What is this w**k you speak of - this mystery word. Forums themselves can be relatively ephemeral, even this one. Atlas shut theirs down in 2012. With the way things are going with this magazine, I wouldn't be surprised if this forum gets the axe.
People have different priorities and preferences but forums are generally set up so members don't have access to personal contact info unless a member voluntarily shares it with someone they feel they can trust.
They come for their own reasons. Obviously some come here as much for the social interaction as to talk about model trains, sometimes model trains are pretty much a vehicle or excuse to socialize online.
I particiapate in a number of forums so I don't depend too much on any one. If MR magazine shuts this forum down, which I expect will happen sooner or later, it will not be horrible to me. Maybe it will be for some who have become dependant on it. I tend to prefer forums where trains or model trains are the focus, rather than social banter, or "coffee clutch" talk with "virtual" food. A couple of other forums are very much social centers and as such, I tend to visit less often - not much "meat" there. A few others are much more focused on the hobby and to me they are more satisfying.
But as they say, different strokes ...
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
The mystery word appears to be work.....
Sheldon
I don't have any kind of notification plan in place. I do belong to a couple different forums, but I don't post enough for anyone to miss me.
However, I just retired about a month ago at the age of 57. That might give me time to post a bit more and, maybe, someone might actually notice when I disappear!
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
I had guessed it, but didn't understand why work had to have letters replaced with asteriks, like it was trying to go stealth or something. Maybe I haven't had enough coffee to get some subtle thing here? or was that just done to play with our heads?
I am a new member here but I really appreciate the help and tips that I have received on this forum.
I only have an ipad, no computer, so when I post pictures here, it takes me a long time to do it. So in the last weeks, I decided to try model railroading Facebook groups. It's way faster to post photos than here but my threads get lost very fast in the sea of threads. Plus, I have received a lot more helpful tips here than on Facebook so I am back even though this forum is not user friendly for ipad users like me.
Stef
So, I guess the question I’m asking is, do you have (even if it is for the far distant future) a notification system in place? That is if you even care.
This is interesting since I know several forum members who suddenly "disappeared".
I have left enough information in some of my posts that it would not be difficult for someone to find my obituary when that happens.
That said, it is concerning when someone who actively posts just quits. I'm not sure why my first thought when that happens is that something bad has happened.
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."
JaBearIn the Current Interweb Age of Information there are too many instances of ffolkes putting far too much “personal stuff” into the public domain, which if they had any sense, they wouldn’t.
Before I joined this forum, I was a very active member, for years, on a wargaming forum used by thousands of people world-wide. The wargamers shared A LOT MORE personal information than the model railroaders do, but I think that is because we all met at coinventions/tournaments from time to time in the real world, so there was less anonymity amongst the participants.
Also, before I joined this forum, I had a substantial online presence with my previous employer.
I already had tons of personal presence under my real name in the web, so since I have always "existed" on the web, I don't think about it much.
JaBearI’ve been perturbed by Forum members whose valued contributions, be they helpful/ interesting/ controversial/ other or a combination of categories, have, for the want of a better word, stopped!
I have also 90% stopped offering advice/solutions/help to people in this forum. I communicate via email with four other regulars that have done the same thing for the same reason.
Continuously being shouted down by a know-it-all who can't even figure out how to wire or operate an Atlas Controller, but constantly tells the experienced helpful people they are wrong, has taken a brutal hit to the helpful advice provided here.
JaBearUnfortunately, the Diners RIP Track is increasing in occupancy at a somewhat alarming rate.
I think this has just been the case in the last few months. Since I have been here, January 2017, Brakie, Rrinker, Neil B, PastorBob, and TamikawaTT are the only new arrivals on the RIP track from the forum usership, but four of them have been in the last 12 months. I pray this surge ends.
JaBearNow, I’m making a reasoned guess that some former prolific contributors have “out grown” this Forum / hobby; had a w**k/ lifestyle change; or simply moved on with their life.
That happens. I would never have come here if I had not been kicked off the wargamer forum I used. I will need to be kicked out of here to leave this one. I think I am stubborn when I find a forum home.
What Mr. Hooper would call a territorial predator.
JaBearThere are, of course, Forum Members who have left enough “breadcrumbs, that I feel certain that I can identify their real persona.
I have met about a dozen forum users face-face, even visited five of their homes. I have cell phone numbers for about 20 people. That might sound like a lot, but I had this circumstance with hundreds of the users on the wargamer forum.
JaBearThere are other regulars who I wouldn’t have a clue how contact them.
I used to have addresses for about 30-40 forum members, but I lost them all when I retired and surrendered my work computer. The file became encrypted and locked when I tried to open it on an unauthorized computer.
JaBearThe question I’m asking is, do you have (even if it is for the far distant future) a notification system in place? That is if you even care.
Since everyone here knows my real name and where I live, I am certain it will not take much effort to figure out what happened to me. But... my wife has instructions how to let everybody know.
riogrande5761 Atlas shut theirs down in 2012. With the way things are going with this magazine, I wouldn't be surprised if this forum gets the axe.
Atlas is a manufacturing company that had a forum. It did not fit.
Kalmbach Media is a communications company that is transitioning to a larger online presence. The forum fits. The forum drives a bit of traffic to the Kalmbach site, and keeps it returning. The hardest part of having an online business is getting people to come in your door. I think the forum will be here for a long while.
I just renewed my subscription to Fine Scale Modeler, and subscribed to Classic Trains for the first time to try it out. I finally had a contribution published in Model Railroader.
The forums do work for Kalmbach Media to a certain extent. I am certain they work better than they did for Atlas.
They could do better, like my previous employer did (we were a manufacturer that used the forum to keep our "enthusiast" customer base excited).
trwrouteI do belong to a couple different forums, but I don't post enough for anyone to miss me.
You would be missed, at least by me. I recognize your avatar and read all your posts.
riogrande5761I had guessed it, but didn't understand why work had to have letters replaced with asteriks, like it was trying to go stealth or something.
W**k, to many of us, is an offensive and vulgar word.
York1That said, it is concerning when someone who actively posts just quits. I'm not sure why my first thought when that happens is that something bad has happened.
Many of the missing members communicate with me via email. Most are just fine. Hopefully when the toxic dark force that has infected the prized how-to threads moves on, they will be back.
