Tellin’ stories…
There are occasions when even running a train can feel too much like hard work. Yes, you could shuttle up and down the yard in your switcher or shunter but to actually operate the layout - no chance…
I'll wait, I'll sow the seed, I set the scene, andI watch the world go by
I love Modelu figures. I never glue them in place, for me their realism and neutral poses allow countless scenes to be imagined, created, choreographed… in those moments when operation is too much these gentle compositions become a calming space, a place to close one eye, get to ground level and put yourself there, in the story…
Until next time, more soon…
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At Buxton last week I was vaguely forming the view that the layouts that were worked were the ones that had some internal narrative, or inherent drama. Not in an overt way, more remincisent of the scene setting in Adlestrop:
ReplyDeleteIt was late June.
The steam hissed. Someone cleared his throat.
No one left and no one came"
Yes, perhaps there is something in this artful way we capture atmosphere which comes from a deep connection with story telling and railways, real and imagined…
DeleteI have concocted a short story based on Drystone Moss, my 006 pizza, which will get posted once the layout is finished.
DeletePaul, Roy Link's Crowsnest Tramway was, IIRC, baserd on Tom Rolts's rather scary ghost story.
DeleteI'll have to look that out, I like a good ghost story.
DeleteThe story I wrote is more of a note from a passing walker.
"Hey Joe. I got this English guy here. Asks if we're interested in leasing some locomotives from him."
ReplyDeleteVery good! Haha thanks Ian
DeleteHi James
ReplyDeleteA thought provoking piece for a weekend!!
I have written a history of the railroad related operations of my shortline and its owner as they appear on my piece of imagined world. This helps to fix what I am modelling in relation to the real world. However it does draw on what did happen on the Simpson and Weyerhaeuser's operations and other similar railroads from the 1940's to today . Having "story" makes what I am doing feel authentic. It makes sure I don't stray to far into fantasy and ensures I don't give into " I like that" buying unless I can justify in within my "story"
Best regards
Alan
Best regards
Alan
I’m wondering if you and Paul have come at this from a different angle… which is interesting and of course, refreshing…
DeleteIn my original post I was reflecting on how realistic figures and creating a ‘cameo’ of characters can be a relaxing distraction even when not running trains…
You both have mentioned back stories… this is something I also enjoy, but hadn’t inferred in the title. It takes all sorts of course!
If you haven’t got any, I can whole heartedly recommend Modelu figures - they’d certainly bring the locomotives of your lumber layout to life.
Hi James
DeleteYes I have some ModelU figures and they are really excellent. I can't recommend them enough.!! I think I might have been one of those who suggested he should do a North American H0 scale range.
I have two groups one for the transition area around 1960 and another for more modern operations. They are mostly crew on my lokeys /caboose and a few at the roundhouse. I generally avoid having people on my layout except train crew. My layout largely consists of a number of industrial plants and with the exception of shift changes the staff should be inside working!!. Brakeman conductors are the exception. I think having appropriate road vehicles suggests life rather that too many figures frozen in time.
I would however like to find space for a mini Hilton riding the footsteps
Best regards
Alan