02-05-2014, 03:44 PM
Hi jwb,
Interesting topic.
Let me answer that two fold, first about this layout:
It is located in my loft (attic), and it is , compared what you see in the US hobby press etc, rather small. UK houses are generally smaller than many in the US, which is another reason why people perhaps build dioramas btw.
Anyway, this layout (once progressed far enough), is meant to be operated by myself, and perhaps one other person. However I do like scenery and therefore I haven't crammed it full of track. I try to follow a prototype a little, but not 100%, space is the main culprit there again.. I haven't reached the stage that I can operate it much, a bit of switching I can do, but the trains don't as yet have another 'destination' to go and come from, there will be in the future though. Building this layout is happening in stages, and I try and add at least some basic scenery, before I move to the next section.
Second, your perception of the UK model railroad 'exhibitions' and modelers: While there is certainly some truth in what you write, particularly on the average show, operations is becoming more and more something people are interested in. This then usually is done with a modular layout. Again, people might have limited space, but can build a module. Joining these up forming a bigger layout in a sports hall or elsewhere, and set up operations.
I personally belong to a local railway modeling group (a division of the NMRA British Region), that does just that. Montly operating sessions, and within the NMRA - BR there are several others doing the same. These are members only gatherings with no members of the public.
A link of one such meet is here: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://bigbluetrains.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=7203&hilit=Western+Union">viewtopic.php?f=19&t=7203&hilit=Western+Union</a><!-- l -->
Sometimes we join up with members of other groups, like here: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAhg4S63658">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAhg4S63658</a><!-- m -->
We've also demonstrated it at UK railway exhibitions, one of which had us operating a modular layout over 180 feet in length (150 of it on a modular branch) , it caught the eyes of people for a couple of reasons: It was the biggest layout there, we ran AMERICAN trains (at prototypical speeds and with sound, smoothly!), we showed that trains had a purpose and they 'operated' , not just rain back and forth or aimless rounds. We had a big enough crew that some of us concentrated on 'operations', while others were at hand to chat to the public. It was all well received.
Here's some footage of it: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW_HfcsbjVE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW_HfcsbjVE</a><!-- m -->
Modular railroading , including operations certainly is gaining popularity here.
There is a large group of modelers that make a diorama, and just enjoy the building of it, and then show that off at shows, not sure if they do any other modeling at home, but it surely is the perception that they create and you seem to have noticed.
I must admit at this stage that I am very poorly informed about the general UK railway modeling scene, I've never interested myself in UK railways , I've always modelled US model railroads (since I was 20 ish), and before that I modeled german railways on a home layout.
Hope that answers your question a bit?
Koos
Interesting topic.
Let me answer that two fold, first about this layout:
It is located in my loft (attic), and it is , compared what you see in the US hobby press etc, rather small. UK houses are generally smaller than many in the US, which is another reason why people perhaps build dioramas btw.
Anyway, this layout (once progressed far enough), is meant to be operated by myself, and perhaps one other person. However I do like scenery and therefore I haven't crammed it full of track. I try to follow a prototype a little, but not 100%, space is the main culprit there again.. I haven't reached the stage that I can operate it much, a bit of switching I can do, but the trains don't as yet have another 'destination' to go and come from, there will be in the future though. Building this layout is happening in stages, and I try and add at least some basic scenery, before I move to the next section.
Second, your perception of the UK model railroad 'exhibitions' and modelers: While there is certainly some truth in what you write, particularly on the average show, operations is becoming more and more something people are interested in. This then usually is done with a modular layout. Again, people might have limited space, but can build a module. Joining these up forming a bigger layout in a sports hall or elsewhere, and set up operations.
I personally belong to a local railway modeling group (a division of the NMRA British Region), that does just that. Montly operating sessions, and within the NMRA - BR there are several others doing the same. These are members only gatherings with no members of the public.
A link of one such meet is here: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://bigbluetrains.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=7203&hilit=Western+Union">viewtopic.php?f=19&t=7203&hilit=Western+Union</a><!-- l -->
Sometimes we join up with members of other groups, like here: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAhg4S63658">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAhg4S63658</a><!-- m -->
We've also demonstrated it at UK railway exhibitions, one of which had us operating a modular layout over 180 feet in length (150 of it on a modular branch) , it caught the eyes of people for a couple of reasons: It was the biggest layout there, we ran AMERICAN trains (at prototypical speeds and with sound, smoothly!), we showed that trains had a purpose and they 'operated' , not just rain back and forth or aimless rounds. We had a big enough crew that some of us concentrated on 'operations', while others were at hand to chat to the public. It was all well received.
Here's some footage of it: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW_HfcsbjVE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW_HfcsbjVE</a><!-- m -->
Modular railroading , including operations certainly is gaining popularity here.
There is a large group of modelers that make a diorama, and just enjoy the building of it, and then show that off at shows, not sure if they do any other modeling at home, but it surely is the perception that they create and you seem to have noticed.
I must admit at this stage that I am very poorly informed about the general UK railway modeling scene, I've never interested myself in UK railways , I've always modelled US model railroads (since I was 20 ish), and before that I modeled german railways on a home layout.
Hope that answers your question a bit?
Koos
Be sure to visit my model railroad blog at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.namrr.blogspot.com">http://www.namrr.blogspot.com</a><!-- m -->