European vs. US Model Railroading - a Comparison

[simon1966]

Ulrich, a nice set of observations.  To preface my comments, I grew up in the UK and had Hornby trains as a kid.  For the last 22 years I have lived in the US and now have the proverbial basement empire, though not nearly as big as most!  I still travel to the UK and mainland Europe fairly regularly.

Weathering:  It seems to me that the idea of factory pre-weathered freight cars and locomotives has been popular in Europe for some time.  Certainly, I was surprised to see such things in stores in the UK, long before any mention of this idea here in the US.

Era:  I don't have the details to hand, but European models have a system of noting the era of the model using a number if I remember rightly.  In the US we use terms like 'transition era" to describe the time when steam was phasing out and diesel was coming in. 

Cost of Hobby:  It seems that the UK with Hornby and Bachmann selling "trainset" grade models as well as higher end models, that the hobby cost for OO scale is a bit more reasonable than the much higher cost models from companies like Marklin.  I am always stunned by the cost of model trains when visiting Switzerland and Germany.

Strangely enough, though, it seems to me that model trains are far more in the public eye in Europe.  Many toy stores carry model trains, whereas here in the US it is not nearly as common to see in a toy store, or toy department.

[dknelson]

Interesting perspectives, and mostly in line with what I sense from glancing at Continental Modeler magazine from time to time.

One aspect you don't cover -- do favorite eras to model differ from ours?  It seems like the favorite eras here are the late 1940s to early 1950s so that steam locomotives and early diesels, as well as streamlined and standard passenger cars, can all be run. 

Then the more or less present day seems the next popular, particularly the interest in the latest locomotives. 

Everything else beyond that, such as 1862, 1920, or 1965, seems more like a niche interest, with the possible exception of Colorado 3' narrow gauge.

Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

 MRR practice in Europe differs very much from US practice. The following is not meant to make a judgment of whatsoever kind, but just to point out some key issues:

1. Space

Space is at a premium, because housing is much more expensive. Huge, basement filling layouts are the exception, not the rule. European MRR´s have to develop ingenious ways to find suitable space. Tight radius curves and turnouts are a necessity, though we try to disguise them.

2.  Operation

Operation differs very much from US practice. Europeans tend to focus on passenger service, as that is what we see when we go train watching. In the center of each layout is the passenger station, to a much lesser degree, freight handling facilities and spurs leading to industries. For this reason, the type of operation modeled is also different - we like to see trains run, therefore there is not so much switching operation. Timetable or scheduled operation is also rare, but growing  along with MRR clubs. Loop to loop layouts or that good old oval are still the main track principle.

A more typical layout design looks like this ( an idea I am currently working on for a friend - 1st cut)

3. Track

There is a vast variety of track available, mostly with code 100 and even bigger rails. Wheels have still those pizza-cutter flanges, as the European NEM  Standard is not as refined as NMRA´s RP25. Operation is much more reliable, even with track that is not laid carefully. Hand laying track is rare.

4. Equipment/Accessories

A vast number of bigger and smaller brands offer a tremendous variety of steam , diesel and electrical locos,  as well as passenger and freight cars. As an example, ROCO nearly covers all European countries. Most of the locos and cars are R-T-R, kit building is rare. Structures, cars, figures, materials for scenicking - all of that is abundant - check the Walthers catalogue, and that shows only a fraction of what is available.

5. Kitbashing/Scratchbuilding

More the exception than the rule - too much ready made stuff or kits of all sorts available.

6. Cost of Hobby

Way too high - much higher, than in the US! Locos and rolling stock are about 30 - 50 per cent more than you pay for  premium brands like BLI, MTH, PCM and the likes. However, there seem to be a lot less quality issues involved and the level of detail also appears much higher to me.

7. Scales

As in the US, the predominant scale is HO, but N and TT are enjoying a growing number of modelers. Narrow gauge modeling has started to become very popular, there is a number of suppliers offering equipment (VERY expensive!  )

 8. Social Acceptance

Model railroading is considered a serious hobby for adults. "Playing" with trains does not get bickered at. All over Europe you will find public model railroading shows, the biggest of which is the bi-yearly Intermodell in Dortmund. This year, the total turnover amounted to about 30 mio. $ in 5 days! Aside from these shows, permanent Model railroading "adventures" like "Miniatur-Wunderland" in Hamburg, are attracting millions of visitors each year.

9. Future

The hobby is here to stay, although there will be a move towards smaller and more flexible suppliers. The big names all suffer from a product range too big, running complexity costs sky high. Pushing costs into the market has failed completely, as discounts show. We will see some of the names disappear, which is to a degree sad, as those names were the ones that got the hobby started.

This list is by no means complete and exhaustive - I merely wanted to provide a different look to the issue.

 Edit:

I forgot one issue - weathering

Weathering locos and cars is not yet widely spread. There maybe many a reason behind this, but some arguments could be:

a) Real trains are fairly well maintained and cleaned frequently, that rusty and decrepit look, which is so fascinating to capture, is rare.

b) Train stuff is expensive, unless you are a master at it, trying out can be a highly costly adventure.