Your Railroad, do what you enjoy. With my railroad, it is the "The world I create" maybe it is something from an alternate universe where dinosaurs still exist and Godzilla walking threw the hills, and maybe a UFO thrown in there too. LOL It is your art work, Paint your world you want. With my collection I use it to show how things have progressed over time. Show what they had in the 1800's,1900's, and the 2000's for educational purposes. I collect what I find interesting, and I don't feel the need to apologize. So have fun with your layout and just make up a creative story to go with it.
I’m just getting started almost a year into the hobby. I was going to make era from 75 to 85 well I changed it to 75 to 90. Because I’m running Southern ,Norfolk and Western, and Norfolk Southern during the merger and change over. I grew up with those railroads in my area where I lived. The hardest thing I’m having is vehicles in that era. N scale. I’m sticking to roll stock in that era or before that’s not hard to do. I love my caboose’s especially the bay window style. I’m running SD40-2’s ,some GP38-2’s and SW1500 switcher. I’m just enjoying the hobby building my world and having fun. Thanks for sharing. Have a good day. O yea thanks for all of your time you put into your videos. I have learned a lot about weathering and scenery. Thanks again .
Glad you're finding them useful! I love SD40-2 and it wouldn't be a layout with at least a couple GP-38s... and there's something about a string of SW1500s. Honestly, i like those three more than the GEVOs. But isn't it fun collecting those pieces? Especially if they have meaning - because you saw them as a child or got to ride in one, or whatever the situation may be. that's one of the awesome parts of the hobby - how the modeler can put so much of themselves and their heart into a layout or a scene.
Been there, done that AND still doing it! It can drive a person nuts. Couple friends of mine use to sell their locomotives when the railroad they modeled after sold off a particular model, wow! Bottom line, if you like it and it’s enjoyable, do it. Pass something by and later regret it cause you can’t find it or it cost too much will bug you also. So knock yourself out because we only live once in this ‘form’. 👽
Those guys that are intense like that always amaze me. it's cool and hardcore - but usually if i buy it - i don't care what the real line does, i'm keeping mine!
I like to tell myself that I’m modeling the 50’s. But I like to run many different locomotives. From a 4-4-0 to the newest ES44ac. I like to say: if you are having fun, you are doing it right!
I had a train set when I was a kid, and have always loved trains. I am now getting ready to retire and starting out anew. I have learned a lot from your videos, and what appeals to me about your layout IS the different locomotives and rolling stock!
First, early congrats... and welcome back to the hobby. Secondly, I love locomotives - i can't wait for July when the Kato Big Boy comes out. Legitimately has no reason to be on my layout but it's awesome and I need it in the collection! Just to prove my point, i think my first video will show it pulling some double stack cars to make the naysayers heads explode! Because I'm mean like that.
I feel that, if you're freelance, the era of a layout is far more broad than road names, locomotives, and rolling stock. From what I can see on your layout, you could easily span 50 to 75 years worth of a non specific area. The rolling stock can be used fairly easy to span a few eras, but as you said, certain eras won't have certain specific types of stock. I've run into the issue of growing up with Chessie, and predominantly buying stock and locomotives that have anything to do with every line pre CSX. Then I found out about UP. I love their big engines, but they make it hard to build a smaller layout. I'm just getting back into the hobby, and have no idea which way to go with any of this. Thank you for another great video.
Glad you found this helpful. I have a book that's all photos of Chessie locomotives and some of my favorite photos are in WV with a fall background and those wonderfully painted locos. Buying more Chessie is always an option for me. The larger locos do struggle with tight curves, but most of them will navigate them if the track alignment is good. with some strategic scene blocks, you might be able to hide the unrealistic overhang. I started with small layouts and large locos and it looked ridiculous so until i had a basement of my own to take over, i did what you're thinking about. it works, it just looks a little funny sometimes - but don't let that keep you from your passion and adding to your collection. just check the minimum radius required before you buy.
That's one of the reasons I went freelance. I love different locomotive types, scretch off prototype rrs name, insert my own, or total freelance repaint, and run trains. Very nice RR ypu got there.
I enjoy learning about the items I model. I've pondered what era, what line, etc. For me, it comes down to this. If I like it I get it. I try to keep my stuff to '76 and before, but there is a lot of cool stuff! So I try and learn about the items I have and their history. So yea, I'm freelancing, but my argument is the line just gets power and rolling stock from wherever they can find it and run it. I know that will drive some people crazy, but I enjoy learning about the different things, and I like them on the layout so I can discuss them with visitors. So there is that. To each, their own, and bottom line are we having fun? if so, it's all good. Thanks for the video.
