Candid Camera

At a recent train show in York, PA, a fellow hi-rail modeler asked me what I thought was the most essential tool in my toolbox. Without hesitation I responded, “A point-and-shoot camera.”

When I’m out and about, regardless if I’m actually railfanning, I rely on my p&S (or iPad camera) to capture quick images of real (1:1 scale) trains and interesting places/people I want to model on my layout. These resulting images are rarely publication-quality, but they’re regularly the most valuable photos I shoot. Valuable? Yep, valuable!

Take for instance the simple image of a Canadian Pacific target signal I shot from a back alley in downtown (Gastown) Vancouver, B.C. Won’t find a single choo-choo in the frame, but the wealth of detail in this one image has fueled my recent efforts to revamp and enhance portions of my completed Waterfront Yard – starting with the signal featuring trimmed targets.

It turns out the real signal was modified to permit West Coast Express bi-level commuter trains to pass without issue. By studying the photo, I saw the MTH no. 30-11025 1-over-1 signal had a very similar appearance, even without altering the targets. Next, I saw the chain link fence resembled O scale fencing sold by Scenic Express or kits produced by Brennan’s Model Railroading Products. Barricades and concrete jersey barriers reminded me of items from Model Tech Studios or Saint Charles Model Works. The more I studied the pix, the more items I found and installed -- as I demonstrated for a forthcoming article in the pages of Classic Toy Trains magazine.

Without my essential tool, it would have taken me countless trips (as of today, a R/T tix between MKE and YVR costs more than $700) to recall a fraction of the details contained in a one free, yet priceless, photo!