ISSUE 4 Jan 2019 FREE
ETOBICOKE FROM CANADA MODELLING THE PACIFIC FRUIT EXPRESS UNIFYING ITALY BY MODEL TRAINS & YOUTUBE FULLY INTERACTIVE
OFF THE TRACKS
IT'S COOL TO LIKE TRAINS!
THE NEW WAY TO FOLLOW YOUR HOBBY
MODEL RAILROAD SPECIAL GREAT
FOR THE WORLDWIDE RAIL FAN
LOS ANGELES MODEL RAILROAD SOCIETY
RAILTOWN 1897
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004 THE WORLD OF INSTA 010 MISSING LINK 008 FILM MAKER GEORGE GRINER 100 YOUTUBE TRAIN WATCH 022 ETOBICOKE IT'S THE REAL THING! 030 THE JET PILOT WHO MODELRAILROADS 036 PACIFIC FRUIT EXPRESS IN HO 014 ROOKIE RIDES THE RAILS 054 CHASING STEAM IN THE US* 088 VIETNAM TRAIN - THAT RAILWAY GIRL* 062 KYOTO RAILROAD MUSEUM* 068 ITALIAN ELECTRIC LOCO PIONEERS* 096 AUSSIE RAILS - PRESERVED STEAM* 104 JACK'S TRAIN GUIDE* 110 DB IN HO* (Selected content from issue 3)
Off the Tracks is a FREE digital distribution magazine USE THE LINK FOR THE MAGAZINE TO SPREAD THE WORD YOU CAN ALSO DOWNLOAD AS A PDF (be patient!) The images and text belong to their creators and should not be re-produced without prior consent. The publisher has tried to ensure the accuracy of all content, but cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies. Reproduction (other than digital distribution by the official link) is not allowed. Off the Tracks accepts no liability for any products or services directly or indirectly promoted. This was a fun project to promote railroading. model railways and its derivatives worldwide from instagram inspiration. Links from articles are independent of this magazine and are commonly discoverable on-line. No intent is made to take ownership of these materials.
CONTENTS
Welcome to the fourth issue of Off the Tracks. It was about a year ago when our last issue was produced. What took you so long? I hear you cry! Well, life, work and all those other commitments. Plus, of course I rely on you guys out there on the www and the 'gram' to contribute when gently prodded. Regular contributor Francesco Bochicchio had indeed given me a prompt asking when and if a new issue would be produced. So, I had to bite the bullet and start on this issue. He really is a true train fan, as you'll see from his contribution on page 48. Our Italian contributor writes specifically about how Italian model railroaders have used YouTube to bring together Italian modellers and specific trains from all the country's regions. Indeed model railroading is the main theme of this issue. We have some great contributions. We get a look at a slice of Canada and the continuation and superb development of a layout that began many decades back - Etobicoke Central Railways - page 22. Then we look at the Pacific Fruit Express and Reffer operations courtesy of ModelrailroaderUK - page 38. Continuing our journey around the world of model trains we have a contribution from Hungary and the USA. 'Capt_P_Daddy' is actually a private jet pilot and if that was not enough excitement, he's also a model railroader. He's developed his own railroad and runs European and US outline on the Los Angles Model Railroad Society's layout - page 32. We've also some great prototypical features - see Rookie Rides the Rails by La_vida_rhombi - page 16. And we also take a look at some of Instagram's hidden gems - cinematographer George Griner (p8) and steam punk Missing_link p10). We hope you enjoy this issue. Do let us know. John aka modelrailroaderUK Email editorrailtracks@gmail.com
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WELCOME
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www.offthetracksmagazine.com
TRAIN WINDOW
Previous Issue Italian Electrics Francesco_bochicchio Andrea.sosio
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032
ON & OFF TRACKS
VIRTUAL REALITY
INSTA WORLD
Yoichi Uzeki pianist, arranger, composer and clinician and prolific New York train photographer. Check him out on Instagram
RAIL WORLD
Blackfriars Bridge London England One of the new class 700 EMU's cruises into the station. These sets run in 8 or 12 car units and were built by Siemens.
Picture: Yoich Uzeki
Museum of Science & Industry Manchester England GL Garrat - this example was still hauling coal in S Africa up until 1972 4-8-2+2-8-4
California Railroad Museum Southern Pacific AC12 Cab Forward The only survivor of the SP's signature steam loco Photo La_vida_rhombi
At Off the Tracks we are constantly amazed at what you guys collect. Checkout: Missinglink143 for some very eclectic collections and some railwayana
ECLECTIC INSTA
George Griner shoots movies and loves steam locos. Here he tells us about one of his luckier moments and Marie Osmond!
Sometimes we're just lucky... In 1987 I was hired to shoot an aeriel sequel for a Marie Osmond music video entitled I only wanted you. The majority of the video had already been filmed in New York, so this was a shot of Marie and her husband Brian Blosil on top of a mountain peak in Utah. We had received a 35mm camera and raw stock earlier; a 400 foot roll of high speed (400ASA) and roll of slower speed (50ASA), so we could make the decision the next morning. Before sunrise the helicopter landed at a parking lot at the top of the canyon. Since the rear seat had to be removed to accommodate the Tyler Middle Mount, we had to fly our talent to the 10,000 foot peak first and drop them off before returning to install and balance the mount on the camera. With great speed this was accomplished and we took off to get the shot. Now the catch I was using a camera assistant I had not worked with before. The sun had just come up and Marie and Bob were standing on fresh white snow. so I asked for the 50ASA film magazine. We did three or four takes and then landed, and removed Marie and Bob down to a waiting limousine to get them to the airport for their flight to LA. When things slowed down my assistant handed me the downloaded film and I just noticed it was labeled 400ASA... "Is this the roll we shot I asked?" "Yeah, I think I cross loaded them before," replied the assistant. My life flashed before my eyes! I contacted the lab later to try to get them to pull the processing. THREE STOPS and then I waited... for the longest TWO days of my life. When the NY producer called, I was ready to confess when he interrupted "What a fantastic look you got!" He explained that they they had done all kinds of experimental shots, mixing 16mm and even scratched negatives. "It fits wonderfully." Sometimes you are just lucky... There's more great stories on George's page.
ROOKIE RIDES THE RAILS
Located about 100 miles southeast of Sacramento in the oak covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, along the stream where gold was discovered two years before California became a state, sits Railtown 1897 State Historical Park La_vida_rhombi takes us on a photographic journey
INSTAWORLD
As the engineer instructed me to accelerate the throttle from 4, 5,6, I was amazed by the instantaneous and massive power
Halfway through the 45-minute round trip, we switch the loco for the return run... The engineer asks "You want to drive?" REALLY?! ABSOLUTELY
Railtown 1897 SHP includes an authentic roundhouse with operating turntable, functional blacksmiths and belt-driven machine shop. In fact the facility still operates a locomotive repair and maintenance facility, portions of which date back to 1897
The scenic excursion can be enjoyed from a vintage passenger car or from a cab ride. I chose the cab ride! My steed... a Baldwin-ALCO hybrid switcher
The 6.5-mile line has been used a film location since 1919 and does so to this day. Its historic locomotives cars and trucks have been used in over 200 films
The most famous movie star engine is No 3... it's probably the most widely seen locomotive in the world
I approach a road crossing, I let out a long horn blast another long a short and a final lonnnnng blast
Follow La_vida_rhombi for more great imagery on instagram
E T O B I C O K E
It's the real thing
Words, Video & Pictures Christopher Balestri Instagram etobicokecentralrailways Chris Balestri writes about his HO Canadian layout
If I think back I can still clearly remember the first time I was around a model train layout. It was the 1980’s and Dad had built a massive 4 x 8 foot HO scale rail yard. I suppose it seemed so much bigger to me at the time because I was still so little. I can recall everything about it and how fixated I was with rails crossing in every direction and the massive brick covered repair shop that was the central focal point. It was obvious, the train bug ran in the family and it was only a matter of time before Dad made a push to build our very own layout together. Little did we know, 27 years later after starting that new layout, we would still both be going strong in the hobby. A background on my modelling focus. Growing up in Toronto in the late 1980’s and 1990’s, railways still seemingly had a large impact on how the city and country operated. I could barely contain my excitement when we would visit downtown and cross the Union Station Skywalk bridge, peering over an endless sea of rails and a parade of VIA Rail passenger trains. West Toronto would become a focal point for my first railfanning experiences. The Canadian Pacific’s Lambton Yard, the West Toronto Diamond, the Toronto Stock Yards, and the Humber River Bridge. These areas of the city had such an impact on me - so many memories - they bring me back to a correlation between being around and visiting family, the culture of the neighbourhoods and how things all seemed a little bit more simple than they do today. It was obvious, our first layout was a foobie! However, that didn’t mean I enjoyed it any less. Constructed on a 3 x 6 sheet of particle-board and folding table legs, the first layout was a short loop equipped with a lumber yard, farm, and coaling tower. It was a learning experience helping wire and lay track, creating plaster hills and detailing each scene. The layout was operated with a classic DC controller. Trains would run light around the loop or you could operate a small switcher in the yard. (Image: 005) As time progressed, my fascination with accurate modelling grew - trying to recreate scenes and memories, attempting to capture a prototypical look and feel. The original 3 x 6 layout was expanded, adding on two properly framed additions that would grow the layout to a span of 16 feet long. I attempted a highly detailed track plan for the first time and spent a lot of time focused on scenery. The layout was divided into three sections, industrial, commercial city centre, and rural residential. That layout would be my focus for a number of years, I learned a lot and I also learned what not to do. It’s true, some modellers would tell you there isn’t a right or wrong way of doing things. However, in my own opinion there’s a fine line between building a layout properly and not. My end goal was changing quickly, the more time I spent trying to make that layout fit my vision, the more I wanted to change and improve things. I’m a firm believer in letting a project you’re working on sit for awhile so you can reset your patience and approach a complex task with a fresh mindset. That’s exactly what happened in 2003, the 16 foot layout would be put on hold and the original 3 x 6 table, scrapped. Other focuses had taken priority and I needed a chance to approach model railroading in a new light. It was clear, there was nothing more that could be done at the time to save or bring the existing layout to a level that I was satisfied with. (Image: 006) Fast forward 10 years, it would be nearly a decade since I seriously thought about model railroading again. A lot changed - In 2013 the train bug was back and I dismantled and recreated an entirely new layout on the oldest remaining table. The existing roundhouse table was also saved and re-integrated. I began researching, deep-diving into proper benchwork, track work, train operations, and signalling. It was a blank canvas and I felt I finally had an opportunity to build a highly detailed and prototypical layout. (Image: 007) The new layout was under construction, the first pieces of cork roadbed were laid and an entirely new track plan was in place. Something