Model Railroad Blog

Virtuosity and Model Railroading

BLACK ICEs

“Black Ice” Virtuoso model and photo by Bob Springs

Virtuosity: Masterly skill or technique in the arts.

 

Many years ago I attended a talk at a sales convention given by motivational speaker Peter Vidmar, the highest scoring American gymnast in Olympic history.  The subject of the talk centered on what it took to be the absolute best in gymnastics and how the same principles applied to many endeavors.  Gymnastics is a highly competitive sport.  At the Olympic level many of the athletes have the ability to perform the events with technical perfection.  So, if every competitor performs perfectly from a technical standpoint, how do you separate a gold medal performance from the others?

The answer is virtuosity, that difficult to define, impossible to quantify, artistic element that separates the best from the technically great.  Virtuosity is what separates a CAD drawing from Da Vinci, it separates Fantasia Barrino’s rendition of ‘Summer Time’ from a very entertaining cruise ship performer.

Virtuosity applies to model railroading as well.  Every month we see models that are technically correct in every way and fully deserving of adorning the magazine covers they appear upon.  Attaining that admirable achievement however, doesn’t mean the modeler has hit that upper one half of one percent that brings it to the level of a virtuoso performance.

The litmus test is this; does the model create an emotional impact?  Does it rise above being merely interesting?  Does it instill a mood?  You can’t reach that level in model building through technical competence alone, you have to have an emotional connection to the subject and have the artistic ability to interpret, re-create, and present it in miniature.

Virtuosity is attainable.  It’s not about expensive tools or large basements.  It’s not about triple stack viaducts with red locomotives on each level.  It starts with a mindset and an ability to recognize and appreciate the beauty and grace in the most ordinary of subjects.  It’s about scene composition, color, texture, and execution.

I challenge many of the well known modelers out there that attained technical mastery decades ago and have reached a plateau.   Some have taken the hobby as far as they want to take it and that’s fine.  To others I offer the observation that they haven’t peaked and whether they realize it or not, there is another rung of the ladder above them and reaching for it will re-energize their passion for the hobby.

The more modelers that go beyond technical competence and reach for artistic mastery, the better off the hobby will be.   The more virtuoso modeling performances there are, the more people will be drawn to the hobby and the more energy and buzz there will be for those already in it.

 

 

The Operations Mindset, Symphony to Be Savored or Bitter Pill to be Swallowed?

Twilight

The exceptional YouTube video above epitomizes the symphony of sound and motion characteristic of railroad switching operations.  When you’re done watching ask yourself, do you want your model operating sessions to capture this flavor or that of a slot car race?

Model Railroading is unique in that it allows us to build very delicate, highly detailed models AND interact with them.  Unlike building a static model of an aircraft, our models move.  Not only that, they can be made to move in a manner and environment very similar to the real thing.

This allows to be infused into the miniature world we’ve tried so hard to create.  Not only are we transported to this world, we can be an active participant.  What could be a better break from the pressures of ordinary life?  For a period of time we can actually be the engineer or conductor, in total control and operating in an environment of our choosing?

It seems like an experience we would want to stretch out and savor, not something to be dispatched and dispensed with the same lack of  enthusiasm  we have on a trip to the dentist.  Model railroad operations shouldn’t be some bitter pill to be swallowed and washed down as quickly as possible.

And yet, that is exactly how most model railroads are operated.  It is a mission mindset.  Beat the clock. On your mark, get set, go.  Get to the finish line as soon as possible.  To watch a video of a typical model railroad switching move you’d think you were watching a FedEx driver.  You know the drill, the FedEx truck squeals around the corner, accelerates up the street,  and screeches to a halt at the door.  The driver hops out, trots up your drive, tosses the package on the porch and then blasts away.  That is EXACTLY the way most model railroad operating sessions look.  The locomotive approaches the spur at a scale 40mph, the throttle is ground to 0 in a 10 g stop move, simultaneously the turnout toggle is switched.  The locomotive slams into the car knocking it 10 feet back, accelerates like a top fuel dragster and goes onto the next move.

