Epoch Preferences
Every time I visit this forum, I am very surprised about the fact, that so many people—foreign people for me as a German—are interested in German railways. Now I am wondering what you are interested in. So please have a look at my poll. Why are you interested in German railways in particular? Great Britain has an amazing railway history, too. So what is it that makes you deal with German railways? PS: In the poll I'm using the Epoch scheme that is established for German railways. For those who are not familiar with this scheme: Epoch 1: "Länderbahnzeit", Time of Smaller German States (1835 - approx. 1925) Epoch 2: Start of "Deutsche Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft" until end of WW2 (1925 - 1948) Epoch 3: Start of "Deutsche Bundesbahn" and "Deutsche Reichsbahn der DDR" until invention of computer numbers (1948 - approx. 1970) Epoch 4: The age of computer numbers (1970 - 1993) Epoch 5: Unification of DB and DR to DB AG (1994 - today)

Jochen, lots of things appeal to me about German railways, even though I am an Australian. Partly it is different to what is done locally. Also model railways are for me a way to travel to another place and time. I have never visited Germany, but in some ways I think I know it :D

DR Era IV because I can operate steam, diesels and electrics on the same layout. Sachsen because I still enjoy building locos and rolling stock - but don't have to! This reply probably hasn't helped you determine 'why' though... Steph

Don't you say "which is your favourite epoch"?
I just went through the text I wrote this morning, and my eye fell on the poll's headline. Shame on me... But these mistakes always come to your mind shortly after you have pressed the "Send" button and shortly before you realize you can't edit the poll's text.... so please excuse me, English is my first foreign language...

Jochen, you do a much better job in English than I would do in German! I also model the DR, but in epoch 3. I like the Sachsen region in particular for my modelling focus.

DB 3 because I can run steam and diesel. Why? Because I don't scratch-build and the German models easily available were so, so much better than the British ones in the '80s when I started. I guess they still are and I include Roco whereas Fleischmann has my vote for reliability if not always realism. Pat

I decided my daughter needed a train set when she was born :lol: . As we were living in Germany at the time the choice was made for us! That said, I have no regrets. I was never impressed with the quality of UK offerings, it gives me an excuse to practise reading and speaking German and I have had ready access to the local dealers. BTW I voted for Epoch I (Bavaria), but I also run Epoch II (DRG). Do I get a second vote?! Also I seem to be the only Epoch I modeller so far - hello are there any more out there? :)

Paul, you never walk alone. I also voted era one (I, m the second) and I´m quite pleased with it during the last eight years. I´m focussed on Saxon and Prussian railroads and Fakultativwagen are my all time favorites. Thanx to BRAWA Wuerttemberg is also on my list (from time to time). Right now I´m working on a simple harbour/shunting layout that is inspired by the Elbqaibahn at Riesa (Saxony). Here is work in progress foto of that: Nice to meet you, Peer

Peer, your Elbqaibahn work is what inspired me to have a riverside dock scene on the Sachsen based track plan. If I did not model trains, ships would be my prime modelling focus, so this is a delightful way of combining two loves.

Peer, What a wonderful vignette! Let's hope it inspires some more Epoch I layouts. I must take some digital photos of my layout, but I don't think it would have the same impact! Regards, Paul

Paul and Roger, thank you very much. I realy like to see some pictures of your layouts. The pictured ship is a Sinagot Class Sailor of French Company Heller. Although it is 1:60 it fits perfectly to HO Preisers and models of era one. Peer

A Breton fishing boat on the Elbe! Well I guess with its shallow draught and small size it could pass quite nicely as an HO scale sailing barge. I built one of those kits a few years back - very nice for such a cheap model. As for my layout, it is N-scale American at this point. HO German modelling only occurs on the modelling bench. One day maybe the HO plan will come to fruition! Still, I will try and take some photos and send them to you Peer.

I am another Era I fan (but I love other Eras too...) :wink: Andrea

I'm new here and haven't 100% decided between Era 3 or 4 yet. Having been born in Germany but then moving to Australia at age 4 there are a number of reasons why I'm choosing to model German railways. a) It gives me a chance build a little piece of home. b) I love the thought of being able to model Steam, Diesel and Electric at the same time. c) I also love the thought of being able to model the lush European countryside and incredibly interesting architecture with all the variety and history that goes with that.

Hi Oliver, good to see another Australian on the site. Do you model DB or DR? I model DR because it is quite different to anything one sees on the exhibition scene in Australia. I recently exhibited a small Sachsen branch terminus at a craft show in the town where I live in Queensland.