was missing though, a sense of branding, a name perhaps - the new layout needed an identity. Going back to my railfanning roots, it was an obvious choice. The name of the borough in West Toronto in which I grew up - Etobicoke Centre. With my interest always leaning towards operating multiple Canadian roads, “Railways” seemed appropriate in covering all the Canadian roads that would operate on the new layout. There it was, Etobicoke Central Railways. A rather straight forward name, yet a meaningful name that covers all aspects of the new layout and it’s meaning. The Etobicoke Central Railways layout is configured in an L shape design. The original tables were re-integrated into the new design, totalling 11 feet long by 4 feet deep. The most recent add-on section spans 12 feet parallel to the back wall. It’s not a very large layout but we’ve managed to pack a lot of detail into a smaller space in comparison to larger club style layouts. The outside radius on the mainline is 23 inches - it’s a generous radius considering space restrictions. One of the most exciting parts of this layout is it’s connection to the past, right back to the first 3 x 6 layout we started so long ago. Many of the original buildings have been restored, repainted, and detailed. The Second Cup coffee shop and Weston grocery store are the very first building kits (from Woodland Scenics DPM) my Dad and I ever bought in the 1990’s. An anchor and reminder to how long we’ve been in the hobby. The majority of the ECR layout has many classic Toronto characteristics as well as actual model replicas and hidden details. For example, the Inglis advertisement that once towered over Liberty Village near downtown Toronto is now looking over Parkdale on the ECR layout. Original Toronto neighbourhood names are given to each neighbourhood on the layout as well. Weston, Parkdale, and Lambton all have their place identifying each district. (Image: 008) It’s definitely no secret, I love collecting trains as well! With such a variety of routes and jobs to operate on the layout, a full selection of locomotives, rolling stock, and passengers trains are in the ECR collection. The collection is primarily focused towards Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railway pieces. For the most part, the collection consists of locomotives and rolling stock that were actually in and around Toronto in the mid 1970’s to late 1980’s. (Image: 009 & 010) Mission control on the layout consists of DC and DCC options. DC operations are controlled by an Autopulse Momentum 2.5 transformer, and for DCC both NCE and Digitrax’s systems are installed. You can select systems using toggle switches. For computer control, the Digitrax’s PR3 Xtra and NCE USB interface v7 are connected to a Windows computer tower below the layout. In terms of train operations there are plenty of options and routes to control. You can operate “the local” out of Parkdale, cross the diamond and move cuts of cars into the Knob Hill siding for produce shipments. Or you can go operate the mainline and run the full loop with either mainline freight trains or classic Canadian passenger trains. There are a number of sidings and yard duties that can also be fulfilled. (Image: 011) As I sit back and watch the trains go by and get excited for future expansion plans, one thing is certain - model railroading is an important part of my life. It’s meaningful and provides an escape from my day-to-day. I’m not sure what the future will hold, the only thing I’m certain of is I’m sure I’ll keep growing in the hobby and hope to pass on what I’ve learned. Nothing is always “perfect” but I will continue to model (pun intended) the memories as accurate as possible and I won’t forget to enjoy it along the way. Follow Etobicoke Central Railways and the continued build at www.youtube.com/ etobicokecentralrailways or on Instagram for daily posts at instagram.com/ etobicokecentralrailways (Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS4XORRrgE0) -end
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operated with a classic DC controller. Trains would run light around the loop or you could operate a small switcher in the yard. As time progressed, my fascination with accurate modelling grew - trying to recreate scenes and memories, attempting to capture a prototypical look and feel. The original 3 x 6 layout was expanded, adding on two properly framed additions that would grow the layout to a span of 16 feet long. I attempted a highly detailed track plan for the first time and spent a lot of time focused on scenery. The layout was divided into three sections, industrial, commercial city centre, and rural residential. That layout would be my focus for a number of years, I learned a lot and I also learned what not to do. It’s true, some modellers would tell you there isn’t a right or wrong way of doing things. However, in my own opinion there’s a fine line between building a layout properly and not. My end goal was changing quickly, the more time I spent trying to make that layout fit my vision, the more I wanted to change and improve things. I’m a firm believer in letting a project you’re working on sit for awhile so you can reset your patience and approach a complex task with a fresh mindset. That’s exactly what happened in 2003, the 16 foot layout would be put on hold and the original 3 x 6 table scrapped. Other focuses had taken priority and I needed a chance to approach model railroading in a new light. It was clear, there was nothing more that could be done at the time to save or bring the existing layout to a level that I was satisfied with. Fast forward 10 years, it would be nearly a decade since I seriously thought about model railroading again. A lot changed - In 2013 the train bug was back and I dismantled and recreated an entirely new layout on the oldest remaining table. The existing roundhouse table was also saved and re-integrated. I began researching, deep-diving into proper benchwork, track work, train operations, and signalling. It was a blank canvas and I felt I finally had an opportunity to build a highly detailed and prototypical layout. (Image: 007) The new layout was under construction, the first pieces of cork roadbed were laid and an entirely new track plan was in place. Something was missing though, a sense of branding, a name perhaps - the new layout needed an identity. Going back to my railfanning roots, it was an obvious choice. The name of the borough in West Toronto in which I grew up - Etobicoke Centre. With my interest always leaning towards operating multiple Canadian roads, “Railways” seemed appropriate in covering all the Canadian roads that would operate on the new layout. There it was, Etobicoke Central Railways. A rather straight forward name, yet a meaningful name that covers all aspects of the new layout and it’s meaning. The Etobicoke Central Railways layout is configured in an L shape design. The original tables were re-integrated into the new design, totalling 11 feet long by 4 feet deep. The most recent add-on section spans 12 feet parallel to the back wall. It’s not a very large layout but we’ve managed to pack a lot of detail into a smaller space in comparison to larger club style layouts. The outside radius on the mainline is 23 inches - it’s a generous radius considering space restrictions. One of the most exciting parts of this layout is it’s connection to the past, right back to the first 3 x 6 layout we started so long ago. Many of the original buildings have been restored, repainted, and detailed. The Second Cup coffee shop and Weston grocery store are the very first building kits (from Woodland Scenics DPM) my Dad and I ever bought in the 1990’s. An anchor and reminder to how long we’ve been in the hobby. The majority of the ECR layout has many classic Toronto characteristics as well as actual model replicas and hidden details. For example, the Inglis advertisement that once towered over Liberty Village near downtown Toronto is now looking over Parkdale on the ECR layout. Original Toronto neighbourhood names are given to each neighbourhood on the layout as well. Weston, Parkdale, and Lambton all have their place identifying each district. (Image: 008) It’s definitely no secret, I love collecting trains as well! With such a variety of routes and jobs to operate on the layout, a full selection of locomotives, rolling stock, and passengers trains are in the ECR collection. The collection is primarily focused towards Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railway pieces. For the most part, the collection consists of locomotives and rolling stock that were actually in and around Toronto in the mid 1970’s to late 1980’s. (Image: 009 & 010) Mission control on the layout consists of DC and DCC options. DC operations are controlled by an Autopulse Momentum 2.5 transformer, and for DCC both NCE and Digitrax’s systems are installed. You can select systems using toggle switches. For computer control, the Digitrax’s PR3 Xtra and NCE USB interface v7 are connected to a Windows computer tower below the layout. In terms of train operations there are plenty of options and routes to control. You can operate “the local” out of Parkdale, cross the diamond and move cuts of cars into the Knob Hill siding for produce shipments. Or you can go operate the mainline and run the full loop with either mainline freight trains or classic Canadian passenger trains. There are a number of sidings and yard duties that can also be fulfilled. (Image: 011) As I sit back and watch the trains go by and get excited for future expansion plans, one thing is certain - model railroading is an important part of my life. It’s meaningful and provides an escape from my day-to-day. I’m not sure what the future will hold, the only thing I’m certain of is I’m sure I’ll keep growing in the hobby and hope to pass on what I’ve learned. Nothing is always “perfect” but I will continue to model (pun intended) the memories as accurate as possible and I won’t forget to enjoy it along the way. Follow Etobicoke Central Railways and the continued build at www.youtube.com/ etobicokecentralrailways or on Instagram for daily posts at instagram.com/ etobicokecentralrailways (Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS4XORRrgE0) -end
It was obvious our first layout was a foobie! However, that didn't mean I enjoyed it any less
One of the most exciting parts of this layout is its connection to the past
The majority of the ECR layout has many classic Toronto characteristics as well as actual model replicas and hidden details. For example, the Inglis advertisement that once towered over Liberty Village near downtown Toronto is now looking over Parkdale on the ECR layout. Original Toronto neighbourhood names are given to each neighbourhood on the layout as well. Weston, Parkdale, and Lambton all have their place identifying each district. It’s definitely no secret, I love collecting trains as well! With such a variety of routes and jobs to operate on the layout, a full selection of locomotives, rolling stock, and passengers trains are in the ECR collection. The collection is primarily focused towards Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railway pieces. For the most part, the collection consists of locomotives and rolling stock that were actually in and around Toronto in the mid 1970’s to late 1980’s. Mission control on the layout consists of DC and DCC options. DC operations are controlled by an Autopulse Momentum 2.5 transformer, and for DCC, both NCE and Digitrax’s systems are installed. You can select systems using toggle switches. For computer control, the Digitrax’s PR3 Xtra and NCE USB interface v7 are connected to a Windows computer tower below the layout. In terms of train operations there are plenty of options and routes to control. You can operate “the local” out of Parkdale, cross the diamond and move cuts of cars into the Knob Hill siding for produce shipments. Or you can go operate the mainline and run the full loop with either mainline freight trains or classic Canadian passenger trains. There are a number of sidings and yard duties that can also be fulfilled.