I am a collector of many locos and rolling stock. I built a 3x5 N scale layout then added a side table for a yard, mostly to store my rolling stock. I try to be "semi-proto" on a per train basis. The layout is small so I roll 1 train at a time even though I have an inner and outer oval with some siding. I change trains about once per month and just apply the proper road/era to the active train on the layout. I only have scenery, no buildings, so it can be any era as long as the active train is put together properly. This way I can enjoy collecting many different roads and locomotives. The only drawback is that I am always putting away or getting out trains. I have alot of plastic tray type boxes (Sterelite brand), so I can easily put away rolling stock, instead of going in/out of all those little jewel boxes. Steam trains I lay on their side when storing in the plastic boxes, and I line the bottom with a couple paper towels to cushion em. I am a true believer in "its your layout, roll what you want". Why not? It is the World's Greatest Hobby for a reason!
the only drawback is the finer details of the newer rolling stock and locos are really fragile and the constant handling runs the risk of damaging them. but there's just such enjoyment watching trains run!
AWESOME, EXCELLENT and PERFECT!!!!! I would recommend running BN with their mergers only, run only your CSX and mergers together. You can even run eastern trains or western trains at different times. Maybe even run east bound trains and west bound trains with different railroads. I have even changed era's to help during train shows. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.
It’s about what you like and enjoy. Me personally, I own mostly NS & Conrail units but I do have one Santa FE and a few BN and even two CF-7’s lettered for the Maryland & Delaware RR. My ultimate goal is to eventually repaint most of them into a freelance scheme since most of them are from the same era. Carry on my friend.
I like that idea, too... making locos that never wore a scheme sport the livery. those fantasy schemes are always cool... like a GEVO in Chessie paint job.
You can pry my DI RoadRailers from my cold hands when I die. I try to stick to three roadnames Conrail BN and CSX and I'll run my doublestacks as well. I have one weakness which are Japanese Bullet trains which I justify by imagining that they are on loan to the railroad for evaluation. In the end I think Ive become a collector as well. Ive had RoadrRailers since 2018 I think and last week I just purchased a set on ebay.
I have three complete sets and a couple extras - so that works out to like 32 or 34 cars. i'd keep collecting them but realistically, i can't house any more! that doesn't mean if they're on a table at a train show i won't snag them so fast people will think the Roadrunner just ran by. They're just such a cool piece of equipment - i can't believe someone else hasn't started making them again. I used to see NS pulling them from time to time downtown, though it's been awhile since i've seen them "in the wild".
@@AlleghenyNorthern Nice I wish I had 3 complete sets of RoadRailers, I think it would be cool to have a set of Schneider RoadRailers as a final set. Lol I bet people would think the Roadrunner ran past them to get some RoadRailers I would too. I agree they are very cool and I'm also surprised no one hasn't been making them either its not like they don't run on tracks or anything.
@@nscaledelights the last set i picked up was a set of 10 orange Schneiders. the other two are the Tripple crown. What I can't find is the Amtrak cars. I don't know if those ever made a 10-car set, i only ever saw them as singles or three packs and that was a long time ago. You can get roadrailer components on Shapeways but i don't know how well they work because the Deluxe Innovation versions had the trailers weighted and modified to fit the bogies. if i try them, i'll do a vid on how well they work.
@@AlleghenyNorthern You probably don't need any more RoadRailers but there's a 3 pack of Amtrak RoadRailers on eBay right now selling really cheaply. Do you know anyone who is selling drawbars for RoadRailers that's what I really need?
For me it is all about your own passion and how well you are at expressing it. Be it Layout and landscaping, Electronics, programming, Era fixed prototypical modeling, weathering, switching, running trains you like. With an open mindset I aprecuate discussions with other modelers that focus on other aspects than I do so we can inspire each other and lower hezitation to try something new. So for me I love big steam pulling heritage trains in a modern era setting. Also running long trains on serpentine tracks with long curves, nice landscape and huge bridges. However I am still a humble student when it comes to my own layout. Also I own and run together trains from 3 continents. Some Japanese models are too beautiful to miss and collecting and running equipment I grew up with or have seen with my own eyes in 🇨🇭is what puts a smile on my face. Still US models make up the majority of my collection
Agree with all of this. It's about have fun and enjoying the hobby - sharing it with as many people that will listen. Most importantly, however, do make it your own and if that means putting trains on the tracks that will never run together in real life - that's the advantage of creating your own world - you can do it as you see fit.
I'm in a which scale crisis. Started a layout around 2020 since being away from HO for about 10 years . I really Like N scale but wonder if it's right for me. You look like you really enjoy your layout and that's what import. I do like your philosophical musings, it's important part of the hobby to understand what makes us happy.
