If you'd like to read "A Plea for Small Steam" it's available for FREE on the RMC website: rrmodelcraftsman.com/a-plea-for-small-steam/

Interurban era 2023: No layout survives contact with the enemy's model trains

I’m definitely surprised how little HO steam there is smaller than a Pacific/Mikado. There’s like a generic 4-4-0, but not much else. Definitely jealous of the OO modelers who are spoiled for choice with all their tank engines, Moguls, and Atlantics.

@InterurbanEra

Жыл бұрын

It's really disappointing, especially as someone who rarely needs larger steam than a Mikado only to see all the major mfg's remaking and remaking and remaking Bigboys, FEF's and Reading T1s, OO is indeed spoiled with all the small steam, I'd like to see the same in HO as soon as possible.

@alexanderpoirier3350

5 ай бұрын

Also for O Gauge/O Scale. Lionel has made a scale CN 2-6-0 and Harriman 2-8-0 which are excellent stand-ins for various railroads, but they usually are VERY pricey. They have also released an 0-6-0 Yard Goat and 4-4-2 Atlantic. Unfortunately for traditional O Gauge, Lionel used to make a HUGE variety of steam and diesel like an Alco RS-3 body which had either four- or six-wheel trucks under it to represent Alco RSC/RSD models or simpler the Alco FA, a basic but loveable diesel which most first time railroads got acquainted with in their very first train set. MTH also made a “traditional” 2-6-0 Mogul and a 4-6-0 Ten Wheeler but stopped producing them years ago. I agree it would be nice to see more “smaller” steam engines as many railroads employed hundreds if not thousands of these various types, some of which would later end up on smaller railroads and then be preserved as park memorials, museum exhibits or even returned to operation, like Canadian Pacific’s D-10 series of 4-6-0 Ten Wheelers or various Canadian National 0-6-0, 2-6-0, 2-8-0 and 4-6-0 locomotives, of which many still exist both in Canada and the USA.

I would LOVE to see a small "Logging Mikado" steam locomotive in HO scale. Many small, road locomotives like this were used on logging lines and branches in my area. These would be great for any proto freelance or prototypical model railroad. Even as a modern day modeler, I would love one of these because they are a favorite of preservation and scenic railway operations, and one would be great on my little branch line paired with a few historic passenger cars or a photo freight.

@InterurbanEra

3 ай бұрын

Very well put. The lasting appeal of the BLW loggers makes it such a natural choice for a model, it's ridiculous nobody's made them yet.

this channel deserves more recognition

@InterurbanEra

Жыл бұрын

Why thank you! If possible, recommend it to modeling friends, post a link on forums or somewhere where other modelers might see it, please!

3D printing is definitely going to explode in the coming years. People making those hard to find, or never made models. To fill demand for things that aren’t accessible. More than just details/scenic stuff but full models. I’ve personally commissioned a Brill 350 model car from the C&O, of which the last brass unit on eBay sold for 1,950.00

@InterurbanEra

Жыл бұрын

I agree. It seems like we're about 2-3 generations of printers (less than 5 years) from having artifact-free resin prints, which will be incredible. I've been using resin prints for kitbashing for about 3 years now, and it's been such a remarkable upgrade from Shapeways.

Just bumped into your video. I loved this Q&A.

@InterurbanEra

Жыл бұрын

I'm so delighted you enjoyed it!

What do you think of people upgrading and running ancient locomotives from the 50s? For example I own and operate a fleet of Hobbytown of Boston/Cary Locomotive works locomotives that have been updated and upgraded.

@InterurbanEra

Жыл бұрын

I adore it! I think it's always, always a good thing to extend the lives of older models by superdetailing and upgrading them. Cary locomotives are such beasts! They pull so well. Which hobbytown models do you have, the RS3s?

@derkaiser50

Жыл бұрын

@@InterurbanEra I have a RSD-4/5, two EMC FT's (one A and one B unit) and I have an SW1200 with an athearn shell on it

What is your opinion on 3D recreations of your work? I would love to model Alta digitally, as a local northern Californian.

@InterurbanEra

Жыл бұрын

My only stipulation is that I'd love to work together to advise on getting it correct! (plus I can share essential knowledge/lore to get the feel right too) What train sim program do you use?

@finn_4761

Жыл бұрын

@@InterurbanEra I traditionally use Rolling Line, as I’m used to the visual artstyle, and the appeal of the simple way you build layouts. While I understand the community is a hellspawn (I’m a ex member of if), I more or less just like to make my own trains and watch them go around. I do all my 3D modeling for steam and diesel engines in Blender.

@InterurbanEra

Жыл бұрын

@@finn_4761 do you like making the more cute stylized models or the hyper detailed ones? I think it'd be fun to do them in the original art style.

@finn_4761

Жыл бұрын

@@InterurbanEra I can do both. I actually like using the distinctive color pallet Rolling Line has with loads of modeled detail.

@InterurbanEra

Жыл бұрын

Which aesthetic are you leaning towards for the ALTA build? If you wish, DM me on Instagram or join the Patreon at any level to DM me there so we can continue the convo there. Thanks!

Great video but sometimes really hard to hear your voice trough the music

@InterurbanEra

11 ай бұрын

Duly noted, I'll make sure Future AmA's will have sound dialed in properly!