Does Anyone Model/Run European Trains?

I have the Hogwarts set, mostly for the novelty of a UK-style excursion train amongst my fleet (There was a UK steamer whose name escapes me at the moment that toured the US in the 1970's). I have extended my HE out to 9 cars in order to mimic the look of the excursion trains operated in the UK.

I also have a pair of the TRAXX electrics play-acting as a freight electrification demonstrator. If any of the European high-speed trainsets were released in O' Id go for one, even though it would strain my storage capability.

---PCJ

The Flying Scotsman toured the US and Canada in 1969-70 or 71.  Unfortunately, it almost didn't make it back to Great Britain, so as much as I would love to see a British steam loco visit the US, it would probably be too risky.

It's not as cool as having one operating, but there is a British streamlined 4-6-2 in the Green Bay railroad museum. It was used by General Eisenhower during WWII. 

The Eastern New England chapter of the European Train Enthusiasts is a group that shows a European modular layout every January at the Big E Show in Springfield, Mass.  They're always in the hall that's the closest to the parking lots.

Their catenary system is incredible:

The layout is in HO, but it's excellent.  I look forward to visiting it the whole day while walking the rest of the show.  They're nice guys, too.

If you're into European trains, be sure to look for them next time you go to the Big E.

Steven J. Serenska

Visited UK a couple of times, fell in love with LMS and predecessor lines. Have several pieces in OO. I look longingly at the MTH LMS Coronation 4-6-2, but I have too much equipment in O already.

Maybe in another life

Nice job lads! That was absolutely beautiful artwork!!!

Reminded me of a similar mural that was in an old department store downtown.

A show stopper! The crown area layering, skyline tint, and lighting blend is awesome. Pink, or peach fluorescent? or is it all it the paint.   

On another note: from what I understand, modeling in Europe is a bit more exacting in that they model specific places more. Even on fictional railroads they will keep architecture, and trees etc. area correct for its more localized there.

I think we call it 'scale' model railroading in the USA. I know guys that model a exact date, month, day and time!!!! It is more in HO than O with our mix of traditional, semi scale, high rail and 3RS folks.....but still very common. My O 3r layout is set in 1954-57 in WV....so all buildings, trees etc etc have to fit that location and era.

Hi everyone, just thought I would post a video of my Flying Hamburger.

All the best,

Miketg

What scale is that Flying Hamburger?

I have a collection of HO European engines and cars.  I usually picked up a car or engine during travels to Europe.  I have several friends who are members of the European Train Enthusiasts (ETE).  They run Marklin HO and are very active in the SF Bay Area.  

There was a very nice O gauge 2-rail layout exhibited at O Scale West for a few years.  The builders had moved to the USA (or perhaps Canada) from England.  I have several friends who run European G gauge trains.  Again, most of these people immigrated from Europe.

Here are some photos of the O gauge display at O Scale West in 2010.

At McDonalds, there is 1/4 pound on scale before cooking   ....oh..

started out as mahogany to match the room. then all paint, the artists paint backdrops for the movie industry. also there are NO lights, it is all paint 

Wow you doubled my liking this. And after seeing the stain, I think I remember posts on the build now too. But painted mahogany!? If it wasn't so "right" as is, Id have issue with that. Having done mahogany libraries, you don't sand it, you stroke it gently. I couldn't accept the scholarship for theater lighting I earned, had to go with the one for art. I thought the molding might have been gutter lighting, really hard to tell, it looks like planes of peach, and pink light. I didn't want to zoom, and see. It might spoil the memory of this absolutely awesome shoot   

The Flying Hamburger is two rail 0 scale by Kesselbauer of Germany. There were approx. 15 sets produced. I added the interior lighting and needed new casting for the trucks as the originals just did not stand the test of time. This is one of my best all time pieces. 

All the best,

Miketg

Yes,I've got Fleischmann and Marklin HO from the 60's and 70's. I also have a small collection of modern Marklin I gauge. I've bought some of the MTH O gauge items. I travel to Germany a lot on business and always attend a train show or two and always visit the incredible train shops. Trains are much more popular and visible than in the US. Every German toy shop has a massive model railroad department. It's a whole different world and I like it!