is this hobby only for men??? are there any girls in this??

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone.. well , the other day I went to a hobby shop and I just fell in love with the trains, and wanted to start this out.. but then someone told me it was only for guys,,,.. are there any girls in this??

Maggy

[Anonymous]

Maggy...yes there are girls in this hobby. But the big chunk of it is guys. Don't ask me why....I dunno lol. Just don't let it discourage you from the hobby. Take the things you read here and hear from poeple with a grain of salt......and remember that even the guy who sounds like he /she knows what they're talking bout started off not knowing anything. Poeple in this hobby are very freindly and willing to help.

Have a good time,

Jim

[Fergmiester]

[#welcome] Maggy

No there are a handful of Female MR's, Big Girl 4005 for one, but the majority us is guys. Don't let deter you as we're all here for the same thing..... Trains!

So pull away from the siding and join the rest of us.

Regards
Fergie

[Anonymous]

yep. Our wives. They control the spending. They control the amount of time spent on it. And they usually find that if they ever want to see their husbands again, then the only choice is to hang out with them. This usually results in their getting involved, and most of them come to enjoy it I think.
As far as ladies being the active pursuers of the hobby, there aren't many. I just don't think it occurs to them. Plus, it comes across to many as not very social (a misconception, as this forum illustrates), and most women I know prefer more sociable activities. It would be an interesting topic to explore - why more women aren't attracted to MRRing.
Incidentally, the best hobby shop around here is owned and run by a woman who's been into MRRing all her life, and she knows more about the hobby than anyone I know, so they are out there

[Anonymous]

I can't believe that the hobby shop person told you that! One of the best modelers I've seen in a long time is a woman. She's had several articles in Model Railroader and is a Master Model Railroader.

One of the cool things about this hobby is its diversity. Look at the author bios in Model Railroader the last several years and you'll see folks of both sexes, all races, ages, nationalities, education and income levels. In fact I bet numerous religeons and political beliefs are represented as well. Now, if we could only get rid of those O scale folks. Just kidding !!!!!! Welcome aboard and feel free to get more women/girls involved in this great hobby!!

[Anonymous]

I have yet to MEET a female model railroader ( I really havn't met a whole lot of model railroader period ) but I have seen an awsome garden railroad built by a lady. It really dosn't matter, this hobby is for everyone. welcome aboard !

[cacole]

We have two women in the Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club, out of 20 members. One models N scale, while her husband models HO, and they share G scale interest. The other woman builds and weathers structures, and she is building her own N scale layout at home. Her husband, also, models HO. Prior to their joining the club, we had a mother and her grown son in the club who both modeled N and HO scale; so yes, there are women in model railroading. The person at the hobby shop who told you different is an uninformed jerk.

[twhite]

Megmag--the next time you go into the hobby shop, go up to the jerk you talked to and tell him that you just found out that the Bachmann Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2 can outpull the P2K USRA 2-8-8-2 by about ten cars and tell him you'd like a demonstration before you make up your mind. After he picks his jaw off the floor, he SHOULD be a little more open about a female model railroader. After all, females work for the REAL railroads, don't they? Welcome aboard, by the way. I think you'll like this group. I know I do!
Tom

[Paul3]

Not to discourage you at all, Maggy, but I know I haven't seen too many here in New England.

I've been a member of my club for over 10 years, and in that time we've had exactly one female apply for membership. What's odd is that she never showed up after she mailed in her application...

In the past, the older members have told me that there have been a number of husband and wife teams join our club, but they were gone by the time I joined.

I did see some female railfans was when I was riding Amtrak through Connecticut. Just north of Windsor Locks, I saw two women photographing our train as we rode by.

Finally, up on the Cotton Valley club, there were a few women up there who are members. The Cotton Valley is a track speeder club, and they run and maintain the old Wolfeboro RR in New Hampshire.

While I do see plenty of women at train shows, they are usually there with their S.O., or they have young children.

But don't let this stop you, Maggy! This hobby is for all. Just watch out for the jerks that will try to run you off.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for your warm welcome... Tom(twhite) , I am going to the hobby shop and get him back with what you said.. lol..

[Anonymous]

As they say......U GO GIRL!!!

Jim

[Anonymous]

While I model in HO, my wife models in N scale. I currently have a 4x8 layout and have 17 engines and about 50 cars. My wife has 21 engines and nearly 100 cars and is getting ready to build her layout. We both run UP & ATSF, I also run WP and John Deere, she also runs CB&Q and Alaska RR. Lots of variety! We both love it.

