Proper attire for operating model railways

austinbob · September 15, 2015, 07:57:46 PM

We all know it is SOOO... important to wear the right clothes when operating your model railway - just to get that authentic feel.

So I've just ordered a Drivers Bib and Brace, Jacket and Greasetop Hat to add the proper authenticity to my model railway (when I get round to laying the track that is!!)

Check out this website for some really great railway garb..
http://footplateequipment.co.uk/index.php/footplate-clothing/footplate-clothing.html
Once I get my kit I'll do a selfie and post it here.

I'm really looking forward to wearing this stuff down my local!!

JasonBz · September 15, 2015, 08:04:15 PM

Interesting site that

For really authentic "railway operation" the Tea Brew Can for a tenner is essential!
I know a driver who still uses one

austinbob · September 15, 2015, 08:08:09 PM

Quote from: JasonBz on September 15, 2015, 08:04:15 PM
Interesting site that

For really authentic "railway operation" the Tea Brew Can for a tenner is essential!
I know a driver who still uses one

Good spot. Must get one..

Komata · September 15, 2015, 08:47:50 PM

And here I was in my naivete, thinking that it was only the Americans who indulged in 'dressing up' while running their model trains

The things we learn....

Thanks.

guest311 · September 15, 2015, 08:58:18 PM

afraid I have to disagree....

don't think it matters what you are wearing as long as you have the right equipment......

timetable....

track cleaner.....

set of screwdrivers....

wee dram

Luke Piewalker · September 15, 2015, 08:59:27 PM

Every time I see an 'Engine Driver' hat in the shop at Bo'ness I'm sorely tempted...

MJKERR · September 15, 2015, 09:15:30 PM

What to wear...

As a trader I wore a shirt and tie, a little overdressed, but it worked!

First time operating a layout, I wore a T-shirt with a Classs 37 on the front
People thought I would be cold and need a jumper, but after two hours other people were taking their jumpers off due to the heat

Next time I might wear my Star Trek uniform...
Although that might detract from the actual reason for attending, to view the layouts, people remember it as "the layout with the Trekkie", and everyone would know who and what layout you were on about!

Newportnobby · September 15, 2015, 09:39:20 PM

Many years ago I spent a wonderful New Years Eve in Polperro, Cornwall as the whole village turns out in fancy dress. I went as a mad doctor c/w white coat, stethoscope and various other accoutrements.
Maybe I should wear these when operating my layout(s) and repeat loudly every few minutes "Dr.Mick at your cervix"

austinbob · September 15, 2015, 10:03:01 PM

Quote from: class37025 on September 15, 2015, 08:58:18 PM
afraid I have to disagree....

don't think it matters what you are wearing as long as you have the right equipment......

timetable....

track cleaner.....

set of screwdrivers....

wee dram

All those, but you've at least got to have the hat - and preferably a whistle!! (must get a whistle)

austinbob · September 15, 2015, 10:06:27 PM

Quote from: Luke Piewalker on September 15, 2015, 08:59:27 PM
Every time I see an 'Engine Driver' hat in the shop at Bo'ness I'm sorely tempted...

Just go for it matey - Every N gauger has to have one!!! - Stamp your authority on your layout!!

DELETED · September 15, 2015, 10:20:01 PM

Just been looking up old pics, think some dignified facial hair is obligatory also and some smudges of coal if you're a kettle driver

austinbob · September 15, 2015, 10:28:19 PM

Quote from: RST on September 15, 2015, 10:20:01 PM
Just been looking up old pics, think some dignified facial hair is obligatory also and some smudges of coal if you're a kettle driver

So you think I should grow a tache? Misses didn't like that when I had a tache many years ago. She said she got bitten by flees!! Not true of course it was just the spikey bits that caused the problems.

DELETED · September 15, 2015, 10:45:32 PM

....Some women apparently like the tickle LoL but fair enough. I do think a good tache mite be quite authentic as a loco man though...

...I'm all jesting of course. I have a short beard -you have to persevere but beats scraping a razor across it every day. But I don't have sideburns bushy enough to call myself a real engineer yet.

MalcolmInN · September 15, 2015, 11:29:31 PM

Proper attire you ask !
I'd say - depends who is looking ?

If it is just oneself, , ,,

JasonBz · September 15, 2015, 11:39:17 PM

Quote from: RST on September 15, 2015, 10:45:32 PM
....Some women apparently like the tickle LoL but fair enough. I do think a good tache mite be quite authentic as a loco man though...

...I'm all jesting of course. I have a short beard -you have to persevere but beats scraping a razor across it every day. But I don't have sideburns bushy enough to call myself a real engineer yet.

Interesting that at that period Drivers used to fasten only the top button of their jackets.

Proper attire for operating model railways

guest311