Why that mindset, why try to end the experience so quickly when a) it is utterly and absolutely unrealistic and b) does nothing but speed up the end to what is supposed to be a relaxing experience? There are two reasons.  First it’s just a bad habit.  Second is lack of knowledge as to how long the prototype takes and what steps they go through (study the video above for ideas).

How long should a move take?  Switching layouts start approaching the prototype when it comes to time and task.  Granted things are compressed but many tasks are not distance related.  Swapping a load for an empty on a model railroad approaches the same amount of time as on the prototype, about 15 minutes.  Switching layouts should not be dictated by a model railroad fast clock.  They should be done in 1:1 real time.

I ran a time study of the basic switching move of swapping a load for an empty on my layout. Without going overboard waiting for my imaginary conductor to walk several hundred feet, but just taking my time and incorporating operational practices it came to 15 minutes.  That’s right, working at a leisurely pace and incorporating many but not all prototype practices it was 15 minutes.   It certainly wasn’t two or three.  Why so long?  There are a lot of tasks involved in moving railcars, many of which can be modeled without being too gimmicky.

Here are just a few examples that will give you some ideas.  Current rules dictate that employees are not to jump from moving equipment.  As you operate be at least partially mindful of where your imaginary conductor is.  The locomotive needs to come to a full stop for the conductor to get off.  You don’t need to take it to an extreme but at least be aware.  Switching moves should be done at about 5 to 10 scale miles per hour.  Industrial drives and street crossings are often protected by fusees which we can model with tokens or LEDs.  Industries have locked gates which we can model.  Switches are locked which we can model.  Rail crews frequently walk over and talk to the customer rep. to confirm car spots or the task at hand.  If pick ups are placed in the train, a set and release air brake test should be performed (typically 5 minutes for a short prototype train) before the train goes down the line.  Every modeler needs to decide for themselves where the line is between operations that you want to copy and operations that are tedious.  For example, in the real world a crew may take 20 minutes to walk and inspect a spur that hasn’t been used in awhile.  Maybe that is too much to copy….or maybe you should park the locomotive put a fresh cup of coffee on and come back in a few minutes.

We’ve gone to a lot of effort to create this miniature world, why not milk it for all it’s worth and enjoy the ride.

My Layout’s Done, Now What?

Through the course of a week I get photos of modeler’s progress on their  layouts.  Many of them are switching layout based on the Palmetto Spur or plans in my books.  To a person, I’ve been very impressed with what I’m seeing.  Many are first efforts from those just entering or re-entering the hobby.   It gives me a lot of satisfaction to see folks coming off of the sidelines and joining the fold, Xacto blade in hand.  True model railroaders!

Unlike larger layouts which generally are never 100 per cent “done”, a small project will often get to the point where it is substantially complete.  What next?  This is a nice problem to have and the answer is an easy one.  One choice would be to start over on another layout, no harm in that.  Let me suggest another option though.

The first step is to take a moment to pat yourself on the back for an effort well done.  Just getting trains running is no small task and probably puts you in the minority.  Being able to even run equipment is no small thing.  The layouts I’m seeing are very neatly constructed and trimmed out.  Not lavish, just very clean looking and neatly executed.  This is something I’ve tried to emphasize as it builds morale and impacts how the owner feels about his layout.  I’m also getting some feedback about happy spouses, some which are even going so far as to help with videos.  The reasons the wives are happy are: a) the layout is complete so they can now see what the fuss was about.  Talk has been replaced by action.  b) you’ve done a neat trim job so it looks good in the house c) it’s not some massive, half finished, ratty dinosaur swallowing up the house.  O.K., everybody is happy, let’s get to the next step.

Since you have something visually complete that runs, let’s keep it that way.  My suggestion is to make another slow pass at the layout gradually replacing key portions with new efforts based on your current skill level.  It makes sense that what you can build today will be better than what you could do a year ago.    Pat yourself on the back and acknowledge that what you built was your best effort based on your skill set at the time.   The reality is you are a better modeler now.  Next year you will be even better.

