Slight Modification to Ellison's Philosophy

[FJ and G]

Frank Ellison is one of model railroading giants. He pioneered the view of a model railroad as a stage, and the trains as actors. He also was a pioneer in operations, describing one of the first card order systems, and writing articles about the roles played by various types of trains.

Over time, I have developed a slightly different approach that, if one were to sum it up in a phrase, would be: Model Railroad as a Stage, with Trains as One of the Leading Actors. The implication, of course, is that there are other important actors, some possibly important enough to be co-stars.

First, I will describe how this philosophy evolved for me and then some of the practical implications for someone choosing to design this type of model railroad.

It all started on a World War II hospital ship back in 1962. The ship, long retired from the Navy, was used to carry passengers on tours around Manhattan and a short ways out to sea past the Statue of Liberty. The fun part of the trip for me was watching the many railroad car floats, a surprising interest perhaps for a lad of only five. But in addition to the trains, I also enjoyed watching the many ships entering and leaving the port, as well as dockside activities-cranes loading barges, stevedores, and so on. In short, the trains were but one aspect of the overall scene; important, but not quite dominant.

Later, we moved upstate and I used to enjoy hiking through the forests and meadows near the FJ&G shortline. If I was lucky, I'd see one or two trains a day pass by; slow, short trains. But the real adventure for me was not just the trains, it was the whole enchilada experience, the beautiful countryside, eating blackberries, watching workers load leather that Gloversville was famous for, and looking at old structures, like the old turntable and coal unloading facilities; all now vanished, including the railroad.

Years later, I became interested in ferroequinarchaeology (iron-horse archaelogy), and enjoyed hiking over old roadbeds in about a dozen states. No trains anymore, of course. Naturally, I always enjoy watching the real trains, but unlike many, I'm not disappointed when one doesn't come by, since I enjoy the entire railroading experience.

Now that you've seen some of my experiences that shaped my philosophy, I'll turn to the practical side. Just keep in mind that my views are perhaps nonexistent among other model railroaders, but I'll share them with you anyway.

I like railfanning my model railroad, much as I do the prototype. The entire spectrum of sensory pleasures is what I'm after. Instead of “running trains,” I'm visiting my layout, where trains can often-but not always-be seen running. Besides the trains, there are equally interesting sights to take in-the geology of the landforms, vegetation, the sky, the various industries, and let's not forget the people.

So how does one incorporate all this into a layout?

First, trains are not running continuously. There are intervals when nothing on the tracks is moving. In fact, trains do not clutter or overpower the tracks. They just show up from time to time.

Cars on sidings wait to be loaded. People are hard at work in industries which feature full animation (I'm not there yet, btw, still in beginning construction phase).

The backdrop is not subdued but is vibrant, as is the scenery and village life. No apologies for not making trains the center of attraction. They are a vital part of the layout, but attention is allowed to wander, perhaps to the long abandoned branch line, where one can try to imagine the trains that once plied the tracks.

A philosophy and a layout where one can meditate, reflect, and occasionally see a passing train is definitely not for everyone; but for me, it is the essence of the full railroading experience.







(center wire not yet added)











Previous layout; peaceful town after train has departed



My daughter photographed stretch of track in southern Jordan that survived ravages of Lawrence of Arabia. A place to reflect on history.

[cnw1995]

This is interesting, David. Given that my layout is inactive much of the time - even when I'm in the basement - I still want it to look interesting. Of course, I'm not as talented in photography as you are! My layout is more 'tinplate' than you might mean, but I've made some decisions that hopefully augment its visual attractiveness, even when nothing is moving. For one thing, I've tried to create little vignettes - here's a farm with something happening, here's the airport, there's a moose up in the hinterlands, here's a winter scene... I've also tried to be able to park all the engines and rolling stock on the layout - given their paint schemes and consists, they're attractive even when not moving. I guess the trains are still paramount visually in the layout - though they move through scenes with other animation - crossing lights flashing, chuff and whistles, lit buildings - it is still rather hushed when everything is not moving.

[Anonymous]

Dave, I've always enjoyed your layout pics.

I never would have thought that it was influenced by upstate New York. I always thought you were modeling the Southwestern US. But that was from the vibrant colors of your backdrop and the rich colors of earth that you use.

I've seen dozens of your close up pictures over the last year or two, but none from far away. I'm totally respecting your point about hitting the details of the railroad, not just the trains, but I was wondering if you would help us out by giving us a God's eye perspective. Could you post a picture or two from a little further back? I'd like to see how it all comes together. One of the things I like about CTT's layouts is that they usually post a sketch of the layout and show the angles they take their photos from. That way we get both the details and the big picture.

Also, and I think you've told us before in your post about landscaping and then laying track, could you remind me what you used for your earth and your hills.

I know you were talking about "big picture" philosophy in this post but I'm reaching critical mass in my layout planning stages and I'm being a bit selfish. Keep up the good work. You sure are getting your money's worth out of that digital camera.

TPL

[FJ and G]

Doug,

Tinplate actually would be prime material for this philosophy. When the trains are not running, there are lots of animated industries. As well, just gazing out over the tinplate world you created (or semi-tinplate) would seem to slow the heartrate and have benefits similar to yoga.

TPL,

I thought later on that perhaps I should have left the pictures off, as I'd like each person to visualize his or her own layout scenario, present or planned. Thanks for the appreciation

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As the layout evolves, I'll post more photos; right now, it's actually too long to get a picture of everything, as the back part cannot be seen clearly.

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BTW, I may carry a plastic lizard in my pocket for good luck, since so few people who have died accidental deaths have been found with plastic lizards on their person.

[Anonymous]

David,

I don't think what you're saying is a slight modification of Frank's philosophy. Rather, I believe you've just expounded upon it.

Frank's analogy to the stage was simply a way to conceptualize the operation of a model railroad as opposed to trains endlessly chasing their tails around a circle of track.

Dennis Brennan

[wrmcclellan]

Dave,

Another excellent and thought provoking post. Thanks.

Roy

[Dr. John]

QUOTE: Years later, I became interested in ferroequinarchaeology (iron-horse archaelogy), and enjoyed hiking over old roadbeds in about a dozen states.

Dave, interesting term - "ferroequinarchaeology." I was going to start a thread on modeling abandoned spurs, right of ways, etc. I also enjoy looking into the past of railroading. Here in Prattville there are numerous signs of railroad history: old street trackage that is partially visible, elevated abandoned right of way near the court house, the remains of pilings from an old railroad trestle that leads to a nearly 200 year old mill, and the old GM&O depot which still stands along the now joint CSX / NS main through Prattville. (I found my digital camera and will take some shots to share soon.)

There are so many things that can be added to a model railroad to "set the stage." It doesn't matter if it's scale, high-rail, or tin plate - these details add character and give life to the scene. The trains are the actors, but it does help if they travel through a stage that evokes interest from train nuts and non-train nuts. [:)]