As I sit back and watch the trains go by and get excited for future expansion plans, one thing is certain - model railroading is an important part of my life. It’s meaningful and provides an escape from my day-to-day. I’m not sure what the future will hold, the only thing I’m certain of is I’m sure I’ll keep growing in the hobby and hope to pass on what I’ve learned. Nothing is always “perfect” but I will continue to model (pun intended) the memories as accurately as possible, and I won’t forget to enjoy it along the way.
railroading again. I began researching track work, train operations, and signalling. It was a blank canvas and I felt I finally had an opportunity to build a highly detailed and prototypical layout. The new layout was under construction, the first pieces of cork roadbed were laid and an entirely new track plan was in place. Something was missing though, a sense of branding, a name perhaps - the new layout needed an identity. Going back to my railfanning roots, it was an obvious choice. The name of the borough in West Toronto in which I grew up - Etobicoke Centre. With my interest always leaning towards operating multiple Canadian roads, “Railways” seemed appropriate in covering all the Canadian roads that would operate on the new layout. There it was, Etobicoke Central Railways. A rather straight forward name, yet a meaningful name that covers all aspects of the new layout and it’s meaning. The Etobicoke Central Railways layout is configured in an L shape design. The original tables were re-integrated into the new design, totalling 11 feet long by 4 feet deep. The most recent add-on section spans 12 feet parallel to the back wall. It’s not a very large layout but we’ve managed to pack a lot of detail into a smaller space in comparison to larger club style layouts. The outside radius on the mainline is 23 inches - it’s a generous radius considering space restrictions. One of the most exciting parts of this layout is it’s connection to the past, right back to the first 3 x 6 layout we started so long ago. Many of the original buildings have been restored, repainted, and detailed. The Second Cup coffee shop and Weston grocery store are the very first building kits (from Woodland Scenics DPM) Dad and I ever bought in the 1990’s. An anchor and reminder to how long we’ve been in the hobby. towered over Liberty Village near downtown Toronto is now looking over Parkdale on the ECR layout. Original Toronto neighbourhood names are given to each neighbourhood on the layout as well. Weston, Parkdale, and Lambton all have their place identifying each district. (Image: 008) It’s definitely no secret, I love collecting trains as well! With such a variety of routes and jobs to operate on the layout, a full selection of locomotives, rolling stock, and passengers trains are in the ECR collection. The collection is primarily focused towards Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railway pieces. For the most part, the collection consists of locomotives and rolling stock that were actually in and around Toronto in the mid 1970’s to late 1980’s. (Image: 009 & 010) Mission control on the layout consists of DC and DCC options. DC operations are controlled by an Autopulse Momentum 2.5 transformer, and for DCC both NCE and Digitrax’s systems are installed. You can select systems using toggle switches. For computer control, the Digitrax’s PR3 Xtra and NCE USB interface v7 are connected to a Windows computer tower below the layout. In terms of train operations there are plenty of options and routes to control. You can operate “the local” out of Parkdale, cross the diamond and move cuts of cars into the Knob Hill siding for produce shipments. Or you can go operate the mainline and run the full loop with either mainline freight trains or classic Canadian passenger trains. There are a number of sidings and yard duties that can also be fulfilled. (Image: 011) As I sit back and watch the trains go by and get excited for future expansion plans, one thing is certain - model railroading is an important part of my life. It’s meaningful and provides an escape from my day-to-day. I’m not sure what the future will hold, the only thing I’m certain of is I’m sure I’ll keep growing in the hobby and hope to pass on what I’ve learned. Nothing is always “perfect” but I will continue to model (pun intended) the memories as accurate as possible and I won’t forget to enjoy it along the way. Follow Etobicoke Central Railways and the continued build at www.youtube.com/ etobicokecentralrailways or on Instagram for daily posts at instagram.com/ etobicokecentralrailways (Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS4XORRrgE0) -end
It was a blank canvas and I felt I finally had a highly detailed and prototypical layout
Follow Etobicoke Central Railways and the continued build at www.youtube.com/ etobicokecentralrailways or on Instagram for daily posts at instagram.com/ etobicokecentralrailways
Model Railroading Jet Pilot
Words & Pictures Captain_p.Daddy Instagram captain_p.daddy Pete Nagy flies regularly to model train stores (other destinations included). He tells us about his love of US and European railways
Captain_p.daddy the
Off the Tracks: How did you get started on model railroading? Captain_p_daddy: started model railroading the same time as I started flying private jets about three years ago. On my very first charter trip my captain asked me if I didn't mind stopping in a train store on the way to the crew hotel. I remember that he needed some parts for an ongoing locomotive project. I was in my military scale model phase that time but I always loved trains since I was a little kid. So we went to the train store, and after that trip every time when we flew together we ended up visiting the local train stores wherever we traveled in the United States. One day he brought me a little train set and some tracks to take home. The rest is history. Now I am in my model railroad phase. OFT: You are a member of the Los Angeles model railroad society. How long have you been a member? Captain_p_daddy: About two years ago I started looking for a model railroad club in Los Angeles. I found out that there was a club near where I lived and one Tuesday night I went to check it out. Very soon I found myself spending my Tuesday evenings over there. I am a senior member since last May. The club has been active since the 1970s. It is in Hawthorne California. Currently we are in the process looking for a new place because the new landlord who bought the building wants to triple the rent. Most likely we are going to dismantle our 2000 ft.² layout and will find a place to build a new one. OFT: Tell us about the European equipment we see running on your Insta... Captain_p_daddy: One thing I really liked about our club from the beginning is that you can model and run any railroad you like. We do have operating sessions when only certain railroads or eras can be on the tracks, but other run nights we do whatever we like. I do love that freedom. Besides my American fantasy railroad I also collect European equipment, mainly Central-European. Instead of focusing on one particular railroad I collect engines and the train cars of different countries. I have German, Hungarian, Czech , Slovakian and other East-European trains. I love the quality of the passenger cars from Europe. My favorite manufacturers are Roco and Tillig Bahn. Among the club members I am the only one who regularly brings foreign equipment to the club layout. My friends tease me sometimes but I know that they are happy to have the crazy Hungarian jet pilot with his weird looking double cab locos. They were pretty happy to hear that an article I wrote about the club got published in a Hungarian railroad magazine. OFT: Tell us about your fantasy railroad - As I mentioned I also have a fictitious railroad called California Pacific. I fell in love with fantasy railroading because it gives me the freedom to model whatever I want. My company, California Pacific has equipment from two continents. American and European engines are working together under the California sunshine. Model railroading has also brought me many new friends and the chance to be a member of this great world wide community OFT: How do you fit it all in with your flying? Captain_p_daddy: Currently I have two hobbies. One is model railroading , the other one is flying. Because I make a living flying airplanes and I do travel a lot doing it, when I'm not working I prefer staying at home near my workshop. Model railroading is such a multifaceted activity. I never get bored with it. I love custom painting locos, weathering train cars. I learned how to hardwire decoders and I'm currently building a modular shelf layout in my tool shed. It is never-ending happiness. Model railroading has also brought me many new friends and the chance to be a member of this great world wide community. OFT: What developments in the hobby would you like to see? Captain_p_daddy: I would really like to learn the secrets of 3-D printing so I can manufacture rare Hungarian motor coaches and diesel electric cars. My dream is to have my own model train manufacturing company. OFT: What's your favorite train journey or destination? Captain_p_daddy: In the United States my favorite train ride is the Durango - Silverton narrow gauge railroad. My favorite train ride in Europe is in Hungary. I love to take the passenger train from Budapest to lake Balaton with an iconic Nohab locomotive pulling the train.
