As all many of you know, I have gone through many changes-of-heart on what I would like to model, I went from C&O, to SP, To ATSF, DRGW, etc, etc, so on and so forth. After a bit of thought, I’ve decided on one that I am going to stick with. A freelanced Oregon logging line. I haven’t decided a name, but this is what I’m gonna work with and stick with. My attitude in this hobby has been somewhat similar to that of someone with ADHD, I’d see something cool and be like “Oooooh… I wanna model THAT.” [#wstupid] But, I’m going to try and change that to, “Yes, that is very nice, and I would like to model it at some point, but I am already modelling ‘…’”. I’ve picked logging because it fits my Givens & Druthers very well.
Logging allows:
- Tight curves, perfect for allowing me to stay with HO scale standard gauge, while still utilizing the small room that was given to me to use. (~9x17)
- Interesting scenery opportunities for pictures and aesthetics
- Steep grades, allowing me to add a second deck fairly easily with a nolix configuration, (Like what electrolove did with his Big 10 curves on his RG layout) allowing more space to be used for active modelling that a helix would take up, and more easily getting in a longer mainline run
- Slow speed operation allowing said mainline run to seem even longer.
- Small yards. I can have 2 yards on my layout and not worry about having them be huge and unwieldy. [B)]
- Steam Locomotives. I’m a steam fan. Pure n’ simple. [:D]
- Small train lengths. I can have more trains running at one time than with a traditional modern or otherwise layout.
I’d love to do a logging layout in On30 myself. I think they allow for a bit more kitbashing and fantasy.
About what?[%-)]
I think I understand your decisions, and I hope it works out as well as you are expecting it to. Have fun. To me, that counts a lot.
An excellent choice! There are plenty of books and photos of Oregon, Washington, and Northern California to use as resource material. Since logging there was most active in the age of some quality photography, there is a good photo record. The Kinsey portraits are most recommended.
The reality of what space we (a) actually have and (b) can really build and maintain is a key guide. Many years ago (like, the 1960’s), I really liked the look of my AHM B&O “Big Six” 2-10-2 going around the layout. Then a very small-driverd Cadillac & Lake City Mikado came waddling down the Milwaukee tracks on it’s way to the IC and the filming of the movie “Gaily, Gaily” in Galena, Illinois. I soon realized that I really liked the small, odd, and sometimes funky locomotives that were used in the back woods… and they would look much better on small radius curves with smaller trains. I then discovered Eastern mountains, and have ended up modeling a “could have been” shortline hauling lumber and coal out of deep Southwest Virginia in the period just before WW1. I have not regretted the decision.
Oregon would offer higher mountains and bigger trestles than SW Virginia, but in that I lived in Roanoke Virginia, it was easier for me to actually get INTO those mountains to take photos, track down old rail lines, and visualize what it would have looked like. As I say, though, there are plenty of books and even some videos to help you “set the scene”, and you can justify such a nice, wide range of motive power.
Bill
It seems that you’ve made a sound decision, based on YOUR interests and YOUR desired results.
The emphasis is deliberate. You’ve found what works for YOU - and YOU are the only one who has to please YOU, or be pleased by YOU.
When one modeler can say, “This is MY theme, and I’m going to stick with it,” this modeler smiles. Once made, that decision changes everything. Instead of, “That’s cool; I’ll buy it,” the purchasing department asks, “Where will that fit in the master plan?” If the answer is, “It doesn’t,” the cool but inappropriate item is passed over. Research is more focused. Satisfaction becomes easier to achieve.
FWIW, I have a favorite logging prototype. It makes a cameo appearance on my present plan as a static piece of background scenery. In the indefinite future, it might be expanded onto a second (visible) deck. However, the theme is mainly the intense action of a busy Class 1, to which the logger adds only a minor counterpoint. That is the way MY givens and druthers fell out.
Congratulations on putting down a cornerstone. May the final structure live up to your dreams.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)