How Important has Internet Access Proven to be to Your Hobby?

[sparkingbolt]

I recently realized that as much as I used to dislike the whole computer-internet thing,it has had a profound affect on my purchacing, information gathering and even, as a result, layout design. examples:

>I have mostly been able to find the locomotives I want only either thru mail order, or eBay. many of my freight cars too for that matter.

wanted to replace my catastrophically destroyed ( huge electrical spike) MRC 2400 with same; eBay.

>I am building a seaport layout, and where do I find cargo ships? Or at least plans? I didn't even have a clue where to start. Posted a topic here, and found the info that I was looking for,which led to purchace of actual ship models, via yet another website. This, in turn, had a direct relation to layout design.(Them suckers are BIG, not to be mistaken for boats!)

> What year did such-and-such railroad paint it's locomotives this way or that? there are prototype info sites that address this.This has directly influenced what locos I buy, and in what paint schemes. Same applies to cabooses too.

> I have bought books on "sawmilling" trying to find a decent plan for a sawmill, but found it only on the 'net, directly influencing my layout design.

So now that my layout has reached final stage of planning, and the track is about 97% all laid, The cars and engines are rolling I realized that the Internet has been an extremely useful tool. My layout directly reflects this. And while most of this info is probably available without the 'Net, I would have NEVER found it.

I'll use this opportunity to thank MR for this forum, through which much of the direction was aquired, and those who have responded.

So, how important is the Internet to others in this hobby? I'm curious. Dan

[Anonymous]

Hear Hear.

It has guided my direction in the hobby these last two years. In some cases protected me from other people's mistakes. (smile- we all make mistakes)

Now if I can learn a few more tricks!

[Hawks05]

this is like the only place to find intormation for me. i have books, like 5 but i've read almost all of them. i buy MRR monthly but i've read that already. the only time i buy stuff is at shows or at the LHS when i make the trip. so ebay has come in handy and so has this forum. i predict the net will be a great tool for me. i'm always on here being in high school i talk to friends, do fantasy sports, and come here.

[Anonymous]

I have found the Internet very helpful for reseach and I've recieved a lot of inspiration from others in the hobby through the net.
Although I don't buy off the internet I do get an idea of what the going prices are and know when I find a good deal.

[Anonymous]

I'll agree with that.

The internet - and especially Forums - has been invaluable in gaining knowledge of American HO.

Jon

[Anonymous]

I would honestly answer: The internet has had a great effect on my model railroading.

I'm fortunate to live in a large urban area (San Diego) and have easy access to university class libraries, thus I could have gotten most if not all my information via personal research. I can't imagine what those who live in rural or small town environments would do.

Where the net has really helped is in putting me in touch, via this forum and others, with fellow hobbiests who are really expert in the depth and breadth of their knowledge. Its been a huge time saver. Thank you all for taking the time to answer my posts and thus keep me from going too far off the rails.

Randy

[MAbruce]

It's had a profound effect on me. If it's not deals through ebay or on-line stores, it's been information. I can't begin to calculate how much it’s save me in dollars. While savings on purchases may be easier to figure out, it’s the information that has been the most valuable. With apologies to our hosts, but with the prices that Kalmbach alone charges for their numerous “how-to” books, I figure I’ve already saved a small fortune!

[Anonymous]

No internet = no prototype information = unrealistic 0-4-4-4-4-4-4-0s!

[bcammack]

Incredibly important. I found the local hobby shops, the local shows, the history of the local railroads, the local clubs, the local hobbyists, tips, prototype information, fellow enthusiasts, equipment, inspiration, you name it, all on the Internet.

I couldn't do this without it.

Regards,
Brett C. Cammack
League City, TX

[Anonymous]

Very important. Without the web I'd be unable to find information on US RRs except from books and DVDs, both of which are expensive!

