I prefer present day (BNSF). I just love the long intermodals and Superliners, as well as the paint scheme on BNSF locos. I have some older equipment, though it is part of my collection. I run it as a tourist attraction and I have some 70s era pieces that are ex BN or ATSF, but have the BNSF emblem i.e: “patches” scheme
Martin–I think we had this poll last month or so, but no worry, it’s always interesting to find out what fellow modelers are doing. I’m modeling WWII-Korean War era, between 1940-52, and it’s all big steam. That’s the era that’s always fascinated me (I was a War-baby), it allows me to run a lot of expidited freight, refrigerator car extras and troop trains. A very busy time in the area I model (Sierra Nevada Mountains of California)–usually a train every twenty minutes or so.
Tom
Sorry bout that, didnt realize it was already up. I just started posting today.
Martin,
I voted for 1950-70. My BRVRR is becoming a division of the NYC it appears.
I also operate the same layout in the 1990s by changing a few signs, structures and, naturally, rolling stock an motive power. It seems to work, for now at least.
Martin–welcome to the forum, then. I think you’ll have fun and be able to share a lot of information with the rest of us. I think we’re a pretty cool group, hope you’ll feel the same.[#welcome]
Tom[:D]
I model the 1950’s-60 I’ll through some modern stuff in the layout once in a while but I prefer the smaller frieght cars and cabooses(cabeese)Oh and [#welcome]to the forum. Rob
I recent changed from 1998 to 2000 for a variety of reasons (namely the Conrail-NS-CSX thing). More specifically Friday October 13 2000. I don’t like it being Friday the 13th, but it was the only day that met all my requirements:
- A weekday
- In the second or third week in October
- Fall foliage reports available (1998 didn’t have any)
- Best balance of fall colors and leave drop (this date is peak color but with most of the leaves still on the trees)
- Clear weather for the entire railroad (From Pittsburgh to Erie)
Well I I will be modelling the Transition Era. A Freelance Santa Fe layout. Until I can get the Funds for some steam I’m gonna have to stick to running early Desiels. I haven’t picked a time of year yet, I’m lean’n towards Fall/Winter…and a rugged area.
Free lanced Lose version of the G&D. No Diesel, big Steam. Reworking the track plan 100% after reading. “Model Railroading with John Allen”. But Welcome Martin I am new to the forum and ask the DUMMIEST QUESTIONS and get the SMARTEST ANSWERS can not beat that.
I haven’t yet built my “permanent” layout, but when I do, I am planning to model Northern Utah and Western Wyoming circa 1953. There was still a lot of big steam running over Sherman hill, but the diesels were starting to get interesting, too. Since I am not too much of a stickler for prototype, I will most likely have some more modern trains running through there once in a while, just for fun for myself or my kids.
I didn’t vote, as I like trains, and era’s are not as important to me, as watching trains. If it whistles, steams, or just goes clickety clack, clickety clack.
Any train will do even Thomas and friends.
Tim
50 to 70 is what I voted, but that sure covers a lot of ground… like three or four eras.
Early to mid 70s.For me its late summer - early fall 1973
The Ironhorse…or it’s older cousin. I like a lot of diesel engines, but there’s something about the black and charcoal of the steam era that attracts me.
Trevor [:)]
I’m in the 1990 to present category. Why? I enjoy modeling what I can relate to.
My wife and I travel by train whenever and wherever money and time permits. Our travels since 1990 have included two cross-Canada round trips between Toronto and Vancouver along with dozens of trips between Montreal and Halifax (where family resides). Oh yes, another great round trip with BC Rail from N. Vancouver to Lilloeet, BC.
We also travel Amtrak here in the mid-west USA, largely day trips between St. Louis and Kansas City or St. Louis and Chicago. Been doing that for a long time too.
My layout is referred to as, “Can-Am” and features VIA Rail - Amtrak - BC Rail for passenger ops, along with CN and CP/CP Rail for freight. The passenger rolling stock is about as close as I can find to the type cars we have travelled in - same for locos.
I used to model the PRR - NYC - NH - B&M all in a make believe setting of the Berkshires. As time moved on, I found myself wanting to move with it. So, down came the entire layout. A newer and larger trainroom was constructed - and now it’s “Can-Am” railroading!
I model the CSX in present day era. Although my layout isn’t finished yet (it never will be), that is the era it will be. As time goes on i will update my locomotives and rolling stock to keep with the times.
BNSF Wichita Falls sub, Summer 2000 in North Texas.
Ron