Choosing a Specific Era Assists the Modeling
Monday, August 31st, 2009
A wide variety of locomotives and rolling stock are available in all scales through hobby shops, on-line vendors, and train shows. Choosing to model a specific prototype railroad can reduce the modeling choices for these items. Setting a specific modeling era or period can further refine the modeling efforts and keep purchasing focused.
Taking this step requires a dedication to understanding the prototype railroad world of the chosen period and to make an effort to stay with the plan. Choosing a specific year can mean sacrificing the use of popular locomotives or paint and lettering styles. As an example, if 1948 or 1949 is chosen as the modeling period, then ALCo RS-3 locomotives cannot be used as they entered into service in 1950. A similar situation arises for those who model the WM of 1951 or 1952. Home road rolling stock would only have the Fast Freight emblem and locos should only have the Fireball emblem. The notable Speedletter painting and lettering style, as seen above, would become the WM standard in 1954. Understanding data points like this can assist in making choices in following a specific modeling year. (more…)