What RR do I model? After collecting SP for so long I recently made a dramatic move to Bavarian Railways circa 1920. I have decided to model a Stichbahnen - Bavarian branchline. I'm facinated with the engines and unique rolling stock as well as the buildings of that era, or epoch as it is called. 5 reasons modeling German railways is better: 5) You get to learn to read and speak German ie; Ich liebe Bier 4) Field trips to Bavaria can be scheduled during Oktoberfest! 3) No fuss as to which couples are better between Rapido and Profi. They're BOTH butt ugly! 2) Waiting 3 or more weeks for that beautiful lokie you just bought off eBay to arrive teaches you patience! Arrrh... And the number one reason modeling German railways is better - There are NO High Speed models listed on eBay.de!
I model the WP & SP int the 70's with a freelanced road jointly ownde by both parent roads. May switch to more of just my freelance road since I have more of them painted then anything else.....
I model the Frisco in the mid-to-late 1970s, in particular a line based loosely on the Ardmore & Arkinda Subdivision ( the part of the A&A Sub between Idabel, OK and Hope, AR.). This allows me to have a paper mill and poultry feed mill on my small layout.
I"ve always been intrigued as to why there are European modelers working with US prototypes in their modeling. I don't know how many there are, but in the last few years, the hobby mags have published many articles written by European modelers that featured North American scenes. Likewise, on these web sites, there are more than a few European members sharing views of their layouts that feature this side of the pond railroading. Would those members share with us what it is that brought that choice about?
I am not European, but did ask that same question when I was in the Air Force in Germany many years ago. It seemed then, Western rail roads were very popular too. Here is what I was told by one German gentleman. "Ever since WWII, Europe has been facinated by western society, if they admit it or not. I feel it is more because of their loyalty and confidence in their culture, beliefs and way of life. Rail Roads are very important in Europe, but doesn't seem as vital to it's survival as it was in the west, and there just seems to be a "romance" about the rail road in the west, unlike anywhere else..." Now, this was the comment of one guy, and may, or may not reflect the mentality of the mainstream Europe. But, I did find it a kinda cool, and flattering answer.
Is it possible that the percentage of those who model overseas railroads is about the same wherever they are but that they stand out more since it is unusual? Just speculating. I would have a Japanese city on my layout if I could and in a perfect world would even have a separate Japanese centric layout with double track mainline full of zooming bullet trains, sky scrapers, villages and temples. As it is I do have 4 bullet trains and one French TGV.
Yes, America was built by railroads. Europe was there before railroads. But railroads have remained more a part of European life. That's one of the things I find most appealing about the international scene: there are many countries where the importance of railroads hasn't declined.
I would have to agree with that. I think America has become too fast paced, More so than Europe. When aviation allowed fast travel, we as Americans abandoned the rails for the faster mode of transportation. This is a shame in my opinion. The trip itself should be more of the journey than the destination. Europe is not so "fast", or at least it wasn't when I was there, but that was over 20 years ago. And also in my opinion, THAT is the romance of Europe. They "enjoy" more than we do. When I say "enjoy", I mean enjoying the "journey". I wish we would go back to basics like that as well. I miss that way of life. I guess also that is why I loved Germany so much when I was over there.
The unusual is always intriguing. Many Dutch modellers have layouts with Dutch trains, or German trains (the large manufacturers produce mostly German models, so our choice has always been limited). But at one of our train shows, I had seen a nice American industrial layout from a wellknown Dutch modeller, and that started my interest in American railroads. Later, I bought the MR and saw how beautiful the American layouts can be, and I started to like those odd-looking trains. I had some American HO stuff, but no room for it, and then I found a shop that sold American n-scale. I bought some stuff, I started a small layout, I found a Dutch Ntrakgroup on the internet and I got addicted to American trains. We even have a small Dutch forum for fans of American (model)railroads. Trains in the USA are big, enormous, long, and therefore intriguing. Railroads have built your country even more then they did in Europe. Economics play a major role in your layouts: tracks are not just there for the fun, but for a purpose. You move goods from point a to point b. Reading your modelling mags, I learn a lot about your country and I find it fascinating. Your history and development is different from ours, and railroads play(ed) a large role in that proces. We Dutch (and European) modellers try to reproduce a small part of that fascinating proces.
