i just wanted to let all of you know, that there is a german private website about u.s. modelrailroads, and now in english, too. i really would appreciate to welcome some u.s. users and get some feedback. Just 2 weeks ago, there was the biggest convention in europe about american railroads, great pictures are online. well, see you there... http://www.railamerica.de
Posted by westpoint64 (Member # 2022) on :
I went to the link you had and boy was I impressed. I just took it for granted that there would be European interest in American railroads. Those layouts look GREAT! I was impressed with the realism...the attention to detail, even on the N-scale layouts, was great. There was nothing in the pictures that said, "This layout is in Switzerland/Germany, not Chicago or Kansas City." I just feel honored that those guys think so much of our country and its railroads to do that. Some of them probably have beautiful Alpine scenery right outside their door, and yet they choose to model Canadian and American prototypes. Maybe it's just the expansiveness that they like? Who knows, but they do a dern good job to live so far away. I tip my hat to all of them. westpoint64
Posted by Kennedy Model Trains (Member # 808) on :
The European style of modeling has had a great influence on how we build layouts here-I am especially fond of the "train turntable" and veritcal transporters. These make life so much easier in limited space. The current concept of "staging" your trains also came from Europe, and makes for a much more realistic operating experience.
Jared
Posted by DC (Member # 2065) on :
Well, i'm happy you like it. The point is, that there are many U.S. railroadfans in europe. i spent two years in the U.S. and let me tell you why i decided to build an american style layout. 1. i never saw such long trains ever in my life - let it be eastcoast, westcoast or alaska. in alaska i was standing next to a trak, and a train came by. Whow, for ten minutes it took it to pass me... 2. 3-5 lokomotives in a row have to impress everybody... 3. i love the style of american trains, designs like war-bonnet or other distinctive paints and colors from that moment i knew this is something special. by the way, the scenery in that (whole)country is the most beautiful i've ever seen. In germany nearly everybody has a german style layout - but there is also a big group of U.S. railroadfans - just follow the links to other european u.s. related sites. in the next days, i will update www.railamerica.de with pictures of my layout, which is still more or less in the beginning ( two parts are done, 2,40 meters in total - much more to come). the theme is a western desert - and a pass somewhere in the mountains. i use marklin ac system. i will tell you more about the details as soon i updated the site. if anyone of you has some pictures, which are not seen on the web yet, i can put them in a guestgallery... just contact me. and if anybody is interested in a big really nice german layout, go to www.miniatur-wunderland.de and check out everything in the gallery ( Fotos ) best regards
Posted by DC (Member # 2065) on :
I got some mails of U.S. visitors, that they were not able to use the forum because of the german language. I switched it now to english. So if you are interested in the development of U.S. modelrailroads in europe you are welcome to discuss with us. Or maybe you have questions ore suggestions to my site. i posted 37 new pics. thank you for your interest !
best regards, Clemens
Posted by foamer13 (Member # 2024) on :
Check out these pictures! This is some gorgeous modeling!