Here’s a different idea for modelers who like to model “modern” operations but just can’t give up their favorite steamer. Incorperate a museum/ institute such as this: http://www.mstrp.com/. This is the website for the Steam Railroading Institue here in Owosso, Michigan. Yes regularly I hear the whistle of the Pere Marquette 1225 in the distance.This year there is over 9 different Loco’s coming in for steam fest, an eclectic modelers inspiration.
Brian
I concidered a RR museum as part of my layout in my early thinking, now planning on going straight transition era. Have mentioned it in a couple of threads trying to answer the question of how to have both old and new on a layout without changing all the railroad equipment, automobiles and some buildings. The museum can be small, just an engine or two, a few cars and an excursion train to show off the “old stuff” or a large museum such as Steamtown, which moved from here in VT to PA a number of years ago
For those who like to have some antique cars I have also suggested a car show, some already on the display field others on the road on their way to/from the show.
Thanks for pointing out the site.
Have fun,
Not really that “different”, I’ve seen a few layouts like this that claim to be modeling a “museum”. Usually it just looks like a hodge-podge of clashing eras to me and just doesn’t work very well. But that’s just my opinion.
I’ve got a railroad musuem on my layout. The museum line is my old mainline; which was cut off when I extended the layout around the furnace.
Modeling a museum collection is as challenging as modeling any other prototype. Museums collect what is available and affordable, and historically have had little opportunity (in the United States) to rescue pieces off of scrap lines.
That said, there are four ways to model a railroad museum:
A. Duplicate an existing museum collection.
B. Create a collection based on what a museum would logically collect, not duplicating other collections.
C. Run historically significant models, like your first engine or an Athearn F7.
D. Run whatever you like.
Which is pretty much what some museums are. And actually, the Great Lakes Central Railroad’s Owosso shops are right next to the SRI, so there’s a prototype hodge-podge [:)]
But it doesn’t necessarily have to be a modeled museum. Simply let the “restored” locomotives run as excursions or specials. Modelling the GLC in modern times with the PM 1225 doing photo freight runs, passenger excursions, or even a special freight run like the one it did to Saginaw last year would be 100% prototypical.
I have a very old Rapido Pacific which needs new traction tires but which I may put back into service down the road apiece; I do have a more recent Bachmann Consolidation which will defintiely do service on my future layout as an excursion engine complete with a hodge-podge of both heavyweight and lightweight passenger cars.
If you are interested in this sort of operation check out this weeks Trains and Locomotives on RFDTV.