Scale Model Railroad Trains

Scale Model President-Elect Obama’s Train Ride to the White House

President-elect Obama is taking a train ride to the White House this week. You can collect newspaper stories, press photos, and web sites as source material to add this historic train event to your model railroad.

Presidents and Presidential candidates have used “whistle stop” train tours since railroads first started. Regardless of the era that you are modeling there is probably a President or candidate for high office that you can add to your model railroad layout. There is no doubt, in this age of jet airplanes and high speed trains the President-elect could have gotten to Washington in far less time with far less arrangements. The point of a “whistle stop” train trip is to offer an organized, predictable opportunity to make stops and be in contact with crowds of people.

President-elect Obama is using a portion of the train route followed by Abraham Lincoln. He is consciously using the trip to evoke references to the President who hailed from his home state. He is also using it as an opportunity to create more public contact. More news and commentary cycles. Focused on his anticipated arrival. Trains work well for this because they have a predictable sequence, and route. Crowds can be assembled and to a large degree controlled.

For the modeler a “whistle stop” can be staged in a passenger station. Even if your railroad is far from Washington, DC you can model a Governor or Senator from your home state. A crowd of well wishers can be assembled. It’s a great opportunity to create a special train. One that is painted and lettered for the occasion. Modern equipment fans can use this as an opportunity to bring out a one of a kind piece of equipment. You can even step outside your usual era and use something with a historic flair for the event.

Bleachers for a band and local officials can be assembled with a few flat sticks. Banners of paper or cloth can be hung for the event. The train can sit at the platform as the honored guest makes speeches. This is one of this rare instances where the train is supposed to sit still for a while. You can add a sound loop with the band playing, applause, and then some speeches. Your train does not have to have an open platform or lighted drumhead.  Just have the special train sit next to the stage, crowd, and bleachers.

This scene is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The switching crews can use this event to divert rail traffic and handle orders that work around the President’s train.

Have fun!

Trainguy

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