Episode 4 (part II) - The Leaky Bucket List and the Rule of Two

 

In the first part of this double episode, I described the number of layout projects I’ve tried to start over the past couple of years as being like having a Leaky Bucket List.  Each time I thought I was getting somewhere something changed, so I started again with a new idea.  I want to break this cycle now I have a layout space I can use for longer, so I’m using this episode of my blog to review my options.

 

I’ve already reviewed ideas for a layout following either British or North American outline, and I do have a future project for a TT:120 GWR Branch Line in mind.  For North American modelling, I have plenty of HO to play with but less space than I’d like.  I have a freelance narrow gauge mini-layout with an American flavour, but applying my Rule of Two tells me I’m not wanting to develop this further.

 

The Rule of Two is my home made guide to interest in a project - while I own just one locomotive I’m actively exploring an idea, but when I buy a second I could start to run a small railway.  More than two means I’m thinking “this is it!”  Stopping at two means I’ve paused.

 

I have two HOn30 locomotives (adapted 009 kit-built models) and two HO diesels (plus an old one awaiting repair).  I don’t currently plan to buy any more of either.  I don’t yet have any TT:120 rolling stock, but that’s OK as it’s a long-term idea anyway.

 

What about Continental modelling?  I’m interested in German, Swiss and Austrian railways and model railways, and spend hours watching videos of them online (prototype and model).  My entry point was through Narrow Gauge, so this time I’ll start there:

 

Project B3.1 - Continental Narrow Gauge

 

When I reawakened my interest in Narrow Gauge modelling I was keen to explore American HOn30.  With little available commercially to get me started I turned to Austrian H0e, as it also runs on 9mm track.  I’d dabbled in H0e a decade or so ago, so my choice of locomotive was easy: a Liliput O&K MV8 0-4-0 diesel - the type I had before.  Beginning with a Peco Setrack 009 Starter Set, I dived in:

 

 

I’m still keen on H0e, and while various trades in and out mean I don’t have a large collection of rolling stock, I do like what I have:

 

 

All rolling stock is second hand, and I have the budget for a third loco if I see one I want.  As the photo shows, I also have some of the Peco ‘mainline’ narrow gauge track and points suitable for the kind of Austrian outline 760mm gauge trains I have.

 

I initially looked at a layout inspired by the Zillertalbahn, but at the time found I got enough enjoyment doing the research and so didn’t progress with my layout plans.

 

This taught me an important lesson: while I’d like a layout that doesn’t stretch the boundaries of plausibility too far, and follows a recognisable theme / prototype, I’m not wanting to commit myself to strict prototype modelling - impressive though it always is.

 

Almost by accident I found myself looking at Swiss metre gauge railways, and in particular the network of routes run by the Rhätische Bahn (RhB), the Furka-Oberalp (FO) and the Brig-Visp-Zermatt (BVZ).  A year ago I was fully intending to build a small 1990s FO layout in HOm (12mm gauge).  I built up a decent collection of very good Bemo models (including, note, four locomotives).  A new squeeze on space however placed a limit on my ambitions, as is partly shown by this photo - taken when I had just two locos: both Furka-Oberalp Tunnel Motors (the complete class of two, as it happens. They were not actually used with Panorama coaches):

 

 

The problem is this - to run proper length trains I needed space for four or five coaches, not three (as here).  I’d seen a very good exhibition layout running shortened trains.  It was excellent in many ways - and  much better than I could ever do - but after having watched a lot of prototype videos online I decided that short trains weren’t something I wanted to model in this way.

 

On top of this, I wouldn’t have space for my HOn30 layout as well (seen propped up in the background).  I wouldn’t be able to easily run my H0e or HOn30 stock.  I decided that was my priority.  It meant parting with my H0m, which was a difficult decision I’ve often thought about reversing.  As it stands, a project including H0e would be very attractive, while a return to H0m now looks increasingly unlikely.

