Hobby Knowledge

[Kelly Shaw]

Hobby Knowledge

[Bob Keller]

The local train store is a virtual Harvard of Trainology!

[MartyE]

I voted on-line but a lot of it is self taught. Things I picked up all by my lonesome.

[IRONROOSTER]

Been reading magazines for years. In the beginning (1971/1972) it was my only source, except for one book in the library.
Enjoy
Paul

[Big_Boy_4005]

I chose books, but this poll is severely lacking in choices, as I really wanted to say all of the above plus a few more!!!!

How about watching real trains, or building layouts or models, or having your own new ideas, or talking to fellow hobbyists, or being in a club, or even a how to video.

My answer would still be all of the above, if those choices were available!!!

[jkerklo]

I voted magazines, but would really have to say all, plus, perhaps mostly, other hobbyists.

Understand, I have been playing with trains for a long time and don't find something new to learn every day. If I were just starting out, I think books would be my first source.


John Kerklo
TCA 94-38455
www.Three-Rail.com

[Anonymous]

Friends...

[Anonymous]

I have learned alot from my friends in the hobby, but also from books,mags,and trial & error. Mostly error!!
Keith

[Anonymous]

So far for me it would have to be pretty much none of the above, as with just about everything else in my life it is self taught through trial and error. To use a brief example, I am adding on to my layout. I want to run 2 o gauge and 1 standard gauge together on one new level. I don't know how much space I need on 084 curves so they don't hit each other. I posted this question on the ogr forum and today on this forum, in both cases I didn't get an answer, the closest was to check out the nmar forum or something like that but I have no clue what that is or their web address. So how am I going to learn? I cut out some plywood and I am in the process of laying track and I will put the engines on and find out what will work.

[Dr. John]

Keith took the words out of my mouth! Besides magazines and books , a lot of trial with a lot of error!

[Anonymous]

I have to say "all of the above" as well if it was a choice.

[thor CNJ]

The local train club is the place to learn. Magazines are about enjoying the hobby, and books are okay. However, being in a club is where the real lessons come.

[Anonymous]

I learned the most from my father and the O Gauge Railroading Forum.

[Kooljock1]

I voted magazines for the sheer magnitude of coverage, from MR to CTT ot OGR, there's a whole bunch of information in those stacks and stacks under the layout!

But really, all of the above and then some too.

Jon [8D]

[Anonymous]

1) CLASSIC TRAINS magazine
2)TRAINS magazine
3)Books(prototype)
4)Online(Forums & historical websites)

[Anonymous]

You never stop learning in this hobby, when you do, its time to more on........by the way, can anyone give me any tips on Lionel 072 switches? Do they ever work right?

[Anonymous]

TCA88,

If you can find some prewar O-72 switches, you will have some very fine units. Everything that Lionel has made since is in my honest opinion, JUNK. ( I am talking O-72 switches only) They are not very reliable and everything that runs over them just bounces and derails. If you can, try the Railking O-72 switches. You will need an adapter track to connect it to your O gauge tubular track. Trains run real smooth through them and they work flawlessly. No bouncing and no derailments. Same can be said for the Atlas and K-line switches. Also Ross and Curtis can be adapted to tubular track with just adapter pins. All of those are 100% better than the Lionel O-72 switches.

[Anonymous]

I might add that it is a shame that since Lionel reintroduced the O-72 switches, they haven't tried to do anything to make them as good as the prewar units.

[Anonymous]

CTT....

[Anonymous]

I AGREE I HAVE 72 LIONEL SWITCHES ON MY LAYOUT THE OLD ONES ARE GREAT THE NEW ONES ARE JUNK.

[Anonymous]

My train smarts came from...

50 years of trial and error,
1 Grandfather,
1 Great-Uncle,
2 Uncles,
2 Hobby Shop owners,
1 Family friend
Lionel catalogs (back pages w/layouts & stuff)
CTT
My Dad!

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

The Doctor is in[}:)] ! I have to admit, I learned things hands on with almost no adult aid
when I was a young evil dr. But found that books, magazines and asking people was
also a good way to learn. Of course, when you are handed a box of used trains and
no instructions, you learn or the train don't run! Now, I try to pass on information when I
can. Because that just what a semi expert does! Now, If you good folk will excuse me,
I have to torture the Lab asst. He crashed my alco again! [}:)][V]

[dougdagrump]

Regardless of the source you never stop learning, as long as you are willing.

[Anonymous]

1. Classic Toy Trains magazine.
2. "Getting Started With Lionel Trains" by Allan Miller ISBN 0-87349-248-X
3. This friendly little old laid back forum -- Thanks Everyone! ! [bow]
4. http://www.thortrains.net/index.html whose track plans convienced me it was possible to enjoy O gauge toy trains on a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood. Thanks.[bow]

Steve

[cwburfle]

My knowledge comes from years of collecting, reading magazines, catalogs and books that were published during the era of interest to me, talking to fellow collectors and hobby shop owners.