Take a note pad and carefully examine the layout making notes of things that bug you or you think you can improve upon.  Pick small sections, say half a square foot or so, and re-build them pushing yourself to exceed your previous effort.   Get some high quality prototype photos of  the area you are modeling, print them out, carefully examine them, and compare the photo to what you see on your layout.  Take particular note of color, weathering, scenery patterns, and details.  See how closely you can match the feel of the photo with particular emphasis on subtle color patterns.   Compare the material cross sections (posts, poles, etc.) on your layout versus the photo.  Typically we model things too ‘thick’.  For example a prototype 4 x 4 post should be represented by something  .045” square.  Modelers commonly model that post as something much thicker which sort of stands out as being a bit “off”.  A scale HO “inch” is .011”, a key number to remember (in other words a 2” diameter steel post should be modeled with . 022” rod or wire).

Some ideas for a second pass across the layout are:

  • Pull up a short section of your Atlas track (maybe 18” to 24”) and replace it with Micro Engineering track.  Add super details to the rail such as joint bars, rods, etc.  Add dummy switch throws with dummy rods to your switches.
  • Replace one or more of your structures making a concerted effort to really get the color and weathering right. In terms of color and weathering focus on a light subtle touch.  Print out a photo of the existing structure model you are replacing.  Circle blemishes or key areas you want to improve on the replacement, second effort.  Go a step further with the details adding gutters, power meters, etc.  Exceed your previous effort in terms of clean seams and finish work.  Details alone don’t improve realism.  In fact if the details are oversize, crooked, or the wrong color they will hurt you rather than help.  They need to be cleanly applied.
  • Purchase a static grass applicator and put a LOT of time into detailing a grassy area.    Again start with a small section.  Anybody interested in this should email me and I can elaborate.
  • Add prototype line side details such as private crossing signs, mileposts, etc.  Watch the material cross sections of your details making sure they aren’t too thick.
  • Add a few super detailed, very high quality foreground trees.  Work from a photo of an actual tree.  Make an effort to avoid unrealistically sharp branch angles or overly thick and blunt branch ends.  Make sure the tree is vertical when you plant it.
  • Do a photo neatness check.  Take a photo of your layout and view it in large format on your screen.   Is all of the ballast cleaned off the rail sides, vertical items vertical, and structures seated squarely?  Print the photo out, circle the blemishes and then correct them on the layout.

These are just a few ideas.   You’ve already succeeded by virtue of getting this far so it’s nothing but upside from here.

 

Under Table Sound

SoundTest

Standing rail side listening to  a switcher work his job is a visceral experience.  I’ve always loved the sound of large internal combustion engines whether it be throttling up and down or just idling.  Even more, I love the feel of that deep bass thumping on my chest.  I get the same thrill from the show now as I did thirty years ago.   As the audio on YouTube videos gets better and better, my frustration has been mounting when I go to the basement and listen to that tinny model railroad sound coming from my locomotives.  It’s ‘sound’ yes, but it’s not anywhere close to the real thing. The problem is not the decoders.  A chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link and the weak link is speaker size.  No matter how great the decoder, there are distinct limits as to the degree of deep throaty bass you can get from a speaker the size of a nickel.  The exceedingly patient sound guru’s I’ve talked explain to me that when it comes to bass, size matters.  To get the sound that I want  I need a larger speaker.  An HO locomotive is only so big so you are forced to settle.  Yesterday, after  watching yet another video on YouTube with great audio  it reached the point where I just couldn’t stand it any more.  Time for action.  There has been a lot of discussion about under table sound lately, particularly with the release of the highly promising Soundtraxx Surroundtraxx system.