HO is a nice scale because it's small enough that you can fit it into a lot of places, but big enough that you don't have to have amazing eyesight and microscopic steady hands to work on them. But, putting all of that aside, n-scale offers the ability for big railroading and big scenery in smaller spaces and shallower depths. I get a lot of enjoyment from the hobby; it really is a great way to unwind. Sharing it with others hopefully keeps the hobby alive and growing.
@@marsfromrexford No. I love n scale. There are times i wish manufacturers would pay more attention to it, but i'd never switch. i might do a small HO layout at some point to take advantage of some of the cool stuff, but there are no current plans.
That is a real interesting thought on being a collector and being prototyping. I myself rather have what I want and not be as prototypical. I buy and sell as I see fit, and have fun with the modeling.
When i get that far, I'm going to make a railroad museum scene where everything that doesn't fit the era, or railroad will be place, along with a loop track to run them
That's not a bad idea. I've seen one other UA-camr do something similar - but don't be afraid to set them loose on the main layout. Some railroad museums have connections to the rest of the world for taking show pieces on and off display so that would be realistic. Make sure the turnouts are properly protected, however!
Thanks for sharing. I find myself in that position for my HO scale planned point-to-point... but that's mainly because I had no real direction when I first started collecting three years ago. Sure, I knew I like NS and Amtrak, but not much else. Now I have Conrail, Amtrak, NS, N&W, GATX, UP, RF&P.... the list goes on including a partial, modern NS OCS train. Narrowing down my emphasis now to a blend of two Short Lines (C&A and NPBL) that interchange with NS as the plan for the future layout with occasionally swapping out power to run the same short line under a different operator (GATX for example or a Conrail Local job). My N scale I put much more effort into researching a specific area to see what runs there: RF&P CSX Sub: CSX (mainlines and GP38-2's, VRE, and Amtrak P42's with the occasional Dash-8 in the mix). As for your layout, I'd think running somewhere 1990-2010 in a state like VA or PA should be rather plausible with most of that power/rolling stock/landscape. BN and of course that one Coaster being the only real exceptions... but you could easily just swap out power from East Coast to BN on those days with minor negative impact on the rolling stock... I'd think at least. Either way, thanks again for the share!
G scalers have a common trend where they make their own railroad company and have everything be leased power. I’ve done something similar in n scale because im like you and love the stuff thats not normal
Seems from the comments that most people agree - they like the odd-ball and fancy stuff but were too intimidated to say it with an online community that's very prototypical from what i've seen. i'm glad to have found so many folks that are of a like mind.
I feel Ya...I model the same way, non-protoypical but detailed as I can get...SOU, NW, NS, CofGa, GaRR, and the leasing companies with various deisel models and paint schemes...diesels spandinfg a 50yr period...just wanna have fun with my railroad
I was going to say, you maybe over thinking that aspect, but with your ending comments; Yes you are right. I am loosely based between 50-to mid 60, so to speak, I have made my bed... But not terribly concerned about road names, more into paint schemes, some thing different, and colourful....
I'm just like you, but with my 3 Rail O gauge stuff, but I also have a few European stuff (mostly modern German DB stuff) thrown in with my normal North American stuff. I should continue being myself even though I'm thinking of separating the European stuff from American stuff by modeling them in HO (more variety of equipment than O).
I've often contemplated an HO layout because they have a lot of stuff i want in n scale. then came 3-d printing. now i just have to wait for someone with good modeling skills to offer it online! only in our model worlds can we get the best of both contents in one place.
Here is another option. In early 2022 scientist were experimenting with and finally were able to get small scale fision energy to work. At the same time other scientist were working on the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland, by chance both experiments were going on at the same time and a singularity resulted in creating a slip in time allowing the yrs 1922, 1952, 1972 and 2022 co-mingle and exist on the same plane...at least that is my excuse
While I just freelance and have an open "modern" era (90s to present), I justify my older engines and rolling stock with a "railroad museum" that does "excursions, demos and testing" on my tracks. In reality I'm just a collector who wants to run my collection though. I also love to pretend that the railroad companies took better care of their rolling stock by keeping them clean and keeping their old equipment to use, so I'm not much of a proto guy. Question, your last pool you made was how advanced in the hobby you are, wouldn't that be different to the level of prototypicallity your layout is? I'd say I'm intermediate since I got a few years of practice, I've learned a lot and I can make a decent scene but my layout is nowhere near prototypical
Completely agree with the collection that you can play with. I have a collection of 1:50 diecast construction models i really like - but they just sit in display cases. so, the railroad is like a living collection that i actually interact with. i don't think prototypical and advanced modeling skills go hand in hand. i've seen some people try to recreate a particular road or build a particular backstory, and their scenery is beginner and their locos and rolling stock are out of the box. modeling skills, in my opinion, take into consideration everything - from benchwork, to wiring, to building the models, weathering, operating, and maintenance. I suppose if you didn't have scenery, didn't build your own buildings, and had everything just out of the box you're not really modeling, it would just be a train set at that point. as long as you're building scenes, i don't think you have to be prototypical to reach an intermediate or advanced modeling level because you are modeling.
