(NOTE: This is a LONG post. IF you aren't inclined to read/respond to
"concept" posts... then do us all a favor and hit the delete button now.
Thanks.)
I share this because many of you have viewed a lot of layouts, both those
prototype based, and those freelanced (or protolanced). Thus, you have
experience "interpreting" what the modeler is trying to accomplish.
Some time ago I mentioned in passing that I'm having a bit of difficulty
with my protolanced KC&G concept in view of its use on my KC Lines layout
concept. While the glue is drying (on the S-12 project), thought I'd try to
articulate my concerns and see if any of you have pearls of wisdom to share.
1. Be reminded that in my HO years, I conceived the KC&G as a means to have
better variety among the motive power roster (than the Frisco offered), as
well as being able to control the details/paint/weathering extent/etc. I
also enjoy modeling "junky" engines, and my bankrupt KC&G theme filled the
bill nicely in that respect, too.
2. As a matter of information pertinent to this discourse, you need to
understand that the HO layout reflected ONLY the KC&G. There were no
on-layout interchanging railroads, thus there was no foreign power to be
seen.
Now, let's contrast that with the KC Lines layout concept.
1. By intentional design, and given the nature of its theme, any of the
thirteen KC roads can be evidenced passing through, interchanging with, or
even being used as the "primary road" to switch the West Bottoms. This
pretty much fulfils the "variety" desire, wouldn't you think? :-)
2. Foreign power will be visible at every operating session, EVENTUALLY
including Frisco cab units (F's and FA's) and Missouri Pacific power
(possibly including blue/grey schemes). THIS is a major concern for me, as
it would put the inspirational paint schemes for the KC&G on the same
layout, and right next to, KC&G power. SO... it would seem to me that my
paint schemes ruse would become much more obvious? (To wit: KC&G F's look
like Frisco units w/Mop paint colors. KC&G GP7/9s resemble Mop GP7/9s.)
See my conundrum?
Yes, I LIKE my protolanced KC&G theme I originally conceived: It is very
flexible and accomodating for the models that are available in S scale.
Plus, I LIKE the paint schemes and colors I came up with for the KC&G's F's
and GP's, no doubt owing to the inspirational foundations for same.
(Fortunately, the KC&G switcher scheme is its own... so it really doesn't
look like any other prototype that I know of.) IF my KC&G were the ONLY
railroad to be seen on my layout, then it would DEFINITELY be the way I
would go. HOWEVER... since I have THIRTEEN Kansas City area railroads to
pick and choose among, I can essentially find a prototype for almost EVERY
applicable S scale model offered.
However, all is not perfect. Even with 13 prototype roads to choose from:
One can only practically model the roads for which decals exist, or what RTR
models have been offered (IF you can find it), or is currently offered.
Thus, we have a point in the KC&G's favor: I can create KC&G decal sets from
available content. (Microscale alphabets and stripes for engines, altered
prototype rolling stock sets for rolling stock.)
Another observation: I seem to enjoy seeing prototype models come to life on
the workbench, as well as continual enjoyment once on the layout... maybe
even more than seeing my own creation (the KC&G) come to life? (I'm not
really certain on that point.) Thus, this could be a point in favor for
selecting prototypes to model?
Lastly (for now), with my protolanced KC&G, I can control the motive power
decisions. (Though admittedly this has pretty much already been decided over
a decade ago via the creation of the paper roster during the formitive days
of the HO scale KC&G concept.) In addition, I can control managerial
decisions, even their economic condition. Thus, I can use it as a modeling
base to reflect things I find interesting in classic railroading, including
the choice of paint colors that lend themeselves well to weathered effects.
(Some of my favorite KC railroads used basic black... which does not
showcase weathering effects as readily.) So, perhaps this is a point in the
KC&G's favor.
But, the ol' KC&G ain't real, and therefore as its creator/modeler, I will
be saddled with the task of conveying "plausibility" to the viewing modeling
public.
Ah, decisions, decisions.
Part of me wants to include modeling the KC&G... part of me is ready to
leave it behind, instead choosing prototypes to model from the large
selection afforded by the 13 railroads in Kansas City during my early-mid
sixties era. As a reminder, the following major railroads operated in KC
during the early/mid 60s:
ATSF
CB&Q
CGW
CRIP
GM&O
KCS
KCT (Kansas City Terminal)
MILW
MKT
MP
SLSF
Wabash
UP
As you can see, that's quite a selection to pick and choose from!
What say ye Wise Ones on this list? What have been your observations
concerning freelanced or protolanced themes you've viewed on layouts or in
pics/print? Were they convincing, or did they leave you a bit confused as
to "what/why/where", etc?
Thanks to those that have slogged through this post, and to any that are
energetic enough to post a reply.
Ming The Merciless (Madman?)
aka Andre Ming
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