Theory, informed  guesses on chat forums, and advice from tech reps will only tell you so much.  To find out what I needed to know about under table sound I needed to build a ‘sound mockup’.  I didn’t want to spend a boatload on something that may not have worked so I did some rummaging around.  I dug out an old Soundtraxx DSX decoder and equally ancient 3 inch desktop speaker.  I added leads to the decoder and fashioned a makeshift ‘locomotive’ on a board.  One set of leads was hardwired to the track power bus, the other to the speaker.  Using a jumper wire,  I programmed a loco. address into the decoder.  All set, I hit the power switch and there was a brief moment of silence.  For just a second, there was the downside I was prepared for, that it wouldn’t work.  Then, a moment later and there it was, the basement literally rocked to the sound of an EMD prime mover starting up.  It was mind blowing! I didn’t just hear it, I felt it.  On a low volume setting the rich and deep bass sound was just incredible.  Even with an old 8 bit decoder, and old 3″ speaker, the richness of the sound was impressive.   Like an idiot I must have sat there for ten minutes just throttling up and down and taking it all in.  The answer could not have been any more definitive, speaker size does matter and in a huge way.  It also seemed that by virtue of the decoder being hard wired directly into the bus (not relying on wheel to rail contact) that the throttle response was faster.

Based on the success of the first step of the experiment I’ve decided to pursue things further. The next step was to order a 16 bit Tsunami sound decoder.  People in the know tell me that the data in 16 bit sound is not just twice as much as an 8 bit decoder, but exponentially more.  I’ll have to take their word for it.  After upgrading the decoder, I’ll look into speakers.  Keep in mind I was using a cheap  old 3″ speaker.  Soundtraxx technical bulletin number 11 states that, even without modifications, the Tsunami TSU-1000 can handle up to a six inch speaker!  Add an amplifier and you can go larger.  As I continue to test the under table sound concept the idea isn’t so much to produce more volume but rather more fidelity.  After upgrading to the Tsunami the next step in the test will be to add one, or several, high quality five or six inch speakers.

The key question we all would have is the subject of sound direction.  How will it sound if the loco is on one end of the layout and the speaker on the other?  The experts I’ve talked to state that bass is less of a ‘directional’ sound than the higher pitches.  By that they mean the human ear has a harder time pinpointing the location of a bass sound.  This seems to be true.   Also, switching layouts have two characteristics that make them more suited for under table sound than a traditional layout.  First, they are smaller.  Second, you only have one locomotive on the layout at a time.  The whole under table  idea breaks down if you have a larger layout and multiple locos (enter the Surroundtraxx system but that’s a separate subject).  The only way to find out about the directional issue was to run a test.  I put a loco. on the layout, hit f8 for mute, and then put it in a consist with the under table decoder.  Yes,  to an extent the difference in location between the loco. and speaker is noticeable, not as much as you’d think though.   It seemed to matter where, as an operator, I was standing.  Also, the sound quality was so much higher I was really torn.  Fantastic fidelity with a little locational discrepancy or crappy sound coming from the right spot?  I still need to run the experiment out further to see how far I can take things.  Still to be tested is the subject of speaker location and direction, multiple speakers, and possibly even wireless headphones where the sound is piped right to your ear.   I don’t have a definitive conclusion as to whether under table will be the way to go for a small, one loco. switching layout but all signs are pointing in that direction.  Stay tuned!

The Structure Quandary

Over the past decade I’ve had a hard time ignoring the similarity between model railroader’s penchant for impulse buying/indiscriminate accumulation as compared to the same issue in any other retail setting.  I’m not sure there is a difference between purchasing more shoes than there are days in the week as opposed to buying dozens of structures none of which seem to be earmarked for any particular future purpose and none of which are ever assembled.    In both cases it comes down to the brief high from ‘getting the fix’ and buying something.  After that, the purchased item rarely sees the light of day.  The enjoyment is short lasting indeed. The only solution if you want to prolong the feeling is to buy something again.

I’d like to focus on structure kits for now although rolling stock runs a close second.  For many, many modelers structures are their favorite part of the hobby, at least buying them is.   In many cases the purchase is rationalized when in reality it is just satisfying a craving.  The accumulated kits are unrelated to any central theme or era and go un-built.  In many cases the purchaser doesn’t have a layout either by choice or circumstance.   I’ve written before that, although there are many ways to participate in the hobby, accumulation of merchandise without any intended purpose is not one of them.  After the initial high of making a purchase, the modeler gets none of the long term satisfaction that they should seek from a hobby.

