Doughless Your OP was fine. Don't worry about it. For those of us who stay abreast of current railroads, yes, there have been some negative comments about CSX, primarily because of the CEO. Similar comments were made about his predecessor RR, Canadian Pacific (or was it CN?). I get the gist of your comment. So yeah, many current railroaders employed in the business who are also model railroaders have made some comments about CSX. But I don't think it is a common issue or an issue that would influence someone's choice of modeling CSX. I prefer NS over CSX simply because I am more familiar with the heritage RRs of the NS....SOU, NW, CofG to name a few. I'm a free lance shortline modeler, so all of tha class Is are the same RR to me. Just a little different paint schemes (with UP being the best for modeling, IMO)
Your OP was fine. Don't worry about it. For those of us who stay abreast of current railroads, yes, there have been some negative comments about CSX, primarily because of the CEO. Similar comments were made about his predecessor RR, Canadian Pacific (or was it CN?). I get the gist of your comment.
Engi1487 Hello Sheldon, I am not trying to cause or make model railroaders worry about others will think about their choices, I am just asking why as I am curious about CSX as a choice of railroad to model, as I am not that framiler with that railroad (CSX) that much, with me knowing slighly more about Norfolk Southern than CSX, and the other Class 1 railroads I know much more about.Prehaps I should have been more careful when asking why, and instead have asked "That Interested You To Model CSX?"
Hello Sheldon, I am not trying to cause or make model railroaders worry about others will think about their choices, I am just asking why as I am curious about CSX as a choice of railroad to model, as I am not that framiler with that railroad (CSX) that much, with me knowing slighly more about Norfolk Southern than CSX, and the other Class 1 railroads I know much more about.Prehaps I should have been more careful when asking why, and instead have asked "That Interested You To Model CSX?"
- Douglas
Engi1487 ATLANTIC CENTRAL OK, fine, and I made my point that the politics or management problems of the prototype do not play into my modeling choices. But I have no dog in this fight as I am not remotely interested in modeling present day. Railroads in thera I model were not perfectly managed either. So what? Maybe I am old and hard headed, but I simply fail to see why anyone wanting to enjoy model trains would worry about what others think about their choices. Sheldon Hello Sheldon, I am not trying to cause or make model railroaders worry about others will think about their choices, I am just asking why as I am curious about CSX as a choice of railroad to model, as I am not that framiler with that railroad (CSX) that much, with me knowing slighly more about Norfolk Southern than CSX, and the other Class 1 railroads I know much more about.Prehaps I should have been more careful when asking why, and instead have asked "That Interested You To Model CSX?"
ATLANTIC CENTRAL OK, fine, and I made my point that the politics or management problems of the prototype do not play into my modeling choices. But I have no dog in this fight as I am not remotely interested in modeling present day. Railroads in thera I model were not perfectly managed either. So what? Maybe I am old and hard headed, but I simply fail to see why anyone wanting to enjoy model trains would worry about what others think about their choices. Sheldon
OK, fine, and I made my point that the politics or management problems of the prototype do not play into my modeling choices.
But I have no dog in this fight as I am not remotely interested in modeling present day. Railroads in thera I model were not perfectly managed either. So what?
Maybe I am old and hard headed, but I simply fail to see why anyone wanting to enjoy model trains would worry about what others think about their choices.
Sheldon
You may or maynot realize this, but you did frame the question at least partly around the idea of how some "railfans" may feel about CSX.
I don't have anything against "railfans" but I don't describe myself as one. I don't own a scanner, or sit by the tracks waiting for trains. I don't set up video equipment to film them. I don't spend time watching VRF - I did not even know what it was until a few days ago.....
I don't go on vacations to follow restored steam locos around the country side.
It does not bother me that others enjoy these activities, obviously others like doing this. And there are times when I enjoy their efforts in the form of videos or pictures.
I like trains a lot. But for me time invested is such "field" activities does not have suitable "reward".
Partly because I am not overly interested in present day trains and I am much more interested in trains from the past.
Which I can "railfan" by gong places like Strasburg, or the B&O Museum, or Steamtown, or a lot of places where the percentage of time actually engaged in seeing trains is higher than all the time waiting for trains, driving to where they are going to be, traveling great distances, etc. And, these other places offer the kinds of vintage trains I want to learn more about.
I model the B&O, C&O, and WESTERN MARYLAND, and my fictional ATLANTIC CENTRAL, in the context of 1954.
I am not remotely concerned with anyone elses opinion on the quality of the B&O as railroad in 1954, or at any time in its history. My reasons for modeling it are personal and complex as indicated by other posters in this thread.
