A Freind of mine asked me why not model just one prototype well here is my answer to his question 1 i kind of am i chose the central illinois area very divirse in protypical stuff and equipment several railroads run through my area BNSF NS UP C&IM TP&W Iowa Interstate 2 i chose eras 60s thru the 80s as when i start my layout i like alot of diverse equpment any way and different deisels
Rule #1 in Model Railroding is that it is your railroad and you can do what pleases you.
I free lance my layout as well using railroads that ran in my area at one time or another, that includes C&O, B&O, CSX, and Pennsylvania.
My time frame is the transitional period and I have some steamers and early diesels and my curves, 18" and 22" limit me to smaller rolling stock.
Do it your way and have a good time.
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
I want it all, and so far I'm ahead. I have modern and transition, steam and diesel, simple and compound, rigid frame and articulated, all found in my several roads: UP, NYC, PRR, C&O, N&W, ATSF, BNSF, CPR, TH&B. I'm the collector type that keeps so many model importers in business.
Crandell
My Layout is up and running it is 6' x 10' did all my wiring done today i chose DC not DCC it was the cost factor for me. My Building Kits i got for christmas are all put together i did kitbash one of them made 2 industries out of the lifelike supply house I did a microbrewery and a farmers feed mill still have some minor issues but ill clean them up soon
superbe Rule #1 in Model Railroding is that it is your railroad and you can do what pleases you. I free lance my layout as well using railroads that ran in my area at one time or another, that includes C&O, B&O, CSX, and Pennsylvania. My time frame is the transitional period and I have some steamers and early diesels and my curves, 18" and 22" limit me to smaller rolling stock. Do it your way and have a good time. Bob
Hmm. I also protolance the B& O and ALL incarnates....I just swap out locos, cars and a building or two, and I have a :whole different" layout and era!
I also allow PRR "trackage rights" so i can run some Belpaire fireboxed locos!
I have 15 & 18 curves, but want to expand to 18 and larger cruves....would love to have 22"...maybe someday.
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
I pretty much focus on and "protolance" one specific railroad and era and enjoy the freedom I find within those boundaries. For me - I would find modeling more than two railroads distracting.
But...that's what makes this hobby such a great one. Folks can come at it from a variety of angles and directions to satisfy them.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Keith,
one of the really nice aspects in our hobby is, that you just can´t be wrong. Just have a little story backing your setting - who is there to prove you wrong?
superbe Rule #1 in Model Railroding is that it is your railroad and you can do what pleases you.
I use to think that was a weak kneed cop out but,I too have fallen into the trap of liking several railroads and have CSX,NS,CR OC,RJC and my freelance railroads...
Funny how one's view changes when he gets older.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
keithh9824 A Freind of mine asked me why not model just one prototype well here is my answer to his question 1 i kind of am i chose the central illinois area very divirse in protypical stuff and equipment several railroads run through my area BNSF NS UP C&IM TP&W Iowa Interstate 2 i chose eras 60s thru the 80s as when i start my layout i like alot of diverse equpment any way and different deisels
If you are modeling the central Illinois area during the 1960-1980 time frame, that is the prototype.
How faithfully you replicate that prototype is your call.
The definition pf model railroading prototype is not limited to a specific railroad.
My Dream Layout will be a 14-block stretch of real estate just south of downtown Chicago in the 1950's.
It will run from Dearborn Station to Alton Junction, and it will feature the six railroads that used Dearborn Station, ATSF, C&EI, Monon, Wabash, Erie and GTW.
I will try to faithfully reproduce the prototype including not only the six roadnames, but also the track configuration, the buildings, the look and feel.
So, stick with your prototype and enjoy!
Rich
Alton Junction
selector I want it all, and so far I'm ahead. I have modern and transition, steam and diesel, simple and compound, rigid frame and articulated, all found in my several roads: UP, NYC, PRR, C&O, N&W, ATSF, BNSF, CPR, TH&B. I'm the collector type that keeps so many model importers in business. Crandell
Yep, I'm afraid I fall into that category also. One day you may find a 4-4-0 trudging around the layout with a bunch of sub 40' cars in tow and the next day an SD70 M2 and more cars.
Jarrell
I started out totally freelancing, as my hero in model railroading has been John Allen since I was a little kid. After I got my layout running, I bought a Pacific Fast Mail Northern Pacific Y1 Consolidation and realized I had a deep interest in the N.P., I bought several books on the N.P. and became familiar with N.P. locomotives. I love the look of N.P. steam, diesel power and cabooses and so, continue to focus on Northern Pacific equipment. I am also a member of the Northern Pacific Railway Historical Assoc.
The above being said, doesn't change the fact that as a freelancer, you can have any locomotive/rolling stock that strikes your fancy! So, I had to have a connecting free lanced line and came up with the Peep River Railroad who's serves the logging and mining industries on my layout. When I find anything I like the looks of and want to have, it will belong to the P. R. RR.
I have to say I don't get those people who feel that not only they need to stick close to a prototype line; but, that everyone else needs to do the same!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/