Since I model more recent times, late 80's, 90's, early 2000's, I'll get a big bag of popcorn, and sit and watch and listen.
I was born in 49, but while in the car with my dad, I never saw a steam loco at a crossing, or working in a yard.
I'll say one thing, you guys that model the 40's sure have a plethora of things to choose from.
Mike.
My You Tube
I also suspect that it was the first golden age for HO scale model railroads and that gave the era strong roots. There's a feedback mechanism. The era is popular because it was a strong period for the real railroads, which lead to availabilty of models, but the availability of models feeds on being a popular era to model because...there's a lot of available models.
I grew up in my teens during the 50s and that is still the best years of my life, life has been going down hill ever since the 50s. I’ll second Kevin on the NO Graffiti! I model the early to mid 50s for the same reasons mentioned in the above posts. I love steam locomotives and the early diesels.As a 14th birthday present our next door neighbor (El Paso TX Southern Pacific Yard Super) arranged for me to ride in the cab of a pair of Southern Pacific Articulateds from El Paso to Alamogordo NM and back in 1951. Still is the biggest thrill of my life, I can still taste the desert flies from the windows open and 40 MPH air conditioning of the 50s. Stick around and when you get started in model railroading post pictures of your venture. Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
In addition to what others have said, it was generally a optimistic and prosperious time. Railroads had lots of new equipment, etc.
It was a positive time for the railroad industry and a positive time in general, that's more fun then a depression or a time of neglect.
Sheldon
Railroads were more visible, and had a more visible role, in developing and in sustaining the country and its economy 70-130 years ago. Today, they run between buildings and are only visible, and most annoying, at crossings where commuters wait impatiently.
Secondly, back in those times, the outer mechanical workings of locomotives was more visible and it was mystifying. Those of us who attempt to learn about valve gear soon figure it out, but otherwise it's just a maze of levers and rods that pivot on pins. It's all fascinating.
Of course, it helps that locomotives back then were large, black, hissed, roared, and shook the ground. Today they don't shake the ground quite as much due to their mechanical nature (reciprocating engine providing electrical power to traction motors). They make noise, and they're large and fast, but they don't have visible moving parts, unless you count the axles ends turning.
Transition offers the best of both worlds. Even diesels were getting second generation models coming on line by then, and traction motors like the GG1 were well-established. So really, you could have three types of locomotives to play with, plus the odd turbine.
Jim SladeFirst off, love model railroads
to the Model Railroader discussion forums. Please stay around and join the conversations.
Shock ControlBecause EMD E & F units are beautiful.
This, and since I model 1954, I also get steam locomotives, beautiful automobiles, and no graffiti.
I previously modeled 1968, and there is some equipment from that year that I also love, but compromises must be made.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Welcome to the Forums, Jim.
Your first posts are moderated, so they may not appear immediately. That will clear up quickly.
Let us know if you decide to build a layout!
York1 John
Because EMD E & F units are beautiful, and they reflect the optimism of mid-century modernism.
Hello Jim, and welcome to the forums. I model the 1950s, even though I wasn't even born until 20 years later. The reason this is a popular time to model is because it is known as the Transistion Era, where many railroads moved from steam to diesel locomotives. This gives even the prototype modeler the excuse to run diesels next to steam and it is still plausible.
Scott
First off, love model railroads. I have my grandfather's 1952 O gauge Lionel on display at my home and my great grandfather's less than official Hamilton railroad pocket watch (guess it did not meet the jewel requirements in the 1920s).
I love seeing all of the 1940's / 1950s railroad displays wherever I go. Would love to have one myself, and I feel I would try to depict the 1940s as well. This seems to be the standard, and I was curious why others feel this is so. Why choose the 1940s over say the 1990s or the 1880s? Sorry if this has been asked before. I tried to search for an answer before posting. I bet there are news articles written on this if I knew where to look for them. Thanks!