I do not have a really good reason for choosing AC over DC and DCC other than DC seeming too plain and DCC seeming too complicated.
When I decided to create a model railroad I wanted to model one based on CFR in Romania. Unfortunately, I soon found out that there is very little available for a Romanian themed model railroad. I have the Faller model of Bran Castle and I have one DC CFR locomotive from Amintiri Feroviare, I also have various CFR freight and passenger cars from other manufacturers but there are no Romanian style model houses, churches or other buildings available that I know of.
I have spent a lot of time in Romania visiting my wife Adriana before we were married and after visiting her family. Visiting Romania and thinking about the country is an escape from everyday life for me and so is the idea of having a model railroad.
Since a Romanian themed model railroad was out of the question, I started thinking that one based on Italy or France could be possible. There are many options for Italian and French model locomotives and train cars but very little for model buildings in either country. I have the Faller 110121 French train station that I may try to incorporate into my layout but for now the idea of a French or Italian themed model railroad is dead.
I have ridden on trains in the U.S., Romania, Italy and Russia but not France. I have never been outside of an airport in France but that would not have been the thing that stopped me from creating a French themed model railroad. I have also never been outside of an airport in Germany and while looking at different model train supplier’s websites the idea of a layout based on the countries of Germany, Switzerland and Austria started to grow on me. I have never been to any of the 3 countries that I just mentioned (besides German airports) but I hope to someday very soon.
For some reason I already knew of Märklin and that they are a good model train manufacturer long before I decided to create a model railroad. One day while looking at different websites I saw Märklin’s Orient Express steam engine and passenger cars and fell in love with them. I purchased the Märklin H0 39244 EST Class 13 Express Train Steam Locomotive and the Märklin 42470 Edelweiss Parlor Car Set and that sent me on my way to one day having an AC model train layout.
I want a modern era layout but I will have a few steam locomotives, the big decision I’m faced with now is if I should go with C or K track, I’m leaning toward K track.