The thread on N scale modern structures (or rather the lack thereof) got me thinking about the periods modellers choose to model. If you look at the products available you'd conclude that transition era is the most popular modelling era. Is this because most model railroaders are 50-60+ year old males who can remember that era or is it because you get to use both diesels and steam? Do younger modellers tend to choose the current era with the big diesels and intermodal trains more than the steam or transition eras? If there is a generational bias then I'd assume that in the years to come we'll see more current day structures and rolling stock/locomotives. What do you think?
I think I chose modern becuase thats the era I grew up in. Being 23 years old, the 60, 70's didn't appeal to me because they are unfamiliar. I think the transition era would be pretty popular because of the reason you spoke of. I think everyone's inner child like to play with all types of trains and the transition era gives you an excuse to do so.
I'm 32 years old and for me the modern era is interesting with all the leasing company shortlines but I like the late 80's early 90's the best. This is probably because it is the era I grew up in, watching the CSX trains go through the old L&N tunnel near my home with my aunt. I also like the look of the diesel locomotives compared to steam. I hate to admit it but the transition era is my least favorite because there is something I don't like about seeing steam and diesel on the same layout. I know it happened but I've never liked that look. It just doesn't "look" right to my eyes, probably because I didn't grow up in that era. I don't dislike steam, I wouldn't mind modeling a 1920's era logging railroad someday. I just like steam era to be steam and diesel era to be diesel. I don't hate steam but it just doesn't appeal to me like a U-boat or a Geep does.
I think there could be some correlation. In my case, I love old steam AND I love 70's era freights and passenger, in part because that's what I grew up around. To me, the newer GE ACwhatchamacallits just aren't as interesting to model. My preference is for a couple rattle-canned old diesels built from the 50's through the 70's all running together. One reason I chose to model more of a 'what if' scenario with the Portland and Western is that I get to model all sorts of old diesels AND it's not unheard of to have the 4449 running on the system since it does frequently. I am, of course, pushing the envelope a bit since my plans are to get a cab-forward and possibly a Big Boy for "railfan excursions." I am sure I am not the only one who is using that "cheat."
There could be some correlation to the modelers age and era, however, I entered N scale in 1983 and most of the trains which ran then were 2nd generation diesels. My timeframe for modeling is 1950's to 1960's. I liked the passenger trains of that era and that was the basis for my choice of era. I didn't have any steam engines until 2002... now that many are available... I have them but still hold to the 1950-1969 time frame even though many of those steamers were no longer in passenger duty by mid-1950.
Mid 1950s, simply because I love that era. Before "political correctness", slower time, and the biggest reason is because I love steam, and I love early diesel, and get to play with both.
Of course there is: You model what you knew or remember, in my case I wasn't around (or old enough) to see steam in operation, but I did see it on TV quite alot and in my early childhood. So the transition period is what I like the best. I find it the most interesting, mixed power sources, sounds, operations, name trains, not like todays sterile unit trains of this and that. But everyone has their own preferrences, so go with what you like you'll enjoy it more. Rob
I model the Missouri Pacific in the mid 70's as that was the era of my most active railfanning days. I was in my mid 30's back then.
Growing up in Europe, I have never seen any American train so my choice is not based on what I saw during my childhood. So, why did I choose the transition era? Mainly because of the magazines: I read MR and saw layouts that depict 9 out of 10 the 50's and 60's. I liked the northeastern landscape, I also wanted some passenger trains, so I chose New England in the 50's. So, my choice was based on what you Americans find the most interesting period in railroading. :tb-tongue::tb-biggrin: PS I am happy with it, because I really like Alco's, and the enormous diversity in rolling stock and railroads.
I'm almost 60. I like anything diesel...mostly from the 70's-80's. I really like some of the newer diesel power too. I drove trucks for 25+ years...so I like frieght not passenger. .
28 y/o here, I chose 1943-1955 because I am drawn to steam, and early diesel, that and the line I am moddeling was still pretty active at that point in History. when I was a kid it was pretty much a storage track.
I model the Missouri Pacific in the mid 70's as that was the era of my most active railfanning days. I was in my mid 30's back then.
I have to admit that my childhood period is gaining some room in my train collection. I bought some Rock Island equipment in the blue/white paint scheme, and I am also interested in the 70's Chessie.
My mother was a train nut, so took me to watch trains from a very early age. We mostly went to a bluff overlooking the engine terminal at Harmon, NY where the New York Central changed engines between electric and steam. Then at age 12, I moved next to the B&M Fitchburg Div. and was overwhelmed by the massive (at least to me) EMD FT and F2 ABBA lash-ups. Though I fell in love with a neat Consolidation that switched the local freight three times a week. So, without question, I LOVE the Transition Era!!!!
I am 45 and model 1950's. Why, I think it is because it was the end of an era is repect of the manual handling of goods, where railroads had pride in their fleet and for example passengers. It was the begining of the end of railways as they had been. Steam was going, trucks were replacing freight traffic, locals and branch lines were about, lots of LCL and other freight. People still depended on the railroads. Also from a modelling point of view, you run shorter cars so when you are limited for space sharper curves and Number Six turnouts aren't a problem. There was al arge variety of equipment and there is a lot of transition era stuff available. I dunno what the magic thing is but it has me hooked and I haven't taken an interest in 70's and 80's stuff from my youth or modern stuff either.
I model from about 1947-1955, to me the golden age of the SP. The Daylights and Lark were still powered by the GS's. F and E units came in as well as the GP's and SD's. Black Widow baby! Up to 1953 the Golden State was Daylight red and silver. The SP (and most other roads) had a lot of character. Like what was said, railroads of that time period still had a lot of pride.
Well, I'm in trouble again! I'm 57, and since I'm a science-fiction fan, too, I guess I model EVERYTHING! I like the look of steam, but can't justify it as an efficient mover on a busy road. But my road has railfan excursions to keep our Challenger and a heavy Mountain and a Shay busy on weekends. We have through traffic from CSX primarily, but some other Eastern roads have trackage rights. Eventually I'll get a decent paint job for the Pickens, which is what I hope to be modeling, and then it'll look like what it's supposed to be. And of course, on MY version, we get a weekly run from Amtrak's Crescent Limited, on it's way to Nawlins and back to the Apple. They may run it daily, but we can only justify it weekly - or on a whistle stop. It's the only way I'll EVER get a passenger train into Anderson, SC again.
I'm odd man out here with no real preference. Given an open budget I would buy whatever looked good to me. The women I have talked with like steam because: "It is cute". They "adore" the 4-4-0s and really admire the Bman NW stream lined 4-8-4 as "pretty".
I agree with the premise that we model what we grew up with (especially we seniors! LOL) There fore, while my "transition era" on my pike is between the late 30's and mid 50's, I basically model what I remember seeing as a youngster.