Still modeling NP, but since I switched to Z Scale, I have had to throw in a lot of BN in the mix due to lack of suitable modls to work with!
I guess you could say I'm freelanced, since I'm building the Woodland Scenics Scenic Ridge styrofoam kit for practice (one day, BIG layout...one day!), and I'm somewhat of a collector or motive power AND rolling stock. Let's see; Kato Amtrak Superliner starter set, Pennsy GG-1, CSX SD70MAC; an Atlas CSX and a Norfolk & Western; a Precision B&O E-7; an Athearn Challenger; a Bachmann Spectrum Acela and a Heavy Mountain; all of the above with DCC. Add in an Atlas Shay and some GE U-boats that (except the Shay) will be getting DCC, an you can see why I say FREE-lanced, both as to time AND prototype line! I just like to watch trains sneaking around curves and in and out of tunnels, and I HATE when they are racing around. PROTOTYPE speed, or just park 'em! Even if it DOES mean helper service on the 4 1/2% grades I accidentally put on my layout.
My railroad and era are both freelance. That way I can run whatever I like. I currently have 14 locos from 11 different railways. I like variety! My single hollow core door layout, started 2 years ago, expanded last year with another HCD, and is currently out of service due to another expansion of 3' by 8', making a U-shape. There will also be a roughly 1' by 3' section added between the two doors. The final size (for now) will be roughly 10' by 10' by 10', with a 3' depth all around, which will take up half of my small apartment. Train-wise I run freight, passenger, tourist with steam, and even a RDC for commuters. There are 1 1/2 small towns, mountains, plains, a coal mine, grain elevator, and about 4-5 small industries (to be determined). On the new expansion will be a yard for parking trains, and also loco and car servicing/repair facilities. For location, the TransCanada RailRoad could be anywhere in Canada, actually several places at the same time! Dave.
My proto-freelance concept is called the Midwest Alliance Rail System, and is built on the premise that the various fallen flag Midwestern railroads got together pre-merger and formed a "confederation" of railroads to help each other survive & thrive by making it easier to interoperate, a bit like the Free Trade Agreement. That way, I can "reasonably" have a whole bunch of different railroads (except for the PU -- excuse me, the UP) show up on my layout via numerous interchanges. Kind of a stretch, I know, but it works for me!
Thieu, The same in reverse probably has a lot to do with my interest in German railways. I'm very intrigued with the "odd" looking loks and wagons and the way the tracks are arranged. Plus I love learning new things. I find early 20th century Germany charming. Maybe I've overdosed on Southern Pacific and American railroads. But one thing is still true....I LOVE trains!
I guess I am going to go with the BNsf well mainly BN since it is what I mainly saw when I was little. but then I just like trains..........!!! I'm prolly gonna say 1980'S-1995 BURLINGTON NORTHERN POWER! And BNSF modern freight cars since they intrest me more. a little of both eras:tb-tongue:
Southern Pacific, Oregon Division, July, 1967... I am planning a layout based on the Toledo Branch, between Albany and Toledo... Why Southern Pacific? I grew up around the Good ol' Espee... Miss it very much... Why the Oregon Division? I'm interested in lumber operation, love lots and lots of tall green trees and there were some really neat branch lines in Oregon... Why July, 1967? The diverse locomotive models/paint... There were still a few PA's floating around, I can mix nasty looking Black Widow F's, GP9's, SD9's with factory fresh SD45's and big ALCO's. Baldwin S12's were everywhere(next "set the bar" project). June 28, 1967, the Espee eliminated the requirement to display the train number in the indicator boxes... modeling becomes simpler without having to have "dedicated" lead units for each Timetable scheduled train... Finally, why the Toledo Branch? It offers lots of operation mixed with great scenery. It had switchers, locals and a hauler... F's were the norm for the hauler, but it was not uncommon to see SD9's, GP9's, SD45's, SD40's, C-628's, C-630's, etc... switchers were mostly S12's and GP9's... Operations were failry simple, with a large variety of dedicated service cars hauling wood chips, plywood, studs, etc... Lots of different freight cars to model... of course, none are available, so I must build and cast, which are two of my favorite aspects of model railroading... Oh well, off my soap box... got to go spend all night hostling power... Ironically... with another commitable Espee nut... amazing we get anything done:tb-biggrin:
