Base a Layout around a Favorite Model(s) You Have?

[SeeYou190]

Not a "favorite model", but more along the lines of "what was available" drove me to model 1968 when I started SGRR layout #2.

This was the very early 1990s, I was modeling N scale, and Kato had released the SD9, GP30, GP35, GP40, and SD40 (no dash-2s) in undecorated N scale. These were mass-produced, and easy to obtain in the quantities I needed for big-time double tracked class A mainline.

Micro-Trains had all the N scale undecorated freight cars I would ever need readily available.

With easy-to-obtain, good quality equipment on hand, the era was set at Tuesday, August 6th, 1968.

Truth be told, I always wanted to model steam, but good running North American prototype steam in N scale was not a practical option.

When I switched to HO scale a few years later, I originally set the year in 1968 as well, but I always knew this would not last. Then when Bachmann released the Spectrum 2-8-0 in undecorated it was over. I bought one of these, and a Tenshodo USRA 0-8-0.

I backdated the SGRR to Tuesday, August 3rd, 1954, and I have been happy ever since.

So I guess the answer is "yes", twice. Two times the availability of certain pieces of equipment has cemented the era of the SGRR. However, the transition era is where I really always wanted to be.

-Kevin

[cats think well of me]

My case is more about a particular building over locomotives and rolling stock. I had been dreaming and acquiring materials for months, or years, to build up a PRR Middle Division in the mid 1950s setup. However, after going through some older issues of Model Railroader and looking at New England based layouts I wanted to try my hand at that. Well, next I got the Wrisley Papers kit by South River Model Works. I felt many trepidations about beginning about 3-months ago but I'd complete a step and just kept at it. The instructions show a diorama design the company did and how to build that, and it's beautiful, but I wanted it to be part of the shelf layout I want for my basement room. So, I designed the benchwork around the building and the area it occupies as it's over 1.5" below track level. The freight cars needed to serve it would be boxcars plus a hopper as seen by coal having been dumped on the ground from the trestle. The setting shown in the kit's pictures is the early or late '30s based on looking at the autos and railroad equipment. I've always been drawn to the transition era so that's what I'll set my shelf layout. Plus, I already have loads of '40s and '50s cars and trucks. 

Alvie

[angelob6660]

My main base layout is set late 1980s into the 1990s. I have locomotives for Amtrak, Conrail. Also started with BNSF, Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, Burlington Northern and Union Pacific.

Secondary main layout is the New York Central between 1950-1953 and 1957-1967.

Fun Layout 1: A final layout "in which I'm building" 1946 post war steam only. Three locomotives 2-8-0, 2-8-2, and 4-6-2. Having fun with a small over 2x4 foot theme.

The fun railroad 2 I like is the Chessie System. I adore the colors and logo, problem is I have no place or plans. Unless it's a diamond crossing or interchange or something. 

[NittanyLion]

Sorta. I'd never really given Amtrak much consideration until I moved to DC and started using the Capital Limited from time to time to visit home.

So my western Pennsylvania layout goals shifted to accommodate the Capital Limited. 

[tstage]

Doughless

Were you drawn to an era and place you liked, then accumulated equipment based upon that layout idea?

Or did/do you have favorite models that you built your layout around, for the purposes of seeing those models in action?

When I started seriously getting into modeling back in '04, I picked up a Rivarossi NYC 0-8-0 switcher as a Christmas present to myself.  I was smitten with the ruggedness of the model but the locomotive broke down within two days.  I returned it to the LHS and picked up one of the Athearn NYC 2-8-2 Mikes.  Even on DC it ran very well and I was happy with the purchase.

Wanting a switcher to accompany my freight locomotive, it wasn't too long after that I picked up a Proto 2000 NYC S1 on eBay for <$30.  It also ran very smoothly and I began purchasing & assembling kits to add rolling stock to my "fleet" of NYC locomotives.  I also began reading up on and learning about the NYC.  I had NO idea that one of the major NYC yards - Collinwood - was just down the hill from my house.   I can actually hear sometimes at night.