 

Project B3.2 - Continental Standard Gauge

 

When I was growing up, I saw Continental Standard Gauge railway modelling as the epitome of the hobby - but well out of reach for me.  Having experimented with H0m, I was happy to try European TT - part of my response to the launch of TT:120 for the UK.  I liked the feel of 12mm gauge track and bought some building kits and a bit of modern Tillig stock (incl. two locomotives).  However, I couldn’t find a plentiful supply of second hand coaches for the ideas I had, and when I needed to cut back on the projects I was trying to start I scaled back my ambitions here.  I still have the kits and am slowly working on a diorama as part of getting used to the scale:

 

 

To solve the problem of also wanting to run 9mm gauge H0e trains on occasion, I’ve looked at late 1960s German N-Scale.  When no-one is  looking I could run any 9mm gauge train after all (minimum radius curves wouldn’t be a problem, as I set myself a 4th rad. limit).  I can still work with the ‘chunky’ Arnold-style couplings, and I think they don’t look too obtrusive on close coupled European coaches.  The quality I remember means that ‘retro N-Scale’ stock is now affordable.  
 

 

I almost got to three locos, but the third one I bought (a BR Class 50 with Wannentender) turned out to be faulty.  As I want to be run North American stock as well, and had concerns about their couplings, I didn’t pursue N-Scale.

 

Oddly perhaps, I remain fascinated by Z-Scale.  I think I’m less concerned about any detail I can’t see because I’m not trying to look for it!  Z-Scale brings a whole host of technical challenges, but I’m impressed with the models and layouts I’ve seen:

 

 

(My photo - comparator above is 1:160 N-Gauge.  The freelance Z-Scale livery is from a Christmas set)

 

While it’s unlikely I’d start a Z-Scale layout project, I may still have a dabble with some building kits to see how I get on.  There’s certainly room for something scenic, and while the couplers look huge, they fold together quite nicely and don’t look too bad (to me).

 

This just leaves HO to consider.  I hadn’t planned to buy into European HO, until I saw this Roco HO ÖBB Taurus (c. 2000 - 2005) on sale:

 

 

I knew from my N-Scale and H0e adventures just how good Roco products are, and this has not disappointed.  Before ordering it, I tried to persuade myself numerous times I didn’t need it, but it resisted all attempts to ignore it.  It has been followed by two more locomotives (yes, I have three), plus fourteen assorted coaches and a few wagons.  I’ve also been building a large 400 piece station kit (pictured in a previous blog post).

 

Another important lesson: at this stage I’m following some helpful advice I was given when starting out in a new scale.  I’m buying items I like even if they are more loosely associated than I’d ideally want.  I can then refine my collection later, as my ideas crystallise.

 

In my narrow gauge thread here on RMweb I’ve considered an idea for a Narrow Gauge / Standard Gauge interchange, inspired by Zell am See where the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn meets the ÖBB.  Mainline trains see a variety of Swiss, Austrian and German rolling stock, so it ticks that box.  The catch is the space needed - a full length European coach is 26.4m long, which is 303mm in H0.  Even a five coach train needs 175cm (69”).  Platforms can be lower, making it easier for them to be curved (the overhang / gap is less obvious).

 

As with American outline, I’m well equipped to start a project in H0, and could incorporate both H0 Standard Gauge and H0e, but the space constraint I have limits my layout design options.  I want a continuous run, but not just a tail-chaser!

 

Conclusion - How to Not Build a Model Railway

 

That final point sums up my dilemma.  At the end of this first series of posts, I hope I’ve explained my desire to ‘break my duck’ and build a scenic model railway larger than my current HOn30 mini-layout.  I’ve described the kind of operating pattern I like - why a continuous run is essential - and noted that building kits (esp. of structures) is the practical part of the hobby I most enjoy.  

 

Narrow Gauge obviously works for me.  For standard gauge, HO is the scale I feel gives the best combination of affordable product availability and ease of modelling, but a smaller scale would make a layout easier.  On the other hand, I find some aspects of detailed N Scale modelling / operating too small for my eyesight (so the same would presumably apply with Z).  You can see why I’m an advocate of TT, but product availability is an issue with my preferred prototypes.  How I might resolve this and develop a layout plan I’ll stick to will provide the material for my next series of posts.  At that point I’ll be starting to build a model railway.  Until then, have fun, Keith.