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Figment of Great Imagination California Pacific Locomotives in action at the Los Angeles Model Railroad Society
Anything goes Europe meets the US in LA
Words, Video & Pictures Modelrailroader UK Instagram Modelrailroader UK
Bringing some sweet citrus sun to a chilly winter in London
MODEL WORLD
My interior modelled from odds and ends and some Woodland Scenics' finest oranges! Below Glendale Fruit Packing House Interior Credit: https://calisphere.org
The Western & Coast Divisions of the Southern Pacific (my modelling ‘target’) were a prime mover of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Packing houses were plentiful and were used as the base from which to transport produce by road and rail. Often located along branch line they’d be situated near to growing regions. I built the Walthers’ Cornerstone Valley Citrus packers kit which is loosely based on similar wooden structures in California, this made it a good starting choice as a model for my layout. The kit is simple enough to construct being a single story, box-like construction. The kit’s green plastic is moulded to simulate wooden planks, but perhaps it’s the vibrant green colour, which makes these look unrealistic. They definitely need to be painted and made to look more wood-like. This I attempted to do, and I also lined the roof with masking tape painted gray to try to make a more realistic felt/tar like look. For a couple of months the structure lay in various locations on the layout, serving no function. Then having purchased a few more refrigerator cars - hopefully, typical of the region and SP’s Pacific Fruit Express Company with the correct monochrome heralds for the later fifties - I decided that the structure ought to be put to work. So, I added a section of foam insulation board to the peninsular loft layout and began track planning. I’d read that the SP had icing stations dotted around their system, some of these had their own ice making facility attached whilst others used ice brought in via converted reefers. So, it was back on-line for some shopping and soon I’d brought and pulled together an icing platform – which I placed adjacent to the fruit packers. This was another Walthers kit and one that again, although a little more complicated than the fruit packers – went together well. This set-up enabled me to pull cars alongside the platform to be iced and then drawn back and across a switch to line up with the adjacent packing house for loading of, in my case oranges. There are also two other spurs back from the icing platform and the packers where reefers and other rolling stock can be stationed in order to add operational interest. I’ve spent many an hour or so, shuffling cars around those spurs in an attempt to produce meaningful and realistic operational interest (I just need to build a couple of destinations at to where the reefers go next!). Discovering icing car times and types of car cooling has facilitated this operational interest - of which more later. One of the ‘issues’ I have with this industry is the fact that there is at present no run-around loop, so cars need to be pushed and pulled often using two switchers to get the consist lined up in a meaningful way. This again adds to operational interest and mirrors similar practises I believe on the real railroad. The Interior For that long dormant period of non activity time the packing house set forlorn with no work to do on the layout. However, when I started to build the packing and ice station spurs I became a little frustrated again, as basically I had a big green shed in the corner – just where was the fruit? On a bored Sunday I started to research packing house interiors and suddenly found myself trying to create one. You’ll see my attempts in the accompanying images. The interior is in fact based on one in Glendale California where I located images, hence the signage (see images) – it was only into the build that I discovered that this packing house was serviced by the Santa Fe! Nevertheless, I'm pleased with the outcome. For that long dormant time my packing house set forlorn with no work to do
HAPPY CHRISTMAS & HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR!
JNR Class D50
Cars would need to be re-iced as they travelled to their destination
Making your transportation of model produce more realistic - some useful info Oranges were to be transported at temperatures of 40-44 degrees F Facilities that did not have ice making plant used adapted refrigerator cars to carry ice. This would then be stored in ice houses for use. You may have noticed that one of my reefers has an icing hatch left open… you may find pictures of whole trains of similar cars with these hatches open. These are left open as an alternative to refrigeration (i.e. the cars don’t have their ice compartments stocked). A train in service this way would be in what is called 'ventilation service'. Obviously, the produce in the cars would need to satisfy these conditions and perhaps be transported through more temperate regions and for shorter distances. Some reefers would be pre-iced before the produce was added whilst others would be iced before the produce. All this adds to the operational interest and potentialities of just carrying perishables on your model railroad. Cars would have to be re-iced as they travelled to their destination (more operational interest there and another icing station or two purchased – space and finances permitting). Orders for refrigerator cars would need to be placed by shippers. The SP would sort the cars required and then these would be transported to the relevant locations and picked up. The shipper would stipulate the type of cooling required and the number of times the produce should be iced (if necessary). This apparently was not the responsibility of the SP. Refrigerator cars stored 5000lbs of ice apparently and this would deplete to 1000-2000lbs in a day. It would take around 1.5 minutes to fully ice a car and 1 minute to top one up. Useful info there for a modeller running to time. About Pacific Fruit Express The PFE leased refrigerator cars, it was founded in 1906 by the Southern Pacific and the Union Pacific. In 1907 there were 6600 cars on the roster and at its height in 1930 40509 Sources modelingthespblogspot modelingthesp.com
Watch the RS11 switch reefers and listen to the sounds of work and summer
Packing House Workers circa 1900 https://calisphere.org
ModelrailroaderUK
Interior Design Glendale Fruit Packers I discovered some pictures of the Glendora Fruit Packers in Glendale California (albeit circa 1900) as noted, and looking at the interior I thought I can make that. The only question was how! I gathered some Starbucks stirrers as ‘lumber’ for the flooring and some of the various racks used by the packers’ workers. A Rix ladder kit provided much of the ‘structure’ for the interior fittings, with some creative thinking. It seemed to me that the fruit was checked and boxed along various ‘tables’ - and that there was a possible way that the fruit traversed the plant via gravity (this seemed to be case from the images I discovered and also from some youtube research). I also managed to get pretty close to the design of some of the Glendale structures in particular by looking at images I discovered on the website calisphere This link will take you to the site. (https://calisphere.org/item/ark:/13030/c8b27t37/) One picture seems to show men sat around a fruit sorting apparatus that fed the rest of the plant. This I modelled on the top deck as you’ll see in the pics that accompany this article. This was primarily made from cardboard and plastic off-cuts which I folded into the required shape. The tables, as mentioned were constructed from the Rix ladder kit and other odds and ends. It’s odd that ‘ladder’ shapes were able to make the forms needed. To add further detail I fashioned from parts of old laser kit spruces and those trusty stirrers some packing boxes and some shelves. I even added labels to them by printing minute ones from hopefully authentic labels discovered on the net. The Glendale sign outside of the packing house is a larger representation- see associated images. Interior walls were cut to shape from grey card. This when painted with white and grey acrylics seemed to be perfectly suited for a stucco effect - hinting at greys, whites and blacks with that ‘peeling’ effect. Oh, how I wish I had come up with this idea for creating an interior before making the Walthers kit, as I had to somehow fashion those interior walls when the building was together - minus the roof of course. I’ll say that this was not easy and you may notice that some of the windows are blanked over (mainly because I couldn’t quite get the cut outs for the interior walls in the right place. With some interior steps and a couple of further shelves added, I stepped back and thought, well that’s not too bad (and it seems that quite a few of you guys on Insta too have appreciated my efforts with some of the posts getting close to 500 likes). Finally, all that was needed was some fruit. I discovered that Woodland Scenics manufactured these and I thus ordered some. On arrival I used white glue to hold them in place in strategic locations in the interior and filled up some boxes. And they really brought the creation to life adding some real colour. Now I can switch cars back and forth at Glendale, ice the reefers and dispatch them ‘somewhere’ on the SP’s Western Division. I’m building a depot and yard that will provide a further destination to dispatch, receive and spot cars. Eventually when my railroad makes it all the way round the loft and back there will be more stations and potentially more ice decks (remember that ice melts and fruit perishes!) Useful Video I discovered a video that aided the construction of Glendale Fruit Packing House on YouTube. It covered the Santa Fe perishable shipping in the fifties and focuses on the transport of potatoes and their 'Spud Train'.
Now I can switch cars back and forth at Glendale, ice the reefers and dispatch them ‘somewhere’ on the SP’s Western Division
Elements useful for modellers Shows: Mechanical icing of cars Bakersfield Yard The dispatch procedures Interesting fact Not all reefers had a specific destination - cars, or rather their contents, would be sold en-route Reefers were iced 5 times from California to Chicago
Rix ladder kit parts formed the basis of the tables
Those Starbucks' stirrers make for good planks!
MODEL TRAIN TRACKS OF ITALY
This is the story of how some train lovers worked to create a community of Italian railway modellers via YouTube to celebrate Italian railways
Italian Locomotive E.646 Class in Gloria Etnea's model-tracks in Rome. Photo Daniele Maugeri
Italian Youtube Unification
In Italy there are many model railways, they can be large or small and if we were to put them all together in one room, they would reproduce all the regions of Italy. Model trains are deeply loved by us Italians who build them - just as they are by model railroaders worldwide... they remind people of their childhood... of their past and joy. Of course, it is not always easy, we often have to fight with family and roommates for model space. And of course money is needed. However, these and other factors have not stopped many model railway enthusiasts from Rome to Sicily creating masterpieces. In their efforts you'll see everything from Italian trains to fellow European ones... and even American trains - for those who are daring! In the past many of these model railroads would only have been known to a few through specialist magazines, for example - but now since the advent on the internet, and especially YouTube, many layouts are becoming more and more well-known. Social media allows us to see all types of Italian railways - from their creation right up to the present day; from regional trains to freight trains; from fast expresses to luxury trains ... basically, trains of all sorts. Despite the plethora of great Italian layouts that we can feast our eyes on through the web, there's still a degree of disconnect. Do we really know the men and women behind the layouts? We see them and hear them in their videos but we can't really 'see' them and 'know' them. Could they - and us viewers - really connect? I'm going to tell you of our attempts to create some unity and a shared channel and a way to connect all us YouTubers and Facebookers who have the passion for model railways. It's a story of union, of passion, of fun, but also of fights, because from the meetings between various train-lovers there were quarrels. The idea of creating a YouTube channel with the aim of connecting virtually all these model railroads scattered throughout Italy has remote origins. It was born from the thoughts of some train fans who had the dream of making model railroad film footage par excellence - film that would showcase some of the most beautiful “model-trains’ film” ever made. In Italy, however, as often happens, pessimism is dominant and therefore it was believed that the idea of connecting many Italian model railroads on a single "virtual trip" would fail - there would not be sufficient interested parties, for example. However, a group of train-lovers from every part of Italy, and against all odds, met for the