How many of you are model railroaders?

C

CaseyTheJones

New member
Just curious...

...as to how many people play this simulator, also enjoy model railroading. If so, what scale? armchair modeler? just models? got a layout?

As for myself, I got into this simulator back in 2004 when I no longer had room for a layout in my home after moving. I think that both real and simulated have their pros and cons.
 
I sort of still model right now, when I have spare money to buy stuff. However I don't have a layout other than a small diorama to run any thing.
 
Thanks for the responses. I guess the reason I was curious is because some of my fellow model railroaders sort of scoff at me or laugh when I mention that I play this simulator and have for some time. I'm a good sport and it doesn't bother me. As I mentioned, both have their advantages. A simulator is greatly more cost effective, offers unlimited space, actual operating industries, and a few other things. Model railroading always will have its tangible aspect, and no amount of HD graphics can measure up to model railroading visually. Model building itself would be another advantage. The advancements of DCC control and sound have enhanced model railroading considerably along with manufacturers continually getting more road names, detailed locos, and rolling stock in all scales.

These are just my opinions of course and I'm certain there are many more aspects I didn't bring up. I simply enjoy both and was curious about others thoughts.
 
Many of us are former model railroaders as well who no longer use the physical models for various reasons such as not having enough space or funds, and sometimes loss of motor skills which prevent us from modeling with the real models.

I will say there is a lot more that can be done in the virtual world, but just like digital pianos and their sampled or synthesized sound, they can't substitute for the real thing.
 
M
any of us are former model railroaders as well who no longer use the physical models for various reasons such as not having enough space or funds, and sometimes loss of motor skills which prevent us from modeling with the real models.
Click to expand...

For me, age is another factor. Nearly 87, my eyes are no longer as good as they used to be when drawing and cutting fine details for making physical models. and sitting at a computer using GMax (yes, I still do!) and testing my models is much more attractive. Plus, as John says, the unlimited space, the availability of thousands of models at no extra cost thanks to the Trainz community, and being able to use multiple copies of my own models instead of having to make each one separately. This is why I've been attracted to "virtual" model railways/railroads, simulating a model in a room setting by using over-scale artefacts - in my case, to UK 1:76 scale (often known as 00 although in Trainz it is more like one of the more accurate gauges). However, my thoughts are turning towards 2mm scale simulation - all I need to do is double the size of my 4mm over-scale artefacts!

Ray
​
 
This looks like an old thread, same question, same answers...

But yes, ME TOO.

I once had a big HO layout, then came the kids.
Moved to bigger house, didn't help, same problem after a few years.
Kids needed more room.
Out of space to build AND major reason: way too expensive to buy new things!

Sold everything and lost a lot of money.

I'll never start again.

☼
 
Not for many years - largely lack of space/time plus interest in VR. But overwhelmingly the outrageous cost of it all. When a tank loco and 2 or 3 coaches to represent a typical UK branch train cost over £100 it priced itself out of the "normal" hobby market. And that's without the cost of building even a simple out and back terminus - fiddle yard layout to run it.

I do miss the physical presence of a real model as opposed to the 2D interface via KBM with the PC screen, but there is no way I could justify that kind of expenditure these days with mortgage to finish paying etc. Yes we have to buy the PC, laptop etc. to indulge Virtual Railways but the PC is used for other purposes and games too.

One day if I won the lottery, I dream of buying a big house by the coast somewhere with an acre of land, then set up an outdoor railway going round the garden. But as we generally can't even win £10 on the lottery that remains strictly fantasy!
 
I used to make railway models in 'O' gauge and 1/16th scale, but once I became ill I found that I couldn't manage to do that anymore. I was very sad for a while until my daughter who is into flight sims suggested that I try a railway simulator. I was very sceptical at first, but it didn't take me long to become completely sold on virtual railways.
 
... i combine both worlds, by using my digital dioramas as animated background in my analogic modelscenery ...
... if you have time, visit me by clicking my signature ...

My-Trainz-Screenshot-Image.jpg


grtz
daveric
 
I think the poll results would lean toward "Former modelers that now enjoy Trainz."

I loved the model train concept, but never had enough room for my four-board HO set. It eventually ended up in a box that I just handed off a few years ago in the last move.

If I bought every single route and asset out there available for T:ANE, I don't think I would pay half of what I would need to invest in a single model railroad layout. In fact, I have seen single locomotives with tenders that sell for more than I will ever pay for T:ANE and all it has to offer!

In T:ANE, I get to play around with so many other's routes as well as my own, hop on and off locomotives at will, have three routes in the build process at the same time...
 
cressjl said:
Ihave three routes in the build process at the same time...
Click to expand...

Ain't that the truth - try about 7 or 8 and in different sims, too. :)

And just like many of my erstwhile attempts to build a model railway, more than a few get binned (as in track ripped up in the model to start over) as something wasn't quite right or a new idea/prototype came along.
 
HO from 1958 to abut 1980, layout has not run in a long time. G from about 1984 to 1999 out doors. HO got to small and out doors was a lot of trips up and down stares.
 
Back in the 60's I started with N gauge, In the 70's I then moved up to HO so I could use my Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars, and also had a slot car track section with a HO RR crossing, way too cool, something like this.

HO Slot Car 01.jpg
 
This is what keeps me doing this Trainz stuff, I travel all over to see these 'Models' then I go home and try to build them. Image used by permission.

Chat 003.jpg
 
Must say that as a young teenage boy had a limited model railway. Later in life and when I retired had mused on using my loft for model railway thoughts. When came across MTS rail sim tried that but when came across Trainz realised that I could build routes that I wanted to copy instead. I did smile on realising how expensive model railways are now and locos well into the £100 plus. Mind you I could afford it but the temptation to build on Trainz copying real life situations was too tempting!
 
I enjoy and participate in both physical and virtual, I think it's great fun; however, I'm also a lot younger than most and can certainly understand how little parts on HO could be, err, frustrating as you get older. For now, it's HO, O and T:ANE for me.
 
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