I have two more projects to share, like my benchwork segment and paint booth, but in the current environment, I am holding them for the time being.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
To be honest, I can see how someone can get frustrated with these forums and give up. Topics often veer off course into politics, so a question like "why does Amtrak use this-or-that piece of equipment" will inevitably have mixed in with actual / factual answers several "government can't do anything right so what do you expect?" answers.
Other folks can't wait to show their detailed knowledge of railroad trivia, so a question like "what did railroads use as switchers in the steam era?" will elicit a quick answer "steam switchers were typically 0-6-0 or 0-8-0 types" which should suffice, but instead will then be followed with a reply of "you're forgetting the Yooperland Central, a three-mile shortline in Ishpeming Michigan, that used a 2-4-2 as a switcher from 1899 to 1903...don't you know anything?".
I think some folks just want to be trolls and argue with whatever anyone says, or put out obviously untrue statements just to see how long they can get people riled up and responding.
wjstixI think some folks just want to be trolls and argue with whatever anyone says, or put out obviously untrue statements just to see how long they can get people riled up and responding.
The latter example is severely detrimental to these forums.
At some point in the last 6 months, I lost the ability to post as Tin Can; hence the Tin Can II avatar. I have also retired in Texas, moved to a rent house in Kansas, started a challenging new job, made numerous trips back to Texas as part of the final move, bought a house in Kansas, moved into the house in Kansas, begun renovations of said house in Kansas. Very little time for hobbies, although the Kansas house has a large basement with an incredible space for a layout/workshop. I may pop in once a day to this forum, and rarely post.
One morning I expect to wake up, grab a coffee, sit down at the computer and find this forum no longer exists. In the sixteen years, I have been here I have had a lot of enjoyable conversations both on the forum and through the PM option. I miss many of those that are no longer with us, many of them guided me through my return to the hobby.
That being said I really value my privacy. If I type my name in Google absolutely nothing comes up and I would like to keep it that way. If I find my days on this planet are coming to an end, I will most likely be one of those that has slipped off in the night.
I find myself on FB a lot more as it is a cornucopia of photos and other info. I came across one group that I joined that talks about nothing but how to detail track. Who knew?
FB has a global audience and the modeling is stunning and the specialized groups are the ultimate reference. People talk about not being able to go to the local hobby shop and talk to the owner. Well, a lot of manufacturers are on FB and often show up to chat. The boys from Rapido have gabfest and I have participated a few times and have gotten a lot of good answers to my inquiries live and in colour!
To be honest, I am on this forum out of habit, I joined 16 years ago because I was looking for help and enjoyed the interaction I found with the members and I still do. I don't find myself asking for help here much anymore as FB is a Quantum Computer compare to this old beat-up "how-to" book. I think this forum is withering on the vine, but I'll hang around till the end. When that happens I am easy to find on FB as I post the same pics over there.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
In the convesation about MIA's I am remembering "Grampy's Trains" AKA DJ. He posted great pictures in Weekend Photo Fun of his very nice PRR layout. Suddenly, he quit posting at least 4 years ago now. Nobody was able to find out what happened to him.
In the Diner, we are wondering about John Boy AKA Last Mountain and Santa Fe who quit posting over a year ago. We know he had healthe issues.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
SeeYou190 wjstix I think some folks just want to be trolls and argue with whatever anyone says, or put out obviously untrue statements just to see how long they can get people riled up and responding. The latter example is severely detrimental to these forums. -Kevin
wjstix I think some folks just want to be trolls and argue with whatever anyone says, or put out obviously untrue statements just to see how long they can get people riled up and responding.
I have curtailed forum activity lately. It has become tiresome.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
SeeYou190Continuously being shouted down by a know-it-all who can't even figure out how to wire or operate an Atlas Controller, but constantly tells the experienced helpful people they are wrong, has taken a brutal hit to the helpful advice provided here.
Endorse.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I don't mind if conversations veer off target but sometimes the moderators come on and nix them, even when it is not off target saying move along. I think a lot of people don't like this as the computer has given us all a sense of freedom and trying to take that away offends many Americans, even those that are less than patriotic. This forum could be a goldmine in stearing people to this companys product, but mis handled and the oposite is true. Kalmbach sees the trees instead of the forest. Evolve or perish is what all the techies live by, Kalmbach could own the media of model railroading space if they wanted to and pick up other assets for little money.
SeeYou190 I have also 90% stopped offering advice/solutions/help to people in this forum. I communicate via email with four other regulars that have done the same thing for the same reason. Continuously being shouted down by a know-it-all who can't even figure out how to wire or operate an Atlas Controller, but constantly tells the experienced helpful people they are wrong, has taken a brutal hit to the helpful advice provided here. -Kevin
I too have stopped giving advice (unless specifically asked me).
The last twice what the OP wanted was not what he asked, yet 'blasted' contributors for 'giving the wrong information'.
Having said that, I like this Forum and read most threads.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
NorthBrit SeeYou190 I have also 90% stopped offering advice/solutions/help to people in this forum. I communicate via email with four other regulars that have done the same thing for the same reason. Continuously being shouted down by a know-it-all who can't even figure out how to wire or operate an Atlas Controller, but constantly tells the experienced helpful people they are wrong, has taken a brutal hit to the helpful advice provided here. -Kevin I too have stopped giving advice (unless specifically asked me). The last twice what the OP wanted was not what he asked, yet 'blasted' contributors for 'giving the wrong information'. Having said that, I like this Forum and read most threads. David
Mike
SeeYou190 trwroute I do belong to a couple different forums, but I don't post enough for anyone to miss me. You would be missed, at least by me. I recognize your avatar and read all your posts. -Kevin
trwroute I do belong to a couple different forums, but I don't post enough for anyone to miss me.
Thanks for the kind words, Kevin!
I am sure there are more.
These are just some people that I usually conversed with when they posted, that I have not seen for a while.
I figured the MIA dates using the forum search function, sometimes I know it is not completely accurate.
I have never felt qualified to give advice, however, I do respond by saying this is what I did, or this is how I do it, and leave it at that. They can take it or leave it.
BATMANI have never felt qualified to give advice, however, I do respond by saying this is what I did, or this is how I do it, and leave it at that
My favorite posts of yours are where you show off your layout (and the curtains), and describe your techniques.
SeeYou190My favorite posts of yours are where you show off your layout (and the curtains), and describe your techniques. -Kevin
Thanks Kevin
The curtains may actually disappear soon, even my cousin commented on them and that is not something she would normally do.
I cannot imagine how disgusting they are after the big reno.
Classic!
Jim secretly likes them.
