Hello everybody, I’m 62 and, having enjoyed three decades of professional life as a freelance architecture photographer, about to gradually slow down work. Last winter I have started modelling. My idea was to build not just a model railway but a three-dimensional, spacial fragment or cutout of a fictional urban or suburban topography. Rail tracks then somehow had to follow this basic idea and to add context and life, which is why I did not begin with anything like an accurately drawn, pre-planned, CAD-backed track layout - on the contrary it rather turned out to be, and still is, a step-by-step shaping and learning-by-doing process, needless to say little failures, numerous alterations and improvements frequently included. What I had in mind would be an imaginary place located somewhere in the American Southwest named Eggleston West (expressing a dedication to the American photographer whose work I highly appreciate). An urban periphery featuring small rail yards, a station, two or three levels crossed and connected by a truss bridge and a viaduct, perhaps DRG&W territory but other railroads like Santa Fe, Union Pacific or Southern Pacific trains occasionally coming across. And somewhere around 1972, it’s still Amtrak’s rainbow era. Being a newbie to this wonderful hobby it seemingly caught me out of the blue. The H0 scale, roughly 16’ x 12’ L-shaped model has been making quite some progress over the last couple of months and is now, fully tolerated by my loving wife, occupying a former home office at our apartment. I’m very glad to be here, hope to find some advice every now and then, and look forward to sharing ideas and inspirations. Cheers Christian
Welcome to TrainBoard, Christian. We shall look forward to your progress on that ambitious intent of yours.
Hi Christian, welcome. I like your concept where the railroad fits the form, rather than form fitting the railroad. Please share photos and rationale as you progress through your evolution.
Welcome to The Hobby Christian, One nice thing about this hobby is its many facets have something to appeal to almost anyone. There are nearly infinite ways to pursue it. Do you have any in progress photos you can share? Have Fun and Enjoy
Welcome aboard, Christian! I have been to Berlin; it was one of my favorite cities to visit. So much history to enjoy! I look forward to seeing photos of your layout!