[john woodall]

As a European modeller, I suppose I am spoiled with the German Epoch classification system.

But it is a guide only. Epoch 2 is split into 3 parts (a, b and c). While there would have been some cross over between a and b as well as a and c, it is doubtful that stock painted for epoch 2a would have made it to epoch 2c.

Any epoch system is only ever going to be a guide. I think it is unfair to expect a manufacturer to say this locomotive is an exact replica as it was on this specific day (unless you are micro metakit, but look at their price!)

As long as you understand the limitation, it is a great tool to help you decide whether the item did/was/could be an important addition to your layout.

Like Richard says "ANY help to give an approximate timeline will help "

John

 

[john woodall]

Surely something is better than nothing?

No system is going to be perfect, but if you use it as a guide, then even with its faults it is a great aid.

When it comes to Germany the Epoch system is really good. Except for one event, changes happened over a period of time. Epoch 1 covers the period from the start of railways in Germany to the formation of the DRG. Epoch 2 covers the period from the formation of the DRG up to the end of WW II. Epoch 3 covers the period from the end of WW II to the commencement of computer numbering. Epoch 4 covers the period up to the formation of the DBAG. Epoch 5 goes to the present day.

AFAIK there is only one specific event, which is the day the DBAG was formed. On the evening before its formation every item that had the old DB or DR logo on it had a sticker placed on it with the new DBAG logo (only the Germans would have done that!)

Who ever came up with the EPOCH system for the UK needs to be thanked for trying to help and assist modellers to build more believable railways.

The hobby is under a lot of pressure from other activities now days. If it is your thing to build a total fantasy preserved line with loco's and rolling stock that never existed together in real life then that is your choice (this is what my father does) If however you want to build a model railway that is based on real railway practice (with modelling compromises) then loco's and rolling stock are only one part. Peoples clothing, building types, road vehicles fences, street signs, weathering etc etc etc (I love that particular line out of the king and I) are all part of the total picture.

Ultimately this hobby is about enjoyment. We all obtain enjoyment in different ways.

John

 

[john woodall]

My goodness. As a first post this is certainly interesting, but spoken as a true Hornbyite. (kinda like a Marklinist really!)

Of course (I will put my rose tinted rivet counting glasses on here) people beginning with the hobby should not be allowed to buy a model unless they have done exhaustive research on the prototype first of all.

The Bachmann era classification system, and don't lose sight of the fact that Bachmann era classification is an aid, must be rubbish because it does not take into account regional differences. Last Time I looked the NEM German Epoch standards didn't either. In fact the NEM standards are a guide as to when certain significant events took place, whether corporate or political.

Clearly providing additional information to prospective purchases is detrimental to the hobby.

I did a huge amount of research into train compositions, proved to myself pretty conclusively that a particular set of wagons would not have run together, and this was on the basis of talking to a large number of like minded modellers in Germany. Then a new book came out and there was a picture that proved my research totally incorrect. Gotta hate that.

Next up couplings perhaps?