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Hi Jim,

I'm in both camps.  I have a 4x8 layout that compromises on fidelity but also has given me something fun that was up and running, but I have plans for a more detailed around the walls layout that focuses on a specific area with far greater fidelity to the prototype.  As for models, I have a number of Westerfield, SMMW, and Sunshine resin models on my layout and I save up for some brass locomotives (and the work to make them good runners with DCC sound).  But in the meantime, I've taken P2K, BLI, or Bachmann products and run them. And I have enough detailed and modified Rivarossi heavyweights to fill my few passenger needs.  I also have a fleet of Accurail cars that are pretty darn good when weathered and I don't even think of them as 'stand ins' if they are accurate.  I've also used them as fodder for kitbashing to make them closer.

It's hard to find even stand-ins for 1934 era N&W hoppers though.  I have the Westerfield kits for HP variants.  But HU model options (which were nearly 1/3 of the hoppers recorded in the conductor lists I have for 1934) remain elusive.

I have a lot more 'projects' on the shelves than I have rolling on the layout, but that affords me a lot of fun running now and a lot of fun building for the future.   All I tried to do is keep moving towards my goals, sometimes almost imperceptibly and sometimes with big leaps.  But as a mentor once told me, 1% better is still better than yesterday.

Dave Bott

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From: NW-Modeling-List <nw-modeling-list-bounces at nwhs.org> on behalf of NW Modeling List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>
Sent: Friday, September 6, 2024 10:11 AM
To: NW Modeling List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>; NW Mailing List <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
Subject: groups


It has occurred to me that one way of grouping modelers is by the fidelity/price of model that they are interested in.

 One group might be more interested in building fleets of cars to fill the yards on their layouts and may be willing to trade off some level of detail that may not be readily noticeable from arm’s length or further, for affordability.  According to what I have seen recently the prices of such models range from the low $20, where some assembly is required and decoration may be less than perfect, to the latest releases from the major players like Walthers that are RTR and beautifully decorated with prices up to around $50.

Another group is looking for a modeling challenge and/or a contest-level model.  Manufacturers such as Westerfield, F&C and the new 3D printers like Plate C produce this type of model which normally requires several hours of modeling time to complete.  By the time you purchase appropriate trucks, couplers, paint, decals etc. for these kits, you are looking at $70 or more but when you finally look at that finished car in all its glory, the feeling of pride in accomplishment is second to none.

Many of us, I for one, fall into both groups.  I am finishing up a Plate C, G-12 (video coming soon) that I will bring to the convention next year, however given the number of hours I have put in, I won’t be building another.  So, if I were to decide I wanted several G-12s for my layout I would need to look elsewhere.

I would like to hear from each and every one of you as to whether you consider yourself to be in the “layout” group, the “contest” group or “both”.  This should help give me some direction for future projects for the society model committee.

Thank you in advance for your feedback/help,

Jim Cochran
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