I thought I would probably only purchase a few NYC locomotives since my layout was going to be the proverbial 4 x 8 shape.  Boy! - Was I wrong!  I discovered the beautiful NYC Hudson.  BLI released their NYC 4-8-2 Brass-hybrid Mowawk so I had to pick that up.  That was followed by the iconic Dreyfuss Hudson from BLI.  Rounding that out was a BLI Niagara.

I have always liked steam but I found myself being drawn to the look of the early diesels - particularly the switchers.  I also learned that most of the above ran during the 40s up to the mid-50s.  The 40s had a special place in my heart because that's when my parents were married and I grew up listening to big band music.  My tastes are pretty simple so I prefer more of a rural setting for modeling rather than an urban one.

I guess I would have to say steam is what drew me into modeling and HO (availability) then being in an location that was very much a part of the history of the NYC.  From there my taste and knowlege base grew and I began discovering and becoming fascinated with the history aspect of prototype railroading.  And my "burgeoning" locomotive roster has continued to grow over that time - LOL.

So, in a nutshell, I guess the locomotives I chose or were drawn to dictated my modeling goals and era.  I also think that I wouldn't enjoy MRRing nearly as much if I were modeling the modern era.  I liken it to the choice of living either in a new home...or in a 1920s Arts & Crafts style bungalow.  To me the choice is obvious: One is a house...the other is a home.

Tom

[selector]

To me, a dilemma has to be pretty solidly thorny, and inscrutable, to be labeled that way.  Almost all situations where one or more options are open, all are legal/permissible, and it's hard to tell which is the best option, are cracked by a methodical approach to discerning the key factors, the most salient anyway, and then assigning them a 'virtue' score, or a weight.  From there, a matrix tells you which of the best two options stand out.

When I entered the hobby, the LHS guy plunked a spankin' new BLI Hudson on the counter, laid out some tracks, and showed me how it ran and made sounds, even with DC power.  I was bitten so hard they laughed me all the way out of the store.  With the Hudson, of course.

From there, I began to learn about the road, the era, and kept compiling a list of intriquing history and hardware that I eventually acquired.  It seemed a natural fit to build a transition era layout, and that is my entire history to date.  It helps that an SD-75 looks great running along the same rails and through the same scenery.

[York1]

Doughless

Were you drawn to an era and place you liked, then accumulated equipment based upon that layout idea? Or did/do you have favorite models that you built your layout around, for the purposes of seeing those models in action?

When I started four years ago, I wanted completely modern day equipment and buildings.  About two years ago, I saw the Kato 1950's "City of Los Angeles" and immediately bought it.  It became my favorite train.

I don't have any issues running modern equipment through a modern day layout, but with a 1950s passenger train running at the same time.  I like it.

[jjdamnit]

Hello All,

Doughless

That got me thinking.
Were you drawn to an era and place you liked, then accumulated equipment based upon that layout idea?
Or did/do you have favorite models that you built your layout around, for the purposes of seeing those models in action?

I completely sympathize with the dilemma you pose.

Here are several previous threads...

Why we pick the era we model.

Layout Theme.

Hope this helps.

[Doughless]

I model modern era.  Always liked it and will continue to do so.  But I've come across a particular model that doesn't fit my era, and I'm planning to adjust my currently under construction layout to accomodate its era. Primarily making the layout dual era by not getting too specific about the structure details and other doo dad scenicy pieces.

This model:

(Not necessarily the road name, although I like it) I love the tall stumpy look, and the efficient repurposing of an otherwise outdated coal hopper.  And I've always been drawn to the SE USA wood products industry.  Frankly, I like a lot of the cars used in that industry, so this hopper had an advantage into my heart.

That got me thinking.

Were you drawn to an era and place you liked, then accumulated equipment based upon that layout idea?

Or did/do you have favorite models that you built your layout around, for the purposes of seeing those models in action?

Open discussion is welcomed.