European Photo Fun (March 05- )

[MLW]

European Photo Fun.

I have taken a one year subscription to a European magazine (Locorevue).

Here’s my impression so far (your milleage may vary):

Note:This may be of no interest to you if European modelling and Trains is not your cup of tea

I must say that I am flabbergasted by the high[er] quality in modelling [in all scale] pictured in this magazine. The high quality in scenery, rolling stocks and building is not only in the construction but how they fit a specific scene too.

Boy! Did I get an education!

The quality of their rolling stock (Loco and cars) is very good to better then North American stuff. (Some manufacturers who are doing well in the US would never be able to sell their crap over there!)

Contrary to some persistent rumors (they don't have space for model rr etc..") some modellers (not all) have medium size empire in their attic, garage, and spare bedroom and in one instance in a basement (a rarity). No gargantuan gigantist American type layout of course. But more elaborate and larger then I thought.

The magazine: The format is 1.5 bigger then the current one we find here (MR / CMR). Larger format with bigger and higher quality pics, more modelling info and a small section on proto stuff. What’s interesting is that some model scenes are taken from the “real world” (prototype) and they do include the real pictures at the end of the article to compare. On average about 130 pages (counting the adds at end ) and less advertisement then what we are used to. More 'content" by a long shot. Since the format is quite bigger, that equals to almost double the number of pages then what we are accustomed to. Price is 6.90 Euro or $11.50 Canadian ($4 dollars more then MR or CMR) Interestingly enough it has the price for the Europeen Union, the UK, REU, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Canada etc.. but not US.

some pics...



End of the line..

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Switchstand...

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Electric in the Mountain and forest..
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[MLW]

It seems to me that European [train] modelling is quite healthy and divers (notwithstanding some bankruptcy): Jouef, Roco, Minitrix, Mehano, Brawa, Electrotren, Piko, L.S.M., Lematec, L.S.L., Fulgurex, Boutuen etc..just to name a few.

With few exception I did not know any of them. The models range from steam era to highly detailed rolling stock and electric and diesel loco.
(Note: Bachman seems to be somewhat popular with their European line of rolling stock and Loco and some US steamer.)

The amount of new product in each magazine is amazing. A dozen page or more. They seem to have some kind of Model railroading exhibition every so many months. The last magazine I received is about the Nuremberg Show [Germany] (celebrating its 60 year) which attracted 70 000 + people.

Here’s some sample pics that I scan with my new (but crappy) HP scanner.
Gotta get me a Japanese scanner
The pictures that I posted don’t do justice to the one in the magazine!

Well that’s it for now. I have more reading to do and new things to try.

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[MLW]

The scenery is amazing.

 

[Selector]

The images you show are rather grainy, but I suppose they are scanned? In any event, the modelling is excellent. I would guess that they look at MR and are amazed at how well the examples that make it into that magazine are so realistic....and expansive!!!!!!

-Crandell

 

[MLW]

The images you show are rather grainy, but I suppose they are scanned?

You bet. Crappy HP scanner and its new. Guess you get what you pay for

In any event, the modelling is excellent.

That is my impression also.

I would guess that they look at MR and are amazed at how well the examples that make it into that magazine are so realistic....and expansive!!!!!!

Actually I was thinking the opposite. Compare to what I've seen in this particualr magazine I must say they (Europeans) are above and beyond MR stuff in quality, modeling skills, realistic scene and superb scenery. There's an article about a 15 years-old layout. It would put to shame some of the best in MR.

I've also noticed that loco, rolling stock etc. (in the magazine advertising) is quite expensive, much more then what we pay in North American. A lot more in fact.

The whole point of my bias report is to point out that there's much more "out there" and in excellent quality as well. I've learn some tips on scenery too.
Its been interesting and amazing reading so far. Can't wait to get the next issue.

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[UP2CSX]

I've always thought that Europeans seemed to spend more time detailing their layouts than most of us do. It may be that the average layout is smaller so there is less mass to detail but even the larger layouts I've seen have more scenery per square foot than most US layouts.

In terms of engines and rolling stock, they are generally better detailed than most of our stuff but a lot of it is still made in the EU and the prices vary from somewhat to considerably higher than what we pay for the average model, hence modelers expect a higher level of detail. One of the reasons why Bachmann has become popular in the European market is that the price point is considerably lower than most EU manufactured models. There is an ongoing shakeout within the European train manufacturing business, with mergers and bankruptcies, and increasing outsourcing to China. It will be interesting to see how European model companies fare over the next few years.

 

[dmeephd]

Modelleisenbahn!

I lived, was educated, and worked in Germany for 20 years. I model European railroads (Epochs II - V). The hobby is very healthy in the EU, and Modelleisenbahn is the most popular hobby in Germany. A show with an attendance in the tens of thousands is quite common. There are shows and swap meets in Germany every week.

Even with the advent of online retailers, the little Mom & Pop shops still exist, nearly on every street corner it seems. What's surprising is the number of dedicated model railroad-only shops. And of course there are the huge old line Modelleisenbahn Centers (MC) in all of the major cities.

I subscribe to all of the European Model Railroad journals from several countries (6 from Germany, 1 from France, 2 from Switzerland, 1 from Sweden, and 1 from Italy). Without question, the quality of printing and photography far exceeds MR or RMC. (Just shows that four-color separation printing in Italy still surpasses cheap off-set printing in Ohio.)

This quality seems to enhance the detail and scenery that European modellers put into their layouts. And although the average size of a European layout is less than the US counterpart, there are some private layouts that rival anything in the US for sheer size.

