Refelection on our hobby and art, rather long, apologies in advance.

[Anonymous]

The Plays the Thing
Or
All the world’s a staging yard


There is always a question as to why some wisenheimer feels the need to grace the rest of us with the exposures of their own particular brand of insight, wisdom, homely or ‘expert’ opinion; so, no doubt, that question is potentially the first on your mind when approaching this article. The honest answer is simply this, I have nothing better to do but engage in a little useless musing on our hobby and I’m just foolish enough to think someone might be interested in my ravings, that being said lets get to the heart of the matter, shall we?

Recently there has been a struggle running within myself to find a perspective on the hobby that satisfies the varied levels that I have been looking for from an art form: inner expression, unique creation, physical reality, challenge and of course satisfaction with the finished product. Model Railroading presents all of these things readily, accept, for myself at least, it is a challenge to find the Inner Expression; that process by which the artist takes an inner vision that belongs only to him or her and brings it out of the inner world into the outer world. It is all well and good to have grand dreams and play out symphonies, poetry, stories or sculpt or paint great works in one’s head but it becomes a different matter to take the dream and push it through the tiny aperture of the artist’s skill and ability into the real world.
Unlike most, or so I presume, I came to the hobby not from being a fan or devotee of trains, which I have subsequently become, or even a fascination for them when young, I came into the hobby from the perspective of someone looking for a way to express an inner desire to create something both physically real and artistic, am I sure there are many others who have come from this path also. Because of this my impressions and perspective on the hobby may be a bit different than the usual Model Railroader, but certainly not better or superior in any way, they may be in fact decidedly more challenged or lacking, but vive la difference!

Each art relates to each other art, painting and song are not as far removed as we might think. The stew of the arts bubbles into the pot of the so called crafts and back, are wood sculpture and carpentry really so distantly related? But where does the stew of our pot bubble over into? A quick glance at our hobby shows us to be engineers, carpenters, electricians, painters, sculptures, landscapers, time efficiency mangers, photographers, historians as well as careful observers and modelers of the natural and man made world around us. Whew that is quiet a list to take head on and by no means a complete list at all, just a small sampling of what goes into being a Railroad Modeler, but what does it relate to, obviously those ones listed but what overall field can we find in other arts that also fits what we do. About now you are probably wishing that the point would come and perhaps getting a tad bored with this diatribe so I’ll hurry along the point, bear with me just a bit more.

Before coming to the hobby there were influences in my life, as in all ours, that have had an impact on how I now go at Model Railroading. Two of those influences were my Mother and the teachings of Master Bruce Lee, how’s that for a weird turn? Most of my life I have watched my mother shift from one art form to another searching for the one that satisfied her artistic needs, which she has found for a number of years now I am quite proud to say and has become a respected and noteworthy textile artist, I watched her go from Needlepoint to Calligraphy and many other points in-between. But the one that left the deepest mark on me was Theater; my mother for a number of years was an actress and then finally a stage manager of the Circle Theater in nearby Fort Worth Texas.
As a young person I would read through her theater books, plays, make-up references, clothing design books and so much more, but it was the books on the stage itself that always sparked my interest; the idea and process of taking a bare wood set and creating a world in that limited space that transported those viewing it into another time and place. I think about now you probably see where I am going so I’ll hurry on. One of Master Lee’s famous quotes is, “A good fight should be like a small play...but played seriously.” we take this to mean that a fight is in a way choreographed within the fighter, that it has a dimension of a story that the fighter plays out with his opponent, but plays out seriously as Master Lee reminds us.
So how does all this apply to Model Railroading? You are probably asking by now. It does so in this way, we as Railroad Modelers are stage Managers, we set the stage for a play, but one that is played out seriously, even if some of the scenes are lighthearted or whimsical, the model railroad is neither painting nor sculpture, its not just engineering or electrical work, its not even simple devotion to realism, or rivet counting if you prefer it isn’t even just a good excuse to play with trains.