[jabrown1971]

Maggy
My mother was supportive of me while I was growing up
My first wife was great at helping plan and build
My new wife hasn't shown any interest-calls it train porn
As for the guy at the train store-take your money elsewhere-I don't know where you live, but surely there is another store close enough THAT will make you feel welcome. If I don't like a store I won't go there, even if it just down the street. I support those who support me.
Welcome to the Model Railroad empire, have fun, learn all you can, and built an awesome layout

[Todd McWilliam]

My Fiance has fallen in love with the hobby and loves to help build kits. she is always asking can we work on the trains tonight. I have to marry this woman, she is beautiful and loves trains

[Jetrock]

I haven't met too many female model railroaders but know they are out there--there was an MR article a few months ago by a female modeler who discussed using a couple of beauty-supply accessories as painting/weathering aids (mostly makeup sponges) that might not occur to males who don't wear makeup.

My wife likes trains and going to railroad museums, I know quite a few women who serve as Railroad Museum docents, but I don't think I personally know any female model railroaders. On this forum, I don't ask about race or sex or what have you as it would just get in the way of the trains, so there may be a few other female model rails here. we're all train nuts on this car!

[NevinW]

There has definitely been an increase in female model railroaders and I have seen an increase in articles written by women in the magazines. I wish my wife was more interested in it. I think the increase in the number of women in the hobby is great. - Nevin

[n2mopac]

I know there are several women on this forum. I have been trying for years to get my wife involved/interested, but no luck yet. I envy those husband/wife modeling teams that I see/ read about.

Ron

[Anonymous]

Todd,

DON'T LET THAT WOMAN GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave

[Anonymous]

Search the magazine article index for articles by Linda Sand. She has written severl layout design articles and is an active participant in the layout design Yahoo email group. I have never met Ms. Sand, but her articles are top notch.

[Anonymous]

I've never met a female modeler, but I can say we need more of them! Welcome to the hobby Maggy.

Jonathon, a 14 year old Union Pacific modeler

[jdolan]

My wife is very good at scenery building and enjoys this hobby very much . Welcome Maggy.

[cwclark]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Todd McWilliam

My Fiance has fallen in love with the hobby and loves to help build kits. she is always asking can we work on the trains tonight. I have to marry this woman, she is beautiful and loves trains

I think you better hurry up and get to the vows!...a gal like that especially one that likes the trains would be 1 in a million!...Chuck[:D]

[RedLeader]

Hey Maggy!! Never met a girl in the hobby, but if I meet one... I'll marry her!!!

... are you single? [;)] [:P]

What's better than trains and girls? ... A GIRL THAT LIKE TRAINS !!

[Anonymous]

Trainschnick-I still don't know noyhin!

[Anonymous]

Hello Maggy,
Welcome to the great and wonderful hobby of model railroading. While women in the hobby are kind of rare, I feel that it has always been an equal opprotunity hobby, and the fact that more and more women are starting to take it up, is such a cool thing. I only think it will be a benifit to the hobby.

James

QUOTE: Originally posted by Todd McWilliam

My Fiance has fallen in love with the hobby and loves to help build kits. she is always asking can we work on the trains tonight. I have to marry this woman, she is beautiful and loves trains

You lucky little devil. Claim this woman now, and cherish her every day you are together, Your not going to find another woman this understanding in a million years.

James

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RedLeader

Hey Maggy!! Never met a girl in the hobby, but if I meet one... I'll marry her!!!

... are you single? [;)] [:P]

What's better than trains and girls? ... A GIRL THAT LIKE TRAINS !!

Amen to that, RedLeader! Amen to that![:p]

[Trainnut484]

Welcome to the MR forums Maggy.

My wife is supportive of the hobby, and since she's good at woodworking she'll make me a custom display case for the HO collection.

Don't be afraid of asking questions. There's no such thing as a stupid question, and we are always willing to help.

Happy postings and take care,

Russell

[chaya]

Yes, Maggy, there are many, many women in model railroading. I am one.

[Anonymous]

Hey there Maggy, Glad to have you here. For myself I have always loved modeling, when I was a kid it was jet fighters and aircraft carriers. Wish I still had them, but I think most were sacrificed to my brother and his rocket loving friend. Payloads and such.[V]

Big_Boy_4005 got me into trains and right now I am his girl friday when he gets into the train room. I love the hands on experience. Reading all of the forums and looking at all of the catalogs makes me want to design my own little piece of heaven. The trouble is with so much to choose from it would take 10 different layouts to do everything that catches my eye.[:D]

Good luck, have fun and keep posting. Tam