The problem is all train guys like all trains. Collecting all railroads isn’t modelling. Let’s pretend it’s csx first railroad. I don’t know what your layout is. It’s in crisis. It doesn’t have to be super specific or exact but if it was csx for example and you kept the csx grey and blue and weathered them more , then I would believe it. But as soon as I see the stuff that’s not going to be on the railroad that is the justification for hoarding. Do a area and a few railroads well. I have way too many I diesels and buildings so I sold them off, I had all this made up Canadian Shield stuff sold it off, I had 100 Canadian pacific locos sold them off. I had a thb stash sold. I even had geeps that were too new. Sold em. What I kept? I have a Xmas present Canadian pacific ab Cliner from my parents got as a kid. I switched to up and sold off my cp because my son and I went to see the big boy. We had to justify the UP all of sudden in Montana which it did exist barely, so we added Wyoming, but I kept NP / MILW . Same as you could keep your coaster. But then you could make a coaster ttrak or foam kitchen table San Diego for that mood. It was a gift I get it! Gives you an excuse to buy palm trees, and model other scenery types. I model NP UP MILW in Montana , Wyoming and now my wife allowed us to bust into the rumpus room and connect my portables to the permanent layout so I have a salt lake Utah area, now a Las Vegas module and Los Angeles module. I got rid of alot diesels when BLI usra came out and backdated; but I have a lashup of 1965 NP u boats from Arnold that I love how they run. But if you come to my house you’ll see a theme and a purpose and now I am focusing on leds, upgrading dcc system more track, more details. The locomotives and cars I didn’t need I felt amazing when I sold them and streamlined and never looked back and now I have something worth looking at that had a loose theme. Without these rules we place on ourselves we are just buying with no end and too many buildings or locos doesn’t look real. Less is more!
For me, collecting the pieces is more important. i collect what i like - which is big diesels, generally. doesn't mean a little SW1500 or an RS3 won't catch my eye, but they all have their place. I like the paint schemes - BN and CR were always my favorite and even they had phases of different colors and mergers. I reject the notion that isn't modeling - each of the models eventually gets detailed, upgraded, weathered - all modeled. the individual model itself take time and can even be made to match a prototype photo. the only time it may look out of sorts is when it's joined to the layout out of time sequence or locale. But then the layout itself is also a model. I have set a general locale for the railroad with scenery that matches the prototype area including the industry types. the flare from the layout comes from the varied rolling stock that spans a good 40 -70 years and the locos that do about the same. But if my RS3 ends up behind a GEVO that's modeling license that looks fine to anyone that isn't a prototyper who would know better. While i don't object to the notion of building smaller layouts for the odd ball pieces,like the coaster, a thought which i have had, i don't think that means it can't run on the main layout to 'stretch its legs'. but this all boils down to different folks, different strokes. for me - having a large and varied collection is my treasure that I can display and operate at my whim.
There's always enough run of the mill stuff on the layout to make it look plausible. The fun stuff is the prized collection, the units that make the layout fun and different from seeing the same GEVOs that everyone has pulling the same Atlas boxcars...
I applaud your perspective about your hobby, kinda that way myself! I like bright colored equipment! If I were stuck with black locos and rollers I don’t think I’d get near the enjoyment! 🫡✌️
I am sorry, but who cares, it's your Railroad and you like it so run it your way and just switch the locations around and enjoying yourself. I like I think his name is Fred Brown.
Your Railroad, do what you enjoy. With my railroad, it is the "The world I create" maybe it is something from an alternate universe where dinosaurs still exist and Godzilla walking threw the hills, and maybe a UFO thrown in there too. LOL It is your art work, Paint your world you want. With my collection I use it to show how things have progressed over time. Show what they had in the 1800's,1900's, and the 2000's for educational purposes. I collect what I find interesting, and I don't feel the need to apologize. So have fun with your layout and just make up a creative story to go with it.
This is spot on... love it!
I used to try and justify why things were on the layout. Now I just have fun. Do what makes you happy!