Having been around here for a while, the amount of useful modeling information has declined significantly, and some of the most prominent posters fall into two caregories: this is how I did it in the '70s, and this is how I will do it if I ever build a railroad. Never-ending discussions about prices and the NMRA don't interest me at all. My local NMRA is a small-circle of hardshell old-timers, and I just spend what I think I can afford. For topics like signalling or other specific prototypeinformation, there are more productive groups and forums that are not hard to find.
Lastspikemike Facebook.
Facebook.
No thanks. I had a FB account for a very short time around 7 years ago and disabled it pretty quickly and never went back. I let me wife do all the stuff that is advantageous on FB - mainly FB Market Place to find good deals.
BATMANJim secretly likes them.
You wish! I think you just keep them to uglify the room for me!
But praytell, whey were you be giving into the scwartz and remove them?
riogrande5761 BATMAN Jim secretly likes them. You wish! I think you just keep them to uglify the room for me! But praytell, whey were you be giving into the scwartz and remove them?
BATMAN Jim secretly likes them.
HA!.... That only took 10 minutes and four seconds for a response. Slowing down in your old age or you couldn't let go of that piece until the glue dried.
SeeYou190riogrande5761 Atlas shut theirs down in 2012. With the way things are going with this magazine, I wouldn't be surprised if this forum gets the axe. Atlas is a manufacturing company that had a forum. It did not fit.
With the way things are going with this magazine, I wouldn't be surprised if this forum gets the axe.
It fit for around 18 years. I was on that forum starting in 1994. It was made pretty clear that shutting the forum down was a cost cutting measure as the factory closings and recession had hit Atlas pretty hard in the preceding years and the maintenence and upkeep and moderating was something they decided, as you would say, didn't fit. It was basically an upkeep and budgetary decision.
The way I see Model Railroader Magazine, what with the drying up of ad revenue, fewer and fewer pages, lower circulation, things don't really look that differently to me. This is a magazine comapany that has a forum and eventually they make look at it as an unnecessary burden for the very same reasons, upkeep, maintenence and moderation. I'm not seeing a huge difference. Mainly timing. But as Sheldon used to often say, what do I know?
I despise FB, so I come here, and to "the other" forum.
I have left a few clues here and there, and anyone who views "full screen" any of my pics or vids gets my full name.
Anyone could, based on those clues and my name, find any "news" should something occur.
As someone who "disappeared" a while back due to taking a break from people, over some issues that occurred elsewhere, (So called "Friends" who became angry I lost my job bc of pandemic), I get why some others may simply stop posting, for various reasons. W*rk, family obligations, busy with "other" interests, etc... are all valid reasons to "disappear" from posting here for a while.
But if this forum ever ends, I will never be found on FB.... I really despise it that much.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
I try to pop on daily as a great break from that four-letter work you used. Certain topics veer to the contraversial or outlandish. The lack of civility sometimes get crazy, but I think if folks think before sending a post, that helps greatly.
Overall, I appreciate the advice here greatly. With so many STILL running rains (like myself), it hearing from others with helpful suggestions happens fast. I tend to let some posts go a bit before responding. This allows time for me to hear from others.
So, I guess the question I’m asking is, do you have (even if it is for the far distant future) a notification system in place?
We've successfully steered away from that question and onto whether the forum will survive and forum members we don't like.
If someone went through my password manager that might think I participated in 40 or 50 forums. Most I joined to see a picture or read directions or ask a question, once.
As my interests or hobbies changed, so did my participation in various forums. I never said goodbye, I just stopped reading the forums.
Facebook forums were unsatisfactory because their algorithm for showing you a thread also prevented you from seeing or searching for a particular thread, even if you started it.
At any rate I don't expect my wife to post my obit in any forum. She is going to have enough problems with my departure. I hope she cancels my Facebook account because getting notices "Today is so and so's birthday, when they are dead is creepy. Though not as creepy as some of the birthday wishes that follow.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Tempus edax rerum. 'Time devours everything.'
Interest wanes, maybe permanently, finances change for the worse, health problems, new directions, evolution and growing out of a venue with improvements in one's ability, refinement of interests and narrowing such that another site takes precedence, marital breakdown and emotional instability, new squeeze who is somewhat....uummm....needy, property/domicile changes due to catastrophe, death.
If you'd like a trip down memory lane, do a search at right on a commonly popular and recurring topic, and scroll well down, even pages, to get to one of the very early threads from 10 years back, or more. Look at the names. If that doesn't give you a pang of nostalgia and missing old friends, you don't have a pulse.
I've certainly reduced my contributions in recent years, but that's largely due to a fairly fully realized layout where there isn't that much to document from week to week. I've been trying to do a bit more recntly and as the winds cool towards the last part of the year I'm hoping to be more productive.
I'm a member of a couple of other forums, but haven't posted to them in years. While there are some "personalities" here, they are mostly bearable and not nearly so thick as in other places.
I don't see any net in worrying over the future of the forum, it's more important to do what I can to help ensure it's future, even if it's an admittedly weak effort at times.
Anyone who'd like more of what I do can PM me for Zoom details of a every Wednesday night at 6-8pm (Central time) Train Talk. It's a great little group that welcomes all, even those who hate the word w**k. We talk about models, the prototype, and just a little about why we may be looking particualrly old this week.
Otherwise, you can find me hanging around here and, with a little better effort, contributing more.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Hello Crew
Imho, this forum is still valuable.
I'm a member of several other forums, but stopped posting on them due to, what seems to be: opinions, disagreements, or information presented in a condescending manner (why?). But, rather than withdrawing my membership or arguing, I now "lurk" as sometimes valuabe topics and info pop up on them. However, I let modelers know that if I can be of help to send me a PM or contact me, off list, on my email.
This forum and the Atlas Rescue are my FAVORITES and I certainly hope that they will be around for years to come. It's nice to see that there are a good number of passenger train modelers here (Pre-Amtrak, Amtrak, Commuter, Subway, Trolley, Light Rail). I really appreciate the passenger rail related topics and posts as we are already a "subgroup" within a larger group that's primarily freight rail-oriented.
I have seen a few negatives comments on this forum before; but guys please don't stop posting. Not downplaying your thoughts but the terse blowtorch flaming that come up on other forums makes the ones here look like the minor annoyances that we see between the crew on "King of The Hill". My approach now is something along the lines of "Hey Sam, why the nasty reply? Come on relax; lets continue talking trains". I've found that approach to work well the majority of the time here.
