2009?

With the year winding down you'd think I'd have the foresight to choose or alter a billboard that will keep my layout in the present. But no. I suspect I was just happy enough to find a decent billboard via Google, it didn't even occur to me at that moment. Furthermore, my search parameters were " Iowa Billboard"; after countless clicks I'd forgotten I altered the search to just " billboards". The end result - I used a billboard set in 2009 for a Honda dealer in New Jersey, not Iowa.

I have no intention of changing it anytime soon. If nothing else, it'll serve as a reminder to look before I hit print. Eventually I'll find a new one. But it got me thinking, maybe I want to set my layout permanently in 2009. It's common practice in model railroading; set the scene and stick to it. Many modelers find it useful for pinning down things like signage, vehicles, motive power...

I don't think that's were I'm going with this layout. I like the idea of being completely flexible with what I can model. Besides, I consider this particular layout to be an experiment, maybe for something bigger down the road.

Eric Brooman's layout, the Utah Belt, has always been appealing for its up to date setting. As time goes by Eric updates his rolling stock and roster according to the present date.

So the billboard stays for now, at least for another 12 days or so.

The First Idea

The Christmas holiday is upon us...for model railroaders the holiday seems to hold an extra morsel of sentimentality. The obvious reason; the train running around the loop of track under the tree or the displays in store windows. Just like the holiday cheer that comes once a year, its full might is fleeting. In a few weeks, after all the shopping madness, office parties and nutty relatives pay a visit, we'll revert to our non-holiday mode; or regular mode. It's too bad; I much prefer things when we're all in a good mood.

The same goes for trains. It's brief visit upon mainstream consciousness is just as fleeting. Come December 26th; the train gets put away. More so, the idea of train gets shelved yet again. It's not in our periphery long enough anymore to make an impact.

Having just recently taken a long distance train trip, I can attest to its continuing viability as a transportation alternative. I'd wager a bet my multi-day trip was more pleasant than any auto or plane trip you'll embark on during the holiday. What is disappointing however is that what I considered a enjoyable experience, could be even more so with the proper funding, but isn't.

It's certainly not for lack of technology. It's been around for decades; and with the right dollars the level of technology could be catapulted forward in leaps and bounds. It has after all, been shelved, year after year. There's no reason why we shouldn't be able to take a high speed train, 180mph plus from Chicago to Denver. Acela in the NorthEast is laughable, even ten years after its debut, it barely keeps a top speed of 125.

Funding is abundant if you ask me, not that I'm an expert. But, countless, perpetual highway projects are always flush with cash. It's shocking that as a population we're oblivious to the fact that most highway projects just generate even more traffic. The system as a whole, highways/cars, just doesn't work; it never will and it's incredibly costly to maintain.

While I gazed out the window for nearly 2,000 miles, it just underscored the obviousness of a truly elegant, unobtrusive solution...just 4'-8 1/2" wide - two rails...and hundreds of people or thousands of tons can move. The irony is that it's an idea over a century old - sometimes the best ideas are the first ones, or the ones right under your tree.

Have a great holiday! Spend some time with your friends and relatives; and then as soon as they go or when they're not looking or crocked on the special egg nog , sneak down to your layout or workbench and play with your trains!

The above pic, BNSF freight north of Raton Pass Dec.2, 2009