I'll start with a quote from another thread, in avoiding hijacking it into a totally different topic: I think this sentiment is going to become quite popular as modelers from other scales, especially N Scale, migrate to Z. I myself, prefer to model the last 20 years of NP, and related northern roads. This includes the end of supersteam, up to SD45's and U30C's. For ZBT club purposes, I model into the BN era, as the color is really cool, and the equipment is available. I came from N Scale a couple years ago (3 years this month), and I am used to modeling my favorite railroad close to the way it really was then. When I got into Z, I realized I could not do everything, but I could give it a good go. I have noticed a lot of the Z Scalers migrating from N Scale, and even some HO scalers, feel the same way as I do, and don't want to mix era's and equipment, if we can avoid it at all. We have a vision of the railroads we want to model, and the models we want on our railroads. Enter the world of scratchbuilding and kitbashing in Z Scale. This is exactly where I was in the late '80's doing N Scale. Piecing together the railroad of my dreams, and sticking as reasonably close to era, equipment, and scenery as possible. Trying to build a convincing scene in Z, just like the modelers in the larger scales are enjoying today. Please post what railroads you prefer modeling in, and why. Also what era's do you favor. Do you like steam early or late, transition steam and early diesel, or modern modeling only. If you don't have a preference, or just like to collect and run anything Z Scale, both European, and North American, or others, please post what you like and why? It will be interesting seeing what everyone's expectations and goals are. -Robert
Well, I don't know if I can pick a period just yet. Right now I would say transition period...but...that is relative to what I could get at the time. Personally I absolutely love the MT mogul. So much so I jsut got another one on an action. So I really enjoy small steam, in the 50's...But now I have started another layout with the new MT track. perhaps I may go modern with that one. I really am kinda in between here. I got a GP35 and it runs great...not transition, but a sweet runner. I don't know, really, and I think others might feel like me. Because there just isn't enough items from any one era in Z I think a lot of people kinda have a mix. So for now I say transition with my small layout, moden with my new.
For me it's NS and CSX (both including Conrail, of course) - 1990 to present day. Mostly, i guess because that's what is around me and what I see every day. I plan not to put too many 90's and up characteristics on my layout because I also want to run a Chessie train too. I just really like the colors and Chessie is one of the first trains I can remember seeing when I was growing up. Even though these three are my primary choice, I do plan to get some BNSF and UP locos to mix in with them. I like the paint schemes of these, and it's not uncommon to see different road names mixed together. - Phil
i'm modeling the Rio Grande circa 1976. they were flush with GP-9s, 30s, 35, and 40s. SD45s dominated until the advent of SD40T-2s and then SD 50s later. all in all a simple enough roster selection to do with all the mountain scenery one can stand! Rio Grande Zephyr was still in biz then and it seemed the Grande would hold off all merger suitors. Alas, the borg assimilated them. but not on my layout! dave f.
I started N scale modeling in the transition era so I could run steam and diesels together. Lately my diesels have sat in their boxes as my steam runs thanks to newer steam in N scale. I even pushed back my era to 1915 when I got my hands on the new Model Power 4-4-0: How long before I can do this scene in Z scale? Really I knew MT made the F-7 and Erie had many of them in ABBA sets. I have seen what Robert can do and that gives me hope. So I will stick to what I know in N when modeling in Z. Doesn't matter what scale your in, you'll never get everybody in the same era. And as much as I love steam I have no use for a Big Boy or cab forward. You just gotta work with what you got and try to scratchbuild the rest.
I was thinking of modeling the Alaska Railroad a few years ago, and the release of the GP35 clinched it. Spectacular scenery, Wide open spaces, and great opportunities to dwarf the trains with high mountains, the ARR is a great protitype to model. I'm thinking of modeling from the early 1970's to the present. AZL SD70MAC's in ARR blue? Yes please
My Modeling interest is the early/mid 1990's to present BNSF. Burlington Northern Green and Santa Fe Warbonnet and Bluebonnet to end up with Pumpkins and the newest of BNSF logos. I just want modern! Tim
I want to model the mid to late 50's PRR. Especially coal service. I like steam and first and second generation diesels. Dan S.
I've settled on building the DT&I from Ironton, Ohio to Waverly, OH, with interchanges with the C&O/B&O/Chessie and Norfolk Western/Southern. This is during the late 70's... perhaps right at 1980 or so. Adam
I model the NKP, Rocky Mountain Division. No known prototype, folks! Generally, anything from the 50's to the 90's.
