Many thanks for the kind comments chaps. I model German mainly because it is unusual in the UK; I enjoy the challenge of having to find out about something that is unfamiliar and exhibiting a layout that is not going to be like the one next to it. Another factor is that I build layouts for a living and they are nearly always UK based so I need to have a change for my own modelling.
What kicked off the German modelling was Lenz introducing the V36 about six years ago (think of it as a German 08).... a ready to run 0 Gauge loco with DCC sound, uninterruptable signal processing, automatic uncoupling and so on for a pretty reasonable price. I bought one and was hooked....Lenz now do track, rolling stock, building kits and a range of loco's as well as the DCC control gear so it's become a lot easier. To add variety I have loco's from Kisss, Gebauer, Bundgen and MTH and a set of coaches from MTH, many of them bought second hand. Those in 0 Gauge will know of the Lionheart pannier tank....the Lenz 2-6-2T has more features and costs in the region of £650 which is not a lot more than some HO loco's with sound these days. The Lionheat 2-6-2T due this year is going to be around £1200.
As for the photo's, some were taken at York show this year but yes, I do try to take pictures in natural daylight....for close ups you only need to put up one board, not the whole layout. It always looks best as the shadows are natural.
I haven't got a V200, Phill, the only one that is available is far too expensive for me to consider and really it would be a bit big for Schwachhausen (not that I'd hesitate if a reasonably priced one came up!); my diesels are the V160 and V100 Bo-Bo's, the V36 shunter and the little Kof shunter, all Lenz. Steam loco's are two Br64 2-6-2T, a Br78 4-6-4T, Br44 2-10-0, Br89 0-6-0T and Br 38 4-6-0 in DB livery, plus two preserved Pacifics that I run on the museum train to add some variety, a Bavarian S3/6 and a Baden IVh, (the blue one). It's more than I need to run the layout but in my expereince you need spare loco's...at York two failed needing small repairs that really had to be done in the workshop at home. I was able to put on a spare loco - that's why I have two Pacifics for instance - and keep running a full service. It's peace of mind. I don't build loco's or rolling stock, I stick to buildings and scenery for my own pleasure so being able to buy them ready to run is what tipped the balance....before that I was modelling French narrow gauge in G Scale!
Peter
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Errr taxi!