I’m just getting started almost a year into the hobby. I was going to make era from 75 to 85 well I changed it to 75 to 90. Because I’m running Southern ,Norfolk and Western, and Norfolk Southern during the merger and change over. I grew up with those railroads in my area where I lived. The hardest thing I’m having is vehicles in that era. N scale. I’m sticking to roll stock in that era or before that’s not hard to do. I love my caboose’s especially the bay window style. I’m running SD40-2’s ,some GP38-2’s and SW1500 switcher. I’m just enjoying the hobby building my world and having fun. Thanks for sharing. Have a good day. O yea thanks for all of your time you put into your videos. I have learned a lot about weathering and scenery. Thanks again .
Glad you're finding them useful! I love SD40-2 and it wouldn't be a layout with at least a couple GP-38s... and there's something about a string of SW1500s. Honestly, i like those three more than the GEVOs. But isn't it fun collecting those pieces? Especially if they have meaning - because you saw them as a child or got to ride in one, or whatever the situation may be. that's one of the awesome parts of the hobby - how the modeler can put so much of themselves and their heart into a layout or a scene.
Been there, done that AND still doing it! It can drive a person nuts. Couple friends of mine use to sell their locomotives when the railroad they modeled after sold off a particular model, wow! Bottom line, if you like it and it’s enjoyable, do it. Pass something by and later regret it cause you can’t find it or it cost too much will bug you also. So knock yourself out because we only live once in this ‘form’. 👽
Those guys that are intense like that always amaze me. it's cool and hardcore - but usually if i buy it - i don't care what the real line does, i'm keeping mine!
I like to tell myself that I’m modeling the 50’s. But I like to run many different locomotives. From a 4-4-0 to the newest ES44ac. I like to say: if you are having fun, you are doing it right!
Exactly! It becomes a fun collection that instead of sitting on a shelf collecting dust, gets to run on the layout - the world you created for it.
I had a train set when I was a kid, and have always loved trains. I am now getting ready to retire and starting out anew. I have learned a lot from your videos, and what appeals to me about your layout IS the different locomotives and rolling stock!
First, early congrats... and welcome back to the hobby. Secondly, I love locomotives - i can't wait for July when the Kato Big Boy comes out. Legitimately has no reason to be on my layout but it's awesome and I need it in the collection! Just to prove my point, i think my first video will show it pulling some double stack cars to make the naysayers heads explode! Because I'm mean like that.
@C Mastracci I also have that on pre-order. Will be looking forward to your video!
I feel that, if you're freelance, the era of a layout is far more broad than road names, locomotives, and rolling stock. From what I can see on your layout, you could easily span 50 to 75 years worth of a non specific area. The rolling stock can be used fairly easy to span a few eras, but as you said, certain eras won't have certain specific types of stock. I've run into the issue of growing up with Chessie, and predominantly buying stock and locomotives that have anything to do with every line pre CSX. Then I found out about UP. I love their big engines, but they make it hard to build a smaller layout. I'm just getting back into the hobby, and have no idea which way to go with any of this. Thank you for another great video.
Glad you found this helpful. I have a book that's all photos of Chessie locomotives and some of my favorite photos are in WV with a fall background and those wonderfully painted locos. Buying more Chessie is always an option for me. The larger locos do struggle with tight curves, but most of them will navigate them if the track alignment is good. with some strategic scene blocks, you might be able to hide the unrealistic overhang. I started with small layouts and large locos and it looked ridiculous so until i had a basement of my own to take over, i did what you're thinking about. it works, it just looks a little funny sometimes - but don't let that keep you from your passion and adding to your collection. just check the minimum radius required before you buy.
That's one of the reasons I went freelance. I love different locomotive types, scretch off prototype rrs name, insert my own, or total freelance repaint, and run trains. Very nice RR ypu got there.
Thanks! Yes, freelance has a lot more appeal to me than trying to be specific.
I enjoy learning about the items I model. I've pondered what era, what line, etc. For me, it comes down to this. If I like it I get it. I try to keep my stuff to '76 and before, but there is a lot of cool stuff! So I try and learn about the items I have and their history. So yea, I'm freelancing, but my argument is the line just gets power and rolling stock from wherever they can find it and run it. I know that will drive some people crazy, but I enjoy learning about the different things, and I like them on the layout so I can discuss them with visitors. So there is that. To each, their own, and bottom line are we having fun? if so, it's all good. Thanks for the video.
That's what it comes down to - are we having fun? I love watching what i've found running on the layout; even if it is out of place or date.
