Modeling NZ120 one decade at a time pt2

As an example of last nights often rambling post, here's what has inspired my next large scale project. Paekakariki in May 1963.

Its actually almost idea for a layout. the hills behind the station rise at between 45 and 60 degrees. as its a point where steam and diesel change to electric traction there's plenty of action shunting wise. and as a bonus there are a stack of different locomotive classes that can appear. While it may appear like there is a lot of modeling to be done, remember I'm not going to knock this out in 6 months. The task can be initially be broken down into smaller sets. a look at the picture reveals that a few Da's will be required, some Ka's and possibly a Ja and an Ab. On the electrics side an Ew and a pair of Ed's, plus a D+Dm+D set for suburban trains. a passenger train to represent the Wellington-Auckland express is a must. Also required is the Wellington-Pamerston North 'tank train' that ran every day delivering petrol. Several other trains with general freight are also required, with an eclectic mix of whatever wagon you like to model ( within reason. No Q's please).

so while this may seem like a huge task, its a task that has very few limits with regard to rolling stock. And it doesn't matter if you are not overly confident in your modeling abilities. For all the models that appear in the journal, the builders have many others that they don't want you to see ( I have a collection of pictures of my old S scale models that may see the light of day simply to illustrate this point). Start small ( L's and La's are a great place to start, as they are very simple) and work up to the really hard stuff ( a Ka or Ja can be very daunting. I know, I'm daunted).

And the selection of this project was not an easy choice. My other choices were Arthurs pass ( as I had the models built, and actually had a plan drawn up before my interest wandered). the other project was a lot more challenging, but I actually got as far as building some test pieces before the chassis mechanics got too complicated.