I really like some of the newer diesel power too. I drove trucks for 25+ years...so I like frieght not passenger.


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