On the Shoulders of Giants 1.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Sir Isaac Newton
Model Trains
Or “Rail transport modelling” goes back to the 1800s its an old hobby… by comparison, we are barely able to buy beer as a hobby…
Here is the thing, I have other hobbies one of which is Anime (Largely Japanese Animation), I have really seen it go downhill, and why? As many of the giants of its roots say, it only references itself… The best art in all of the world always looked outside of itself to find inspiration or to the past, to the future, never narcissistically reflecting upon itself.
Recently I talked with my wife about what makes a good reference here
What I talked about is how references could be more than just… More than stills of whatever you want to work on because come at it from the angle it is something that you cannot imagine…
One of the things I talked about was going outside of your usual area and finding something that you can use, a piece of art, a video, so on and so on. The thing is… Model Rail is something you can literally use directly, and I suggest you do.
Luke Towan
Is perhaps the biggest name in model train and modern scenery dioramas I can think of. There is not a single video in his entire library that you cannot use for yourself and your hobbying. They use techniques we haven’t even thought of as miniature painters and hobbyists. But why not why the hell not? What the hell are we doing here?
Forget techniques! Let’s talk products!
Woodland Scenics
If you haven’t heard of this company, why, why in the hell haven’t you heard of it?! Who is keeping these products from you?!
Their rock moulds alone are instant terrain on the cheap without thought, slap a couple of them together and you have a great cliffside bluff, rocky impassable terrain or whatever else it is that you want in the form of natural rock formations.
Why yes I think I can see myself building a train diorama for this monstrosity…
The no-nonsense part of the article
So why should you look into the model train hobby?
Model train techniques can be adapted and applied to improve miniature war gaming hobby. Here are a few examples:
Weathering: Techniques used to create a realistic, worn-in look on model trains, such as dry brushing and airbrushing, can also be used to create a sense of realism on miniature war gaming figures.
Scenery: Model train enthusiasts often create detailed, realistic landscapes and dioramas as a backdrop for their trains. Similarly, miniature war gaming enthusiasts can use similar techniques to create believable, immersive battlefields.
Lighting: Model train enthusiasts often use miniature lighting to add realism and depth to their dioramas. Similarly, miniature war gaming enthusiasts can use lighting to create different moods and highlight certain features of their figures and terrain.
Painting and Detailing: Model train enthusiasts often spend a lot of time painting and detailing their trains and scenery. Similarly, miniature war gaming enthusiasts can use these techniques to make their figures and terrain look more realistic and detailed.
Customization: Many model train enthusiasts like to customize their trains and scenery to make them unique. Similarly, miniature war gaming enthusiasts can customize their figures and terrain to reflect their own personal style and preferences.
Overall, model train techniques can be adapted to improve the miniature war gaming hobby by adding realism, depth and personality to the figures and battlefields.
Getting back on track…
Model rail hobby is part of the roots of the miniature hobbyist tradition, and you would be wise to look into it. Because many of their techniques can be used for miniature wargame hobbyists 1 to 1, with no need to translate their techniques.
You know what phrase shouldn’t need translating by now?
Keep those brushes wet!
Til next week friends