I'm slowly working on metalizing a group of passenger cars in ACL, SCL, and the RF&P schemes. I hope to post a thread in the near future with photos and details.
BTW, for the person that asked: CedarwoodRon is a friend of mine. He is Ok, but has been busy at home with family. He has worked on his layout on and off. I'll send him an email and kindly "remind him" to check in here from time to time .
HoN30Critter, Paul3, Doc Wayne, SeeYou190, MLehman, GMPullman, Sheldon, Broadway Lion..........and the rest of "ya'll".......stay here and keep making this an enjoyable forum.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
AntonioFP45BTW, for the person that asked: CedarwoodRon is a friend of mine. He is Ok, but has been busy at home with family. He has worked on his layout on and off.
That is good to hear.
When I was working in Tampa I sent him a PM and asked to meet up and talk trains one evening, but I never received a response.
Thanks for the update.
BigDaddyBigDaddy wrote the following post 38 minutes ago: So, I guess the question I’m asking is, do you have (even if it is for the far distant future) a notification system in place? We've successfully steered away from that question
mlehmanOtherwise, you can find me hanging around here and, with a little better effort, contributing more.
Water Level RouteThat's good to hear Mike. I always enjoy your photos and posts. Very neat railroad you have.
Absolutely! +1.
BATMANThat being said I really value my privacy. If I type my name in Google absolutely nothing comes up and I would like to keep it that way. If I find my days on this planet are coming to an end, I will most likely be one of those that has slipped off in the night.
If you go missing, should we start looking in Abbotsford, South Surrey, or Tsawwassen?
While it's off-topic, I personally am happy with the moderators here.
This has started me thinking about when I leave.
Should I tell my wife to post something?
Should I assume I won't even be missed until eight years later?
Should I write my obituary now so that I know it contains what I want, and have it somehow linked to my forum info?
Maybe I'll just continue to post from above.
York1Should I tell my wife to post something? Should I assume I won't even be missed until eight years later? Should I write my obituary now so that I know it contains what I want, and have it somehow linked to my forum info?
John,
I think the new forum software upgrade is supposed to included all those features...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
ucf_knight BATMAN That being said I really value my privacy. If I type my name in Google absolutely nothing comes up and I would like to keep it that way. If I find my days on this planet are coming to an end, I will most likely be one of those that has slipped off in the night. If you go missing, should we start looking in Abbotsford, South Surrey, or Tsawwassen?
BATMAN That being said I really value my privacy. If I type my name in Google absolutely nothing comes up and I would like to keep it that way. If I find my days on this planet are coming to an end, I will most likely be one of those that has slipped off in the night.
Well, if I am not seen at Costco in Abbotsford or at PWRS in South Surrey or catching the ferry in Tsawwassen, you can check the greek restaurant or the Boathouse in White Rock.
If you cannot find me, then I will be here. This is where I told the wife and kids to dump the ashes on the outgoing tide so I can continue to see more of the world. My wife and kids loved it as I spent a lot of time sailing off the point or walking the dogs in the park in my first 40 years.
A good place to rest my weary bones. So come on by and set a spell.
tstage York1 Should I tell my wife to post something? Should I assume I won't even be missed until eight years later? Should I write my obituary now so that I know it contains what I want, and have it somehow linked to my forum info? John, I think the new forum software upgrade is supposed to included all those features... Tom
York1 Should I tell my wife to post something? Should I assume I won't even be missed until eight years later? Should I write my obituary now so that I know it contains what I want, and have it somehow linked to my forum info?
Cool!!!
I will definitely be having my written "forum obit" a full "railfan send-off" then! Only proper y'all remember fellow Forumites (or is it Forites?) that way.
ricktrains4824" a full "railfan send-off"
You just gave me another idea! This is the Royal Hudson running up the coast walking distance from the Point Atkinson Lighthouse. If I could get my ashes blown out of the smokestack of the Hudson with a slight Easterly I would still land in the chuck. What a sendoff that would be!
SeeYou190 I am sure there are more. These are just some people that I usually conversed with when they posted, that I have not seen for a while. I figured the MIA dates using the forum search function, sometimes I know it is not completely accurate. -Kevin
I am Flying Scotaman. I have had 5 or 6 profiles on this forum since the very early 2000's.
What always happens is that I lose the ability to post pics. Tried all the clearing cookies and what have you (actually workwise that doesn't really suit me TBH) and I am no slouch on cross platform working which I have to be as a consultant with plenty of overseas contracts. This one has me foxed though!
I ought not to be too bullish though - I'm in my mid 50's so let's be honest anything could happen at any minute.
One thing I would say is that I found a post of mine when searching for something recently, from 2005 or 2006 maybe, and I do think the interaction / comments back then were kinder between members.
I cannot post pics now BTW so I will probably re-incarnate myself sometime soon.
One reason for me to be an on / off contributor is that I often work in the Middle East or Asia for a few months or a year or two at a time and so other than what I take with me to keep me occupied - a couple of years ago I was in Kuala Lumpur for a few months and i took some Walthers passenger cars to detail a little as an example - it's all a bit out of sight out of mind.
In the event I do pass on I will try and let you all know in the form of an un-tracable short circuit, or an unfathomable intermittent de-railing passenger car.........
Nice to be missed though. Seriously.
TheFlyingScotsmanI can help here! Although I must admit reading this sent a shiver through my spine I am Flying Scotaman.
Glad to hear all is well.
I'm still around. I'm not on here much during the summer season, too much going on out side, with building projects and such.
I scroll through here a few times a week.
No particular posts or threads have jumped out me, to point that I need to respond, or give my thoughts.
Wishing a safe and fun 4th of July to all!
Mike.
My You Tube
When I first got back into the hobby about 10 years ago I looked around for forums where I could ask questions about building a new train layout. I found a number of them, and a number of them offered a variety of contributors and ease of use.
This forum was one of the top choices of some of those I visited, and I got a lot of interesting advice here. BUT there were a few items that discouraged me, and finally ended up in my withdrawing from participation.
The primary problem I had with this forum was their insistence on their singularity,...NO references allowed to other forums or discussions on those forums. It not as if all the definitive discussions/opinions would occur ONLY on this forum. Rather there was a wealth of info to be gathered from other forums, and thus brought into any discussions of any subjects, regardless of the forum they were occurring on. I did not appreciate this one sided view.