I do believe this can be turned around though if we change our thinking towards structures in general.  We have several flaws in our thinking. The first is that there is no value in assembling a structure if it won’t eventually be on a model railroad.   That’s not true.   The second flaw is assuming that the value of assembling a kit is in the finished product.  The third flaw is that we need to keep assembled models after they are done.  We don’t.   In all three cases we overlook the fact that the value is in the process, the satisfaction of assembly if you will.  This can be no small thing.  The great news is that you don’t need to ever have a layout in order to achieve this satisfaction.

A valuable lesson could be learned by taking a cue from our cousins in the military or automotive modeling side of the hobby.  They don’t have model railroad layouts or other settings to place the completed model and yet on they march in total bliss assembling an F-15 one month, a warthog the next. Unlike military modelers however, we railroaders face a problem. While an 1/48 model of an aircraft may only be a foot long and a few inches tall, many completed structure models are quite large, often taking up four or five square feet.  That raises the significant issue of what do we do with the darn things when they are done?

If we change our perspective on model railroad structures and align it more towards that of the military modelers we are now in a position to get true satisfaction from the hobby even if we don’t have a layout.

 

  1. Get in the habit of assembling your structure kits for one simple reason, the joy and satisfaction of assembly.  Whether you have a layout or not is irrelevant.  If a particular kit appeals to you, BUILD IT.
  2. With a finished kit in hand we hit the stumbling block that trips most people up and keeps them from building the kit in the first place.  What do you do with it now?  As mentioned before it may be fairly large.  There are three things you can do.  If your structure models are fairly small, treat yourself to a nice display case and put them in there.  The second option is to give them away or sell them, although this may not be so easy and be more trouble than it’s worth.   The third option will be difficult for many to accept and that is to simply pitch them.  What?  That’s right, throw the kits away.   Keep them awhile, photograph them and then eventually pitch them.   If a particular model has given you forty or fifty hours of relaxation and satisfaction that’s saying quite a bit.  It’s served its purpose.  If you don’t have a place for it, no use for it, throw it away and start on the next one.  Look at this way, attending a sporting event with parking may cost well over a hundred dollars and provide four or five hours of enjoyment.  After the event is over we have no more expectations for our entertainment dollars.  We spent our money, we were entertained, and that’s the end of it.  Why should modeling be different?  The same hundred dollars spent on a structure kit will certainly provide more than a few hours of entertainment.  Model building provides more entertainment hours per dollar spent than most other pastimes.  It’s a great value.

 

So far we’ve been talking about structure accumulation for those with no layouts.  Those with layouts or those about to get layouts face another problem.  They have an inventory of kits accumulated over decades that, while interesting on an individual basis, have absolutely ZERO relationship to each other or any central theme.  Because the modeler spent money getting them, they feel compelled to use them on the layout. They shouldn’t and trying to do so creates unforeseen problems.    Often designs are forced around awkward structure footprints as opposed to letting the theme drive the design.  After the layout is built and the random structures placed willy nilly on its surface, it lacks visual cohesiveness.  In essence the layout has been forced to be a display case, something that just doesn’t work visually.   An analogy would be buying clothes for a vacation before you know where you are going.   Rather than looking like a model of a railroad the layout looks like a retail store front.   The only way to get a cohesive look with a model railroad  is to design it first, and THEN purchase the structures.   This isn’t to say that buying those structures was wasted money.  The layout and your structure building can be split out as two separate pastimes.  There is no reason you can’t build a structure for the sheer joy of doing so and simply not use it on your layout.

The point of all this is to change our view on structures and the role they play with how we derive satisfaction from them.   There can be a tremendous amount of enjoyment obtained simply from building them!  So, build them.  Spending time doing a relaxing and satisfying task is the sole reason for having a hobby.   Let’s get away from over thinking structures and requiring that each and every one of them have a future role after they are completed.