Bill Lane:
I understand now about the Green Team and SPF! <g>
Pieter Roos:
And I have done the same too, that is, piddle with several themes. Though I
have enjoyed it, there is always a "dream" of having a completed layout on
which to operate the models. Realistically, having two nice looking and
operating layouts isn't too practical, given my time circumstances and
general modeling laziness. I can't help but feel that I ought to choose a
theme and medium EVENTUALLY.
Dave Braum said:
> Thinking about it a bit more I've decided it doesn't
> matter if one loses focus for a while, the side trips are part of the
> fun and you don't HAFTA build a layout to enjoy all the models.
What a super philosophy, Dave! Unintentionally, I have been a part of that
philosophy over the decades. However, as I mentioned above, I typically
have a DREAM of having a layout on which the models are aimed, and that
possibly causes the silly hand wringing that I can have a tendency to do.
(Such as now.)
> I still have my childhood HO stuff in a display cabinet...
Now THAT'S an idea.
> Now if you want to model something like the KCT in S scale why not
> start with one module of one industrial scene and see how it works
> out?
My original thinking was to use the existing layout shelves in this smallish
hobby room. Alas, I stalled out, and that is what I'm trying to distill,
yet once again.
It certainly isn't the size of S. That is nigh perfect. I have a growing
suspicion that I know what my problem is, but more on that later.
> Don't worry too much about the specific locos availabe cause if you get a
> railroad
> running you can always find decals or have them made for a KCT switcher or
> whatever.
No problem on the decals, I already have several KCT and Frisco sets in both
S and O.
> If you don't get a layout built till you retire it's no big deal...
Again, a great approach. Frankly, it just may BE retirement before I can
embark on a layout!!
I mentioned a growing suspicion I'm having concerning me and model
railroading. Like it or not, I may have to accept the fact that I'm not
much of a modeler now. Historically, I've been an avid modeler, including
scratchbuilding locomotive mechanisms, rolling stock, structures, heavy
kitbashes were no problem, remotorings/regearings, craftsman kits, whatever,
even a fair amount of commercial work was accomplished by yours truly.
However NOW, I find that I just can't seem to sustain ANY modeling energy
needed to even kit bash ONE locomotive. So, if I am going to eventually
have a layout, I think I need to accept the fact that I need to keep
"significant" modeling to an absolute minimum. IF my suspicion is correct,
this will have a profound impact on how I approach model railroading in the
future.
To wit:
This would mean that On30 is moved to the "doubtful" status, for there is
basically no Colo TOCng available that does not REQUIRE significant
kitbashing to accomplish. Plus, acquiring the skills needed to create the
Rocky Mountain scenery that I would INSIST on having, is yet another
setback. A very good freind of mine reminded me of V scale (i.e. railroad
computer simulation, of which I am a part time commercial developer), and
how that it can cater nicely to Colo TOCng without the dilemma of "which
theme?" that exists in a layout enviorn. Perhaps V scale is where I need to
indulge my fancy for Colo TOCng.
Less threatened, but also in jeopardy is S scale. There simply is not
enough appropriate RTR product to fill the yards and equip the rosters of a
Kansas City based theme without having to resort to much painting/decaling,
kit assembly, kitbashing and such. Even then, my choices of motive power
are quite limited. Like SHS EMD switchers as I do, I would still like more
variety than just EMD switchers. Like it or not, I have to admit that it was
the painting/decaling/kitbashing and kit assembly that has got me stymied
with S currently.
Me thinks that I might be best served by a medium that has a lot of RTR
equipment, a good "plop and play" scale-sized track system, along with a
good selection of "supporting cast". (i.e. People/animal figures,
structures, detail parts, autos, trucks, etc.) If I can minimize the
kitbashing needed, as well as the paint/decaling, I might have a fighting
chance to have a layout again.
Now, IF the above deduction is accurate, then it means I need to sit back
and re-examine what I NEED to pursue in regards to me and model railroading.
IF the above is accurate, then because of what I have evolved to, I would
need to choose my direction based on product availability and such that is
needed to make progress toward an operational layout as quickly and
effortlessly as practical. Model making needs to be minimized and not
emphasized.
That so, here's a couple things off the cuff:
HO, with its preponderance of nicely detailed, nice running RTR, would be
the best choice IF it were big enough to see!!
O scale 2 rail is also a viable option. It has the heft I have come to
appreciate the past several years. Also, the amount of available quality RTR
keeps growing by the month, and the needed "supporting cast" is there as
well. However, that medium would require yet another NEW START for me. Not
something I am overly anxious to tackle.
So, there you have it.
It could very well be that if I want a fighting chance of having a
functional layout again, I will need to:
1. Choose a medium that minimizes assembly/fiddle time.
2. Choose a theme for which I already have the skills to accomplish. (i.e.
Forget learning how to paint rocky mountain backdrops, etc.)
3. Proceed and hope for the best.
Closing opinions?
Andre Ming
The Pain In The Arse That Lives In Patootey, OK
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