March 4th, 2005

Welcome. This is the first missive in an ongoing commentary on my favorite hobby, Model Railroading. I hope to touch on the hobby in general and more specifically the role of Train Simulators as model railroads. I'll try to pass on things I find interesting as well as things that concern and aggravate me. I promise not to use this as a soapbox to rant and rail. Instead I want to make a sincere attempt to promote "playing with trains" in all it's forms. We'll see how that works out. Hopefully my efforts will result in an intelligent and fair edification of my fellow hobbyists.

Wandering the web today, visiting the boards as I do every morning, I took notice of some cool things going on. Tim Muir, who is an avid traction modeler, is producing a set of War Emergency "cabeese". He has posted screenshots at Train-Sim and 3d-Trains. As with all of Tim's work, they look great. They follow and complement the Pacific Electric motors he recently released. I haven't checked, but I'm pretty sure Chuck Zeiler's magic is incorporated in these models.

The infamous Tony Calorel has uploaded a "significant" number of repaints to Train-Sim again. Folks take to hammerin' on Tony because he uses the Kuju default equipment for his repaints. While I'm not sure I would do the same thing (I hate those "flat trucks") I can't fault the fellow for gracing us with yards full of boxcars, hoppers, and other rolling stock. I also know that the higher tech models can play havoc on low end sytems, leaving some of us with no choice but the default equipment. Tony's work is a godsend to folks caught in that niche.

My own Allegheny Eastern is at a standstill. Life in general isn't going as well as anticipated. It's not a complete loss, however, as I've learned lots of new things that I want to incorporate. At least I won't have to start over on a whole route! The only MSTS model I have made any progress on is the new Baldwin "babyface" DR-4-2-1500. It's skins are a quagmire of different roads, as I'm experimenting with new textures as I go. The Milwaukee EP-3 is held up by new underframes I'm creating based on the original version.

There's a set of Nathan air horns on sale at E-Bay as I'm typing this. This K5LA chime will set you back at least $530, American. Probably souund great mounted on m computer monitor!

I like the new Train-Sim screen shot archive. It's always amazing to see what can be done in the simulators. I hope they keep this up. Also wish they would go back through all the old format screenshots. Maybe release a coffee table book...Been looking over the screenshots of the St Louis &Northern Arkansas (V-Scale Creations)...Being personally fond of the older equipment, these little jewels are a site for sore eyes. No offence, but all those AC Safety Cab beasties just don't get my juices flowing. Maybe it's my age?

Saw some critique of NALW's GE Mega Pack. Not having seen the set myself (too modern) I can't voice an opinion. The comments were pretty short and sweet though. I have the NALW sharks and I like them. The Big Boy they put out was, well, BIG! The system I had at the time slowed to a crawl whenever the loco was on screen so I never really used it. I guess I feel the same about V-Scale models as I do about Real model railroad equipment. I'm not that sophisticated. If it looks close enough and works I'll use it. I don't have the patience for counting rivets. At the same time I can't the fault the guys who do. I think we need more models, period. They don't have to be perfect.

There is also a new payware CSX pack out from Streamlines which sounds pretty good. Read some gripes about the price. $13 bucks isn't bad for 4 locomotives. In HO scale money that would be a used Hustler on E-Bay. Would you rather fork out the real dough for a Athearn Turbine? Course if you're only source of income is mowing lawns, I can see the point.

I've also seen screenshots of the new Donner Pass (3DTrainStuff) being posted...I might actually shell out some money for this one. Steam on the rails, classic cars in the streets...Wonder if they take PayPal?

Well, I think that's about all for now. If you have any comments or compliants feel free to use the Feedback page!