I am a collector of many locos and rolling stock. I built a 3x5 N scale layout then added a side table for a yard, mostly to store my rolling stock. I try to be "semi-proto" on a per train basis. The layout is small so I roll 1 train at a time even though I have an inner and outer oval with some siding. I change trains about once per month and just apply the proper road/era to the active train on the layout. I only have scenery, no buildings, so it can be any era as long as the active train is put together properly. This way I can enjoy collecting many different roads and locomotives. The only drawback is that I am always putting away or getting out trains. I have alot of plastic tray type boxes (Sterelite brand), so I can easily put away rolling stock, instead of going in/out of all those little jewel boxes. Steam trains I lay on their side when storing in the plastic boxes, and I line the bottom with a couple paper towels to cushion em. I am a true believer in "its your layout, roll what you want". Why not? It is the World's Greatest Hobby for a reason!
the only drawback is the finer details of the newer rolling stock and locos are really fragile and the constant handling runs the risk of damaging them. but there's just such enjoyment watching trains run!
My thoughts exactly and you explained it very well. I really like your layout, rolling stock, and locos !
Thanks!
AWESOME, EXCELLENT and PERFECT!!!!! I would recommend running BN with their mergers only, run only your CSX and mergers together. You can even run eastern trains or western trains at different times. Maybe even run east bound trains and west bound trains with different railroads. I have even changed era's to help during train shows. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.
Oh I like this idea a lot!
It’s about what you like and enjoy. Me personally, I own mostly NS & Conrail units but I do have one Santa FE and a few BN and even two CF-7’s lettered for the Maryland & Delaware RR. My ultimate goal is to eventually repaint most of them into a freelance scheme since most of them are from the same era. Carry on my friend.
I like that idea, too... making locos that never wore a scheme sport the livery. those fantasy schemes are always cool... like a GEVO in Chessie paint job.
You can pry my DI RoadRailers from my cold hands when I die. I try to stick to three roadnames Conrail BN and CSX and I'll run my doublestacks as well. I have one weakness which are Japanese Bullet trains which I justify by imagining that they are on loan to the railroad for evaluation. In the end I think Ive become a collector as well. Ive had RoadrRailers since 2018 I think and last week I just purchased a set on ebay.
I have three complete sets and a couple extras - so that works out to like 32 or 34 cars. i'd keep collecting them but realistically, i can't house any more! that doesn't mean if they're on a table at a train show i won't snag them so fast people will think the Roadrunner just ran by. They're just such a cool piece of equipment - i can't believe someone else hasn't started making them again. I used to see NS pulling them from time to time downtown, though it's been awhile since i've seen them "in the wild".
@@AlleghenyNorthern Nice I wish I had 3 complete sets of RoadRailers, I think it would be cool to have a set of Schneider RoadRailers as a final set. Lol I bet people would think the Roadrunner ran past them to get some RoadRailers I would too. I agree they are very cool and I'm also surprised no one hasn't been making them either its not like they don't run on tracks or anything.
@@nscaledelights the last set i picked up was a set of 10 orange Schneiders. the other two are the Tripple crown. What I can't find is the Amtrak cars. I don't know if those ever made a 10-car set, i only ever saw them as singles or three packs and that was a long time ago. You can get roadrailer components on Shapeways but i don't know how well they work because the Deluxe Innovation versions had the trailers weighted and modified to fit the bogies. if i try them, i'll do a vid on how well they work.
@@AlleghenyNorthern You probably don't need any more RoadRailers but there's a 3 pack of Amtrak RoadRailers on eBay right now selling really cheaply. Do you know anyone who is selling drawbars for RoadRailers that's what I really need?
For me it is all about your own passion and how well you are at expressing it. Be it Layout and landscaping, Electronics, programming, Era fixed prototypical modeling, weathering, switching, running trains you like.
With an open mindset I aprecuate discussions with other modelers that focus on other aspects than I do so we can inspire each other and lower hezitation to try something new.
So for me I love big steam pulling heritage trains in a modern era setting. Also running long trains on serpentine tracks with long curves, nice landscape and huge bridges. However I am still a humble student when it comes to my own layout. Also I own and run together trains from 3 continents. Some Japanese models are too beautiful to miss and collecting and running equipment I grew up with or have seen with my own eyes in 🇨🇭is what puts a smile on my face. Still US models make up the majority of my collection
Agree with all of this. It's about have fun and enjoying the hobby - sharing it with as many people that will listen. Most importantly, however, do make it your own and if that means putting trains on the tracks that will never run together in real life - that's the advantage of creating your own world - you can do it as you see fit.
I'm in a which scale crisis. Started a layout around 2020 since being away from HO for about 10 years . I really Like N scale but wonder if it's right for me. You look like you really enjoy your layout and that's what import. I do like your philosophical musings, it's important part of the hobby to understand what makes us happy.
HO is a nice scale because it's small enough that you can fit it into a lot of places, but big enough that you don't have to have amazing eyesight and microscopic steady hands to work on them. But, putting all of that aside, n-scale offers the ability for big railroading and big scenery in smaller spaces and shallower depths. I get a lot of enjoyment from the hobby; it really is a great way to unwind. Sharing it with others hopefully keeps the hobby alive and growing.