So to me it seemed "odd" that you would frame your question around this idea that others might have a particular reason to dislike CSX?
You could have just asked "who models CSX and why" without suggesting that you had heard something negative?
Not sure how old you are, but trust me, there comes a time in life when you realize that your self esteem should not be invested in other peoples opinions of you or your choices. And the irony is the sooner you reach that point, the more people respect your opinions.
I answered your question, if I was going to model present day, I would model CSX, primarily because I would still want to model this region of the country.
As for railfans who got run off CSX property, or unhappy empolyees, or people who think they could have run the company better, well, I'm just not interested in their negativity.
Sheldon, I have a policy for my railroad when visitors come over.
When they ask why I model something or they don't think a model should look the way it does, or why I use code 100 Atlas track and switches when I should be using code 83. You know what I do? I show them the door and make sure it doesn't hit them on the way out (although some I wish it would hit them in the head)!
It's your railroad, do what you like and want to do!
Neal
ATLANTIC CENTRAL cv_acr ATLANTIC CENTRAL I did take the OP's question as to ask "if we should be PC in our modeling choices", because "someone", somewhere in cyberspace, posted something. I didn't read that at all. On the other hand CSX is a big corporate merger entity, and sometimes fans of the predecessor roads aren't fans of whatever bigger fish swallowed up their "pet". Large mergers tend to homogenize the individual "character" smaller roads tended to have. And this is why Mike and I have repeatedly asked the OP for clarification..... Sheldon
cv_acr ATLANTIC CENTRAL I did take the OP's question as to ask "if we should be PC in our modeling choices", because "someone", somewhere in cyberspace, posted something. I didn't read that at all. On the other hand CSX is a big corporate merger entity, and sometimes fans of the predecessor roads aren't fans of whatever bigger fish swallowed up their "pet". Large mergers tend to homogenize the individual "character" smaller roads tended to have.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL I did take the OP's question as to ask "if we should be PC in our modeling choices", because "someone", somewhere in cyberspace, posted something.
I didn't read that at all.
On the other hand CSX is a big corporate merger entity, and sometimes fans of the predecessor roads aren't fans of whatever bigger fish swallowed up their "pet".
Large mergers tend to homogenize the individual "character" smaller roads tended to have.
And this is why Mike and I have repeatedly asked the OP for clarification.....
I already did Sheldon. I remember a few mentions of opinions about CSX but cant remember where. I have my answers now and am happy the other forum members are commenting.
I think they should bring back the Chessie System kitten scheme. I think the current CSX schemes bright or dark (and I have 2 of them) are just too bland Perhaps that is my all my later purchases are NS horses.
Joe Staten Island West
MARTIN STATION CSX runs through my area on former L&N tracks. I grew up next to the IC/ICG which was a childhood favorite, but that line is now long gone. I used to rail fan the Seaboard System and got really excited about the Chessie/Seaboard merger when it happened because I really like the Chessie. I feel at the time it was on of the best looking paint schemes on the rails and I was getting to see lots of it. Then came the CSX blue and grey which was bland in compairson and the X which was supposed to just be a place holder until they could find something better, did it no favors either. To make matters worse it seemed CSX had an identity crisis with a "flavor of the month" when trying to find a lasting paint scheme. Then came the "bright Future" scheme and I really liked it and finally started to come to terms with the X which really didn't stand for anything, so they said it stood for the multiplying power of the two merging companies. I really like the latest blue and gold paint scheme with or without the boxcar logo. I really like what they did in rebuilding the GP38-2s, GP40-2s and SD40-2s into -3s. In time the Sponge Bob cabs began to grow on me. Today I still enjoy rail fanning CSX and even though I model BNSF, I have four CSX locomotives for run through on my layout. Ralph
CSX runs through my area on former L&N tracks. I grew up next to the IC/ICG which was a childhood favorite, but that line is now long gone. I used to rail fan the Seaboard System and got really excited about the Chessie/Seaboard merger when it happened because I really like the Chessie. I feel at the time it was on of the best looking paint schemes on the rails and I was getting to see lots of it. Then came the CSX blue and grey which was bland in compairson and the X which was supposed to just be a place holder until they could find something better, did it no favors either.
To make matters worse it seemed CSX had an identity crisis with a "flavor of the month" when trying to find a lasting paint scheme. Then came the "bright Future" scheme and I really liked it and finally started to come to terms with the X which really didn't stand for anything, so they said it stood for the multiplying power of the two merging companies.