[Jetrock]

The Internet seems to serve as a good starting point for research, product information, and general knowledge. Despite people's assumption that *everything* is online nowadays, it's not really the case, but it can be a good way to find out how to find real-world things that would otherwise be hard to track down.

I've found quite a bit of prototype information via online research--but mostly just short articles and some JPEGs of old photos. What has been more valuable were the phone numbers and realworld addresses of historical societies, museums, hobby shops, manufacturers, etcetera.

And then, of course, there's eBay. Important to my hobby but hazardous to my bank balance...

[orsonroy]

I couldn't be a prototype modeler without the internet, which has helped immensely in my researching of my target locations and railroads. Ebay has helped me locate paperwork that would have taken long years to find, internet chat rooms and discussion groups have allowed me to talk to other people interested in the same regoin that I otherwise would have never met, and my scanner and email has allowed me to trade reams of information back and forth easily and cheaply.

Internet shopping has also helped my modeling. I now generally never pay full retail for anything, allowing my collection to grow much faster than it otherwise could have. With most business-savvy cottage industried being online, I've been able to find odd, rare and low-production items that I would have otherwise never seen. And with the current trend of more expensive, limited run engines, I'm now able to find what I want and shop for competitive prices.

The internet is like the best swap meet/convention in the country, times 100!

[AggroJones]

Most of my current locomotives came from mail order or internet. If I depended on my LHS, I couldn't afford some of them. Plus, they barely stock the stuff I want to buy.

[Anonymous]

Some forums allow pictures and seeing what modellers have done gave me the courage to scratch build in N scale, which turned out to be easier than I thought it would.

I have learned better techniques for scenery through the net.

I have a support group that I can scream help to, if I need it.

I have moved from DCC being a tool to help remove blocks, to interet in signalling and computer run through the net.

My layout design skills have improved as track plans are critiqued.

I have had better railfanning locations due to the net.

I have made more railfanning events due to the net.

[nfmisso]

Profound....

In addition to the comments above, the ability to have one on one two way communication with well known poeple in this hobby. And especially Yahoo! groups.....

[Anonymous]

This forum and Model Railroader mag. are the answer keys for me.

[Jacktal]

My only web based purchases are my MR subscription and other occasional Kalmbach's publications.For my modelling needs(trains and accessories) I rely on my LHS who I feel has fair prices and good service,and even more important,I'd like him to stay in business.

But for the rest,I'd say that Internet is my only source of info's.I can learn tricks,hear about new products and even visit other people's layouts,all while sitting in the comfort of my home at only the price of my connexion...unbeatable I say.

[Anonymous]

very important. i could not live without it.

[Anonymous]

Very important in terms of speed. I have access to a greater body of information faster than ever. Going to the bookstore to buy books and hitting the library to research obviously requires more time. Buying items is more of a snap if you exclude time spent waiting to receive an order. I wouldn't rely on the Internet exclusively however, as I'd miss the atmosphere of my favorite hobby shop...and the sense of euphoria I feel when I unexpectedly discover a train-related book at the local Barnes & Noble. [:D]

[PistolPete]

So much information, so little time. The net is fantastic I really like the availability of hearing about different layouts, likes/dislikes, equipment, etc. Of course if I spent less time reading these forums and my soccer forums may be I would get more done on my layout. [:)][?]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by PistolPete

So much information, so little time. The net is fantastic I really like the availability of hearing about different layouts, likes/dislikes, equipment, etc. Of course if I spent less time reading these forums and my soccer forums may be I would get more done on my layout. [:)][?]

If space is not an issue, having the computer in the same room as the layout would be a good thing. I travel between rooms to access both--bummer, bummer, bummer.[V]

[CP5415]

Like most of us, It's become an important tool for information. It's also an excellent tool for making new freinds.
Without it, I would not have known that Proto is releasing another couple of D&H PA's!!!
WooHoo, I can't wait till AUGUST!!!!!!
Without it, I would not have met a good model railroad/railfan friend.
Without it, I would have had to guess to what's available on the market. I probably would not have known about my Walthers MEC pulp wood cars.
Without it, I would not have half the information I need to do the wiring for my layout.
But to answer the question asked;

It's very important to me!!!!!

