I have often wondered about the similarities between real and model railroads. First when the railroads began stretching across our great country they had to barter for land and rightaways.They were often forced to give consesions to the local politicans In some ways my own railroad has had to face some of the same situations.My empire started out as a 4x8 but soon needed to grow. I was forced back up the stairs to barter with the local land baron{WIFE} for more space after several conversations it was agreed and the space needed was secure,but i tell you this it was not without a cost{new steps on back porch}Soon with the expansion completed and the track work done it was clear that I didn’t have enough motive power to service all the potential new customers.AH back up the stairs this time for capital.Why do you need more trains she asked; Well because I do
Anyone out there know anything about landscaping.
By “our great country” I’m assuming you mean the USA. AFAIK, out side of the built up east, your railways didn’t have to barter for land and right of ways. As in Canada, they were given massive land grants (Land taken from native Americans) to build their railways.
Anyway, all that aside, you can see how real my railways is by going to: -
I have a mountian that needs blasted. The obstruction is real enough for me to continue. By mountian I mean that my cellar is holding a bunch of boxes and large power tools that until my brother-in-law removes, I can not go on. An much like a “real” railroad, I am further limited with construction as to ceilings. Though I was able to get a nice backdrop in, the ceiling had to be left open to the rafters as the only place I can store two 40 foot extension ladders is above the layout.
But concessions must be made. My goal was for a working railroad. Not a true display type. So while i am spending time with several craftsman style buildings and taing time with realistic landscaping, I am not going over board say for example like Geroge Sellios. I am rather following John Allen’s method where it said in his book, he found a happy medium between both scenery and operation. Nothing extreme in either, but enough in both to be believed.
Cletus [8D]
Roger, I checked your website exellent job very nice layout.I guess I was just curious to see how many people consider their railroads more than just a pastime.And besides the normal ,scenery,motive power,etc.etc.how many simularities their are in the history of their railroad and a real operating modern conglomerate gaints we have today.Humourous little stories that have no real importance but provide for and sometimes actually become benifical to those who read them.I also don’t think that every mile of land was just givin up and there was never a case where a railroad had to barter or give a few consessions, in order to obtain a right away or track rights.
I bartered for space before contruction began.
Then instead of the 9X12, I think I may have gone 9x14!!!
I don’t think I did but the Prime Minister thinks the opposite
Oh well, I guess the gov’t should have been on hand to supervise the construction.
After space was aquired, the gov’t then allocated some funds for actual construction.
Since then it’s been a constant struggle for additional funds due to continuing soveriegn beautifaction projects. A.K.A. renovations!
Now that the planning dept finally has a track plan on paper, those guys were winging it for a while, the contruction gangs can now continue progress on laying track.
That as far as I’ve gotten do far, another progress report should be ready by springtime, I hope!
Gordon
Cwaldman that is what I meant how many real railroads have been faced with the same problem,need to expand major obstructions.Keep up the faith it can move mountains.Of course dealing with brother inlaw can be more diffacult than say the wife.Can’t take the brother inlaw out for romantic dinner {women are often easy that way}.
Hey Gorden keep us informed,great to hear that the conctruction guys will have something to do besides drinking beer and watching sports on tv.You gotta watch those construction guys to much idle time can often mean trouble.By the way what are you planning prototype or freelance?
I had to battle my family for my land for my railroad
Protolance railguy!
Modeling the CPR with the D&H of course as well as a dash of the MEC in the US Northeast so that I can have plenty of different railroad companies & locomotives interchanging with the CPR.
Gordon
Gordon when you get to the picture takeing stage please let us know,The paint on those early diesels and also the Selkirks are some of my favorites.I recently bought a new Atlas Gold series trainmaster painted for the CP,the mauroon and grey I think that is called the Golden Beaver scheme isn’t it.Anyhow very sharp loco will see alot of track time.Have you ever been over to the musuem of tech.in Hamiliton beside the Qew
where the big water tank is painted like the globe,Hamiliton assoc.of live steamers.I was allways curious to know if anyone there runs a Selkirk.