I saw this article listed in the table of contents and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to get there. Let me say THANK YOU to the MR folks for doing an article on modern power. I say MORE! It was refreshing to see a story that wasn't about a steam engine or a first (even second) generation diesel. There's nothing wrong with either, but it seems that those of us who model more modern power/era are left wanting.
Dan
Does anyone else model anything "modern" like I do?
Although I am not "modern", I do model up to 1977 and gave way to one model I just hadda have, a pair of GP60s in my custom RR scheme, the Wishram Oregon & Western. I posted a picture of 'em on the thread regarding Athearn BB lokeys. I find the modern articles in MR fascinating and really applicable to all modelers.
CNW 6000"modern" like I do
Russell
Late 90's to present. I feel your pain with MRR articles. When they do something more modern, it always features the guy who does the UP in the desert, I'd butcher his name, so I won't guess, but I'm sure you know who I mean. Soleburg? Something like that. Check out Diesel Detailer.
Some of my rolling stock I've even added the reflective strips, which I think started in 2005?
Mike.
My You Tube
mbinsewi Late 90's to present. I feel your pain with MRR articles. When they do something more modern, it always features the guy who does the UP in the desert, I'd butcher his name, so I won't guess, but I'm sure you know who I mean. Soleburg? Something like that. Check out Diesel Detailer. Some of my rolling stock I've even added the reflective strips, which I think started in 2005? Mike.
I ran into a couple of people trackside (taking 1:1 photos for weathering inspiration) and when we talked the subject turned to modeling. Sure enough, they had layouts set in the transition (steam -> diesel) era and the early diesel era respectively. When I mentioned that I had more modern items they made statements with the flavor of "How sad, you couldn't think of anything worth modeling so you just did modern". I even visited a club that was recruiting members and some of the established folks had that attitude. Totally turned me off to modelling with them.
I model modern!
Southern California on a top deck, Florida on a lower deck.
Only top deck has scenery so far, images here
I model the modern era, but for the past few years I've been distracted by work and life -- the late teen/young adult years that temporarily push away all but the most dedicated of modelers. Besides, I'm a full-time photographer so promoting my work is the last thing I want to do in my spare time! My hobby is for my enjoyment, and that of a handful of close friends. I'm sure I'll return eventually, and maybe you'll see me in MR then!
Why the modern era? This is when I grew up. My railroad is freelanced, but it pulls from my favorite memories of real railroading.
You know what I wonder? When will the "contemporary/modern era" and the 1990s, 2000s, or 2010s, NOT be one and the same? (Eric Brooman's Utah Belt aside)
That's a good point Ty.
I model a "protolanced" CNW circa 2005 in the "Midwest". The layout I had was part of a modular club (permanent) layout and I had two sections that were mine. Once that club folded (old heads ran it into the ground w/1950s attitude in today's world) I had no place to operate or even just run trains around. I've been reduced to painting, detailing and weathering aside from helping friends on their layouts. Not that I mind, but it'd be nice to have a layout again. I have no spare rooms or basement in the house either. The crawl space doesn't lend itself well to modeling!
Dan, you might find this site about microlayouts interesting. I'm fortunate enough to have plenty of space, but with my current 30 foot shelf, I think I may have bitten off more than I can chew. I'm seriously considering a microlayout, although modern equipment is limiting!
http://www.carendt.com/microplans/index.html
I mainly do transition era, but in the last couple years have gotten into N scale modern stuff. For one thing, it's a change of pace from LV and DL&W cab and hood units. For another, it's a good excuse to go shoot pics of the way things are now. The guys who think it's sad to model "now" need to remember that, 50 years ago, they were like many of us are now, and that the pics we take could end up in Morning Sun books 30-40 years from now as "classic photos of AC6000s."