@@AlleghenyNorthern SHould have asked right off the bat but do you ever regret not being in HO?
@@marsfromrexford No. I love n scale. There are times i wish manufacturers would pay more attention to it, but i'd never switch. i might do a small HO layout at some point to take advantage of some of the cool stuff, but there are no current plans.
Looks great to me. It’s your railroad, do what you want ❤❤. I run HST trains from all over the world plus American trains.
Thanks! I agree.
That is a real interesting thought on being a collector and being prototyping. I myself rather have what I want and not be as prototypical. I buy and sell as I see fit, and have fun with the modeling.
I can't tell you how many times i went in to the hobby shop to buy a locomotive, conrail or NS, and walked out with something that was neither.
When i get that far, I'm going to make a railroad museum scene where everything that doesn't fit the era, or railroad will be place, along with a loop track to run them
That's not a bad idea. I've seen one other UA-camr do something similar - but don't be afraid to set them loose on the main layout. Some railroad museums have connections to the rest of the world for taking show pieces on and off display so that would be realistic. Make sure the turnouts are properly protected, however!
Beautiful n Scale layout. Very awesome
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing. I find myself in that position for my HO scale planned point-to-point... but that's mainly because I had no real direction when I first started collecting three years ago. Sure, I knew I like NS and Amtrak, but not much else. Now I have Conrail, Amtrak, NS, N&W, GATX, UP, RF&P.... the list goes on including a partial, modern NS OCS train.
Narrowing down my emphasis now to a blend of two Short Lines (C&A and NPBL) that interchange with NS as the plan for the future layout with occasionally swapping out power to run the same short line under a different operator (GATX for example or a Conrail Local job).
My N scale I put much more effort into researching a specific area to see what runs there: RF&P CSX Sub: CSX (mainlines and GP38-2's, VRE, and Amtrak P42's with the occasional Dash-8 in the mix).
As for your layout, I'd think running somewhere 1990-2010 in a state like VA or PA should be rather plausible with most of that power/rolling stock/landscape. BN and of course that one Coaster being the only real exceptions... but you could easily just swap out power from East Coast to BN on those days with minor negative impact on the rolling stock... I'd think at least.
Either way, thanks again for the share!
G scalers have a common trend where they make their own railroad company and have everything be leased power. I’ve done something similar in n scale because im like you and love the stuff thats not normal
Seems from the comments that most people agree - they like the odd-ball and fancy stuff but were too intimidated to say it with an online community that's very prototypical from what i've seen. i'm glad to have found so many folks that are of a like mind.
Those heritage units r sharp looking
Absolutely love them. They're Fox Valley models if you can find them. They show up at train shows every now and again.
I feel Ya...I model the same way, non-protoypical but detailed as I can get...SOU, NW, NS, CofGa, GaRR, and the leasing companies with various deisel models and paint schemes...diesels spandinfg a 50yr period...just wanna have fun with my railroad
Right on. That's how to do it. Collect what you want, what you like and make it your own.
I was going to say, you maybe over thinking that aspect, but with your ending comments; Yes you are right. I am loosely based between 50-to mid 60, so to speak, I have made my bed... But not terribly concerned about road names, more into paint schemes, some thing different, and colourful....
Ah yes, there it is! Different - colorful - yours.
I call it scrambled free lance modeling 😊
Ha! Love it!
Absolutely!!!!!
I'm just like you, but with my 3 Rail O gauge stuff, but I also have a few European stuff (mostly modern German DB stuff) thrown in with my normal North American stuff. I should continue being myself even though I'm thinking of separating the European stuff from American stuff by modeling them in HO (more variety of equipment than O).
I've often contemplated an HO layout because they have a lot of stuff i want in n scale. then came 3-d printing. now i just have to wait for someone with good modeling skills to offer it online! only in our model worlds can we get the best of both contents in one place.
Here is another option. In early 2022 scientist were experimenting with and finally were able to get small scale fision energy to work. At the same time other scientist were working on the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland, by chance both experiments were going on at the same time and a singularity resulted in creating a slip in time allowing the yrs 1922, 1952, 1972 and 2022 co-mingle and exist on the same plane...at least that is my excuse
Ha! That's quite the sci-fi story. But i like the science :)
While I just freelance and have an open "modern" era (90s to present), I justify my older engines and rolling stock with a "railroad museum" that does "excursions, demos and testing" on my tracks.
In reality I'm just a collector who wants to run my collection though. I also love to pretend that the railroad companies took better care of their rolling stock by keeping them clean and keeping their old equipment to use, so I'm not much of a proto guy.
