Certainly costs far less than golf, flying, or auto racing.
Bayfield Transfer RailwayI think the "how much does it cost" thing comes up when people don't know what else to say.MY answer is, "I don't know. But I still have the first boxcar kit I bought in 1970 for $1.79. When you spend little bits of pocket money over 49 years, it adds up, even though you never spend much at once."
.
I basically say something like this:
I know I have spent over $20,000.00 on wargaming in the last ten years, and I am sure I have spent equal to that on my trains in the same time period. Both of these hobbies together do not add up to my neighbor's bass boat. A hobby is a hobby, we spend what we need to get the enjoyment, escape, and pleasure out of it that we seek.
I only consider that question rude if it is asked with a "so how much did you waste on this nonsense" undertone.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
"Unattended Children will be given a triple espresso and bagpipes."
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
I think the "how much does it cost" thing comes up when people don't know what else to say.MY answer is, "I don't know. But I still have the first boxcar kit I bought in 1970 for $1.79. When you spend little bits of pocket money over 49 years, it adds up, even though you never spend much at once."
BNSF UP and others modeler Mine would be, even if you are a "professional" model railroader, don't get this idea that you are entitled to even the simple things like putting a derailed car back. What you should do is find the owner of the train and kindly inform him of the problem.
Mine would be, even if you are a "professional" model railroader, don't get this idea that you are entitled to even the simple things like putting a derailed car back. What you should do is find the owner of the train and kindly inform him of the problem.
This is how I am and I am definitely not a professional model railroader. Even at the club, unless the owner asks me to get it so they don't have to walk over, I don't touch other people's equipment. Mine, and community club property, sure.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
ROBERT PETRICKThe question is what size should these things be? Based on the green mat background, your cards appear to be about 4"x2.5". The business cards seem a little small, but the index cards seem a little large.
Yes, the passes are just slightly smaller than 2.5 by 4. This is larger than a business card. I went through my collection of old passes, and there is a little variety to the sizes. I went with the most common size.
The antique mall over in Greensboro NC has one of these up by the front register (I cant remember but I think theirs said free puppy) It has been kind of a running joke that our son wants to take them up on their offer............ Just to give right credit the sign was by desperate enterprises - used to order tons of them when I managed a store. Their catalog has lots of great fodder for HO billboards- so protect the trains and get bonus billboards at the same time....... Jim
drgwcs Good sign for the layout room?
Good sign for the layout room?
Yes, exactly! I knew I'd seen something like that before.
I also saw a club that had a big pickle jar on a shelf, and it was half-filled with Halloween-type severed fingers and thumbs and ears and whatnot. No sign, no explanation, just those creepy fingers swirling ominously in that fetid yellow liquid.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
ROBERT PETRICK carl425 I'd suggest including a free espresso with the kitten. There are a lot of cat aficionados on this forum, and I'm not sure they'd see the irony of giving away free kittens. I thought about double-espressos, but then I was afraid I'd be accused of drugging kids. In the wild world of internet forums, you can't win. Robert
carl425 I'd suggest including a free espresso with the kitten.
I'd suggest including a free espresso with the kitten.
There are a lot of cat aficionados on this forum, and I'm not sure they'd see the irony of giving away free kittens.
I thought about double-espressos, but then I was afraid I'd be accused of drugging kids.
In the wild world of internet forums, you can't win.
Rules 1 and 3 are in conflict. I would be embarrassed to go to the bathroom in front of my grandmother, although she might be pleased that I am at last potty trained.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
ROBERT PETRICKFirst rough draft of a Guest Rail Pass.
Rules would be easier to read if they weren't in all caps.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
SeeYou190 ROBERT PETRICK First rough draft of a Guest Rail Pass. Front and back sides. Robert, That looks really good. I found Excel to be the easiest tool to use to get the front and back lined up when they printed. I centered one of the the columns, then centered the images in those cells and printed on both sides. It was quick and dirty, but it worked! -Kevin
ROBERT PETRICK First rough draft of a Guest Rail Pass. Front and back sides.
Robert, That looks really good.
I found Excel to be the easiest tool to use to get the front and back lined up when they printed. I centered one of the the columns, then centered the images in those cells and printed on both sides.
It was quick and dirty, but it worked!
Hey Kevin-
Thanks.
Lining up the front and back images might be a little tricky, but I think it's doable.
The question is what size should these things be? I have standard 8.5"X11" printer-feed card stock with micro-perf cutouts for business card size (2"X3.5") and 3x5 index card size (3"x5", duh!). Based on the green mat background, your cards appear to be about 4"x2.5". The business cards seem a little small, but the index cards seem a little large, although they will fit easily into shirt pockets. I was thinking along the lines of baseball card size or poker card size (pretty much like yours, with round corners).
If I go with the business card size, the print (especially on the back) will be pretty small. That wouldn't be a problem for me because (1) I'm an N-scaler and (2) I'm nearsighted (I take my glasses off to read). But a lot of guys in the hobby might have some difficulty with the small print, and that would pretty much defeat the whole point. I'm leaning towards 3x5.
