Intermodal Model Railroad Precursor

intermodal model railroad precursor

Nick De Pirro

I have some explaining to do. This is a runaway project, but not any worse than usual. I am not exactly sure where it is going at this point, and it may never really get finished. I am treating it as a drawing. I erase major parts of it often. I spend time on the details, even though I know that if I don't establish major features of the image the drawing will run off the page. I model what I see on the rails in the landscape where I live. I try to improve my skills. I want to have perfect models that can be judged as such by model railroaders. Sculptors that have seen this project are as unsure as I am. This project occupies a site between the hobby and the sculpture. The layout is part of the architecture of the structure that houses it. I am interested in intermodal transportation. I want intermodal sculpture.

Intermodal Model Railroad Prospectus

Intermodal Model Railroad is to be a group exhibition of the interconnected model railroad layouts of four visual artists. Each artist will bring his or her unique artistic tendencies and interests to the final group installation. The result will be an exhibition of work from individual visual artists working collaboratively to produce a single interoperational installation that is both a model railroad and sculptural installation.

Intermodal transportation is terminology used to describe, quite simply, the movement of freight via different modes in such a way that all the parts of the transportation process, including information exchange, are efficiently connected. A second focus of intermodal transport, is a shift of freight from an energy intensive mode to a more efficient one whenever possible.

As a model for artistic interactions, intermodality provides a thought structure for conceptually containerized ideas to move through a mental landscape.

The exhibition space will be divided into four sections, with each artist responsible for one quadrant and for maintenance of a distinct border at the edge of their designated area. Mapping systems to accurately divide the gallery space will be used in order to clearly mark the territory assigned to each artist. Certain mapping structures, such as string gridlines or other markers can remain in place for the duration of the exhibition. The participating artists will create a compartmentalized system for parsing space and material. This is critical for the conceptual embedding of intermodal concepts into the physical structure of the installation.

Any structure constructed by an artist will be allowed if it stays within the designated territory of that artist. For example, if a video projection is to be displayed, a room may be constructed in order to provide a darkened environment.








Testing stage Equipment List: Locomotive Power: Athearn SW 1200 NS (custom) Athearn FP 45 CSX (custom) Athearn SD 40-2 NS (custom) Athearn SD 40-2 NS (custom) Athearn SD 45 high hood NS(custom) Athearn SD 45 CSX (custom) Athearn C44-9W CSX Athearn C44-9W CSX Athearn C44-9W NS Athearn C44-9W NS Athearn Genisis SD-70 NS Kato C44-9W NS Kato SD-80 MAC Conrail Rolling Stock: (no data)

Prospectus Notes:

Intermodal Model Railroad is a group exhibition of the interconnected model railroad layouts of four visual artists.

This is to be an art exhibition of work from four visual artists working collaboratively to produce a single interoperational installation assembled from their individual sculptures.

Each artist is to be responsible for one quadrant of the total exhibition space, and is to maintain a distinct border at the edge of their designated space.

Mapping systems to accurately divide the gallery space will be used in order to clearly mark the territory assigned to each artist. Certain mapping structures, such as string gridlines will remain in place for the duration of the exhibition.

The participating artists will create a compartmentalized system for parsing space and material. This is critical for the embedding of intermodal concepts into the physical structure of the installation.

The main line, or central shared model railroad track will be a fixed size and shape. This is to ensure flawless operation of model locomotives as they move from one artist's space to another.

The main model railroad line will have a single independent looping track that will provide a link between each of the four artist's railroads.

All locomotives will be equipped with a commercially available digital control system that allows independent control of each model locomotive even if there are multiple locomotives on a single energized track.

The main line will have predetermined turnouts that will be installed in locations requested by each artist so that locomotive traffic from each artist's layout will be able to roll on and off the main line.

The mainline will be constructed from several lengths of steel square tubing formed into a continuous ribbon supported by tubular steel struts. The loop will be modular, with each section of tubing joining with adjacent sections with bolted sleeve joints.

Each artist will be required to install a minimum amount of track footage in his or her installation space. The required track must be useable and support operating locomotives.

Scale is a consideration that participating artists will be required to consider in good faith. Models will be created in 1:87 scale, but an ironic shift of scale or other creative use of scale is perfectly acceptable if the overall installation provides a substantial amount of material executed in miniature.

During the opening reception of the exhibition, a performance will take place during which the four artists will operate their model railroads resulting in the construction of a model train that contains rolling stock and cargo from each installation. The train will then run on the main line for the duration of the exhibition.

Any material may be used to create the individual installations, and artists are encouraged to seek out materials that might differ from other artists sharing the gallery space.

Individual artists will be expected to have an understanding of the practical aspects of the model railroading hobby, but absolutely realistic modeling is not required.