Peer Pressure

by Michael J. Pratt, Managing Editor

I was recently asked how one decides what to model when building a model railroad, and what, exactly, are the processes involved with building a model railroad. These are not easy questions to answer.

So many factors come into play when simply considering a model railroad layout. These factors can include, in no particular order: the time frame, or era that appeals to the modeler; the available space and location for the model railroad (which often determines the scale); one’s own ability — is the modeler content with using current skills, or are they willing to grow and learn new techniques (this often occurs naturally as the layout develops); and what type of railroad — prototypical operation, switching, simple running, or a combination of any of these. Any number of these factors, if not all, are likely to change between the first ideas and the completed layout.

When I was asked what it took to build a layout, one thought continually entered my mind. All of the previously mentioned variables can be extremely influenced by one simple phrase I’m sure we are all familiar with — peer pressure. This is often the most understated and, at the same time, the most detrimental factor of them all.

We all naturally want our work to be accepted. Fear of not doing something right and worrying about what others think can lead to not starting a layout at all. Questions that lead to self doubt can creep in during the planning and building stages of a model railroad. These questions can include, in no particular order: is the track plan good enough to provide enjoyment for the novice, as well as a challenge for the veteran; are the locomotives and freight cars detailed enough and (gasp!) correct for the era that has been chosen; does the scenery convey the proper sense of local; and so on.

If one or all of those points are crucial to you, good — but we should not let any of them dictate how we build (or not build) a layout for fear of doing it wrong and not the way someone with perhaps more experience would. It’s your layout — build it for you! Otherwise it becomes a job, and something that you will never truly enjoy.

Remember who you are building it for when making decisions about your model railroad. Build it the best way you know how. Choose track plans for the way you like to run your trains, not for the occasional visitor. Detail those trains and scenic your layout the way it looks best to you. If something does not satisfy you, learn to do it better. And finally, if you want to run a French TGV through your 1930s Pennsylvania countryside — go for it!

Layouts that are built simply for enjoyment are usually enjoyed the most. So what if it will never be featured in a color spread in some magazine — it’s your layout, have fun with it. Bottom line — never build a layout with the sole intention of it being a masterpiece that everyone will drool over. If you do, you’re missing the point.

Michael J. Pratt
Managing Editor