Unfortunately, there has been a consolidation of the manufacturers. Some because of poor quality (Lima, Jouef), some because of poor management (Fleischmann, Trix, and hopefully not Marklin), some because of labor costs (Arnold, Kleinbahn). However, despite the global recession, the attendance at the Nuremberg Toy Fair this year was outstanding. And I suspect as the unemployed retreat to their layouts while the economy improves, sales will still continue.

For my experience, I was laid off (in the pharmaceutical industry, no less!) in September 2008 and finally got back to work in January 2009. However, I had a sizable nest egg and sold off my BMW motorcycle collection on eBay for nearly $20k; so my spending on my hobby actually increased during this recession.

However, most of the money went to sellers and stores in Europe, as I refuse to pay the 100%+ markup that US sellers and vendors place on the products.

David martin, Ph.D.

 

[WT fan]

If you're interested in European model railroads, look at the FREMO (Freundeskreis Europäischer Modellbahner = Friendship Association of European Model Railroaders, was founded in 1981) .
I participated in the meeting at Krefeld last month. Here's a report

Wolfgang

 

[MLW]

Sweeeeeeet!!

WT fan that's some mighty fine scenery (Grass, trees etc.)
Great scene and modeling. Thanks for the report (link) Some great pics.

Some of my favorite.

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[MLW]

UP2CSX I've always thought that Europeans seemed to spend more time detailing their layouts than most of us do. It may be that the average layout is smaller so there is less mass to detail but even the larger layouts I've seen have more scenery per square foot than most US layouts.

Yes. And its very well done. I guess they have access to better scenic material (Faller, Heiki, Noch, Busch etc.etc.)

In terms of engines and rolling stock, they are generally better detailed than most of our stuff but a lot of it is still made in the EU and the prices vary from somewhat to considerably higher than what we pay for the average model, hence modelers expect a higher level of detail.

Indeed. Localy made. Therefore more expensive. But you got what you pay for: i:e: Nicely detailed loco and rollign stock. Have you noticed that some of their very nice structure are made of laser cut cardboard?? Amazing!

 

[MLW]

dmeephd
I lived, was educated, and worked in Germany for 20 years. I model European railroads (Epochs II - V). The hobby is very healthy in the EU, and Modelleisenbahn is the most popular hobby in Germany. A show with an attendance in the tens of thousands is quite common. There are shows and swap meets in Germany every week.

I notice in the advertising there's an "exporail" almost every month! And not
a quick-cheap-affair either.

I subscribe to all of the European Model Railroad journals from several countries (6 from Germany, 1 from France, 2 from Switzerland, 1 from Sweden, and 1 from Italy). Without question, the quality of printing and photography far exceeds MR or RMC. (Just shows that four-color separation printing in Italy still surpasses cheap off-set printing in Ohio.)

That's the first thing I noticed: Quality of printing, pictures, content and the bigger size of the magazine.

This quality seems to enhance the detail and scenery that European modellers put into their layouts. And although the average size of a European layout is less than the US counterpart, there are some private layouts that rival anything in the US for sheer size.

From the limited amount of exposure I have, It feels like most european modellers are quite big on scenery. Attention to detail and the desire to emulate real life with very nice result too!


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[toddmc09]

I think I have seen that scene with the old Citroen automobile on the side of the tracks here locally, there is an old Citroen auto sitting in a field by the tracks here in the Central Valley between Madera and Fresno off of Hwy 99. Maybe it's the same car???

 

[AndrewC]

There has been a real step-change in European modelling over the past decade. I remember the cliche German layout with track covering 90% of the boards with the remaining 10% split between day-glo green shiny grass mats, and underscale plastic looking buildings. They seem to have adopted the British paradigm of modelling a small slice of the railway but doing it to amazing depth and detail.

Their attention to scenery has also lept forward with the introduction of some amazing products. http://www.sceneryexpress.com/default.asp in the US stocks most of them. Noch and Silflor have finally managed a way to get proper looking grass without the fake shiny look.

On the other hand the locos and stock aren't where they were 10 years ago. The majority of stuff out there is older tooling. The OP's pics show very heavy aftermarket detailing on some of the locos. That's not to say they aren't excellent models but under the hood very few run quite as good as Kato.

The market also is in flux. Apart from Fleischmann, Roco, Bemo, Piko, and a few others the biggest brand names are all now made in China.

Lilliput = Bachmann made in China
Heljan = Danish but components are injection moulded in China.
Arnold + Lima + Rivarossi + Joeuf = Hornby made in China.
Marklin + Hamo + LGB = in administration (my prediction they will be bought out by a Chinese company. Kader perhaps???)

 

[johntealon30]

If I may add an opinion, they tell me I should consider myself a European living in the UK, I model mainly UK outline railways and consider myself a modeller first railroad enthusiast second. As I have dabbled a little in On30 I spend some time on US forums and most on UK forums. The Biggest differences I have found are:

US modellers are very interested in the operation of railroads, routes, carding, ect
UK/European modellers liek to copy as best possible a specific location.
Very few UK modellers would invent there own livery/Railroad wheras US modellers seem to this quite regularly.
US layouts seem to be in spaces to die for, UK layouts often share a family space or ar in unused spaces like lofts and garages.
There is a lot more interest in super detailing locos in the US than the UK.
Prices in the UK are much higher for example
Atlas US DCC onboard diesel loco £35-£40
Bachmann UK based diesel loco DCC ready £80 -£100
Fleischmann German based loco DCC fitted £180 - £220

from a personal point of view, with the combination of smaller available space and higher stock prices then I spend my time on money on scenery and details based on real places.

For example a model and proto shot

If you are interested in non US outline a browse through the biggest UK forum RMweb may shed more light on the subject

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/

John
RJR