are there any du model railroaders out there ? i have a question. do u shoot your trains and then and or play with them

[AllaN01Bear]

[ThoughtCriminal]

1. I have transitioned from Armchair Model Railroading to Virtual Model Railroading

using Trainz Railroad Simulator. The two are not mutually exclusive, but I prefer to concentrate on virtual.

Many advantages: Fraction of the cost, takes no space other than room on my hard drive, and more variety.

I can have a virtual railroad that would fill a warehouse in any scale. I can switch from a vintage backwoods logging route to a modern mainline operation with a few mouse clicks. I can build a layout in a few hours or weeks compared to years to create the equivalent in a basement. The full variety of operations is available.

Most of content is free or low cost. (compared to plastic or brass models). I get better sound and environmental effect that would be all but impossible with models (smoke, rain, snow).

Best of all, I can share my layouts with anyone who has the same simulator.

There are a few "analog" models on my shelf and I look to many model railroads for inspiration.

[electric_blue68]

3. Ooooo, virtual model train layouts?! I played w wooden train tracks as a kid...

Turns out - my sis just told me a few years ago that my dad wanted to be an engineer. Not the electrical engineer he became but a railroad engineer.

But at some point I forgot what ?institution asked him what he wanted to be and he said, "an engineer". They thought he meant - mechanical, chemical, electrical etc, not the railways.

Now I as a girl/tween/teen and beyond was a "mix" of (the 50's, 60's and beyond depending on where) "girl", and "boy" interests. I loved fashion, and especially jewelry! I love(d) science, and did some sports. I played w blocks, tinker toys, wooden trains, and legos. I want to buy some legos again for a particular project.
Did have some as an adult. The Lego Store!🥰😁

So my dad since he saw I enjoyed the wooden tracks - no wonder he'd take me to see various model train layouts at different stores! I loved the different levels, the scenery, the various bridges, switchings, etc.

So - (like i need another game etc on my phone 😁 ) what would you [or any other fan] recommend as a virtual model train set up app? No rush. 👍

[ThoughtCriminal]

4. My brother and I had the woodent trains too

One of my favorite toys.

I think that Trainz Railroad Simulator is best for beginners. Lots of content and lots of tutorials,

[electric_blue68]

5. Cool, and Ty. 👍

Over the years...I think looked at them a few yrs back on line, and saw new stuff they added.

[electric_blue68]

8. As far as I looked this cost ?39.99.

[sarisataka]

2. I am currently building a switching layout

2'x8' that I hope to expand to 12'. I will use a random traffic generator to bring in and deliver cars, switching out ones to come off.

[ThoughtCriminal]

6. I've built a few of those

both analog (HO & N)and virtual.

Recent virtual project was Milwaukee's Kingsbury Branch in Chicago, based on a number of articles and track plans in Model Railroader.

[sarisataka]

9. I have done a bit on Trainz

And really like the Tycoon games.

I still most enjoy building an actual layout. I am planning to do a brewery complex. The Hamms brewery in St Paul would be my first choice, I grew up near it, but the Schmidt brewery across town had a very interesting track arrangement. It can be done nearly to scale.

[ThoughtCriminal]

10. Beer lines are fun

I'm not sure which sim this is.

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[Hotler]

7. Like with a BB gun? yes.

I used to have an HO car and train set with a crossing. I'd ram the car into the train as it went by.