Question, your last pool you made was how advanced in the hobby you are, wouldn't that be different to the level of prototypicallity your layout is? I'd say I'm intermediate since I got a few years of practice, I've learned a lot and I can make a decent scene but my layout is nowhere near prototypical
Completely agree with the collection that you can play with. I have a collection of 1:50 diecast construction models i really like - but they just sit in display cases. so, the railroad is like a living collection that i actually interact with. i don't think prototypical and advanced modeling skills go hand in hand. i've seen some people try to recreate a particular road or build a particular backstory, and their scenery is beginner and their locos and rolling stock are out of the box. modeling skills, in my opinion, take into consideration everything - from benchwork, to wiring, to building the models, weathering, operating, and maintenance. I suppose if you didn't have scenery, didn't build your own buildings, and had everything just out of the box you're not really modeling, it would just be a train set at that point. as long as you're building scenes, i don't think you have to be prototypical to reach an intermediate or advanced modeling level because you are modeling.
Truth👍👍OperateOnOperater
Nice layout except the kato track looks unrealistic
The problem is all train guys like all trains. Collecting all railroads isn’t modelling. Let’s pretend it’s csx first railroad. I don’t know what your layout is. It’s in crisis. It doesn’t have to be super specific or exact but if it was csx for example and you kept the csx grey and blue and weathered them more , then I would believe it. But as soon as I see the stuff that’s not going to be on the railroad that is the justification for hoarding. Do a area and a few railroads well. I have way too many I diesels and buildings so I sold them off, I had all this made up Canadian Shield stuff sold it off, I had 100 Canadian pacific locos sold them off. I had a thb stash sold. I even had geeps that were too new. Sold em. What I kept? I have a Xmas present Canadian pacific ab Cliner from my parents got as a kid. I switched to up and sold off my cp because my son and I went to see the big boy. We had to justify the UP all of sudden in Montana which it did exist barely, so we added Wyoming, but I kept NP / MILW . Same as you could keep your coaster. But then you could make a coaster ttrak or foam kitchen table San Diego for that mood. It was a gift I get it! Gives you an excuse to buy palm trees, and model other scenery types. I model NP UP MILW in Montana , Wyoming and now my wife allowed us to bust into the rumpus room and connect my portables to the permanent layout so I have a salt lake Utah area, now a Las Vegas module and Los Angeles module. I got rid of alot diesels when BLI usra came out and backdated; but I have a lashup of 1965 NP u boats from Arnold that I love how they run. But if you come to my house you’ll see a theme and a purpose and now I am focusing on leds, upgrading dcc system more track, more details. The locomotives and cars I didn’t need I felt amazing when I sold them and streamlined and never looked back and now I have something worth looking at that had a loose theme. Without these rules we place on ourselves we are just buying with no end and too many buildings or locos doesn’t look real. Less is more!
For me, collecting the pieces is more important. i collect what i like - which is big diesels, generally. doesn't mean a little SW1500 or an RS3 won't catch my eye, but they all have their place. I like the paint schemes - BN and CR were always my favorite and even they had phases of different colors and mergers. I reject the notion that isn't modeling - each of the models eventually gets detailed, upgraded, weathered - all modeled. the individual model itself take time and can even be made to match a prototype photo. the only time it may look out of sorts is when it's joined to the layout out of time sequence or locale. But then the layout itself is also a model. I have set a general locale for the railroad with scenery that matches the prototype area including the industry types. the flare from the layout comes from the varied rolling stock that spans a good 40 -70 years and the locos that do about the same. But if my RS3 ends up behind a GEVO that's modeling license that looks fine to anyone that isn't a prototyper who would know better. While i don't object to the notion of building smaller layouts for the odd ball pieces,like the coaster, a thought which i have had, i don't think that means it can't run on the main layout to 'stretch its legs'. but this all boils down to different folks, different strokes. for me - having a large and varied collection is my treasure that I can display and operate at my whim.
If your goal is to create a convincing model railroad, you need to model the typical, not cherry picked/highly unusual prototypes.
There's always enough run of the mill stuff on the layout to make it look plausible. The fun stuff is the prized collection, the units that make the layout fun and different from seeing the same GEVOs that everyone has pulling the same Atlas boxcars...
I’m fine with whatever a modeler what’s to do…except I chuckle a bit when they make point of rationalizing it with some one in a million prototype.
I applaud your perspective about your hobby, kinda that way myself! I like bright colored equipment! If I were stuck with black locos and rollers I don’t think I’d get near the enjoyment! 🫡✌️
There are so many really nice paint schemes... even some of the more solid color schemes like Conrail have their place sometimes.
I am sorry, but who cares, it's your Railroad and you like it so run it your way and just switch the locations around and enjoying yourself. I like I think his name is Fred Brown.