I am sure that this will cause questions, however it should broadly be right.
| Period year | Period description |
| 1804 – 1869 | Early Victorian period |
| 1870 – 1922 | The expansion of private railways |
| 1923 – 1947 | After the first world war the amalgamation into the big 4 (Southern, GWR, LNER, LMS) |
| 1948 – 1956 | British Railways with early crest |
| 1957 – 1968 | British Railways with late crest, steam declines and disappears by 1968 |
| 1969 – 1971 | British Railways corporate blue |
| 1971 – 1982 | British Railways corporate blue but identified within Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) |
| 1983 – 1994 | Creation of regions with British Railways |
| 1995 – 2008 | Creation of franchises to allow private operators with stock mainly funded from banks |
| 2009 – | Current Era |
Why use eras in model trains?
- Accuracy and realism: Using era-specific models ensures your layout reflects the locomotives, carriages, and wagons that would have been seen during that time period. This adds a layer of authenticity and historical accuracy to your model railroad.
- Simplified organization: Grouping models by era helps with organization and identification. It’s easier to find models that fit your chosen time period and ensure they appear historically accurate together.
- Enhanced research and planning: Understanding eras encourages research into specific railway periods, their locomotives, and overall aesthetics. This enriches the planning and building process of your model railroad.
Different Era Systems:
It’s important to note that there’s no single, universally accepted era system for model trains. The specific eras and their timeframes can vary depending on:
- Region: Different countries have their own unique railway histories, leading to distinct era systems. For example, the British Railway Modelling era system differs from the North American NMRA era system.
- Manufacturer: Some manufacturers might have their own slightly adapted era systems to better suit their product offerings.
General Era Examples:
Here’s a general overview of some common eras, keeping in mind that specific names and dates may vary depending on the system:
- Early Era (Pre-1900): Featuring the infancy of railways with steam locomotives, simple liveries, and limited infrastructure.
- Steam Era (1900-1950): The golden age of steam locomotives, with diverse designs, liveries, and a significant role in transportation.
- www.steameramodels.com
- Diesel Era (1950-1970): The shift towards diesel locomotives, offering greater efficiency and power, alongside the decline of steam.
- www.buscalibre.ec
- Modern Era (1970-Present): Featuring a mix of diesel and electric locomotives, with modern liveries, advanced technology, and high-speed services.
Choosing an Era for Your Layout:
The choice of era depends on your personal preferences and interests. Consider factors like:
- Historical period you find fascinating: Are you drawn to the grandeur of steam locomotives or the sleek lines of modern trains?
- Availability of models: Ensure there’s a good selection of models available for your chosen era and scale.
- Complexity: Earlier eras might require more research and effort to ensure historical accuracy, while modern eras might offer more readily available models.
Remember, the era system is a flexible tool to guide your model railroading journey. Don’t be afraid to mix and match elements from different eras to create a layout that reflects your unique vision and interests.