Preserving History Through Model Railroading

Many of us have asked ourselves the question, what type of train set do we want to have displayed on our layout?  Will it be a steam engine, a diesel or a diesel electric train set? 

The above question many times will depend on the age of the model railroader and the area of interest the railroader wishes to pursue.  

The generation the model railroader comes from will often determine the type of train set that they display.  Those who came from the steam engine generation will tend to enjoy the steam era.  The diesel engine generation will prefer the diesel era.  Does this mean that steam engine enthusiasts will not display the diesel engines and visa versa?  Not at all, however it is more likely that the model railroaders will be partial to their era of train history.  

For me it all depends on the time and place.  I enjoy both the steam and the diesel sets and layouts.  I am sure that there are a lot more model railroaders like me, in my generation, who like both the steam and the diesel exhibits.  

Some of the things that make the steam era exciting are the following.  You can enjoy the realism of the steam engine as it chugs down the tracks.  Just seeing the steam blowing and hearing the whistle blow takes you back in time.  The terrain and town layout of the steam era gives your imagination the added details that bring out the realism of that time and place. For the seasoned hobbyist it is the design, creation and building of the layout that gives one satisfaction.  Each hobbyist has their favorite train line.  For the model railroader it is the time, place and train line that are important.  Creating different steam engines with the rolling stock behind them give the steam engine enthusiasts many hours of pleasure.  

For the diesel era it is much of the same.  These model railroaders enjoy the realism of the different diesel engines as they chug along the tracks.  Watching the engine as it goes down the track through the towns, villages and terrain of the layout brings a sense of accomplishment.  The buildings are definitely different and so is the surrounding terrain.  Regardless of which type of model train you prefer it is developing the layout and running the trains that brings hours of fun and pleasure.  

The one thing that both eras have in common is that their hobbies will preserve the history of railroading. This way they can pass their knowledge and passion on to future generations.  

Then there are those of us model railroaders who enjoy both the steam and the diesel eras.  We like to combine both eras into our layouts.  I have seen many wonderful photographs in different train magazines where model railroaders have very expertly done this.  They have creatively combined the steam and diesel eras by designing and creating layouts with building and terrains so skillfully that both eras complement each other.  There are no overlaps in the eras and there is nothing out of place.  

It does not matter what era you prefer, what is important is that the model railroaders have in their own way preserved history.  They have accomplished this through the designs of their layouts and through the model railroading sets they have collected over the years.  In many respects these hobbyists have written the pages of history as they see it. 

These hobbyists like to share as well.  There are a number of model railroaders who have made portable layouts which they exhibit in different communities throughout North America.  There are many in other countries that have done the same thing and they display their layouts throughout their country also.  Many people go to see these layouts of history at train shows and model railroading exhibitions.  

In conclusion whether you are a steam or a diesel enthusiast you have helped to preserve history.  It is great that there are so many who have made this history available to others