first time in 2013. Their only purpose was that of creating a "train" which would “connect” all the model tracks of Italy. Crucial to this project was YouTube. It was decided to call the group “Model-Tracks' Train of Italy” - it was a very ambitious name, but one which encapsulated all the hopes of the organisers. The committee wanted to become a successful cultural movement at the national level. In the autumn of 2013, we gathered and the first event was held. The rules to participate have remained the same since 2013 - the committee meets every year a few months to look for a train that best represents Italy - a train that can easily be composed by all Italian train-lovers. In 2013 the committee decided on a model train composed by three goods wagons: "GS" class with two axles, a Luggage-carriage "UICX" in red and beige livery, and three passenger-cars, the “Eurofima” class of the Italian State Railways in orange. From the Alps to Sicily the first event had a stratospheric success so much so that in 2014 the number of participants increased. In 2014 Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy committee decided that the next train would be composed of the famous Italian Ale.601 class electric electromotive. This was chosen for the event because that loco truly marked Italian railway history - it was one of the first trains to enter high-speed service in the 1960s. In 2015, however, the committee selected a train that ran in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This one was to be composed of first and second class sleeping-cars in different colours. In 2016 the choice of the committee was a steam train, formed of classic Italian passenger cars called "Centoporte". These were built in the 1930s by the Fascist regime to transport the Italian middle class. A train that had a particular success was the one chosen in 2017. It was selected for the 60th birthday of the unified European rail service “Trans-Europe-Express”. In fact, Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy committee decided that the 2017-model train should be composed of the modern passenger cars - the “1969 Gran Comfort” class of Italian State Railways. These were used for Trans Europe Express train relations in the '70s. In 2018 the sixth edition of the Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy choice was made and the train chosen evoked the Agency trains that circulated in Italy between the '80s and '90s. We quote the communication of the organising committee when describing the train: “Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy 2018 edition will be a tribute to those itinerant-trains that are periodically organized by Italian railways to promote, raise awareness and involve the institutions, local authorities and Italian citizens regarding the issues of obvious collective interest, such as food." For this edition the organising committee decided to establish the ‘Regional Excellence Train’ - a colorful and functional train that station by station, region after region, had the aim of promoting and making known to all those anthropological aspects that characterise our wonderful Italian regions, our craftsmanship, our folklore, food and wine and travel. And it was the train that has and would in model form characterize this. The train's composition would be divided into two distinct sections: one that can be used by the public and the other by the organisers and representatives of the event and the operators. We wanted two luggage cars where 20 exhibition spaces could be set up (10 in each) for the 20 Italian regions. Each region's representatives would have free choice, to decide what and how to promote their "excellence". Also in the consist was a "self-service" dining-car, where it would be possible to taste the typical local food and wine of the various Italian regions. The second section included: a passenger car of the “Great comfort” class appropriately set up in part with a conference room, where the representatives of the individual regions would have the wonderful opportunity to discuss issues related to the event; a "Class MU" Sleeping-Car" to ensure that representatives can safely and comfortably sleep at night; and finally there was a closed freight car that acted as a baggage car for all the informational material, advertising and items intended for sale during stops. And because this was a model - it could be made in any scale. How it all works on YouTube Let's now look at how the event was set up. Firstly, all the participants had to set up the model train selected, he or she must use a passenger carriage indicated by the organizing committee that had a caption that bears the inscription “Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy” (In Italian, of course!). This would allow everyone who sees the video on YouTube to immediately identify the event model train. Next, participants must make their own video. The creators can use their own imagination here - they can, for example, focus only on “Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy” train and show their model in the background or they could organise their movie as if to show it as the day of a train fan waiting in a small railway station who is waiting the arrival of the “Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy” train. The train can be shown in traffic as other trains arrive in relation to the scheduled timetable. This would allow the fans to see the “Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy” train travel in an almost real reality. Additionally contributors jointly would make films in communities, where everyone brings their model trains and shows them during the filming of their video. Once the videos are made, they must be edited. This operation is the responsibility of the person who has made the film and it has to be of five to seven minutes long (no longer than 10). Once edited, the participants must send the film to the Committee who will takes care of viewing and judging. If the film gets the okay from the committee then it is uploaded to YouTube, but it is not yet available to the public. Only when the committee has collected all the videos of all the participants, are the videos published according to a precise schedule. The period in which these films are uploaded usually takes place in December. They are published following a specific timetable, as if the train was actually traveling through the model tracks of Italy of all the participants. There is a model railway station of departure and another of arrival and all the stops in between. The Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy journey is always followed with great admiration by all the enthusiasts. However, it can also arouse some controversy. We can say that Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy is the only train in Italy that does not allow delays (!) and it is also the only train that follows for the imagination and the joy of train lovers. In every video there is always a bit of the soul of the train fan who made the video. In fact, the train fan often tries to insert into his or her movie a part of his specific interest. In this way videos become a real mirror of the soul of the train fan and a marker of their passion. What does participating in Model-Tracks Train of Italy really mean? I will try to tell you about the experience of the Savona Train Club’s from Liguria - a region in northwest Italy. The Savona’s Train Club has a layout which is the common property of all members. Our idea was to bring all the model trains that represented our region together and to display them in a Model-Tracks' Train of Italy video. Our club made its video to showcase a cross-section of the history of Italian trains in Liguria in various historical periods to the present day. To make video, the Club’s members met over two evenings: during the first, club-members made up the trains to run in the miniature world and filmed for 30 minutes. On the second day members met to correct errors indicated by the Committee. Then we edited the video further down to six minutes and in this you will see the Model-Tracks' Train of Italy traverse the Ligurian railway of the 1980s and '90s. Of course, we could not create all the trains which have circulated in a particular historical period, but we tried to give an idea of some of the trains that travelled between Genoa and the French Côte d'Azur - many trains which train fans across the world may well recognise, such as the famous Riviera Express trains which ran from Germany; trains composed from wooden passenger-cars that were used in regional trains; freight and passenger trains towed by brown locomotives and in particular the legendary Italian electric locomotive, class 444 "turtles" - which were used on the most important trains. The “Model-Tracks' Train of Italy” event allowed the Savona Train Club to develop deeply. It courageously affirmed the concept that railway modeling can be spectacular - almost cinema-like - because it represents not only a cross-section of our childhood and our passion, but also of our daily life. In doing so it represents our past and our present. Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy activity offers a particular and a spectacular way of 'playing with trains'. We can be very proud of the fact that we are part of the only example currently existing in Europe (and possibly the world), which shares a passion for model trains and which has produced and shared via YouTube a specific and curated connectivity across a nation. The activity shows just how strong the pride is in Italy that surrounds their railroads (real and model). They are represented with enthusiasm and a frenzy which only Italians are capable of when they tell us about their model trains.
Tenda Express Photo Francesco Bochicchio
It's a story of of union, of passion, of fun but also of fights, because from the meetings between various train-lovers there were quarrels
“Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy”s Dining-Car in Gloria Etnea's model-tracks in Rome. Photo Daniele Maugeri
Italian Railway diesel panoramic train Class ALnt444.3001, along Italian Riviera: Photo Francesco Bochicchio
Our club made its video to showcase a cross-section of the history of Italian trains in Liguria
“Model-Tracks’ Train of Italy” 2017 in Erik Ando's model tracks. Photo Erik Ando
Italian Railway diesel panoramic train Class ALnt444.3001 Photo: Francesco Bochicchio
T.E.E. Group trains in Stella railway station. Photo F Bochicchio)
Italian Locomotive E.636 Class with a Russian Sleeping-Car Rome-Moscow. Photo Francesco Bochicchio)
A small American steam locomotibe in Italy. Model by Alessandro Rossello. Photo Francesco Bochicchio)
Le Train De Jules France For some Gaelic train flair we have selected Le Train de Jules. With a new video every Thursday you'll find tutorials running sessions and layout and show tours/reviews. Also models some American and features British layouts 2000 subscribers
The Bennett Railroad USA Stephen Bennett has a large basement layout which he evolves over time. He's currently adding a steam engine terminal. He showcases in detail his work in his unique but informative and slightly quirky style! 12543 subscribers
New Junction UK New Junction shares the progress on his modern era UK loft layout. He's one of the new breed of YouTuber model railroaders who tries out different formats - including interviews with other railroaders and blog-style content where he informally updates on developments in the hobby. 8300 subscribers
Comment 2018 was a developing time for model train YouTube content. We are perhaps not alone in noticing how this section of YT is growing and in different directions. Ken Patterson in the States has started to produce a weekly blog type show which is on average 30 minutes long and has picked up sponsors. TSG Multimedia (see link) is following in Ken's footsteps and producing high-quality TV style content. His Southern Pacific RDC programme being a great case in point. Then there was the clever use of YT by the Warley Model Railway Club in the UK, who host the country's largest train show. They enlisted numerous UK Youtubers to showcase and promote the show. New Junction (see above) was involved as was the every popular Everard Junction and Dave Class 47 (see link). In the UK we even had a model railway show on prime time TV The Great British Model Railway Challenge. Youtube was used again to promote the show - and to all intents and purposes it seems to have given the hobby a lift, with sources indicating a 15% increase in model railway interest in UK related retail. Let's hope that 2019 will be as rich and as innovative. We've already seen in this magazine what's happening in Italy and we've also heard talk of a YT Trans-Atlantic get-together, where train YouTubers actually meet - whatever next!
Ron's Trains N Things USA Ron uses his up beat personality and obvious model and prototypical knowledge to talk model railroading. The N stands for N-gauge for his multi-deck layout. We particularly like his videos that explain operations, for example, yard ops. 13000 subscribers
Looking for some on-line model & prototype railroad inspiration then check out these channels selected by Off the Tracks
What a year for the virtual railfan!
