In your opinion, what do you feel is the most popular period to model in. I personally went with early diesel/late steam. That way I can run my Santa Fe Northern 4-8-4 at the same time I run my Super Chief. I also just so happen to have more automobiles and layout items from that era than any other…
Tracklayer
The 50’s to about 60 works for me as CN was late switching to Diesel, but when the time came did it with a vengence.
To model this period allows you the better of both worlds.
Fergie
I like early diesel/late steam because as you said I can run big steam alongside diesels. Also the variety of diesels, equipment and loose car railroading gives the period a certain charm that’s missing from modern railroading.
Heh, I have things from Gp7s to SD90MACs, you decide…I usually run my SD40s, but I prefer the transition era, but I don’t have any steam. So it is hard to say!
The most popular period to model is probably the transition era: depending on the area and road modelled, late '40s, the '50s, and early '60s. Personally, I model the late '30s, and thats mainly an attempted to impose a little self-discipline. I also have,in addition to my '30s stuff, a fair number of '50s diesels and rolling stock, although I did manage to sell off my mid-'70s freight cars and all but three big U-Boats. I’m trying to pare things down, but it’s very difficult to part with stuff after you’ve put a lot of work into it.
Wayne
I’m stuck in 1925, enjoy the steam, vehicles and style of structures. This time in history allows me a choice to model items that can look new or ready for the scrap yard and strutures that can appear sturdy or that a light breeze could blow down. Just a fun time for me and that’s what it’s all about.
i voted 1940-65 mainly because i model the 50-60s
OZJIM
I model the mid to late 90s CP/D&H, when the D&H Lighting Stripes were still around, and CP was using the Dual Flag and just reintroduced the Beaver Shield.
Although, I do find myself slipping back into the 70s, with some D&H Lighting stripe RS3s and solid blue C424s.
Nick
Since I’m modeling early steam, that was my vote.
I gotta have the new big dogs so i chose 80’s - now i just love the bigger new diesels
Hands down, '50-'60. It was the days of coexistance between the relatively new fledgling (diesel) and the old but declining pro (steam). Just look at the stuff available from manufacturers these days. I model the early 40’s and it’s amazing how fewer things there are compared to modeling in the 50’s.
Tom
For me it’s more sentimental.
1960s thru early 70s. Time of my childhood. Saw New Haven and , Penn Central equipment, Long Island Railroad, PC MP54s, lots of 1st generation locomotives, and streamlined passenger cars. Rode the New York City “Red Bird” subways countless times.
Was a wonderful time to be a kid.
I’m pretty much on board with everyone else about the transition era. I model 1958, with no steam (unfortunately). If availability and all other restrictions were out the window, I’d probably do about 1944 Pennsy steam.
But, the mixing of advanced steam and early diesels is very appealing to many modelers. It allows big steam running next to Alco PAs, which many consider to be the best looking diesels. Not to mention that there were many more diesel builders than today, giving a lot of variety. Steam, carbodies, road switchers, switchers all on one layout.
I model 50-60 to give me the freedom to model both steam and diesel. Also, I have some fond memories of this time period. Being a boy of all eyes and ears, I’ll never forget the incredulous sounds of the steamer with its powerful arms chugging and banging and the amazement of the powerful, but still-like performance of the new diesel.
REX[:)]
30 to now
Tracklayer,
Did you really expect different results? Every model railroad magazine that has conducted a poll has achieved the same results for the past 20 or 25 years! [(-D]
Transition Era RULES!!!
Darrell, transitionally quiet…for now
I voted Early diesel/late steam (1945 - 1960).
I have never liked steam, and I don’t like the mordern diesels either. So what do I have left? [:D]
i voted modern beacause i love the big diesel’s- Dash8-40c, Dash9-44cw, AC4400
also like gp38-2, sd40-2… but i also like the 1950’s
Early 50’s for me. It’s the era I grew up in.
Enjoy
Paul
even though i model mostly present day diesel…I have to admit that the transition period between steam and diesel is the most popular time period to model…best of both worlds i guess…chuck