Reverse Running commentar
H
ow often do you
visit a layout, or
look at a magazine,
and see all of those neat,
unique creations? They can
be bridges, buildings or
rolling stock. While those
pieces are eye-catching,
should our layouts be popu-
lated with so many unique
buildings, or signature
pieces of rolling stock?
If that is what you want, then go for it. However, I believe that
a majority of us want to create an every-day scene or overall
impression on our layouts. At least, I know that I do. How do
you achieve it? One of the key techniques is to model what is
common.
How do you determine what is common? Rolling stock is rela-
tively easy. Study photos, equipment registers, and any other
data that you can get your hands on. Look for car types, road
names, and any other features that you determine convey a
realistic feel of the time and era that you are modeling. You
may need to limit yourself to one or two “signature” pieces
of rolling stock or motive power. As humans we have an
amazing capacity to rationalize anything. One or two special
pieces is one thing, but a whole fleet of them turns into a
confusing mishmash.
Study the architecture of the buildings, their layout and over-
all appearance, and how they relate to each other. Those
Reverse Running: Stepping outside the box with a contrary view
by Don Hanley
Model what’s common
MRH-Oct 2014