YouTube Watch
JJapanese Mikado runs onto the museum's turntable
Renowned railroad writer Tony Thompson travels from California to Japan in search of railroad history
KYOTO RAILROAD MUSEUM
Recently, my wife Mary and I were travelling through central Japan. This involved a lot of train travel. The trip also involved the discovery of a superb new railway museum at Kyoto. The museum opened quite recently in April 2015, as a major renovation and expansion of the existing museum, the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum. The Umekoji already held an extensive collection of railroad equipment, including many steam locomotives, and the Osaka Museum collection was added to it, as the aging Osaka facility was closed. I have been to many railway museums around the world, and the Kyoto Museum is absolutely top rank, certainly among the very best anywhere. I might position the UK’s National railway Museum in York above it, and the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento as its equal, but Kyoto is definitely in that company. I’ve provided a map of the ground floor of the museum (it also has a large amount of display space on a second floor, plus a third floor with a superb viewing platform for the action in and out of the nearby main Kyoto station) - see page 17). The 20-stall roundhouse dominates the plan. But many pieces of equipment are also displayed in the “Promenade” area. Exhibits include one of the original Shinkansen (Bullet Train) trainsets, called “Model 0”. The upper rectangle on the map is the main building, with its three floors and many pieces of equipment. In all there are 53 locomotives and cars on display. The roundhouse is full of preserved steam and deserved more time than I could spend but most of the engines were very handsome to my eye. All are 42-inch gauge. One example was the 4-6-4 or Hudson type (in American nomenclature), a C62-1 class on JNR... very nice lines. We even got to see some trains rolling when on the afternoon that we visited one of the excursion locomotives (there were two under steam) was being turned on the turntable, before backing onto a a garden track. It was a 2-8-2 Mikado type - in JNR classification D51-200. Again, a very handsome locomotive to my eye. For a non-Japanese visitor, the museum does have one drawback, in that very few displays have English descriptions (beyond just the name of the item). But there is an English brochure, and for the knowledgeable railroad enthusiast, you do know what you are looking at in nearly every instance. Though I had not planned to visit this museum as part of our group travel, a very timely free afternoon in the schedule made it possible, and it was a highlight of the entire trip for me. I hope to go back sometime and spend a full day or more! More info, kyotorailwaymuseum.jp Tony Thompson is a renowned N American railroad historian and modeller. He’s authored numerous articles and books, modellingthesp.blogspot.co.uk (
I have been to many railway museums around the world, and the Kyoto Museum is absolutely top rank...
PICTURE: ALEXMTZPHOTOST
Off the Tracks takes a look at early electric locomotives from the US & Italy. Time to plug in and power up in those early days. Words Francesco Bochicchio, Andrea Sosio & John Shepherd Pictures see credits
Check out Tony Thompson's great, mainly Southern Pacific blog. With hundreds of detailed entries it's a must-read for fans and modellers of the SP and US railroads
ZZZZZ IT'S ELECTRIC
Picture: Alexmtzphotos
ITALIAN STALLIONS
E.428.202 in La Spezia
In 1930 the progressive extension of electric traction in Italy to 3,000V DC for all its railway lines began, thanks to the positive result of the previous experimentation
E.626.185 in La Spezia
At the beginning of the 20th century Italy began experimenting with trains powered by electricity, a power source which was cheaper than coal. In 1902, the country built the world's first electric railway powered by three phase current in Valtellina, Northern Italy. Subsequently Italian Railways (FS) built on this remarkable achievement through its motive power. In 1905 steam locomotives were much more powerful and faster than the fledgling three phase electric ones. This required a re-think and a resultant move from the three phase electrical system to the direct current one. Firstly this was necessary because three phase traction was insufficient for the needs of a modern rail network, which required increasing running speeds (see page 32 for more on AC and DC). Secondly, the three phase system was less robust than DC and more vulnerable to failure. And thirdly the complication of the power supply lines (catenary) prevented its use at too high speeds. In 1918, the Turin–Ceres railway line became the first in the world to adopt a high voltage electric current (4000V). The Tecnomasio Italiano - Brown-Boveri factory was commissioned to carry out the works that led to the inauguration of the new traction system on 6 October 1920. In 1930 the progressive extension of electric traction in Italy to 3000V DC for all its railway lines began, thanks to the positive result of previous experimentation. Other factors responsible included the improvement of the DC motors in the locomotives and in particular the advent of thermionic rectifiers to mercury vapor. Following the reconstruction of the railroads, After WW2 it was necessary for Italy to proceed as far as possible with the unification of its traction systems to reduce the maintenance costs which resulted from disparate stock. Italian Electrics E.626 class The first DC electric locomotives in Italy were the E.626 class. They were built to power the services on the Benevento - Foggia line in 1927. The strength of the E.626‘s was their ability to employ more traction motors, which contrasted greatly their three-phase forebears. The E.626 mechanical development tested much on the work of engineer Giuseppe Bianchi an employee in “Material and Traction Service in Florence”. With their DC adoption the E.626 class was considered to be an ideal workhorse for Italian Railways' refurbishment and continued modernisation. In all 448 units were built. The locomotive was was conceived with simple, durable and standardised components to simplify repair in case of failure. E.326 Class Another pioneer of Italian DC traction was the E.326 class. They are part of an extended family of DC locomotives built between the twenties and thirties by Italian Railways in accordance with its "interoperability philosophy". This as with the work with the E.626 class was designed to reduce locomotive costs and maintenance time. In on-railways tests, these locomotives reached 140km/h. The E.326's were rather heavy machines due to their embryonic and unfinished technology and they proved unreliable and were ultimately used on secondary services. In all only 12 units were built. E.428 Class Last but not least came the E.428 class. These machines were a product of the technology of the nineteen thirties. The locomotives were large, heavy, very powerful and fast. Initially they could reach speeds of 150kp/h. The E.428s were only the third DC locomotives designed in Italy, and as such retained the legacy of the technologies and some of the practices typical of three-phase locomotives. In all the class was built in four series and E428's soon became the most modern symbol of Italian railways. They were emblematic of speed and progress in an era of change from steam locomotives to the speeding electric train.
E.626 class
E.428 in Pietrarsa
Arma di Taggia Railway station E.428 + E.626
One of the first E.626. Unit 005 in Pietrarsa.
What's Three Phase? Three phase electricity was used by the railways of Italy, Switzerland and the United States in the early twentieth century. Italy, as we have seen, became the major pioneer. The Great Northern Railway was one of the railroads across the Atlantic to trial the system. Three phase power was generally disadvantageous due to having two separate overhead lines and the rail for the third phase, which made for greater complexity. Additionally, and as noted, locomotive power was relatively restricted due to the low-frequency used which required a separate generation or conversion and distribution system. Engines were restricted to one to four speeds. However, the system is still in use to today on a few mountain rack and pinion lines where speed is of less importance, for example. Lines operating this system include: the Jungefraubhan in Switzerland and the Petit Train de la Rhune in France. AC/DC As we've seen in Italy the earliest systems used DC, as AC was not well developed. DC locomotives typically run at relatively low voltage (600v to 3,000v), this means that the conversion equipment in the locomotives is large because of the high currents needed to produce sufficient power. This is exacerbated due to the fact that power must be supplied at frequent intervals, as the high currents result in large transmission system losses. As AC motors improved they became the er... current choice of power. This system was able to handle very high voltages running to to tens of thousands of volts which enables the use of low currents. Practically this means that high power can be conducted over long distances on lighter and cheaper wires. Transformers in the locomotives convert the high power to a low voltage and produce a high current for the motors. A similar high voltage, low current system could not be employed with direct current locomotives because there is no easy way to do the voltage/current transformation for DC so efficiently as with AC transformers.
(Right) Stepmother and stepdaughter. E.428.202 and the famous E.636 CAMILLA
E.626.294 + E.428.202 head the last train by the sea in Liguria
E.626.311 + E.626.223 In Tuscany Aug '15
CHASING STEAM
Nolan Kascur is a Junior in high school who has enjoyed railfanning and photography his whole life. Words & Pictures NOLAN KACSUR AKA instagram ns8104 I live on the NS Reading Line located in Eastern Pennsylvania. I've been all over the East Coast chasing steam and modern diesels. One day I hope to work for the Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad, I would also like to learn how to operate and fire a steam locomotive. While I have a genuine respect for steam locomotives and the work that goes into them, I am also in school for Mechanical Engineering, so I am also very interested in the modern technologies that go into the new diesel locomotives. I also collect and model HO trains. I can use my skills learned from school to design and 3D print models and parts that would be needed for a project.
Strasburg Railroad # 475 Originally built by the Norfolk and Western Railroad in the Roanoke Eastend Shops as an "M" class locomotive 475 now has a second life on the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County Pennsylvania hauling passengers on the famous tourist line in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch country. Number 475 was returned to her original N&W paint on the weekend of July 15th for the Norfolk and Western Railroad Historical Society's photo Charter. 475 is seen here pushing the photo freight back to Ronks Crossing to pick up the photographers from the N&WRHS. Number 475 will be heading in for her mandatory FRA 1,452 day inspection at the end of the 2017 season.
Reading Blue Mountain and Northern's Light Pacific # 425 425 is seen on July 1 2017 pushing back her train at the Jim Thorpe Station on the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad. 425 ran trips from Jim Thorpe into the Lehigh Gorge the entire 4th of July Weekend, each roundtrip totals out at about 70 minutes and includes narrations as the beautiful Pennsylvania mountain scenery drifts by. 425 might be the one of, if not the loudest steam locomotive in the US (unless you know different). She is also the only Royal blue pacific in operation today in the States. 425 was originally built for the Gulf Mobile and Ohio Railroad but was then sold and went through the hands of a few owners before being bought by Andy Muller Jr, now the president of the RBM&N. The loco's paint scheme is very close to her original GM&O one, with the large circular logo on the tender with the railroad name and slogan inside the circle, but when working for the GM&O she was not blue and wore a standard black paint scheme. Today RBM&N 425 operates her Pennsylvania Railroad three chime passenger whistle, one of many in the collection of the Reading and Northern. She is the pride of the Reading and Northern's fleet but she's not the only steam locomotive; they're also are working on restoring a Reading 4-8-4 T1 2102 and a CP 2-6-0 "Ten Wheeler" number 225. If you're ever in eastern Pennsylvania be sure to check out the Reading and Northern Railroad, they won't disappoint!