The second problem I had with this forum was that they refused to host the photos of subjects under discussion. This made it necessary to go to a third party to host the photos, then link them to this forum. Of course many recall the incident with the very popular site that decided to change their rules,...and subsequently ruin a lot of history of subjects on this forum,...and others. Most of the other model railroad forums host the photos of members,...and I feel that photos are a VERY IMPORTANT element of forum discussions.
Less important, but still a factor was their software problem that use to notify a poster if a new posting was added to a discussion he/she had contributed to. That disappeared.
Then there was the lack of a manner in which to make reference to a particular posting as opposed to having to reference the entire thread.
I finally had to retreat to other forums.
Brian
My Layout Plan
Interesting new Plan Consideration
Brian,
I have missed your contributions.
If I remember correctly, Steve O made explanations for the reasons the forum operates like it does for all the concerns you listed.
Hopefully, you will share more updates of your interesting layout and projects with us.
railandsail When I first got back into the hobby about 10 years ago I looked around for forums where I could ask questions about building a new train layout. I found a number of them, and a number of them offered a variety of contributors and ease of use. This forum was one of the top choices of some of those I visited, and I got a lot of interesting advice here. BUT there were a few items that discouraged me, and finally ended up in my withdrawing from participation. The primary problem I had with this forum was their insistence on their singularity,...NO references allowed to other forums or discussions on those forums. It not as if all the definitive discussions/opinions would occur ONLY on this forum. Rather there was a wealth of info to be gathered from other forums, and thus brought into any discussions of any subjects, regardless of the forum they were occurring on. I did not appreciate this one sided view. The second problem I had with this forum was that they refused to host the photos of subjects under discussion. This made it necessary to go to a third party to host the photos, then link them to this forum. Of course many recall the incident with the very popular site that decided to change their rules,...and subsequently ruin a lot of history of subjects on this forum,...and others. Most of the other model railroad forums host the photos of members,...and I feel that photos are a VERY IMPORTANT element of forum discussions. Less important, but still a factor was their software problem that use to notify a poster if a new posting was added to a discussion he/she had contributed to. That disappeared. Then there was the lack of a manner in which to make reference to a particular posting as opposed to having to reference the entire thread. I finally had to retreat to other forums.
Brian, I understand your frustration with all these items, but...
Bringing info from other sources is one thing, linking large discussions directly is another......
I know I hold the unpopular view about Photobucket, but eventually everything on the web is becoming fully monetized, look at youtube? NOTHING is free.
I still have Photobucket, they backed off the high price, every picture I have ever posted is still here.......
I pay to be on a user owned forum for tractors, yes they host pictures, but they did not at first. I still have photobucket pictures there too.
We all find what works for us, we all make choices. While I am still here, I post in dramaticly fewer threads these days........
Thanks Mike!
And Kevin, too!
I'll likely have a pic for WPF this week, after investing in my only "fancy" car this year.
I'll also work on ideas on how to depict some of the less photogenic things I tend to do, like operations and maintenance in pics. I've been doing a lot of video work lately and shifting my old brain cells to it leaves only so much for anything else. It's heck getting old, but as this thread shows, it beats the alternative.
Kevin ..... Now, I am remembering another member who has not been in the forum for a long time. ... Tom White (twhite) if my memory is correct.
Heartland Division CB&QKevin ..... Now, I am remembering another member who has not been in the forum for a long time. ... Tom White (twhite) if my memory is correct.
I see Tom popping up elsewhere, every once in a while.
Heartland Division CB&QNow, I am remembering another member who has not been in the forum for a long time. ... Tom White (twhite) if my memory is correct.
It looks like he went missing a couple of years ago.
SeeYou190
Yup, listening to one guy lobby his views constantly and downplay anything outside his comfort zone got old, and I suspect ran many off to greener pastures. I hardly come here at all anymore as it seems stale. I spent time on other forums and Facebook. The huge advantage to FB is you can simply block a user you dont want to see, read and hear.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
Geared Steam The huge advantage to FB is you can simply block a user you dont want to see, read and hear.
The info on FB is amazing, however, if I could not block the friend's things I would not go near it. I participate a little on FB but under an alias and I thoroughly enjoy it. I mostly just soak in the photos and learning.
The Facebook thing sounds all fine and dandy, but what about those of us that don't use it? It's nice to have a forum like this where the conversations are normally cordial and the atmosphere is inviting. I believe the trouble makers of the past have moved on and that makes me check in here more often.
I see I made enough of an impact here to make it on to Kevin's list. I was waffling on whether to comment here, but seeing as I have been considered of value, I think its only fair to explain...
For me personally it was not intentional. Once I hit college classes and picked up significant work hours, this completely fell off the radar. I'm still into the hobby, still trying to get models out of my 3d printer (latest model would be 3d printed wheels, hopefully I can print the trucks too at some point)
The upside of the job hours is I have more money for hobbies. The downside is I have more hobbies I can afford now that all want my money...
I'll try and get back on here, most of my use will be from the technological and 3d design side, as I spend a lot of time on the computer and that is what I am most familiar with as well
I for one, am not yet lost. Hopefully that gives a ray of hope.
I'm beginning to realize that Windows 10 and sound decoders have a lot in common. There are so many things you have to change in order to get them to work the way you want.
Facebook problems
Perhaps I am just 'old school', but I have a number of problems using Facebbok. Maybe someone can educate me?
Facebook bounces one around so much I have a hard time following it?
Facebook is CONSTANTLY sending me multitutes of stuff (sometimes unrelated crap) that just fills up my email box !!
Why is there at least 6-7 diiferent HO for sale list on FB. One or 2 isn't enough??
just a few questions of mine. I'm off to a WWll aircraft show
xboxtravis7992Huh look, that's my profile picture.
BNSF UP and others modelerI see I made enough of an impact here to make it on to Kevin's list
Thanks to both you guys for checking in.
My list was mainly people whose posts I enjoyed reading, but had not seen lately.
Your inclusion on the list was based on nothing more.
Hope to see more of you.
This forum in no different than any other forum. People come and go, but there are always a few regulars that frequent everyday. I don't have that kind of time.
This is just a hobby. Not a lot of people have a ton of time to dedicate to hobbies. Between family, work, taking care of things around the house, and other hobbies, I don't have time to visit here often. I generally visit here when I'm looking for a solution to a modeling problem or I have a question. I don't feel qualified to give much advice
Semi newbie HO scale modeler coming from the O scale world
Speaking as a very early member of these Forums (from back when we had actual "Forum Member" T shirts, and would gather at Galesburg RR Days, Trainfest in Milwaukee , and the Madison WI train show wearing our T shirts for group photos and chat) I offer some random and unconnected reactions.
