Proper attire for operating model railways

[Bealman]

I know a certain railway modeller who operates his layout in a uniform that is, well, let's just call it equine looking. 

[petercharlesfagg]

In the summer months when operating or constructing, well more constructing than anything else, I wear my own special birthday suit!

And I'm willing to bet that no-one else has got one just like it and it was free!

Peter.

[MikeDunn]

I bet that keeps the neighbours away !!! 

[D1042 Western Princess]

Even I, who regard not operating as closely as possible to real railway operation (and almost any application of so called 'Rule One') as 'playing trains', think wearing a railway uniform to run a model layout is a bit 'naff'  !

But then to each his own.

So far as shows are concerned yes, I do think that, sometimes, operators could look a bit smarter although things do seem to be picking up a bit from the situation a few years ago - jeans and ill fitting tee shirt do little (again, only my opinion) to enhance the image of model railway fans in the eyes of the general visitor.

Now, I must admit to (occasionally) wearing my FGW (and before that BR) uniform to run my layout but only because I hadn't changed out of it after getting home from work! It's not something I'd change into just to take the 23.45 sleepers from Peltin Down to London, for example!

[Bealman]

Returning things to a serious note, people who operate those sit-on steam locos that haul passengers wear all that gear for very practical reasons.... hot cinders!

I know from being allowed to drive one once... in shorts and T shirt, I had hot cinders in me hair, holes in T shirt, burns on legs...

When it comes to model railway exhibitions, I always think it's good to see exhibitors in neat attire behind their layouts... if it is a club, then they should be in their matching logo shirts, and even if it is a lone operator, a shirt with the layout's logo is always impressive. 

[austinbob]

Even I, who regard not operating as closely as possible to real railway operation (and almost any application of so called 'Rule One') as 'playing trains', think wearing a railway uniform to run a model layout is a bit 'naff'

Agreed if you're on your own but the grandchildren will luv it!!

[Newportnobby]

In the summer months when operating or constructing, well more constructing than anything else, I wear my own special birthday suit!

And I'm willing to bet that no-one else has got one just like it and it was free!

Peter.

About time it was ironed, Peter 

[Agrippa]

No 

[petercharlesfagg]

In the summer months when operating or constructing, well more constructing than anything else, I wear my own special birthday suit!

And I'm willing to bet that no-one else has got one just like it and it was free!

Peter.

About time it was ironed, Peter 

How would you know?

I have this craggy, macho face but the rest?

[railsquid]

I've got this slinky little black number...

















...a Kato D51...

[Michael Shillabeer]

Does anyone remember the Model Railway Journal exhibition in Central Halls, London in the early 1990s?

All the operators wore white lab coats.

At the Swindon show this weekend I was asked several times where to get my T-Shirt - "Keep calm and build model railways". Answer, on eBay!

best regards
Michael

[Newportnobby]

Does anyone remember the Model Railway Journal exhibition in Central Halls, London in the early 1990s?

All the operators wore white lab coats.

No, but Peter obviously does and it gives me a reason to get mine out of mothballs again

[D1042 Western Princess]

Even I, who regard not operating as closely as possible to real railway operation (and almost any application of so called 'Rule One') as 'playing trains', think wearing a railway uniform to run a model layout is a bit 'naff'

Agreed if you're on your own but the grandchildren will luv it!!

  Sad to say we don't have grandchildren - long story and not really for publication, but I take your point.

[steve836]

I've got an outfit similar to Peter's. At least one isn't tempted to put a soldering iron in the pocket. There aren't any.

[Newportnobby]

My white coat was obtained due to me working a lot in the food industry and had pockets on the inside