[Dennis David]

I can only comment on German models and there are a lot more shops and products online than there is regarding British models so I don't really know what planet you are refering to.

 

[Dennis David]

That I would have to agree with but what companies are out there? If anyone knows of other manaufacturers or suppliers that are not German, British or American please share the link. I would always want to see what else is available.

Oh and Gary, $100 says I can find more German manufacturers/suppliers/dealers that are online than you can British. Are you up for the challenge? Are you willing to place your money where your mouth is?

 

[Dennis David]

David et al. I am not denigrating the British at all. I wouldn't visit England every other year if I felt that way. The report by Mintel shows how dynamic your economy is. I was only refering to Model Railroads. I would not have made the same wager on the market as a whole. My contention is that the German market for railroads in more than twice the size of the UK and that there are more shops, suppliers and manufacturers in Germany.

So who wants to lose $100?

It's simply a numbers game and the numbers in this one instance is with the Germans.

 

[Dennis David]

I buy German and British railroad magazines on a regular basis, and you can't imagine the stuff that is available from German companies. All sort of electronic gizmos, doodads, etc. not too mention scenery items and other acessories etc.

 

[Dennis David]

Now Gary here is something you and I can both agree on. The French, Italian and Spanish appreciate shapely curves.

Getting back on subject, it's only natural that the Germans got into DCC big time. The layouts over there have always been about maximizing action for a givin space with trains going in all directions, hense the early adoption of automated controls and electronics in general.

This doesn't seem to be as big a deal in the UK and the layouts they run. Now in the states it has become popular when it was shown how DCC could replace the old block system and suplement cab control. That's why you see how important hand-helds are in the States. This was an area where Germany was actually behind the Americans.

So you see there is a logic to all of this. Then of course there are the shapely curves.

 

[Dennis David]

Peter I even think that there are more German cottage induistries from what I have seen in my travels but it doesn't really matter I was just making a comment on what I thought was an inacurate generality.

What I do know is that the cottage industries that exist in Britain, Germany and the US are critical to this hobby and make some wonderful stuff. When I went to the Garden Railway convention I spent most of my time looking at some of this stuff like real custom steel bridiges, air operated switches, and cast metal detail parts. Really neat stuff and I'm sure you have the same in England.

Gary that's pretty interesting information and I think that it shows that the Germans take their hobbies very seriously. They're quite mad I tell you.

One bit of warning, about buying off of eBay in Germany can be a nightmare. They are very slow to respond to emails, don't have any sense of urgency in shipping and charge an arm and a leg for it when they do send your item.

 

[Dennis David]

I agree and they have some great train shops in Germany.

 

[Dennis David]

Nah, I think Gary has had second thoughts.

This is not a comment on saying one side is "better" than the other but simply stating what I have seen in my travels.

 

[Dennis David]

It seems that way sometimes but then again I'll assume it was just an open observation meant to incite comment. I'm sure I've made remarks that may read different to certain readers than what I had intended. That's the challenge when you have an international audience and I would rather encourage discussion than have anyone afraid to put forward their opinions regardless of how moronic they may seem.

I for one won't let that stop me.

 

[Dennis David]

Man o man that's a gorgeous facility!

Looks like the roundhouse is custom built. The unity of the buildings are fabulous. Check out the control panel, that's just nasty.

BTW,

I got a bid in for the 15-16th stalls of my roundhouse. I'm think of making mine steam only as well and have a two-stall shed for my electrics.

 

[Dennis David]

That sounds reasonable.

 

[Dennis David]

I always like a little dustup.

Gary I'm willing to bet that the "German" layouts you're seeing are merely Brits trying to be a little "exotic"

just as the "continental" layouts in CM do not look recognizable to me. German layouts tend to be continuous running with multiple trains in operation at the same time along multiple elevations, not your typical Brit layout. While that may look toy like to some this is counterbalanced by the high detail of their models and the larger trains that they run. As far as their scenery yes it is a little Hansel & Gretel but having lived in Germany and owning a timeshare in Austria it is that way!

Now if you want protypical operations and looks then both German and British layouts trail way behind US layouts. But to me each has it's own merit.

The term being in the dark ages is absolutely offensive as well as incorrect. As far as this forum goes it's called Model Rail Forum not British Model Rail Forum or Narrow Minded Rail Forum. The reason this site will continue to be heavely British focused is because who would want to have to defend their modeling practices day in and day out? Thank God I have the ability to travel and see the World as it is rather than as I may wish it to be.

We have the ability to cross borders with the Internet but you seem to have taken it upon your shoulders to make any non-Brit feel unwelcome. Luckily because I am a transplanted Dutchman who grew up in the United States and have the typical American tin ear I am not so easily discouraged.

So if you want me to educate you on the rest of the World beyond your polluted shores

I would be glad to. But if you would rather stir up petty arguments please take them elsewhere.

 

[Dennis David]

Have you been to the Tirol region of Austria? The grass really is that clean because they actually mow it on the mountain fields!

 

[Dennis David]

I think it's more to do with just being fastidious. I cannot bare the thought of weathering my trains though I like weathering of others.

 

[Dennis David]

The only models I have seen that are offered weathered on a regular basis are US Narrow Gauge. There weathering seems to be a badge of honor. As far as continental models some of the high ticket items (KISS) offer custom weathering along with anything else that you are willing to pay for.