THAT RAILWAY GIRL
RIDING THE REUNIFICATION LINE
I have a confession: I took the sleeper bus in Vietnam. I honestly can’t tell you why. I must have gone mad - it’s the only reason I can think that I would have even entertained the idea of abandoning my beloved train travel. I mean, my friend and I had already gone from York, UK to Hong- Kong entirely by train, and loved every second. The bus ride which departed from Hanoi at around 11pm was hell. Four hours into the journey - where I was on a cramped bunk above the rancid smelling toilet, and below the speakers which blared out some kind of incessant and ear piercingly shrill Vietnam’s Got Talent kind of show, and later into the night/early morning psychedelic rave music ... we ran over a motorcyclist. After about three hours of trying to find his helmet (which for a period of time I thought was his severed head), we had to turn around and go back to Hanoi which took four hours. Luckily the motorcyclist was fine - head intact. I won't go into anymore detail than that. But rest assured, we came to our senses and booked a train ticket immediately. Now I’ve got my confession out of the way, we can all move on from that dark moment in my life: to the Reunification Express... As you most likely know, the Reunification Express isn’t a single train, but the name given to the many trains that run along the 1,072-mile line built in 1936, which was severed during the Vietnam War (or the "American War", as the Vietnamese call it), thus dividing north from south. After the war ended the line was reopened, unifying the country once more. We would be riding it from Hanoi to Hue, then on to Saigon. Hanoi Railway Station is the northern most station, and has an odd look about it: French colonial on either side straddling an almost Brutalist structure smack-bang in the middle. I learned that this was due to the fact that only the middle section of the station was bombed during the war. As a result that middle section was rebuilt in a more modern style in 1976. The 7.30pm train rolled into Hanoi station in the evening darkness and my friend and I easily found our soft sleeper cabin. We had booked the upper berths - which I prefer because it means you don’t have to awkwardly wait for the other passenger to get off your bed when you to want to go to sleep. Also, usually the controls for the speaker system and aircon are within easy reach from the top bunk. Believe me, you don’t want someone with an aversion (or over enthusiasm) to air conditioning and/or who loves the speakers set to full volume to be in control of those dials! Especially as “music” (much similar to that which played on the sleeper bus) gets blared out over the loudspeakers when the train arrives at each station… regardless of the time of day (or night). The cabin was very basic and very dirty - hands down the grossest we’d experienced so far on our around the world trip. The mattresses were ripped and yellowed with stains, the sheets on the bed were damp from the sweat of the last passenger who used them, and my pillow had drool and hair on it; thank goodness I had a sleep sheet! Despite all this the beds were the softest we'd had on any train so far and we had little trouble relaxing and, eventually, as the train rolled through the streets of Hanoi in the darkness, falling asleep. We arrived into Hue, the former capital of the country the following morning. Hue train station is utterly charming. The salmon pink bricks, yellow window frames, and French style, make it look like it was designed for a Wes Anderson film. Unlike the Hanoi to Hue leg of the journey, which was during the night, the journey from Hue to Saigon departed in the morning, and would arrive in the early hours of the next day. We didn’t bring any food with us: we’d grown tired of lugging it around and decided that on this journey we would splash out and treat ourselves to onboard provision. The train moved at an almost lazy pace, and the hypnotic-, rhythmic-chugging lulled me into a state of relaxed contentment. The warm sun beamed through the windows. We saw distant misty mountains and the turquoise South China Sea crashing on the rocks below; stunning beaches and bays; and patchworks of soggy paddy fields. We passed tiny railway guard huts with flag holding guards standing almost ceremoniously as we went by. Lunchtime soon came and we still hadn't seen a food trolley go past. As we didn't want to leave our bags unattended, my friend volunteered to venture to the buffet car (mostly because I refused to go). He came back with two beers, popcorn, peanuts and a packet of Werther’s Originals... along with an explanation that they were the only things available. He also explained how he didn't want to go there again as it was a very long and unpleasant walk. The snacks didn't really fill us so by the time night fell we were extremely hungry. We had correctly deduced that this train didn't have a food trolley. The lady we were sharing our cabin with was eating the most delicious smelling food which made our stomachs grumble and taste buds tingle with hunger. We assessed the situation and decided that as the woman didn't look dodgy, and that there was nothing of value in our backpacks, this time we would both go to the buffet car. It didn’t take long for me to see why my friend was reluctant to make the journey again. The walk to the buffet car was indeed a long one, during which we were thrown down the dirty corridors and bounced from one side of the train to the other. I had to squeeze past and constantly shake off the barrage of groping hands trying to grab me and pull me onto their laps - touching me curiously and sleazily calling “Helloooooooo”. After the long and uncomfortable walk we finally made it to the buffet car. It was closed. Back at our cabin we decided we wouldn't venture to the buffet car again but would just try to sleep to forget our hunger. The hunger kept us awake. We played games in an effort to take our minds off it but that didn't work either. My friend suddenly got up and put his shoes on and said that the next time we stopped at a station with food stalls he was going to make a run for it. I didn't like this idea one bit! The train had stopped a couple of times so far and there seemed to be no warning as to when it would depart again, there was no whistle or timetable that we were aware of. We agreed that if we did stop, he would just grab something edible as quickly as he could then leg it back to the train. We also nervously agreed that if the train left without him then I would go all the way to Saigon and wait for him there. I was not feeling good about this. At 2.20am the train pulled into Binh Thuan station and when we looked out the window we saw food stalls across the tracks. My friend jumped down off his bunk, and off the train, and ran across the tracks to the other side of the station. I could see him head for a stall and quickly pick something up. Then a lady came up to him and casually started chatting to him. I could see he was trying to tell her to go away but she wouldn't leave him alone. Soon all the passengers had boarded our train. I was sure it was going to leave. I was willing him to just drop whatever he had and come back, but he waited to pay. My heart was pounding...my anxiety was through the roof. I was about to run to the coach door to yell at him to come back, then I saw him pay. He sprinted back across the tracks and onto the train moments before it pulled away. I breathed a sigh of relief. What he’d managed to buy was a box of 24 individually wrapped sponge cakes. Not exactly nutritious, but very delicious. Five minutes later we had eaten them all and eventually, with our hunger abated, we fell asleep. About 2.5 hours later the train pulled into Saigon station, the largest and most important railway hub in the country (and the least inspiring building, in my opinion). It took us a while to wake up enough to realise we had arrived. In our sleepy confusion we gathered our stuff, got off the train, and headed into the morning darkness of Saigon. More on Amy Heywood aka That Railway Girl ( (
AUSSIE RAILS
Out of the loss of an entire class of Australian steam engines grew a strong preservation movement. Regan Leslie aka instagrammer vicrailhistorical tells the story and illustrates it with many great pictures.
Words & pictures Regan Leslie
R 707 owned & operated by 707 Operations in Victoria. These Hudson locomotives were originally built in Glasgow, Scotland
Y112 owned & operated by Steamrail Victoria
The old proverb "everything happens for a reason" is quite apt in regard to the this article, but in the case of railway preservation in Victoria it came at a very high and saddening loss. Victoria is the southernmost State on mainland Australia and in 1954 that loss came at the cost of the scrapping of the four S class steam locomotives - also known as the "Spirit of Progress" locomotives. There were only four S class locomotives produced at the Victorian Railways' Newport workshop. All that remains today are three of the loco's tenders. Rail enthusiasts at the time were outraged that all S classes were scrapped and not one example retained for preservation for future generations. The Australian Railway Historical Society, who at the time were relatively small, then pushed to have at least one locomotive from each class preserved from then on, so that history would not repeat itself as it did with the demise of the S class. Fast forward 63 years and here in Victoria we have a thriving heritage tourist railway industry, most likely only thanks to the demise of those beautiful S class steam locomotives. From broad gauge to narrow, volunteer- based organisations such as; Steamrail, Puffing Billy Railway and Victorian Goldfield Railway to name a few. We are fortunate to have an abundance of both steam and diesel heritage locomotives. During the cooler winter months steam train trips occur on a weekly basis on weekends on the main lines and some tourist railways also run during the week. Steamrail Victoria is one of the larger organisations and run trips on both mainline and branch lines. Steamrail is a non-profit volunteer group established in 1965 to restore and operate historic locomotives and rolling stock once used on the Victorian Railways. They are based at the Newport workshops - which is the main depot. The Newport Railway Workshops were built in the 1880s and were actually the birthplace of many of the locomotives and carriages that Steamrail uses. These facilities enable them to keep the historic fleet in operational condition and to carry out restoration projects such as on the precious A2 steam locomotive and vintage diesel B72. The group has custody of a large range of both steam and diesel locomotives including the R, D3 and K classes; in addition they also have varied suburban electric rolling stock. Their Heritage carriages include the wooden E and 'W carriages; steel air-conditioned S type carriages; and South Australian K type carriages. It's good to see many young members in Steamrail and many other of the heritage railways, as it shows that the tradition is being passed on to younger members and that our future generations will see and cherish these beautiful works of engineering The "Spirit of Progress" engines may now be long gone, but the spirit of railway preservation is strong in Australia.
