Game changer... (N part 8)
Take a look at a prototype railway photo with no locomotives or trains in the scene and what shouts British standard gauge more than bull-head track?
When Peco launched their range of bull-head track in OO it really felt like a game changer, here was track that screamed British branch line (or steam era mainline for that matter!). Finely detailed sleepers and chairs, a true delight. When first thinking of N I had the somewhat chunky Code 55 Peco track in mind, and I know it can be worked with - Tyler Whitcomb's Tenino Western is a wonderful example of what can be done with it - but for me it was the possibility of using Atlas Code 55 that felt like proper N scale modelling.
We've had plenty of conversation here on the blog about my ideas and exploration of N scale through the lens of North American logging railroads, proving to myself that N is a feasible scale for me to work in. A distinct a lack of space for the expansive logging empire I had in mind saw the experiment remain just that. But what is this? Surely this can't be N? It looks so fine, it must be a photo of Peco OO...
This is British Finescale N Code 40 bullhead, compared with Peco OO Code 75 Bullhead. Wow! Can you think of any other words? My breath was taken away when I saw a photo of it, it feels like it opens doors to a world of possibilities...
So the obvious question is what to run on it? After clearing out OO items I raised enough money to pick up a Graham Farish Class 31 and some items of rolling stock. I’m not quite sure how to interact with this yet but first impressions are ‘double wow’. I shared a photo with Chris…
I’ve never said this before and given my genetic predisposition toward N I’m surprised that I’m about to:
I can’t believe that’s N.
What I’m interested in is how we, i.e. human modellers, interact with these smaller models compared to OO, in mind I'm thinking how I work with cameo layouts at near eye level.
It’s small.
I get in close but because it’s small and my focal length doesn’t change it doesn’t work.
The angles are wrong, it feels un-natural. Standing back, though, taking a wider view and it clicks. This is going to be fun to experiment with on a smaller layout, I've got some ideas as well as a few co-conspirators, until next time, more soon...
I have some Easitrac from the 2mm Association here and believe it was designed at the same time the same way as Finetrax so feel like, in a small way (forgive that unintentional pun) I feel like I can appreciate just how darn amazing this must look.
ReplyDeleteI expect this kind of high resolution detailing will really change how we understand N scale. The design fascination remains on 'a lot of stuff in the box' and less so on how we engage with the scale to tell our story. I've always felt like N exists in a weird space where the small details, accurately rendered, was possible but challenged by how we read them when looking at the models as if some details should be larger to cast stronger shadows or amplify their component voices?
I am so excited to see what you are working on in this scale. It's always felt like home for me, no matter where I wander in terms of my own collection, but it's always that first love my heart is drawn closest too--that one I always wished had worked out.
Chris
I would welcome a joint effort Chris, your passion and for the scale will help immensely, I’m sure, and the energy from shared experiences will help drive it forwards once more…
DeleteGodspeed! I'll be interested to read your experiences. Inspired by Steve Nichol's 2mm Gakunan cameo, and Lance Mindheim's experiments with N, especially his recent Brooklyn float yard, convinced me that with care the scale is worthy of trial. A cameo based on the CPR British Columbian float operations is planned. The important bits have been collected: code 40 track to be used after initially testing the concept with Atlas code 55, Z scale couplers, better trucks and wheels (BLMA) and an engine that runs flawlessly (Atlas Alco S2). It's an exciting time to be experimenting in N/2mm.
ReplyDeleteI think, even now so early on in the journey that there is something specific that I’ve not managed to understand and articulate about the approach to N that works in a scale manner. Viewing angles and scene composition are at the front of my mind here, as N offers the change for more open space but the challenge of how to use that without things feeling artistically bland. Model making is an art form, where more often the artist has learnt to be comfortable with the medium. Here I’m very green, and there is plenty to consider and learn.
DeleteMy biggest frustration at present is couplings, nothing ticks all the boxes for me, Rapido type are of course ridiculous, Microtrains N too large, and a big mod. Dapol buckeyes are huge, Microtrains Z work nicely but are too short, and require modifications. DG fiddly as hell, where is a modern push in NEM coupling?
Only time will answer if the scale will work to meet what you wish to attempt to articulate. N/2mm is not unique in this--poorly rendered figures seen on many otherwise perfect large scale models are as jarring as N scale couplers.
DeleteN scale's unique challenges require a major change of focus and attention to pull off. Plausible is the key here, as it is in most scales--and in art. I have yet to see a scene that is completely plausible in any scale; there is always something that shatters the experience. The modeler often misses these jarring things they built into their model. Most viewers may bump over these things and so the mistakes are continued in the next model. What matters most to me is if the viewer's experience is what you designed it to be, and they enjoyed it. One thing I learned in art school is that sticking to pure realism doesn't necessarily create something with lasting interest. It can be beautiful but it likely will become bland.
To use an art analogy, James, I think the difficulty is that your approach to OO scale, whether standard or narrow-gauge, is that of a still-life painter, whereas N gauge demands the approach of a landscape painter.
DeleteThe skills required are much the same but the vision is completely different.
Colin, that is very well put. What I am planning to demonstrate is that you needn’t treat N in that manner, I want to do a still life with N. I believe it will be possible and a great chance to showcase the scale. We shall see!
DeleteIn reply to Chris Mears, the 2mm finescale Easitrack was in fact developed first after a few brave Association members clubbed together and engaged a mould maker. It was made possible by the Association's correct rail profile. After seeing Easitrack Wayne developed Finetrax and then went on to develop point kits to match. These point kits have now been also produced for 2mm finescale, thus neatly bringing us full circle.
ReplyDelete