Why do you model the backwoods?

[sierrawest]

For different reasons it seems that most modelers become attached to one type of modeling or another. I fell in love with the backwoods, especially small logging operations, 30+ years ago and it still keeps me going today. It is reflected in my business kit choices, personal modeling, library selections, etc... Most of us love the rundown equipment, improvised engineering, and general charm associated with the backwoods. So why do you like modeling small backwoods railroads? Logging and mining are the most popular subjects but what else fits into the backwoods category?

Brett

[Frank_Eva]

So why do you like modeling small backwoods railroads?

For me, it's definitely a nostalgia thing... keeping the steam era alive in my memory...

[smason2]

Although I don't model either backwoods, or logging (so many choices, so little time), both are intriguing to me, as both offer a kind of homemade quirkiness that I feel lends itself to the caricature that we call model railroading.

Some of the finest modelers I've ever seen have gravitated to this genre. Guys like Nolan and Revelia are staples among logging modelers. It's also very tempting when one sees the incredible quality of craftsman kits that are produced by Sierra West and others.

Although I may not contribute often (at least not much more than an "atta boy"), I'm definitely looking forward to the posts to come on this thread, and I thank Brett for volunteering to moderate.

Scott

[sierrawest]

I remember the book by Malcom Furlow "HO Narrow Gauge Railroad You Can Build" as the real influence and my awakening to three footers and the backwoods. (and FSM kits from the 70's that I built as a young teenager.) Now getting that backwoods feel is natural in all of my modeling. I am currently finishing up painting/weathering all of the castings for my O Scale Logging and Tractor Repair Shed kit. Once painted, prior to weathering, they just dont look right to me. Too fresh and clean. But once I smear and dab that chalk powder all over them they really come alive and begin to tell the story of the people that lived the lives! I enjoy detailing the diorama and creating a scene more than any other part of modeling. Here is where the backwoods feel is created.

Some of the finest modelers I've ever seen have gravitated to this genre. Guys like Nolan and Revelia are staples among logging modelers.

Yeah Scott, Revelia is truly one of the finest modelers around but that Nolan character....

...and I thank Brett for volunteering to moderate.

Volunteering??? Oh, so thats what you guys call it!!!

[ETinBH]

Brett, just as an interesting aside, would be a real treat to see some casting you have painted before you weather them and also in color. Any chance you would do that little thing for us?

[Larry Baker]

My interest in logging comes sort naturally. I have lived most of my life at the base of the Sierras and many great logging operations took place there. When I was very your my father worked as a carpenter for a lumber company in North Fork and I lived near by. Logging and steam in the woods. It just doesn't get any better then that.
When I went to Colorado to a couple of narrow gauge conventions in the 90's I fell in love with the railroads there. It is mostly mining of course but some logging operations were there also. When in Durango for the convention in 96 I met Brett and was introducted to Sierra West Scale Models. That set the hook for sure. How could you not like logging models when SWSM keeps producing those beautiful and creative kits.

I'm glad your here Brett as you are truly an insperation to my humble modeling skills and I will be checking in often.

Larry

[Sir NickO]

I don't want to perpetuate the "we love Brett " aspect of the thread ( because , Lord knows , his ego is big enough already) , but he and "his" Tractor and Repair Shed are the main reason I am so poor these days . It is the first kit I built and it is a testament to his instruction manual that it still looks half reasonable today , 9 years after I built it .The reason I found it so appealing is because of its very backwoodsy feel . He manages to capture everything that I want to model .
Another reason for modelling "The Backwoods" is that anything goes . No matter how unlikely or far out something might appear it is more than likely to have occurred in real life and be made to work .So if someone was to comment on a piece of modelling that you had done saying that "it wouldn't have been like that in real life ", you can reply " it might have , prove to me it didn't " .
I would also add waterfront modelling to logging and mining as having a backwoods feel . Perhaps not being backwoodsy in the strictest meaning of the word but it conveys to me similar feelings as the other two . Basically, where as little money as possible was spent in order to obtain the sought after product , be it ore , timber or fish , in order to maximise returns .

Scotty , thanks for "volunteering Brett for this little task . He needs to get out more and meet his public and this is a good way of going about it ,

Sir NickO

[postalkarl]

Hi All:

I have to agree with all of you. It is a matter of what you like to do. I like some of the others am not into backwoods and logging. Although I enjoy seeing everyones models. I am into New England modeling. I like the old gas stations and diners and mills. I have a few of Brett's kits and I think they are great. Elliott does his test fits and does a great job. I always like to see his builds. I think he will be at CSS08 this year. It will be nice to meet him. Anyway everyone keep doing what you do and post lots of photos and posts.

Karl S.

[LPT]

If it don't belch smoke and whistle it's not a train. I have always liked the character that comes with steam. Modeling back woods help me bring that to life and work on the areas i most like doing, scenery and structures. Black smoke, weathered structures, tall Pines is there anything better.

[postalkarl]

Hi Rick:

I love steam also. I especially like the truss rod cars with archbar trucks that goes with them too.

Karl S.