esngblog

I’ve often seen criticism of the Stuttgart layout and modular systems in general that (a) it’s unrealistic and visually poor to have different scenery from different locations on adjacent modules, and (b) that the total mix of trains is not right.  These are, of course, valid points, but I think you have to look at modular railways as just one facet of the hobby where (a) there can be a wide range of railway features modelled and each section can be looked at alone and appreciated in its own right (although NCI do specify scenery colours in their module standards), and (b) it’s Rule 1, so any train can run – half the fun is not knowing what is coming next.  And of course, it does allow very large modular layouts to be set up, far larger than we at ESNG could ever imagine.

So here are a few more of Allan’s pictures, of modules including…..

Stations….

Yards…..

Main lines…..

Junctions…..

Single track branches….

And sometimes the downright peculiar, with this French glowing snow shed!

We’ll have some other layouts next time.

One of the pleasures of the Stuttgart meet is operating a section of track – without any complex junctions and other pointwork.  You need to be alert enough to spot trains coming, and whether there is room down the line to take your train, but few mental gymnastics are needed.  And you enjoy a procession of different trains; mainly European, but with others thrown in for good measure.  On Saturday, that’s exactly what Allan did…..

Spend most day behind Richard Oliver’s layout, watching the trains going over the bridge.

And if you are very lucky, the Christmas train goes by…..

Moving rapidly on to a few module pictures.  There are always some good bridges on show.

And how people deal with their end loops is also interesting – from the simple to the intricate!

The waterwings!

More modules and other bits and pieces next time!

For the rest of the week, I’ll post some of Allan’s photos from the N-Club International meet at the Stuttgart Messe.  It will be a bit of a photo dump, as I wasn’t there, and I may confuse a few items.

Today we’ll first take an overview of the hall, showing just how large the N gauge display is. In the past there has been mainly one large modular layout, but with the increasing use of DCC, and with single track and narrow gauge layouts, the tendency now is for a number of modular setups and some stand-alone layouts.  But either way, it’s BIG.

Fortunately most module layouts are set out to allow one to establish a ‘base camp’ in the middle for operation, relaxation (though the chairs are hard) and tea, coffee, or something a little stronger.

The next few shots could be described as ‘men at work.’  Operating a junction like this does my head in!!  After a couple of hours I’ve no idea which train is going where….

These next few also show some of the excellent modular modelling on show.

Sometimes they look happy…..  And sometimes they look a little concerned….

Not forgetting the ladies, of course (watching her module to check it worked – of course it did.)

More next time!

Whilst Maxine and I were in Berlin, Allan travelled to the NCI meet at Stuttgart.  I’d originally considered doing a triangular trip including both Stuttgart and Berlin, but this was just too difficult for my tired old brain!  Maybe another year?

I’ll be picking up all Allan’s camera shots over the weekend, but here are a few of the set-up day, and of Thursday.  I think that I’ve been here before…..

Allan comments….

Been a good day just helping out here and there. Been great not having to set up our own modules.  Richard Oliver’s modules were standing around for quite a few hours waiting for modules to turn up. Last to arrive was Pauline with Mirfield.

My experience has been that either (i) the Swiss get held up at customs, or (ii) the nearest clubs arrive last, and (iii) they are always linked to, and upstream of, your modules.  I agree that it’s great not to have to put your own layout up – and make it work.

There is just so much work setting up a large show….

And three festive pictures.  It’s so tricky to model snow well, but these night time scenes look great.  I like the details such as the ruts along the road, and the man fishing through a hole in the ice!

And of course the first day of the show….

Is followed by the booth party (including some very long speeches and perhaps a few hangovers?)

More photos to follow….