K190 operated by Steamrail Victoria
Train Adventures with Jack’s Train Guide Words & pictures Victoria Stanbach Jack’s mum here. I am let’s say, the administrator of Jack’s Train Guide. Jack is my thirteen-year-old son, and he has been obsessed with trains since he was two years old. I am sure many rail fans can relate. I however had no idea what HO scale was or what the difference was between narrow gauge and standard gauge. Over the years though, I have learned a lot as Jack and I have travelled near and far to visit train museums, check out train depos, ride scenic trains, and travel on public transit and Amtrak. Santa Cruz, California is our current home, but Jack’s first was in San Mateo, California, just one block from the CalTrain tracks. We would sit on our front porch and watch the local commuter train travel past all day long, and watch the freight train clank past at night just before bedtime. We also often jumped on CalTrain to take quick trips to Palo Alto, Burlingame, San Francisco and San Jose. Before Jack was even 10, we made many trips to Felton, California to ride on Roaring Camp Railroad’s steam excursions up Bear Mountain. We rode any area trains we could find: Tilden Park’s ¼ scale steam engines; Vasona Park’s ¼ scale steam engines on Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad; Ardenwood Farms' steam engine ride; and Niles Canyon Railroad’s steam and diesel trains... these are just a few of our favorites. One trip we started to make a yearly birthday event was taking the Amtrak Capital Corridor line from the SF Bay Area to Sacramento, California. Sacramento is home to the California State Railroad Museum, and it is a short walk from the Sacramento Valley train station. Located in Old Town Sacramento, the museum houses some wonderful historic trains from steam to diesel as well as a great toy train exhibit and play space. We have been going to this museum for the last 11 years, and it never gets old. The California State Railroad Museum also runs excursion trains on the scenic Sacramento Southern Railway pulled by historic diesels and steam engines. The approximately 5-mile route along the Sacramento River is a fun ride for the whole family. This historic railway passes many popular sites including the California State Capital building, river boats, and the Tower Bridge with its vertical lift built in 1934. As Jack has grown, our train adventures have expanded. In the winter of 2015 we took our first sleeper car aboard the Amtrak Coast Starlight from San Jose to Seattle. This trip took us through northern California’s Mt. Shasta Dunsmir station, past snowy Crater Lake and along the coast of Oregon. Near the end of the route is the Washington State’s beautiful Cascade Mountains, and of course, while in Seattle we rode the Space Needle’s 1960’s World’s Fair monorail train, a classic! In the fall of 2016, we went on our first great train adventure to ride as many trains as we could as well visit as many US National Parks as we could. What a great way to celebrate 100 years of the US National Parks Service. We started our train adventure in Skagway, Alaska, home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park and rode the historic White Pass & Yukon Route. We rode all three White Pass excursion trains, even the one that took us past Bennet Lake, BC and into Carcross, YT. We then went on to Anchorage, AK and rode aboard the famous Alaska Railroad north to Denali National Park. An amazingly vast and diverse national park, where we saw bears and the park’s sledding dogs! Our next stop was Mt.Rainier National Park of Washington State, where we rode a historic logging steam engine on the Mt. Rainier Railroad. Back in Seattle, we boarded Amtrak’s Empire Builder and headed East to Glacier National Park. After a 16-hour, overnight sleeper car ride, we hopped off at West Glacier Station in Montana. Glacier National Park is a national treasure. We rode buses and hiked through the park past crystal blue lakes, amazing mountain vistas and beautiful diverse foliage and wildlife, including the cutest ground squirrels ever! We ended our adventure by getting back on Amtrak and riding to the end of the line in Chicago for two fun filled days of exploration – which included a visit to the Pullman National Monument, home to the Pullman factory community where the first Pullman sleeper cars were constructed in 1864. As we embark on our many adventures, we have met many parents with train-obsessed children, and we often trade information and reviews of train rides, books, shows, stores, and parks. This led Jack and I to the idea that we would not only share our train adventures on social media but we could put together a guide book about train adventures, so other families could have as much fun as we have had. We have gathered photos, compiled our most favorite train adventures and are putting together a guide book with graphic illustrations, beautiful photography and information that is geared toward parents with kids who love trains, but I am sure anyone will find it useful. Our first guidebook covers the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, but we hope to expand to Southern California and onward. Jack’s Train Guide - Train Adventures of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area covers various train adventures from ¼ train rides in parks to steam train adventures through historic redwood forests. It takes you on short and long train adventures; we visit Roaring Camp Railroad to experience the historic Shay steam locomotives; ride historic streetcars all day long up and down San Francisco’s Market Street and take Amtrak’s Capital Corridor from the Bay Area to Sacramento to explore the California State Railroad Museum. More info Jacks Train Guide Adventure, one train at a time...
Jack, as many little boys (and grown men and women) do, loves trains. His mum now does too as she has taken the train and rode the rails around the west coast of the US as Jack has grown up. From heritage to Amtrak to quarter-scale, to steam to diesel. The trains and the places visited inspired Jack's Train Guide. Instagram JacksTrainGuide
JACK'S TRAIN GUIDE
"We have gathered photos, compiled our most favorite train adventures and are putting together a guide book... "
"In the fall of 2016, we went on our first great train adventure to ride as many trains as we could..."
Doug Wallace popped down to Petaluma California and serendipitously came across this Northwestern Pacific baggage car no. 605, which was built in 1892 being restored.
IT'S NOT THE END OF THE LINE...
READY FOR MODELLING? In issue 2 of Off the Tracks we profiled street artist Joshua Smith Apparently he's planning to model this building Pic our very own street artist Doug Walalce aka la_vida_rhombi
MODEL TRAINS
We find out about Modelrailroad0's layout. It all began many years a go with an engine that was run with Playmobile toys... it's now a digitally controlled wonder! Words & pictures Maerkliho
DB in HO
The model train I had as a child was more like a toy to me, but the layout I’m building now is more like a challenge to me
Sydney Collieries 2-4-0 #25 has a very rare wheel arrangement. It was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works and greets visitors to Exporail at the front of the parking lot.
In the Schwarzwald region in Germany you can spot some of the most beautiful landscapes and for me they act as a perfect inspiration for railway modelling. With all the vineyards, little hills, stone bridges, old tunnels and old-fashioned signals, you can see why so many manufacturers take their inspiration from this region. Travelling along the Rhine is highly recommended by the guidebooks and websites and by me! For the rail fan there are a lot of railways where modern engines and new railway buildings sit next to old abandoned buildings and closed tracks. I rediscovered railroad modeling after almost 30 years. When I was a small boy I sometimes went to the central station at the town I was born and raised in and watched the real big engines - my favorite was the BR103, a classic of my childhood. Later I got my first model train, it was a quite big Faller 1:32 scale model that fitted perfectly to my Playmobil toys. A bit later I got first Märklin model train. My uncle gave me a bunch of used tracks and a little diesel cargo engine. Can you guess what my first engine was that I bought from the money I saved in my piggy bank? Yes, it was the BR103 in H0. Thirty years later I ventured back into the hobby. How things had changed; we now had direct digital control. So taking advantage of this opportunity I brought myself Märklin’s ICE Train – the first in H0. My layout runs a fully digital Märklin system. The model train I had as a child was more like a toy to me, but the layout I’m building now is more like a challenge to me. With no special DIY or modelling skills it was hard to start from scratch. And learning to control a digital model railway with decoders everywhere - inside my engines, turnouts, signals and even wagons was totally new to me. I think building a model railway is a dozen of hobbies at the same time. And that’s what I love about it. At the moment I enjoy building the mountains and the basic landscape and figuring out how to use plaster and different materials to build the surfaces for my landscapes or trying to “plant” static grass. Of course I often like to sit back and watch the trains roll by and then... argh, something happens, my train stops and nothing is working any more. This is the moment when I want to quit my hobby or sometimes I want to start from scratch with a whole new layout. However, I then watch my YouTube videos or Instagram pics and think, wow, that is just beautiful, I should keep going with the current layout and landscape and make the best out of my wrong planning from the past. I guess all us modellers may feel the same from time to time and of course there is plenty of work to do, it’s never done. I really enjoy trying different control systems. I started with Märklin’s mobile station as part of a starter kit but realised quickly that Märklin’s central station is more what I wanted. In the meantime I control a smaller layout with my Märklin CS2 and my main layout with the new Märklin CS3. The next thing I want to try is is to connect this to a computer and use the software Rocrail. I’ve also started to collect some other brands - Roco being my second favorite manufacturer. This company build a great Austrian Railjet engine with a built-in videocamera. That is one of my favorite piece of rolling stock. I love the train conductor’s view and uploaded a lot of videos to YouTube and instagram. When I see the comments of my subscribers and see the thousands of my followers on Instagram (which grew really big last year) I see that this great hobby is still alive, although it’s perhaps very niche. Model railroading is making its way into the digital age. We control our layouts with the same computers that we use for the internet and with augmented reality in apps, like the one Roco produced for the camera loco. I certainly hope our hobby might be interesting for both the young and us not quite so young ones! More info, Instagram Maerklioho Youtube Maerklinho
WESTMILLS YARD
Westmills Yard is a fictional modern diesel depot (TMD) and is a small exhibition layout approximately 5ft Long by 1.5 feet wide and operated by DC. Built and owned by Ben Catling The layout has been built in just under three months and is 99% completed, however, other little things may be added over time. So far, Westmills has gone to two small events and the response has been incredible. Much of the scenery is constructed from bought kits, such as the retaining walls, bridge and Wills lineside kits, however, other items, such as the locomotive shed and low relief factories on the backscene have been scratch built by myself using Metcalfe Textures. Lots of the finer details are pre-made items from Bachmann Branchline, Model Scene accessories and Hornby Scaledale items which require some work to get them looking prototypical in a certain scene or environment. My main focus of the TMD was to get the track and lineside details as accurate as I could to the real-thing, in order to do this I have used mixtures of different items; black wire for the track cabling, orange wire to replicate when the wires pass underneath the rails, Wills kit's cable trunking and lineside boxes, along with Bachmann lineside boxes. This was all toned down along with the track to give the scene a very realistic look using a mixtures of weathering washes, weathering powders and paints. However, I did produce some track side details myself, such as a line side fence. This was created by painting cocktail sticks yellow and using yellow cotton, as well as making speed signs from grey painted BBQ skewers with printed out speed signs layered on 1mm card. The latest and most modern section of the layout, the Industrial area uses a range of products to achieve its final look. The Tarmac surfaces are from Model Railway Scenery, whilst vehicles are from Oxford Diecast/Corgi; buildings are from Metcalfe and Bachmann; and finer details come from Model Scene, Bachmann, and stuff I have scratch built. One of the most important features on the layout is the use of a variety of modern day rolling stock that has been detailed. However, often rolling stock from my friends commonly feature on Westmills Yard which can be seen at exhibitions. Future aims I plan to finish my new layout Hertford Lane and complete Westmills Yard. I also plan to share my future projects on both Instagram - @bens_model_railways and Youtube - @Bens Model Railways.
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