At its best Model Railroading is putting on a play. Let’s look for a moment at the comparisons. First out the run we start looking for a space for our layout, we set out our space, mindful of leaving enough room for people to view the layout and run operations, we design and create the bench work to hold up or layout, we carefully pour over layout designs to maximize or trackage and fit our preconceived needs, be they freelanced or prototypical, we set down our track, put in our landscaping, set up our natural scenery from a bewildering series of kinds: rocks, water, plants, trees; we build and set out structures, homes, offices, rural environments, urban environments, we lay out streets, avenues and dirt roads, and then as if this was not enough in go people of all shapes and colors and roles, finally we are done? No there is still color and lighting to check and put in, electrical bits and pieces to design and wire, facades, backdrops and fascia to install and all have the right color, form and shape. A daunting task indeed, but look at the stage a moment.
The stage must be built in the theater so that all can see it and enjoy it, frames and freestanding “bench work” must be designed and built, to support whatever scenery will be added, Romeo and Juliet looses something without the balcony scene, sets must be painted and placed, furniture and props must be thought out and made, colors and lighting must be checked, electrical work designed and wired, backdrops placed and then that is still not enough, people must be added and clothed and given make up; starting to sound familiar? I believe it does sound familiar, in fact to me it is very much the same process, accept that with us the Trains are the stars and how we labor for our stars, making sure their weathering “make up” is just right, their consist “costumes” are all in order, and their “marks” are set so that will enter the play at just the right place and exit at just the right place.

How though does this benefit any of us though instead of just being an interesting metaphor? One way is it allows us to think outside the box, or is that boxcar, to see what we do in a new light. So all of this is a stage, where then is the play itself? What is our script for our actors, the answer comes immediately, and it is our operations. The movement and interaction of our trains and their cars, how and where they go, what they do, pick up, move or return and then deal with each other; waiting at passings, or crossings etc this is the play, the Theater of Trains. If we can see it in this light perhaps we can add a good element to it; designing and telling a story for our audiences and our operators who become part of “living theater” where the audience participates in the play. It also opens up a new resource for us, the art and craft of the stage designer and manager, who must meet many if not all of the same challenges that we must, for whom there is also countless sources and resources available in libraries and on the internet. We also can, perhaps, consider some of our sessions in terms of a story and create a small play, but a play played seriously. And finally in some small and fun way allows us to thumb our noses at all those ‘serious’, ‘real’ artists who don’t know what fun they are missing, for in our art we are not simply presenting a play we are also getting to play.


In final reflection it as the old man said “there is nothing new under the sun”, and I am sure I am not the first nor the last to expose this opinion, I lack the hubris to think this is anything new, but I hope it was at least thought provoking and hopefully not to tiresome, so at the end I thank you for taking the time to read the rantings of at least this wisenheimer.

I hope this wasn't too boring and look forward to any feedback you all would wi***o share.

Peace.

Coyote

[SilverSpike]

Coyote,

Words of wisdom and artful insight into the world of model railroading! Great ideas and creativity are only limited to the imagination, art in any form is a creative process. You have the gift of gab, Coyote. I have read similar parallels to the 'stage' and play theme but cannot remember where I have seen them.

Thanks for your wonderful prose on the subject.

Ryan

[Anonymous]

Great way of thinking about it! In my opinion Model railroading is one of the most creative types of artwork (This is comming from an artist who does painting, sculpture, computer animation, miniatures, photography, sketch, computer illustration, & of course model railroading) because you can break all of the traditional & modern rules & still make an elabrate world out of scratch or stuff. Ride on.

[Anonymous]

Ps I do most all these mediums professionally for gallerys, advertisments, & museums.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SilverSpike

I have read similar parallels to the 'stage' and play theme but cannot remember where I have seen them

The earliest discussions of this might havebeen Frank Ellison in the 1940s.

A good retrospective was:
The Art of Model Railroading - Frank Ellison, Delta Lines
Model Railroader, July 1976 page 89

Jon

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grandpacoyote

All the world’s a staging yard

Another interesting perspective:

http://www.housatonicrr.com/staging.html

Jon

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by alco_fan

QUOTE: Originally posted by grandpacoyote

All the world’s a staging yard

Another interesting perspective:

http://www.housatonicrr.com/staging.html

Jon

Great Article Jon thanks for sharing its addy.

[sunsetbeachry]

GRANDPA.......................................Thank you for putting into words exactally how I feel about this great hobby Thank you and God bless

[SpaceMouse]

Certainly for me, there has to be more to it than running trains. Creativity is a key issue and there are lots of modes of expression. I have run the gambit of the arts. Writing (taught at College level). Drama (acting and directing local theater) Sundecks (featured in several magazines, eg Sunset and others). But Model Railroading holds the promise of artistic expression on so many levels. One only needs to look at the work of Malcom Furlow, John Allen, or George Sellios.

Which brings to mind a book that is missing from our hobby. Creative Layout Theory.