It would be hard for some of you to believe the intensity of the forum posting back then; the whole idea was fresh and new and if you turned your back for a moment after posting something it might now be on page 3! A week or so I posted a modest little reply to something on the prototype information section and it stayed the second thing on the list for maybe an entire week. That would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
Some very fine advanced modelers from those early days stopped posting not due to the trolls but because I think the caliber of conversation seemed increasingly beginner oriented. Bob Grech and Bob Boudreau come to mind. And ironically the seemingly built-in bias against reviving older threads meant that some rather tiresome beginner topics get brought up "new" repeatedly. THere seems to be no happy medium on that.
One other observation. One reason I used to visit the Forums every single day is because I was an early Model Railroader Video Plus subscriber and wanted to keep track of new videos before they got buried deeply by still newer videos. Coming to the Forums first was a convenient way to bop over to MRVP every day, maybe twice a day. Then MRVP lost its spine and became very tiresome, particularly the toy train stuff which had this seemingly deliberately infantile persona, and other videos which just did not interest me at all, although that might just be me in an increasingly "get off my lawn" geezer mentality. Plus no more Drew's Trackside Adventures, or Jim Hediger stories or projects, or MR Roundtable. I have now cut the cord and dropped MRVP, since as a MR subscriber (for the time being) I seem to have access to most of the videos I was watching anyway.
So without MRVP as an incentive I for one let many days go by in the row without visiting or, obviously, commenting, and it is surprising how little "behind" I've gotten when I do drop in!
The MR/MRVP/Forum problems (and that includes the pamphlet size of the magazines, the photo hosting issue which has made many great old postings useless, and the failure or inability to keep the "all magazine" index alive) are, in my opinion, Kalmbach corporate problems. They have some shareholders whose only interest is in dividend income for themselves, because they live on it, not the long range survival much less growth of the business. So that's where the money is going. That is their full right as shareholders, since that is the only legal reason corporations exist is to benefit them, but it does not bode well for the rest of us who are mere customers, nor for the hobby as a whole.
Dave Nelson
PS the "w**k" versus "work" element reminded me of the old Dobie Gillis TV show. Anyone else remember Maynard G Krebs, one of the all-time great character creations of television, ranking right up there with Eddie Haskell?
dknelsonThey have some shareholders whose only interest is in dividend income for themselves, because they live on it, not the long range survival much less growth of the business. So that's where the money is going. That is their full right as shareholders, since that is the only legal reason corporations exist is to benefit them, but it does not bode well for the rest of us who are mere customers, nor for the hobby as a whole.
Hi Dave,
I agree that the whole Model Railroader empire is under stress. I hope they find a solution that will allow them to survive, and just as importantly, keep the forums going. Personally, the forums have become an important part of my social life espescially during the Covid 19 crisis. If they go by the way of the Dodo bird, then I will be really disappointed.
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
dknelson It would be hard for some of you to believe the intensity of the forum posting back then; the whole idea was fresh and new and if you turned your back for a moment after posting something it might now be on page 3! A week or so I posted a modest little reply to something on the prototype information section and it stayed the second thing on the list for maybe an entire week. That would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. Dave Nelson
I agree with you Dave.
It was a similar situation for myself on a Forum over here in the U.K.. Miss a day or two and I had to go back a few pages to find something a day old.
Times they are a'changing.
As a long time member of the forum, 17 years and 21,000+ posts, I have followed this thread with interest. There seems to be a prevailing thought, at least among some, that the forum is doomed. Dunno. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But who knows? No one from Kalmbach has ever even hinted at it to my knowledge.
But I do see signs of neglect. The disintegration of the forum software is one such sign. The decreased level of moderation is another sign. The level and quality of forum participation is another sign.
Now, there is no denying that some very influential members of the forum have either passed away or moved on to other forums. Those losses hurt. The most recent loss that comes to mind is Randy Rinker, whose extensive electronics knowledge could be relied upon to solve any electronics problem. Once it becomes "the blind leading the blind", so to speak, forum problems become more of a guessing game than a solutions-based process of replies.
Historically, trolls and flame throwers have been significant in driving well intentioned members away from the forum. I recall one recent troll who started posting replies to each and every thread with replies filled with misinformation and photos of products as if they were his own to further mislead forum members. Fortunately, he was quickly banned. I do not detect any outright trolls on the forum today, but there are a few members whose posts resemble trolling, whether intended or not.
I will speak in the plural to avoid any appearance of trying to single out any one member. There are a few who seem to want to reply to every thread whether they know what they are talking about or not. There are a few who want to reply to every thread and who seem to know what they are talking about, but I for one have no idea what they are talking about. There are a few members who seem to want to reply to every thread without having anything to say, such as, I cannot be of any help, but someone will come along that can. There are few members who seem to relish making glib remarks for no apparent reason. How does any of this help to promote the hobby of model railroading?
Someone mentioned the revival of old threads. I readily admit that I for one detest this practice. How often have I started to read a thread by clicking on the most recent reply only to realize that the thread is from 2005 or 2008 or 2011. Why not just start a new thread and link to the old thread in the initial post? A lot of these revivals are to provide an answer or comment to a thread last posted over 10 years ago. I think by now that the OP has had his answer.
So, I don't know if the forum will be shut down tomorrow, sometime in 2021, or maybe never. But the forum today is a shadow of itself from yesterday.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrainThere are a few members who seem to want to reply to every thread without having anything to say, such as, I cannot be of any help, but someone will come along that can.
I do this under two circumstances.
1) If it is a new poster, I always welcome them to the forum with a friendly hello.
2) If the question is about to go "under the fold" on the page, and has received no replies. I will bump it to to the top so hopefully the poster will get the help he is looking for.
SeeYou190 richhotrain There are a few members who seem to want to reply to every thread without having anything to say, such as, I cannot be of any help, but someone will come along that can. I do this under two circumstances. 1) If it is a new poster, I always welcome them to the forum with a friendly hello. 2) If the question is about to go "under the fold" on the page, and has received no replies. I will bump it to to the top so hopefully the poster will get the help he is looking for. -Kevin
richhotrain There are a few members who seem to want to reply to every thread without having anything to say, such as, I cannot be of any help, but someone will come along that can.
To read: There are a few members who seem to want to reply to every thread without having anything to say.