I want to model CSX from early 90's to present. I am not going 100 percent prototypical. like Tim, I also want to run double stacks. My favorite colors for CSX is YN2. I think is the best looking color scheme, but I know you guys think I am wrong. Currently I have two repainted engine and one AZl engine in CSX colors, and I expect to add two more CSX engines this year. I also plan to have a lot of foreing power in my CSX Empire sub.
My suitecase layout is the 1950+ if i put an f7 in it. I really want the 1950+ on my "main" layout too...but... i don`t want to have just f7 and mikes there, and i can`t afford AZL. So the layout will be 1950-1970.. And of course. Southern pacific and Suthern railway.
I was going to type up my own response, but after reading yours, I figured most of it had already been said. I'm modeling for complete fantasy, with a concentration on CSX, NS, and Conrail, like you. But I'm placing no real "prototypical" restrictions on myself, because I'm not trying to recreate an era or a specific region. I'm modelling for the fun and for the camaraderie, and because I enjoy running and sharing my trains with the public. This is my first foray into ANY real modelling, as previously I was nothing but a collector and Christmas runner. The more I learn, the more I seem to get a LITTLE involved with prototypical details, but I don't think I'll let reality ever COMPLETELY take over my railroad. And this is not taking ANYTHING away from those that model down to the last rivet. I respect and admire those that choose to do so, and the results are stunning. Keep up the incredible work! I'm just not sure I have that desire inside of me, but that may change. I'm still a relative newbie. Oh, and I'm trying very hard to resist buying a Chessie GP35(even though it's one of my all time favorite paint schemes), so I can save up for a couple of AZL 'Horsies'! Basically, I'm a collector at heart, who's trying to also be a runner........does that make any sense?
Robert, I model the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad, Western NY Branch, Rochester Division circa 1880-1890s. Forget a Shay, a Camel-Back 4-4-0 is an engine that AZL, Marklin, MTL or Aspen can build for me! John Bartolotto
I agree with a lot of what Bryan said. Of course we are in the same local group so that is a good thing. (Nice way to pool your few AZL's). I am currently trying to model the NS from the early 1990's up through the present. BUT, my ultimate goal is to make a series of modules with general types of scenery and some some interchangeable scenery details that would allow to me to model any of the the following: PRR Port Road from Harrisburg, PA to Baltimore DB along the Rhine or the Virginian (and N&W) along the New River Valley Yes, I am a juicehead and that will require me to scratchbuild and kitbash to get to my goal. Since I have a 2 1/2 y/o son and a 4 month old daughter, it could be 20 years or more before I get there. In the meantime, I am getting more and more interested in the Southern Railway, Chessie, RF&P, and some N&W that I saw as a kid in the 1970's. Also the SP and ATSF that I saw in the same era when visiting my grandparents. At least if you go modern, roadnames on the motive power isn't so critical since runtrhough power is now the norm all over the country. Randy
By the way, Adam, when did you decide to switch to DT&I and why? Just curious, since I noticed you changed your icon. Randy
The sooner the better! I have seen your work in N on the forums and can't wait to see what you can do in Z! I am an N convert myself, although I still have N stuff Z is where my foucus and money is now.
I like the transition era...when locos and cars were washed, railroad men were a proud and hearty bunch. The Houston, Texas official seal bears the notation: the city where 17 railroads meet the sea (the ship channel and port). I can model SP, UP, MoPac, T&P, TN&O, etc. to the limit of my pocketbook. And I like the external "action" siderods give to steamers. Everyone is different. Viva the difference. Bill K.
I didn't just "switch to the DT&I. I discovered the railroad several years ago with the Atlas N scale GP9s. The Ironton part caught my attention, and it turns out that it's Ironton, OH, my mom's home town. Apparently a couple of family member worked for the railroad. I switched my logo because the DT&I is more unique than the Chessie. And that is going to be the primary railroad of my new Z scale home design. It will interchange with the Chessie (B&O/C&O) and Norfolk Western/Southern in Ironton and Waverly, OH. So modeling this stretch of the DT&I allows me to include all my favorite roads (though it will preceed the Norfolk Southern). In the end, Chessie and NS are still my favorites, but the opportunity to model all three in close proximity is something I've been looking for. The Chessie rules my rails! (and my first GP35 kitten is waiting to be run this weekend!) Adam