Maybe I should write it. Hmmmmm.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

Certainly for me, there has to be more to it than running trains. Creativity is a key issue and there are lots of modes of expression. I have run the gambit of the arts. Writing (taught at College level). Drama (acting and directing local theater) Sundecks (featured in several magazines, eg Sunset and others). But Model Railroading holds the promise of artistic expression on so many levels. One only needs to look at the work of Malcom Furlow, John Allen, or George Sellios.

Which brings to mind a book that is missing from our hobby. Creative Layout Theory.

Maybe I should write it. Hmmmmm.

Chip,

Now that is a book I'd pay good money for, as opposed to bad? Maybe one of us -should- write it.

Peace.
Coyote

[jimrice4449]

I worried (slightly) about people's perception that I was "only playing with trains" and came up with an answer.
I have a large, terminal type RR but the only part of it that's even partially sceniced is the upper level passenger depot and yards that take up a total of 49 ft of wall w/ a right angle bend in the middle. I model the 1945-55 period and if I were ever to get any patronizing comments my answer would be along the lines of:
"If I had made a 2 dimensional, static representation of America at the height of it's industrial development in oils or acrylics covering an area 4 ft high and 50 ft long would you have thought it childish? Well then, if you think a three dimensional, kinescetic, multi media reprentation of the same thing is childish, is the problem the scene being viewed or your perception of it?"
Unfortunately I've never had occasion to use it, but should the occasion arise, I'm ready!

[Anonymous]

Coyote,
Excellent editorial! I often have thoughts like that running thru my mind, especially when mowing my lawn, driving long distances, or attending business meetings.

[Anonymous]

Many often assume us model railroaders are "just running toy trains" as noted. This does not apply in my case, as I do not have a layout to run trains on. My choice is a pair of modules that I operate with our local club only a few times a year. My main interest and focus has been model making - I have shelves full of my models, many more still in boxes and many projects still in my head.

For me it is a creative outlet, just like my photography. And I get to combine the two interests in one by taking photos of my models and sharing them with others.

So for me I don't "play with trains", I make scale models of railroad equipment and scenes.

And it's fun too![:D]

Bob Boudreau

[DavidJ611]

Coyote,

I really enjoyed reading your musings. Ditto all the positive comments already expressed. I think (IMHO) that your thoughtful and well composed editorial above is worthy of the glossy-print pages of our forum's gracious host. [8D][tup]

...MR editorial staff, are you 'listening'[?]

-Dave

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by DavidJ611

Coyote,

I really enjoyed reading your musings. Ditto all the positive comments already expressed. I think (IMHO) that your thoughtful and well composed editorial above is worthy of the glossy-print pages of our forum's gracious host. [8D][tup]

...MR editorial staff, are you 'listening'[?]

-Dave

Ditto's to the above. Maybe Coyote should apply for the editor position, but then he would have to move to cold Milwaukee.

Great introspect of the hobby. And I agree with others, many look at us like we are men still longing for a childhood, but I feel we are taking the scenes, operations, modeling to a level that many can't or won't do because of a preconcived notion that they can't or would be embarassed to try.

It's funny. I mention I have a model railroad to friends or when I was running a business my hobby, and I was amazed at the response from the male population. They also liked trains, had one or always wanted too. Hmmm, I would bet this hobby would be larger, if we only could find the key to unlock and bring them all in.

Thanks again Coyote. Keep the ideas coming...

[SpaceMouse]

GC,

I re-read your commentary and I have a comment. I too came to the hobby not so much from the standpoint of fascination with trains (which I have been developing) but from the standpoint as developing a hobby that 1) I can share with my son. 2) Allows creative expression.

When we take Model Railroading to an art form, and I'm not saying we shouldn't by the way, a shift occurs. A visual artist paints so that people can see their work. A writer writes for others and an actor performs for others. Rare indeed it the artist that isn't looking for accolades. It is what drives us as artists forward to find new and exciting frontiers in art.

So when we create our art in the form of a basement empire we are by default limiting our audience to people we can drag down or viewers of the Photo Funs.

With Model Railroading, then we have to grow as artists to create for ourselves. Yes, this is different from the modelers that "only do it for themselves" and do not push for creative excellence. We have to build it, and know that unlike the Cosner movie, no one will come. Unless, of course, you build in a high level of operational ability, and get on a circuit or form you own operational team.

This is where John Allen excelled, and where Malcolm Furlow falls short. Obviously, Furlow is the artist (and artist in profession) that has no operational sessions, whereas Allen delighted in sharing his creation with operators and the rest of the world through networking, photos and articles. Furlow then, would have to have evolved to the point of excellence for himself alone to create such a fantastic layout so far removed from civilization.