I really like the latest blue and gold paint scheme with or without the boxcar logo. I really like what they did in rebuilding the GP38-2s, GP40-2s and SD40-2s into -3s. In time the Sponge Bob cabs began to grow on me. Today I still enjoy rail fanning CSX and even though I model BNSF, I have four CSX locomotives for run through on my layout.
Ralph
Funny I have a BNSF for run through on my eastern themed road
Seeker_CNY Hi Harrison, Nice shots. If I am not mistaken, one of those shots appears to be taken at Utica NY's Union Station platform, not far from where I live.
Hi Harrison,
Nice shots. If I am not mistaken, one of those shots appears to be taken at Utica NY's Union Station platform, not far from where I live.
Thanks! I've been to Utica twice, it's a really nice place to railfan, mostly because my family can be up in the heated overpass while I'm freezing my fingers shooting trains... plus when the Mohawk, Adirondack, and Northern is working, I'm suddenly in heaven. I'm an ALCOholic...
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
Here are some photos I've taken of the CSX across New York State:
Here's my favorite paint scheme, the YN2:
Here I am shooting a CSX manifest that's passing an intermodal in Syracuse.
And here's the photo I took of it.
Many more photos can be found on my blog, North Country... Ok, ok, sorry, I'll stop now . Anyway, enjoy the CSX, despite what anyone says it would make an excellent subject for modeling.
ATLANTIC CENTRALI did take the OP's question as to ask "if we should be PC in our modeling choices", because "someone", somewhere in cyberspace, posted something.
Chris van der Heide
My Algoma Central Railway Modeling Blog
Lazers but were it non-decaled Armour Yellow, everyone would say "Union Pacific" - which IMO is a stereotype in Europe (i.e. model the UP and you can't go wrong)
A few hobby shop owners in Florida have told me that several time European tourists have come in and bought out everything they had for the UNION PACIFIC.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Hi Engi,
I checked Walthers Catalogue, Union Pacific: 10 pages x 120 products, CSX: 4 pages x 120 products. This might not be a fully true representation, but then I wouldn't know any better.
At a UK Model Railway Ex' - if I presented an non-decaled CSX Loco, not many of the public would recognise it, but were it non-decaled Armour Yellow, everyone would say "Union Pacific" - which IMO is a stereotype in Europe (i.e. model the UP and you can't go wrong)
Also, as has been pointed-out elsewhere - the Transition era seems to dominate MRR's at the moment. This was reflected in the MR Photo contest, a while back.
If I were modelling a C.1 - I would have chosen CSX for above reason(s) + I like the Liveries, the era and the North East Locations. I have often wondered myself at the apparent lack of CSX model railroads (and to a certain extent NS) being described in MR magazine. Both of these were (I believe) born out of Conrail - which in terms of Railroad History was a big event, for some?
Mobilman correctly lists reasons why many modellers do what they do + (in the USA) there are choices of Short, Regional or Class 1. - you lucky people.
Henry, I in turn - am fascinated by USA Railroads. Unlike Britain's Railways, they have not been destroyed by Nationalisation and subsequently demeaned (and yes, that is Politics) They are instead, fully utilised for the benefit of the Nation.
I would like to see more of CSX & NS Model Railroads, very much. Paul.
"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".
From reading the OP, the definition of "mixed feelings" was "corporate and boring". Not sure what more is being read into that.
You can say the same thing about any of the class I's today, or even 20 years ago for that matter.
My freelanced shortline will interchange with either CSX, NS, or both as it will be set in the GA/FL area.
Growing up in Nebraska, my favorite railorads were the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific, before they merged; with BN and ATSF right there too. And the Southern and the L&N. Not too many other railroads were of interest to me. Loved the Family Lines paint scheme when it was around, so there is some love for the CSX from a heritage perspective.
BigDaddytraction and a few more.
I'm always amazed at "new" old technology
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GE_three-power_boxcab
NYC_DES-3_531 by Edmund, on Flickr
The DES-3 goes even a step further as it could run entirely on third-rail, too.
Cheers, Ed
BigDaddy mobilman44 Seems to me, those that model a particular RR do so because of various reasons, likely because of "what they grew up with", "what is nearby", "where it is located", "color scheme", or similar reasons. Except few of the Europeans who model US share that experience, which absolutely fascinates me. Of course there are US model railroaders who model British or European railroads. I hope my posts on Harrison weren't taken as a message we should be PC in our modeling. He touched a lot of railroads in his day. BN, IC, CSX, CP, NSC, CN it would be a shame to say they can't be modeled. If we have to do Woke modeling, it would be the GG1, P5a, subways and traction and a few more. Maybe that would be an interesting thread, PC acceptable GND locos. But it would devolve into the political and get canceled.
mobilman44 Seems to me, those that model a particular RR do so because of various reasons, likely because of "what they grew up with", "what is nearby", "where it is located", "color scheme", or similar reasons.
