Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
In my opinion the problem with this hobby is not price, selection or lack of great stuff, etc. [:D] It's the general attitude that most people not involved in the hobby have regarding model railroading. Most people still see it as a juvenile undertaking. [D)] First of all, non-MR people (who are certainly in the majority) quite often do not understand the distinction between the "toy" train sets they might have seen as a child under the Christmas tree and the hobby of model railroading, which, in my opinion, is a wonderful union between nostalgia & history, art, carpentry, electronics, etc, etc. Don't get me wrong, there's a place for both genres (i.e. toy and realistic); I guess my point is that most people fail to see model trains as a respectable (for lack of a better word) hobby such as baseball cards, stamp collecting, hunting & fishing, etc. Too many times I've told people I was into model railroads and/or model trains and have received raised eyebrows, a snicker, or a laugh in return. I think the first thing a lot of folks tend to think is "grown man still plays with toys" or "get a life" or "geek that has way too much time on his hands." [:-^] It's the same reaction I get with radio control cars, which I'm also interested in. In this regard the hobby is misunderstood. I think the problem would be alleviated if the hobby was a little more mainstream. Rarely do I meet anyone in the general public who is also interested in the hobby. Only at my LHS or train show do I see these people. I think there is a bit of negative stigma attached to the hobby (or at least the idea of adults being involved in it). I have to admit that, being a single 30-yr old male, I usually avoid the topic of hobbies or model trains when I met people, particularly females. I'm always afraid they're going to see it as juvenile. Don't get me wrong. This doesn't stop me from being really interested in the hobby. I still visit my LHS's on a regular basis and I'm still always planning that proverbial dream layout. Just my observation of "what is wrong with the hobby." [8D] Still the WORLD'S GREATEST HOBBY!!!!
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community