So to go the Allen you need both the artistic skills and patience, and you need the working knowledge of both what a railroad does and a sense of what makes "playing with trains" fun. I get satisfaction from building a building, weathering it and creating a scene, but it does not compare to the fun of having my son run his train to the station, tell his passengers to get off, then drive them to the bridge, stop and tell them to view the sights of Train City.

To make everything work, you need to create a mini-universe where every bush, rock building and detail has a purpose. Every figure is a person with a role to play. And every industry is linked to the "universe" and beyond through a commerce system.

A large task to accomplish.

[BRAKIE]

Sorry guys I don't subscribe to the thought that model railroading is a art by any definition..No,I see model railroading as poetry in motion.That is to say it has a rhyme and reason for moving trains..Art? No art doesn't move nor does it require any great knowledge unless one happens to be a art dealer or collector.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BRAKIE

Sorry guys I don't subscribe to the thought that model railroading is a art by any definition..No,I see model railroading as poetry in motion.That is to say it has a rhyme and reason for moving trains..Art? No art doesn't move nor does it require any great knowledge unless one happens to be a art dealer or collector.

Brakie,

Have you looked at Malcom Furlows layout. I would suggest that for Furlow it all about the art. My guess is Tony Koester would go nuts trying to get a train order that made sense.

I'm sure there are many layouts out there that never get past a rudimentay scenery stage because art is not important to them. But others, like Furlow, Allen and Sellios, wouldn't dream of creating an empire without the art.

[dommegr]

Never in a million years would I have thought about it in this way, but you're all absolutely right. To the letter. There's so much more to model railroading than putting track on a table, hooking up a power supply, and running a train. Those are the simplest basics, the core necessity. Everything else is up to the individual. I've dwelled too much on trying to make my layout and the ideas I have for future ones better than the ones I see in our magazine. But I don't need to.

I got into this hobby earlier this year for a couple of reasons.
1. I had a simple 4x8 HO figure 8 when I was a kid.
2. I needed something to do besides sit on my***playing computer games.
3. I have two boys of my own and wanted to develop something with them that would allow me to spend time with them which will be more and more sacred over the coming year when I transfer back to sea duty (I'm active duty Navy) and will in turn give them something that reminds them of me when it's time for me to deploy again.
4. It's something that my wife can get involved with as well, not only from the aspect of #3, but her own art skills as well.

This is one of the most fun and creative hobbies I've ever been involved with. I put up with being called a "train dork" and other various labels, but that's fine. Once my layout, such as it is due to space, is up and running, the ones that choose to label me out of simple ignorace will be coming over to run a train and will probably be hooked as well.

[davekelly]

Can there not be art in the operations and not just the scenery?

Coyote,

No need to apologize. Your reason for being in this hobby is different than mine and mine is different from someone else's etc etc. But that's cool. Just like lots of other things, there is no wrong or right reason for being a model railroader. I enjoyed reading your post and learning about what is it that brought you to this hobby and what aspects you enjoy and why that is. Even if a person's interests and motivations in this hobby are different than mine I still enjoy reading about them - kinda helps me see folks as not just a userid, but as a human being.

Dave

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

Can there not be art in the operations and not just the scenery?

Dave,

I won't rule out the possibility, but can you explain how?

Here I am distinguishing operations from creating a context for the operations. Certainly I see creation of a mini-universe as art. But I am having difficulty seeing the moving of trains, the "Poetry in Motion" as Brakie puts it as art. I probably just need to be educated.

To me artistic expression is manifestation of a creative vision not a mechanical process. I suppose you could relate it to the choreographing of a dance. But I'm not sure many take it to that level.

[dommegr]

Chip, creating a context for operations is always going to be in the eye of the person creating the context and running those operations.

Look at Pelle Soeberg's layout. His layout actually takes you to a place in Southern California. That's right for him and what he wanted to accomplish on his layout and while the results are nothing short of spectacular, how does it differ from the guy who builds a simple oval and puts nothing but a single tree and an ashtray in the middle of it? While the end results visually are very different, the operation of the trains remains the same.