The old thread issue is an interesting double edged sword.
I agree, a thread totally untouched for years should likely be left that way.
On the other hand, the tractor forum I participate in has threads that have actually remained current for a decade or more, never dropping more than a page or two off the front page.
There is a gigantic fun loving hobby still here to enjoy. Hard to find the way to keep any comradery when so many aspects of life have lost all forms of decorum and courtesy. The jackals who contribute NOTHING drive good people away.
This happens on forums all over... especially the larger ones with larger audiences... The smaller private groups get rid of the posers and cleverly snide members as it is not hard to identify who brings something (other than large posting numbers) to a site and who do not. This is a phenomenon of the times.
I am a model maker by profession and I still have a passion for it all. If you see any posts from me, please feel free to ask any question, I will try and answer as best I can. I remember having so many questions as a kid but back then there was no tool like the internet. This should be a community of modelers all sharing a similar passion and simply enjoying the excellent examples of our work. Instead the anonymity of the internet creates a place where the jealous and the narrow minded, selfish and hurtful can thrive.
For many of the best contributors it is more of a task than it is worth to stay with a group when a few of the less than generous, more or less take over.
If I can ever help someone with a modeling question...please look me up I will help the best I can. I don't have all the answers but after 50 years of model building I know a lot of shortcuts, tricks and ways around a problem. I don't know how to fix this problem, but I can tell you it is not unique to this site.
Randy
https://www.facebook.com/Great-Divide-Lines-423511918192732/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Randy,
Thanks for your [earlier unedited] post. I agree with most of what you say.
I'm always saddened that folks here don't share more personal "how tos" on the forum, as this would really be beneficial to those interested in honing their modeling skills, or learning a new or different way of doing something. Wayne (doctorwayne) and Ed (gmpullman) are probably the exceptions and always willing to share their knowlege and experiences (and failures) for those who are interested in learning from their posts.
As you alluded to, however, the reality of it all is that forum users join and use a forum for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, sometimes their "contributions" trample on the toes of those who come here to learn or use it for altruistic purposes.
I have my own personal views of this forum and I find it less and less interesting to browse and the topics more and more complaint-oriented as the years go by. Perhaps that's just the sign of the times but it still doesn't make for interesting reading. And that's not to say that I am not personally at fault for my own less-than-stellar contributions on the forum from time-to-time.
tstageI find it less and less interesting to browse and the topics more and more complaint-oriented as the years go by. Perhaps that's just the sign of the times
Here Here !! We need a Grumpy Old Man Person Sub Forum. People can complain about costs, shipping, Ebay, lack of variety and stuff that breaks. Then I can easily miss all those threads.
richhotrainThere are few members who seem to relish making glib remarks for no apparent reason.
Sorry. I guess I resemble that remark
1. However it could be done, I wish there was a way to answer the question of where a forum member has gone. As I said, my first thought is that something bad happened to their health. Second, I worry that someone (maybe me) said something that drove them away. I don't know what the answer to this is.
2. Quite a few comments say that the forum has changed, and that it was better years ago. Since I've only been on here for several years, I can't comment on that. But I can say that I consider this forum to be one of my favorite internet sites. I've gotten a lot of helpful layout information, and I have made internet friends that I wouldn't know without the forum.
I hope it continues.
York1 ... 2. Quite a few comments say that the forum has changed, and that it was better years ago. Since I've only been on here for several years, I can't comment on that. But I can say that I consider this forum to be one of my favorite internet sites. I've gotten a lot of helpful layout information, and I have made internet friends that I wouldn't know without the forum. I hope it continues.
...
York1, when I joined 16 years ago+, the forum was in a sad state. It had a staffer doing all the monitoring/moderation, and it began to go downhill. Tom and some others volunteered to act as member/moderators, and with the powers granted to us at the time, we managed to change the culture more to what the majority of members AND OUR HOSTS wanted. Tom returned to volunteer a few years back, a task he shares mostly with Steve Otte who is on staff.
What I mostly wanted you to know is that a forum will ebb and flow in various ways over time. Members come and go, themes come and go, software for the forum changes, hobby currency comes and goes...nothing is static for very long. It flows.
I'm sure Tom and our hosts are grateful that they manage to keep a number of people happy with this place, and that you are among them.
selectorWhat I mostly wanted you to know is that a forum will ebb and flow in various ways over time.
Very true. Very rare are discussion forums that stick to core rules as well as this one does.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
So, I do respect ffolkes who do value their privacy, but of late, I’ve been perturbed by Forum members whose valued contributions, be they helpful/ interesting/ controversial/ other or a combination of categories, have, for the want of a better word, stopped!
Lastspikemike ATLANTIC CENTRAL The old thread issue is an interesting double edged sword. I agree, a thread totally untouched for years should likely be left that way. On the other hand, the tractor forum I participate in has threads that have actually remained current for a decade or more, never dropping more than a page or two off the front page. Sheldon I found old posts useful as I re-entered this hobby. If you google a model railroading topic that's what pops up most often: old cstrains threads. The double edged aspect of posting new items to old threads is the benefit of adding to an already discussed topic but at the risk of distracting regular posters. Much of this thread describes the latter phenomenon. My use of the forum supports the former.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL The old thread issue is an interesting double edged sword. I agree, a thread totally untouched for years should likely be left that way. On the other hand, the tractor forum I participate in has threads that have actually remained current for a decade or more, never dropping more than a page or two off the front page. Sheldon
I found old posts useful as I re-entered this hobby.
If you google a model railroading topic that's what pops up most often: old cstrains threads.
The double edged aspect of posting new items to old threads is the benefit of adding to an already discussed topic but at the risk of distracting regular posters.
Much of this thread describes the latter phenomenon. My use of the forum supports the former.
Here is my beef about reviving old threads. Revival most often occurs by newbies, typically their first post. Speakin for myself, I often don't realize at first that the reply is to a 5 or 10 or even 15 year old dormant thread.
What I always advocate is to start a new thread and link the old thread in your initial reply. That way, none of the older, perhaps useful, information gets lost.
But, what most often happens is that the newbie reviving the old thread offers a comment that relates to a 5 or 10 or 15 year old thread. And that comment is quite often not substantive.
Great Divide For many of the best contributors it is more of a task than it is worth to stay with a group when a few of the less than generous, more or less take over.
