Why 1880-1910

[tomikawaTT]

You've already touched on the major advantages - small equipment (40 foot cars were considered oversize) tight curves, simpler structures and simpler infrastructure (no paved roads, for openers.)  The major disadvantage is that this is the realm of scratchbuilders, kitbashers and craftsman-kit builders.

I cheated!  I got the same advantages (except for having one paved road) by choosing my prototype and location with care.  In the process, I managed to buy most of my run-of-the-yard freight cars RTR, and most of my locomotives were easy to assemble kits.  You do have to be willing to think outside of the North American box.

A working knowledge of the railroad's native language is also helpful...

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[lvanhen]

Shorter locos & cars also look a lot better on the 18" to 22" radius curves that a 4x8 limits you to.  I have a 4x8 presently, and my Challenger, Veranda Turbine, & 85' passenger cars look a little silly on the curves!! 

The only problem with your time period is the limited rolling stock available.  Roundhouse/MDC/Athearn is the major maker of  freight.passenger cars and locos.  Bachmann has also made a few locos.  IHC still has a few "old time" structure kits, as well as DPM.  There are plenty of craftsman and laser cut kits for the "old west", as well as figures and livestock .Horses & cows are more at home in this time period also!!

[IVRW]

Hello every one. I was just sitting here on 11/01/08 at 9:32 and 47 seconds eating halloween candy and watching my sister's (9) hamster making a pathetic escape attempt doomed to failure(She was trying to gnaw through the bars. She has been doing that since we got her with no progress.) when an idea dawned on me. How many people are out there that model the time period of 1880-1910? If so why? Here is my story. When my dad and I had settled on the track plan we the set about making said track plan. During that time we knocked around a bunch of ideas. First it was 1920. Then 1950. Then 1930. Then 1910. After a day of hard work I settled on my corner of the couch and started to read "Small, Smart, And Practical Track Plans". When I read the section on the small iron railroad(forgot the name) I read. What I found in there went something like this. When you are starting out on a 4x8 board it is kinda hard to run modern 20 car trains. But when you go back in time the motive power is less powerful. And when the motive power is less powerful the trains are shorter. So it is easier to run full length trains.