an unprecedented rate during the decade of the 1920’s. After World War II it took a decade to satisfy the built-up demand for new and replacement trac- tors. A closer look at Racine’s tractor factories and the rail operations that supported them can provide snapshots of trends in the automotive, rail and agricultural industries that can deeply influence anyone interested in time and place prototype model railroading. Just as railroad technology continues
to evolve, tractor technology has also been evolving over the last century. The appearance of a particular style of trac- tor, or even a color scheme, can define a prototype time period in much the same way that the styling of trains, automo- biles and buildings defines an era. A steel-wheeled tractor will appear differ- ently on a layout depending on which era is being modeled. It would look brand new in a 1920’s setting, and it would look appropriate covered in rust under an abandoned machine shed on a 1970’s-era layout (unless some restora- tion enthusiasts got hold of it). Flatcars loaded with brightly colored tractors and farm equipment were a common sight on trains through the late 1970’s. While most of today’s new tractor production is shipped by trucks, rail shipment of tractors is still occurring. Railroad operations are an integral part of the operation of a large tractor manufacturing plant. As model railroaders, we can enjoy this and seek ways of replicating it in our modeling. Open loads of tractors look great, and modeling these loads and operating them in a manner similar to the proto- type is an interesting path to follow as part of the model railroading hobby. Modeling something accurately is easier when it makes sense. Discovering the history of an industry, understanding how it works, how it is served by rail- roads, and then seeing how it fits with what is already known about railroad- ing can be incredibly satisfying. Prototype model railroading, old iron restoration, toy farming and collecting manufacturer’s literature are all hob-
bies that share the enjoyment of doing prototype research. This overlap of in- terests provides fertile ground for those who like to ask the question “Why?” and pursue the answers in interesting direc- tions. This quest for knowledge is a big part of the fun. Challenging yourself to “take it to the next level” means looking for modeling opportunities that are in- dependent of what is offered through mass marketing. Self-reliance and craftsmanship will
always be part of this hobby. Under- standing why you are doing something is as much a part of being a craftsman as knowing how to do it. Building a relevant knowledge base provides a vision that animates our skills, and the resulting harmony of mind and hand provides the craftsman with an inner peace and sense of satis- faction. Isn’t that what a hobby is all about?—KEITH KOHLMANN
About that cover We always encourage authors to take
a couple of potential cover photos when they can and include them with the ma- terial they send with an article. Of course, some kinds of articles have bet- ter cover possibilities than others, with layout visits being the most obvious. (No, they are not easy, just “obvious.”) However, locomotive projects also work well. After all, the first thing one sees is the cover of a magazine, and this one is about model railroading so a train some- how makes sense. A structure or indus- try article would work too, especially if you can get an engine switching it or a few cars in the scene. Scenery building articles are a natural springboard, too, as Paul Scoles has shown on several oc- casions in the last few years. Note that model railroad magazine
covers have changed since the old days. Sure, the “old days” keep moving up and closer through the stack of used calendars, but you know them when you see them. For example, I have no idea of exactly what those guys were doing in some of the cover pictures in those old magazines. You know the
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