So, are you a train modeller or a runner?. The difference is that modellers actually model a working railroad dropping off and picking up cars at yards, track side factories, etc - some of which are very complex to say the least. They also usually stick with a specific road name or names that ran in that time period and area in which they model. On the other hand, runners (like myself) just have a layout which might be nothing but scenery with an uncomplicated track that they set up and run this or that train and road on for the pure sake of watching it go around and around the layout.
I took it differently, right from the title of the post. I’m a modeller, but what interests me most is building the layout. I strive for realistic scenes. I suppose I’m mostly happy to railfan as the trains run through the scenery. I’d like to do more switching, but I’ve got a limited amount of space to work with, at least until I convince the ladies that I deserve more space.
I prefer giving my trains something to do. It’s fun to switch cars, build trains in the yard, and set up meets out on the main line.
However, my plan does accommodate a continuous run, so there’s plenty of time to sit, kick back, and just do some railfanning.
The secret to a successful layout is to provide opportunities for both types of operation. You can always run loopty loops on an ops-oriented design, but you can’t experiment with much operations if all you have is a loop…
I guess it’s really a three part question. Operator, modeller, or runner? For my part I like the building of the layout and mostly run and switch. I have too little room to ever do crew type operations - the area is crowded with three people in it, but switching and dropping cars is feasible solo and that’s what i do when I run. J.R.
For me it’s running the engines and lots of cars. I do not care about switching or waybills and cards to simulate reality. I can play with my trains without the need for that.
That said I do like to model industries. So I will probably build some, the same with passenger stations. I’m a sucker for them.
I would maybe change your definition a little, I think I’m a “train modeller” in the sense that I like to make models of specific trains or types of trains (like stock trains, reefer trains, piggyback trains, etc.) and then run them on the layout, even if they don’t do any switching. I just treat them kinda like passenger trains, they do their stuff and go back to staging. What you’re calling a “modeller” I’d call an “operator” as in someone who likes to mimic prototype operations.
In that sense, I’d say I’m both. The layout I’m building now is going to have an upper deck point to point mainline with a lot of yard switching (serving and ore dock) and “operating”. The lower level is going to be a continuous-loop dogbone mainline, and have a lot of running but with provisions for wayfreight operations too.
I’d be an operator if my layout ran smoothly enough to be able to run a session without getting frustrated, abandoning the idea of operating then and going back to building the layout…[:-^]
Currently I am a runner but I am aspiring to be an operator. I enjoy railfanning on the layout but the more I learn about railroading the more I have become increasingly interested in switching, car forwarding, blocking, and division point activities.
I dunno what I am. I have a point to staging layout, with nothing but switching. Everything running on my layout is painted by myself, or otherwise modified if factory paint is satasfactory.
Are you and New Haven I-5 having a contest to see who can run the most polls disguised as threads?
Honestly not trying to be difficult or harsh. But I guess I don’t understand the point in having everyone identify their favorite engine or prototype, or what their preferred operational style is or who their favorite manufacturer of a given item is. If given a respectable reason, I’ll gladly participate.
Now I agree you should have some idea of your own preferred operational style because it should make a difference in your layout design, and how you prioritize your hobby $$ and time. But does telling you mine help you determine yours? Are you trying to model other model railroads, or trying to model a prototype - real or imaginary?
Well, I shared my confusion on the subject under the thread title “Operations: A Personal Struggle.”
I enjoy building models of Pennsy stuff, be they rolling stock, locos, or structures, so that would make me what most people call a modeler. But by your definition of modeler, i.e., what I would consider an “operator,” I want to go there but haven’t gotten there yet. So for now I build my models and I just run them for the most part.
My sons and I do switching from time to time… It’s exciting for the 5 year old but the 3 year old finds it boring. He’s just happy to stop his train at the stations and at the signals.
Tracklayer,
By your definition, I am a “modeler” and not a “runner”. I model the New Haven RR pre-1969, my point-to-point HO layout is based on the Boston to Providence NH mainline, and I have operation sessions with three operators, two freight yards, two local freights, 4-5 freight trains, 4-6 passenger trains, a passenger terminal, and a staging yard.
Personally, I find that merely watching a train go roundy-round is about as much fun as watching the grass grow. I can stand it if I’m running roundy-round on my club’s HO layout when there’s 4 or 5 other guys running at the same time as there’s some worry about running a train without running into someone. But all by myself? One loop, and I’m done. Ho-hum (unless it’s 100 cars long…then that’s a concern). How others can stand running a train for hours…I just don’t know. But then I don’t get NASCAR, either (which is about the same thing).
I simply need to have something to do. I like running trains during our point-to-point operations at the club as there’s a timetable to meet, other trains to avoid, switching enroute, a dispatcher to please, etc. But my favorite job during an operation is still the yardmaster position. Give me my own freight yard, some switchlists, a fast clock, & a schedule to keep and I’m a happy man. Make up trains, break some up, send trains out while receiving others, spin the steamer on the table, get that commuter job turned for it’s P.M. depeature time, etc. Ahh, bliss. [:D]
I guess i’d fit in the modeler catagory. i model the 1996 SP / UP merger in Texas along highway 90. It’s not perfectly prototype but a lot of my scenes are similating actual city names and scenes along the Sunset route. I also switch using a car card / waybill system and model my locomotives as prototype as possible. …chuck