Gordon

[douginut]

So far everyone else has detailed my reasons for using the internet in our hobby.
SuperCheifFan has the right idea there I have just such a setup when complete the scenery and benchwork will conceal my server!. Trains.com and Chicago-l.org are continuing inspirations to me.

Doug, in Utah

[Anonymous]

Info good[:D]
ebay good[:D]
time spent on internet cutting into modeling time, bad[:(!]
finding happy balance?[:p]priceless

[Anonymous]

I don't know how I got along before the internet. These forums are great, let alone shopping or just looking at manufactureres websites.

[Anonymous]

I like the 'net, but I get less actual work done on the layout, since it came along.[:I]
I use it more for newspapers & general knowledge, than for any hobby-related purposes.
As far as forums, there are very mixed feelings about their general usefulness.I find the generally atrocious levels of spelling and grammar the most offensive part of forum content...but I guess those things matter no longer, in today's world of speed and progress.[:(]

I dropped out of all Yahoo connections, because I was never bombarded with porn Spam UNTIL I signed on to groups at Yahoo[V]...and that most offensive form of Spam has all but stopped now.

The whole scenario really depends on one's perspective....if you are modelling 1948 for instance, and you have access to a large library of books, magazines etc. with everything you needed to know about railroading in 1948...guess what ? There's nothing new about 1948 !..it's only POSSIBLE you can find it more quickly & easily on the 'pooter.... On the downside, since everything EVER KNOWN about 1948 is on the 'net, it might take you even longer to search out exactly what you want, than it might in a railroad-specific book.[:0]

It's often said that one cannot miss what one never had...I guess that's why I know some happy & contented model railroaders that don't even own a computer.[;)][:D]
regards,
Mike

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:
I dropped out of all Yahoo connections, because I was never bombarded with porn Spam UNTIL I signed on to groups at Yahoo[V]...and that most offensive form of Spam has all but stopped now.

It's often said that one cannot miss what one never had...I guess that's why I know some happy & contented model railroaders that don't even own a computer.[;)][:D]
regards,
Mike

I agree with both statements shown above. My mailbox thanks me repeatedly for severing all ties to Yahoo.[:D]

In regards to modelers without computers, you brought up a valid point: that you can't ask about the moon if you never knew one existed. I think this is proof that you can continue to enjoy the hobby w/o the additional benefits that Internet access gives you (though I confess that it has been a plus for me regarding trains). As with anything else, finding balance in the hobby is key. What 'floats the boat' for some sinks the ship for others.

[cacole]

With no local hobby shops within 70 miles, and the one that is having bare shelves and about to go out of business, I couldn't survive without Internet access and on-line dealers. My last trip to a hobby shop was very disappointing when I encountered bare shelves and a surly clerk who acted as if I was intruding on his personal space. I don't need that type of place to go to when I can find items faster and cheaper on the Internet.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

My last trip to a hobby shop was very disappointing when I encountered bare shelves and a surly clerk who acted as if I was intruding on his personal space. I don't need that type of place to go to when I can find items faster and cheaper on the Internet.

Good point. As for the clerk, what an [censored]. Nothing makes my blood boil faster than a rude sales clerk, especially when I'm at a LHS. Dag nab it, there outta be a law forbidding those with no appreciation or enthusiasm for model trains and the people that buy them from even working at a hobby shop! [soapbox] [:(!] (Ahem) There now...I feel much better.[:D]

[sparkingbolt]

As the one who posted this topic, I see I'm in pretty good company. The reason I asked was that I only fairly recently began to appreciate the usefulness of this resource, and am still learning more ways. I've been a model builder for 30 years. Relative newcomer to the www. Thanks, Dan.