Except few of the Europeans who model US share that experience, which absolutely fascinates me. Of course there are US model railroaders who model British or European railroads.
I hope my posts on Harrison weren't taken as a message we should be PC in our modeling. He touched a lot of railroads in his day. BN, IC, CSX, CP, NSC, CN it would be a shame to say they can't be modeled.
If we have to do Woke modeling, it would be the GG1, P5a, subways and traction and a few more. Maybe that would be an interesting thread, PC acceptable GND locos. But it would devolve into the political and get canceled.
Henry, I did not take your post to suggest we should do any such "PC" modeling, and I know a little about Harrison and his way of managing.
I did take the OP's question as to ask "if we should be PC in our modeling choices", because "someone", somewhere in cyberspace, posted something.
That is one of those questions like "when did you stop beating your wife?".
I'm in this hobby to build models and have fun. If I have to justify my choices and interests to ANYONE, I will disappear from the public space so fast your head will spin.
I model a time before my birth, I do model the region I live in, and have lived in all my life. But railroading had changed quite a bit by the time I came along and was old enough to observe it. So my interest in trains is highly historical in nature. Historical about the physical, engineering and operational nature of railroading, not political or social comentary on that time or any time period I might choose to model.
If I want to consider the moral or social questions of the day, or the past, or how they might have been impacted by the management choices of someone like Harrison, I will go to a different forum.
mobilman44Seems to me, those that model a particular RR do so because of various reasons, likely because of "what they grew up with", "what is nearby", "where it is located", "color scheme", or similar reasons.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Seems to me, those that model a particular RR do so because of various reasons, likely because of "what they grew up with", "what is nearby", "where it is located", "color scheme", or similar reasons.
I modeled the Santa Fe and Illinois Central. Why? Well the IC tracks ran by my Grandmother's in Southern Illinois and seeing those beautiful brown and orange streamliners and massive coal trains impressed the heck out of me.
And the Santa Fe, with its much advertised warbonnet scheme and its mysterious (to a Chicago kid) route thru the west to California made it known and admired by many. And of course Lionel produced the warbonnet in the late '40s and for many years after, giving thousands of kids something to wish for.........
I would imagine those modeling the CSX and/or any other RR would have similar reasons......and its not rocket science to figure that out.
As far as "show me your modeling", well most of us have done that many times over. But where are pics of the OP's modeling efforts?
Isn't it kind of like "I'll show you mine if you show me yours"???
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
We have to remember after September '01. That railroads are protecting their business. If it eliminates the railfans they will feel safer.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
I am one with mixed feelings regarding CSX, but not for the reasons you listed. A few years back I was watching and photographing CSX trains from a state park with my grandson. We were about 150 feet from the tracks in clear view of the passing train crews. My grandson and I waved as the trains passed by and many crews waved back. After awhile a CSX RR Police vehicle appeared on the service road by the tracks and stopped near us. The officer approached us to see what we were doing and gave us a friendly reminder to stay in the park area and not to get too close to the track. Very polite, not in a mean way. I don't know if he was just happening by or if one of the train crews called him.
The reason I relate this story is because as time moves forward it seems railroads are doing everything they can to protect their interests, as they should. But it just reminds me that gone are the days when railroading was up close and alive, when local switch crews were approachable and engineers were willing to give a toot of the whistle to greet people track side (at safe, appropriate distances). The sounds of couplers crashing together, air hoses split at a drop off, squealing wheels, the smell of diesel exhaust. Now the trains whoosh by, windows tinted dark, many times with no crew to be seen. Long trains of cars with muted, highly faded paint schemes with little variety. My grandson likes to watch them roll, but I am left missing the old days. I'm sure this isn't just a CSX characteristic, but they are the only road close enough for us to personally observe. The romance of the old NY Central and Penn Central has faded into distant memory. To me CSX represents a dark future for railfans indeed.
I would hate to think that choosing a railroad or era to model has devolved into some sort of political correctness exercise regarding the history or management of that railroad.
I am neither pro union or anti union, I have little interest in the politics of railroad management. But more importantly, any such interest in the prototype does not drive my interest in what to model.
And should my choices in modeling be "judged" based on some set of "politically correct" views, I assure you such opinions will excite considerable humor on my part.