I Surrender

Recently I posted some remarks about exquisite trees on my 1:220 blog. Shortly afterward, a visitor posted a link to a thread about an N scale modeler in Germany. Upon following the link, I confess that, at first, I thought it was really, really good HO modeling. But it's N scale. And when at last I came to this realization, I literally had tears in my eyes. This is, without exception, the finest N scale modeling I have ever see. Ever. Anywhere. Indeed, it is some of the finest modeling in any scale.

http://www.stummiforum.de/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=50628

I really don't know where to begin. My first thought was that it was a shame the modeler is in Germany, because I would very much like to meet him, and to see his incredible work in person. I kept looking at the photos over and over again searching for flaws, for clues that give the scale away. But everything was perfect. The locomotive. The track (I can't begin to fathom making that double-slip switch in fine N scale standards). The scenery—trees that take your breath away. Water, grass, weeds—every element executed to absolute perfection. Even the photography, which can often ruin good modeling, is astounding.

It almost makes me want to stop modeling. I mean, what's the point? Here's a level of craftsmanship that perhaps only a few people on the planet could ever hope to achieve. I would expect the man has a line at his door waiting to meet him and see his incredible work. He deserves all of the accolades one could possibly muster. I am in awe.