Greg

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by sunsetbeachry

GRANDPA.......................................Thank you for putting into words exactally how I feel about this great hobby Thank you and God bless

Sunset,

Thank you for your blessings, glad you enjoyed my crazed ramblings [;)]

Coyote

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jimrice4449

I worried (slightly) about people's perception that I was "only playing with trains" and came up with an answer.
I have a large, terminal type RR but the only part of it that's even partially sceniced is the upper level passenger depot and yards that take up a total of 49 ft of wall w/ a right angle bend in the middle. I model the 1945-55 period and if I were ever to get any patronizing comments my answer would be along the lines of:
"If I had made a 2 dimensional, static representation of America at the height of it's industrial development in oils or acrylics covering an area 4 ft high and 50 ft long would you have thought it childish? Well then, if you think a three dimensional, kinescetic, multi media reprentation of the same thing is childish, is the problem the scene being viewed or your perception of it?"
Unfortunately I've never had occasion to use it, but should the occasion arise, I'm ready!

Jim,

[:D] Great story.. keep it handy you never know it might come be very usefull someday. Keep 'em flying. [tup]

[Adelie]

All of this and we have not even touched the idea that "a model railroad is never really completed" and how that relates. Is the fact that the reinvention, refinement or complete change of sections of an apparently finished product part of the art? In some cases, this change is the result of a better operational plan or technical product. But in others it is change for change sake, more or less. Why did I tear out that section of secenery and redo it....because it was there, in a sense.

Part of the allure of this hobby to me is that it offers something for my every mood. It covers the gamut from technical to creative.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by KenLarsen

Coyote,
Excellent editorial! I often have thoughts like that running thru my mind, especially when mowing my lawn, driving long distances, or attending business meetings.

Same here Ken, this one overcame while being in a position of forced to sit and 'enjoy' being on vicodin, after a minor out patient surgery. Oh well at least I got something done besides drooling on myself [(-D]. Thank you for the positive feedback.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FundyNorthern

Many often assume us model railroaders are "just running toy trains" as noted. This does not apply in my case, as I do not have a layout to run trains on. My choice is a pair of modules that I operate with our local club only a few times a year. My main interest and focus has been model making - I have shelves full of my models, many more still in boxes and many projects still in my head.

For me it is a creative outlet, just like my photography. And I get to combine the two interests in one by taking photos of my models and sharing them with others.

So for me I don't "play with trains", I make scale models of railroad equipment and scenes.

And it's fun too![:D]

Bob Boudreau

Amen Bob, and the fun of it is the thing, imho, when you enjoy what you craft/create/make then the world opens up, too many of us are or have been stuck in the unfortuante position of doing something that we not onlt do not love but actually hate or find mind numbing or even soul crushing. Keep up the fun and enjoy.

Coyote

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by DavidJ611

Coyote,

I really enjoyed reading your musings. Ditto all the positive comments already expressed. I think (IMHO) that your thoughtful and well composed editorial above is worthy of the glossy-print pages of our forum's gracious host. [8D][tup]

...MR editorial staff, are you 'listening'[?]

-Dave

Dave,

[:D] thank you! But I am far and away from being accomplished enough for such a fine publication.

[Anonymous]

Yall are usin WAY too much brains. Go run your trains and have fun.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:
Ditto's to the above. Maybe Coyote should apply for the editor position, but then he would have to move to cold Milwaukee.

Great introspect of the hobby. And I agree with others, many look at us like we are men still longing for a childhood, but I feel we are taking the scenes, operations, modeling to a level that many can't or won't do because of a preconcived notion that they can't or would be embarassed to try.

It's funny. I mention I have a model railroad to friends or when I was running a business my hobby, and I was amazed at the response from the male population. They also liked trains, had one or always wanted too. Hmmm, I would bet this hobby would be larger, if we only could find the key to unlock and bring them all in.

Thanks again Coyote. Keep the ideas coming...

Milwaukee... brrrrr.. oh no let me keep my Texas warmth, although it often becomes Texas melting [8D]

I think that some people see or Hobby/Art in that light because of the assocation they make with toys, yet what is the probelm with toys and play, we can dress it up however we like but at a certain level they are toys (ahh I can hear the gnashing of teeth now, sorry friends really), however what is Theater but 'play pretending', dance is.. well dance [:)] people tell my Mother who has had quilt exibited in a collection at the Smithsonian that she is "just sewing". Someone somewhere is always going to find a snippy perspective on the insperation, love, craft and hard work of others.... Water off a ducks back is my moto.

I do agree though it would be a fine day if we could find the key that opens the door of 'allowance' that would let so many who'd love to join in the Hobby/Art but don't currently because of some silly fear of the judgements of others. But then I fear it is the same for all expresive matters, I know far too many people who have fine voices who would never sing anywhere but the showers (glances at his own OL).

Thanks for the feedback

Peace.
Coyote