One solution would be to cut down on the amount of verbiage on the passes (especially on the back), but I specifically want to have expansive rules that are casual in nature. Short, to-the-point rules such as No Food, No Drink, Don't Smoke, Don't Cuss, Don't Fart, Don't Steal Anything, Don't Place the (Godzilla-size) Throttle on the Layout, etc are crystal clear, but they are a little cold and a little too imperative. I want to make sure the guests understand what is expected of them (in case their Granny did not already teach them), but I don't want to be dictatorial about it.
Regarding this topic - layout ettiquette - sure, there are probably a few on this forum that could improve, but I'd guess it's preaching to the choir and those who are the worst offenders aren't reading this. Just sayin...
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
ATLANTIC CENTRAL "What you fail to understand is that my self esteem is not invested in your opinion of me."
Once quite the introvert myself, that, Sheldon, is, in my opinion, perfect!
Wayne
riogrande5761 Doughless Wow, some of these stories about what visitors did or do is concerning. It fits the stereotype of the creepy train guy in the basement who never bothered to care about learning basic social skills. One of the most annoying is the lack of self awareness when they are hogging the hosts time by talking to him about how much they know. Some of this stuff has nothing to do with trains. Its seems like basically impolite people who got into the model train hobby. Welcome to the hobby. Sadly there seems to be a fairly high percentage of socially dysfunctional people in the train hobby, including vendors and folks who are manufacturing models as well. One guy lost himself a sale recently by being rude to a customer who was just trying to buy a model from him. I guess this company/importer feels we need his stuff more than he needs the customer. SMH But I guess social dysfunction isn't limited to train manufacturing exclusively, or the hobby. Sometimes people earn the stereo type that many of us end up facing.
Doughless Wow, some of these stories about what visitors did or do is concerning. It fits the stereotype of the creepy train guy in the basement who never bothered to care about learning basic social skills. One of the most annoying is the lack of self awareness when they are hogging the hosts time by talking to him about how much they know. Some of this stuff has nothing to do with trains. Its seems like basically impolite people who got into the model train hobby.
Wow, some of these stories about what visitors did or do is concerning. It fits the stereotype of the creepy train guy in the basement who never bothered to care about learning basic social skills.
One of the most annoying is the lack of self awareness when they are hogging the hosts time by talking to him about how much they know.
Some of this stuff has nothing to do with trains. Its seems like basically impolite people who got into the model train hobby.
Welcome to the hobby. Sadly there seems to be a fairly high percentage of socially dysfunctional people in the train hobby, including vendors and folks who are manufacturing models as well. One guy lost himself a sale recently by being rude to a customer who was just trying to buy a model from him. I guess this company/importer feels we need his stuff more than he needs the customer. SMH
But I guess social dysfunction isn't limited to train manufacturing exclusively, or the hobby. Sometimes people earn the stereo type that many of us end up facing.
I just have to say something here. First, there is no excuse for TRUELY bad behavior.
BUT, Traditionally hobbies like model trains attract introverts, who see the world differently than the now politically correct approved ADD, ADHD, extrovert, sound bite, "socially cool", instant gratification types who populate facebook and twitter.
Yes, introverts are often nerdy, and can lack some of the "social behavior awareness" of extroverts or those in the "middle" of the spectrum.
Guess what? 90% of the cool stuff in the world was invented by an introvert.
The introvert motto - "What you fail to understand is that my self esteem is not invested in your opinion of me."
Introverts measure themselves against their own high internal standards, not against the endless variations of reactions from others.
Could/should some of these folks work on their social skills? Sure.
Should we try to understand that not everyone sees the world the way we do?
Well that might help....
Sheldon
ROBERT PETRICKFirst rough draft of a Guest Rail Pass. Front and back sides.
I would suggest a sign that says something like " Please to be keeping das mittenmitts in der pantsenpockets!"
First rough draft of a Guest Rail Pass. Front and back sides.
SeeYou190 ROBERT PETRICK Have you posted any images of the passes? Here you go. Sorry for the bad quality, cell phone photo. I have a large collection of Private Roadname passes from the 1960s and 1970s. I think mine has many of the features required to give it an authentic look for this group. -Kevin
ROBERT PETRICK Have you posted any images of the passes?
Here you go. Sorry for the bad quality, cell phone photo.
I have a large collection of Private Roadname passes from the 1960s and 1970s. I think mine has many of the features required to give it an authentic look for this group.
Hey, that's not bad!
I like the rules printed on the back; that way, no one can claim ignorance. Humorous, but legitimate rules, strictly enforced.
I suppose I'll have to come up with a pseudonym to represent the superintendent of the division who issues the passes. That way, I can sign them as J. Clement Kadiddlehopper or something. Authentic signature, fake persona.
ROBERT PETRICKHave you posted any images of the passes?
