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Story-Based Model Railroading

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  • #1

    Story-Based Model Railroading

    Hello all,

    I have read and been apart of this site for a while now but finally got to posting! I am looking to get opinions on the following scenario-based model railroad ideas. Be forewarned - they are outside of the norm. I find that on30 tends to allow people to really just build what they want more so than any of the other scales and gauges. So it seems like the perfect scale to play with the following ideas. I have already begun a Banta Model Works Donkey Station and the Branch Line Water Tower is next.

    Scenario One:

    An island based railroad (think Nantucket) but with a few small towns, more cliffs and a navy base (around 1942). This will draw in heavily from the writings of H.P. Lovecraft and take inspiration from John Ott, Troels Kirk and Martin Welberg. The scenario it is based off of is a Private Eye is asked to go to the island by an old army friend (now a general) to find out why personnel have disappeared.

    Scenario Two:

    It shares a general concept as above in regards to the private eye but this one takes place in the swamps of Louisiana. This would take inspiration from Joseph Kreiss and the amazing work he has done. I find this idea attractive because for some reason swamps just feel spooky to look at. And would go well with the work of H.P. Lovecraft - hybrid fish people and all that.

    Scenario Three:

    This one is takes place in the mountains of the west and is probably the wildest idea (pun intended) I have. It would not take place in our west of history but rather a world where rare ore found here causes all kinds of wild things (big monster animals, vampires, spooks and specters, etc.) It takes inspiration from Dave Meek and from the youtube channel (Boylei Hooby Time) as well as a genre called Weird West.


    I find that this type of model building appeals to me more than the traditional style and could keep me entertained and pushing myself. Mind you I surely don't have the skills to bring these to life right now but I imagine as I move along I will gain them. Looking forward to any thoughts and feedback!

    Best,
    Travis
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Travis,

    Welcome or welcome back. I like Scenario #2 as I think modeling a creepy swamp is something hardly anyone does. Seaports and mountains are everywhere.

    Just my humble 2 cents worth.

    Looking forward to any you may decide on building.

    Tom
    The difference between the almost right word and the right is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.

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    • #3
      Welcome Travis!

      Any of your ideas work for me. I never have a plan. Things just take on a story.

      Laying track tends to motivate a start to fiction behaviors. Departing Donkey Corners for?
      Philip

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      • #4
        I'm kind of partial to Scenario One myself but that's just me. It's your kingdom so as long as you're having fun with it go for it.
        Bob Butts
        Lake Mary, FL

        L. In case of danger to the Company's property employes must unite to protect it.

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        • #5
          Scenario #1 appeals to me, mostly because I like to do structures... #2 has been rarely done, but the Muskrat Ramble is one of the best evocations of a location in any model RR. #3 can draw on a lot of existing work, such as Malcom Furlow and John Olsen. That's the one if you like scenery, I think :-)

          dave
          Modeling 1890s (because the voices in my head told me to)

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          • #6
            Number two.

            Best of both worlds - big trees and water. I'm picturing huge trees with gnarly root systems. Lots of places to hide spooky things - even some cool underwater scenes!

            Best of luck, Travis.

            Cheers, Mark.

            Comment

            • #7
              Welcome to the Forums Travis.

              All three of your scenarios have merit.
              I'm partial to mining layouts and mountains.
              But that has been done a lot.
              ! or 2 would be more unique.
              Like Dave, I thought of the Muskrat Ramble for #2.

              You mention not having the skills to build these.
              None of us did until we started building something.
              You've got many excellent modelers here to help, inspire and motivate.
              Follow along as my dog and I travel the country in our van.
              FaceBook link: https://www.facebook.com/A-Dog-A-Van-and-A-View-108345371976229

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              • #8
                All three scenarios seem like great modeling opportunities to me.

                The most important thing is to find the one that interests you the most and will hold your attention the longest.
                Blending a couple of the options together may be a way for you to learn what you love.

                We are all full of big ideas when we start but few have big results, due to changing tastes and abilities.

                Maybe start with some generic projects that could be used in any of the scenarios, some structures etc while you learn your craft.
                An old shack for example could be used in any of the situations, learning scenery layering and depth will benefit you in all three options.
                Master some basics and then move to the next steps and make them your own, it's always a great journey, but it often deviates.

                Also, building some dioramas of scenes you envisage from each option may help you find your 'groove' and calling.
                These could later be incorporated into which ever final plan you choose.

                Don't limit yourself, try them all and find what's best for you. It's all a learning experience, just have fun with it.

                The worst that can happen is you'll end up with some great experience, a few diverse dioramas on a display shelf and hopefully, through that, you'll find your own distinctive, personal style, goal and direction for YOUR OWN big project when you're ready for it.

                Karl. A
                Last edited by UKGuy; 2 weeks ago.
                • 1 like

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                • #9
                  Oh, and a story always brings our modelling to life, that is the best motivation for the best results.
                  We just have to find/create our own story... and that's the hard part.

                  Karl. A
                  • 1 like

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                  • #10
                    Travis,

                    Welcome.

                    I like to see modeling--whatever the skill--where the builder has a clear vision of what he or she wants to achieve. And the skills tend to develop as building proceeds.

                    It would be interesting to hear about your model railroad journey to date, however long or short.

                    I like the first and second scenarios the most; few have modeled the locales you describe.

                    Mike
                    _________________________________________________

                    Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. James Baldwin

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                    • #11
                      Travis, I would choose #1 as I grew up close to the islands, and it will always be home to me.
                      All the suggestions are good. Since all are so different, build a small dio of each and see which one you feel is the best.

                      Roland

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by UKGuy View Post
                        Oh, and a story always brings our modelling to life, that is the best motivation for the best results.
                        We just have to find/create our own story... and that's the hard part.

                        Karl. A
                        I must agree with Karl here!!
                        Jerry



                        "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." A. Lincoln

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                        • #13
                          Yes. If you don't know his stuff, check out Malcolm Furlow. He's ALL fantasy... Do what you wish.. It's a hobby meant totally for fun and enjoyment..
                          If you want to see trains in swamps or plateaus, canyons or street running it's completely up to you and I'm sure you know this already... The only reason I'd steer away from scenario 2 is that I think the depiction of swamp land is going to be extra difficult to achieve; all those trees/leaves/moss/vines and other foliage and the wet and humid look it needs, plus trestles across/thru it.. But, hey, you're the boss and so you do what you want...
                          But whatever you decide on I wish you great success...
                          Last edited by remark; 2 weeks ago.
                          Mark Harris

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                          • #14
                            Travis, I don't imagine a model railroad would be as much fun without a backstory. I like your number one the best, but the others would be fun, too. Have fun, mike

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by remark View Post
                              The only reason I'd steer away from scenario 2 is that I think the depiction of swamp land is going to be extra difficult to achieve; all those trees/leaves/moss/vines and other foliage and the wet and humid look it needs, plus trestles across/thru it..
                              Frederic did a great swamp dio,
                              after all, once you master the scenery look for that first six inch square area, after that it's all just enhance and repeat.
                              Low trestles are super easy, just very repetitive.

                              Frederic :- When it's sleepy Time down South ... - Railroad Line Forums (railroad-line.com)

                              Karl. A
                              Last edited by UKGuy; 2 weeks ago.

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