Andre:
Prototype modeling vs. Freelance modeling vs. Proto-freelance modeling -- I
suspect one of the factors that determines which approach each modeler takes is
the motivation behind being in the hobby in the first place.
It seems that people become model railroaders for a variety of reasons, but
there are three basic ones:
1) You just love to build models
2) You fell in love with model trains at an early age, and model railroading
is a goal in itself
3) You are fascinated with prototype trains, and model railroading is a way to
railfan indoors (and a way to railfan in your favorite location in your
favorite time period)
For most modelers, a combination of the above three factors probably describes
our motiviation for being in this hobby. But if factor 3 (fascination with
prototype trains) is your major driving factor, then I think you are not
satisfied with a model railroad that does not evoke the prototype when you look
at it. A modeler that is mainly a prototype train fan is not going to be
satisfied with a freelanced model unless it adheres to some measure of reality.
For example, the model and railfan press has provided a lot of information
about the basic graphic designs that EMD and Alco used for new paint schemes.
You see the same basic designs being used over and over again, with color
changes. If a freelance modeler stays true to these prototype design patterns
when he designs his own diesel paint scheme, then the eye of a prototype-based
modeler says that the freelance paint scheme is "realistic". But, if the
freelanced paint scheme simply uses easy masking lines (like a color change at
the cab doors of an F-unit), then the eye of a prototype-based modeler says
that this freelanced paint scheme looks like a model train, not like a
prototype train.
At the other end of the spectrum, simply using a recognizable prototype paint
scheme, but changing the name of the railroad to your freelanced railroad, also
does not fly with a prototype-based modeler. When you see this kind of
freelanced paint scheme, your mind immediately says "Oh, that is Western
Maryland, only using blue instead of black."
Since we all come into this hobby with a different blend of motivations, it is
logical that each modeler finds a comfortable place in which to enjoy this
great hobby. If you are true to your motivation, then your model railroad will
look "right" and will be satisfying to you.
Just my 2 cents worth -- hope it is of some use to you.
Dan Vandermause
Ellicott City, MD
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