BigDaddy ROBERT PETRICK Have you posted any images of the passes? There are a bunch of RR passes on Ebay. Some look like regular old card that you would get for being a member of a club, and some look like old stock certificates. However nearly all are either for Jay Gould or signed by Jay Gould. I know he was a big wheel back then, but how can there be that many passes, just for him?
There are a bunch of RR passes on Ebay. Some look like regular old card that you would get for being a member of a club, and some look like old stock certificates.
However nearly all are either for Jay Gould or signed by Jay Gould. I know he was a big wheel back then, but how can there be that many passes, just for him?
Hey Henry,
Thanks for the info. I didn't know about these things. Something for me to ponder for a while.
I did a quick check on Jay Gould. Says he was worth about 71 billion in today's dollars.
You notice a lot of his guest passes were No 1 (or some other low serial number)? I'm guessing he was given those passes for free as a courtesy. He might have been like Warren Buffet and many other barons . . . they only make money, they never spend any.
Anyhow, I'm looking for something in between a plain calling card and an ornate stock certificate. I know a guy who is into geo-caching. He had some plastic tokens made, and people in that hobby swap those things and send them all over the world.
I'll figure something out. Right now I'm just looking for ideas to steal.
Decades ago, I was active in a club which financed itself with annual open house days. We had very, very few problems with the pre-teen set but many adults had trouble keeping their hands off the scenery, structures, and equipment. They eventually installed plexiglass shields.
A few years ago, I dropped in for an open house while passing by. Had the pleasure of a club member latching on to me and steering me around while telling what "they" had done. 90% of the layout was unchanged from 20 years earlier ....
SeeYou190 I am very careful not to give a pass to anyone within 500 miles.
I am very careful not to give a pass to anyone within 500 miles.
Have you posted any images of the passes?
There was a layout featured in MRR a few years ago and the owner developed a complete livery including stationery and calendars and hats and coffee cups and whatnot. I'd like to do something similar. Guest passes could be interesting.
For what it's worth, I live 2300 miles from you. Two time zones away. And 6000 feet up.
No picture taking? Well, I wouldn't want anyone taking the pictures off my walls either.
There are TONS of layouts in a highly organized open house series that goes through November around here, lots of layouts, of all sizes and levels and states of completion. Probably mentioned it before in this thread since it's a year old.
We have quite a few layout tours offered in this part of southern Ontario, usually in early November. A couple of years ago, a friend decided to offer his layout as part of a tour somewhat near his location, and his was likely the one farthest from the centre of things. He asked me to come as an observer, just to ensure that visitors behaved properly.The first visitors were there when I arrived (it's about a 45 minute drive from my house), but they had come from over 200 miles away. I was surprised by the number of visitors that showed-up, though as his layout was certainly the most remote of those on the tour.He had specified in the tour book that the layout was not suitable for children, and that none would be admitted, and when a couple with children showed up, they were told that their children would not be allowed in. The couple did take a look around, but left fairly soon - not surprisingly.During a lull in the visits, I mentioned to him that I thought his take on kids and layouts was misinformed, and that I was there to keep an eye on them. I also expained that my kids (when young) and grandkids nowadays, had always been very respectful of my trains (that's how they were taught), and I often allowed them to run trains at the age of two or three (with supervision, of course). Small kids, by nature, like to touch stuff, so I always presented a few opportunities for that, too.
Anyway, several other visitors showed up and left, and as it was nearing the end of the afternoon, we were wrapping things up when another couple arrived. They mentioned that they were aware of the "no children" request, and also mentioned that theirs were "in the car".I looked at my friend, and got a somewhat hesitant, "Go ahead and bring them in." That couple, not model railroaders, stayed for an hour, asking questions, taking photos (they asked permission) and the kids (I'd guess 7 and 9 years) did not touch one thing, even asking sensible and thoughtful questions themselves.When they had left, my friend commented, "That was the most enjoyable visit of the day! They were actually interested, and their kids were well-behaved, too...I'm glad that you talked me into allowing them in!"
On the other hand, I was on a local layout tour and there was one kid (about 10 or 11, I'd guess) touching all manner of stuff on the layout, picking up vehicles and other details. I politely reprimanded him and got a mixed reaction of indifference and the evil eye from the brat's father. I did mention the incident to one of the guys which were running trains and answering questions.
I've thought about having my own layout on the tour, too, but I think that it's more suited to individual visitors, and SWMBO is very adamant that even those visits are very limited. In truth, I don't think that there's all that much of interest, as there's more stuff unfinished (or unstarted) than there is presentable, and the layout is definitely not suitable for operation by more than one person.
mbinsewiYou planning on lots of visitors?
Nope.
I also did not put any contact information on the pass. I guess I just wanted to trade passes with people.
You planning on lots of visitors?
Lets see, I've had two family Christmas Eve events at our house in the last 7 years? (We rotate from family to family) since my layout was up and running.
So that means about 10 adults, and 18 kids under 12? (that's also counting grandson's friends on non Christmas visits) have seen my layout.
I can understand if you have a club and/or a large layout that you open for public visits, but me? I'm not worried about it.
Mike.
My You Tube