Frequent posters should keep this in mind. It's not the number of posts but the quality of the posts that matters.
mlehman I've certainly reduced my contributions in recent years, but that's largely due to a fairly fully realized layout where there isn't that much to document from week to week. I've been trying to do a bit more recntly and as the winds cool towards the last part of the year I'm hoping to be more productive. I'm a member of a couple of other forums, but haven't posted to them in years. While there are some "personalities" here, they are mostly bearable and not nearly so thick as in other places. I don't see any net in worrying over the future of the forum, it's more important to do what I can to help ensure it's future, even if it's an admittedly weak effort at times. Anyone who'd like more of what I do can PM me for Zoom details of a every Wednesday night at 6-8pm (Central time) Train Talk. It's a great little group that welcomes all, even those who hate the word w**k. We talk about models, the prototype, and just a little about why we may be looking particualrly old this week. Otherwise, you can find me hanging around here and, with a little better effort, contributing more.
Simon
snjroy there is nothing wrong with repetition.
There is when it becomes preaching.
richhotrainHere is my beef about reviving old threads. Revival most often occurs by newbies, typically their first post.
It seems that whenever a newbie revives an old thread as their first post, they are never heard from again.
richhotrainBut, this one surprised me because I didn't think that this thread had gone off topic. So, I went back to see what the OP originally asked, and to my surprise the OP was you. in your initial post, you asked:
Well, it certainly didn’t take long for this to go off topic!!! And as a result, I’ve struggled how to reply, so after several rewrites, here goes… richhotrain But, this one surprised me because I didn't think that this thread had gone off topic. So, I went back to see what the OP originally asked, and to my surprise the OP was you. in your initial post, you asked: Rich, though I’m cut to the quick over your surprise that I was the Actual OP , I’ll take some responsibility for the apparent confusion my original post has engendered though the actual question was right at the bottom!! “So, I guess the question I’m asking is, do you have (even if it is for the far distant future) a notification system in place? That is if you even care.” Yes, Sheldon, “The old thread issue is an interesting double edged sword.”. To quote Dave Nelson “…the photo hosting issue which has made many great old postings useless…”, though to be fair the other forum who tolerates my presence had a software(?) hiccup several years ago, which corrupted all the photo files. I don’t object to a thread to be revived, (a tip to Rich, take a look at the start date before diving in with a reply!! ), as long as the thread wasn’t of the whining variety. There is a heck of a lot great information in the archives, though, and it’s my pet peeve, the Forums “search function” isn’t worth a cup of cold sick!!
richhotrain But, this one surprised me because I didn't think that this thread had gone off topic. So, I went back to see what the OP originally asked, and to my surprise the OP was you. in your initial post, you asked:
To those missing who have dropped in, thanks for allaying others concerns. xboxtravis7, yes, I would not be asking questions pertaining to OO9 here, even though it’s a scale/gauge that I’ve been collecting bits for, however as evidenced by the number of views of NorthBritDavid’s Leeds Sovereign Street & Clarence Dock - a UK based layout, there appears to be an appetite for something different. Geared Steam, it’s good to see that the rebuild of J. Neils Shay is still progressing, even though at a slow pace. Cheers, the Bear.
Somehow I get a mention on the 'Missing Forum Members' thread even though I haven't left. Only Bear could do that.
are you suggesting this forum software ping (email) members who haven't responded in a while (e.g. 6 months) and if there's no response, indicate on their profile that the member is no longer responsive?
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
gregcare you suggesting this forum software ping (email) members who haven't responded in a while (e.g. 6 months) and if there's no response, indicate on their profile that the member is no longer responsive?
Well, to answer your question, I don't know anybody in my circle of MR friends who is a member of this forum. And I don't have any emails from forum members. However, if something predictable was to happen, I would probably send a PM to a few folks here who would recognize my name.
I believe it was Neal Young how said: "it's better to burn out, than to fade away ... my my hey hey."
To those missing who have dropped in, thanks for allaying others concerns. xboxtravis7, yes, I would not be asking questions pertaining to OO9 here, even though it’s a scale/gauge that I’ve been collecting bits for...
A nice looking locomotive, xboxtravis7. Well done.
A decent selection of 009 items here in the UK made by Peco and Bachmann.
xboxtravis7992I am enjoying and my biggest piece of progress is kitbashing a Bachmann Skarloey into a well weathered take on the Talyllyn locomotive
Wow, good job on the conversion work. It looks great.
To answer the original question...
I have my e-mail on my profile page.
( not that I bother to check it very often ... about every Three weeeks.)
I also belong to several modeling forums, and have a few contacts that I converse with outside the forums. So, if I had an "accident", or died under " mysterious circumstances" , some one would probably post it here, and on the other forums.
Plus, my wife knows how important you all are to me, so she would definitely let you guys know by posting for me.
P.S.
Just for the record, I have been working a LOT of overtime lately ( 14 hour days hauling asphalt in a non- airconditioned truck when the weather outside has been 108 for the past few weeks.)
So, I'm not avoiding you.... I'm saving up to buy mor stuff my wife says I dont need ..... because, I already have 12 of those, and 8 of them, and 20 of this , and .........
Rust...... It's a good thing !
I am one of those youngsters, being aged 27. I havent disappeared, as I promised myself I would start taking action in the hobby by starting small (building freight car kits, settling on an era to model, figure out my interests in the hobby etc) after asking so many questions etc, as actions do speak louder then texted words.
I do find myself on the Facebook groups slighty more, because of the ease of message and reply notifications, etc, so I hope the Trains Forum devs work on that.
So no I havent.
Thanks for the responses.
xboxtravis7992 ...and my biggest piece of progress is kitbashing a Bachmann Skarloey into a well weathered take on the Talyllyn
That's nice.
Cheers the Bear.
JaBear,
I have the honor of making the 100th reply to your thread. I have never been so excited. I am here. I never left.
richhotrainI have the honor of making the 100th reply to your thread.
OMG, I am so undeserving!
But, I will take it.
Is there also a cash prize?
Rich Hot Rain
richhotrainIs there also a cash prize?
Bear, thank you for AirDropping my cash prize.
Hey guys,
I just remembered that one of our missing members is Union Pacific passenger car guru "DC Fixer". His posts featured his talents in creating detailed interiors for his passenger car fleet, including lighting. It's been several years since his last post.
I found him on YouTube and sent him a message, hoping that he's well and willing to respond.
BATMAN ucf_knight BATMAN That being said I really value my privacy. If I type my name in Google absolutely nothing comes up and I would like to keep it that way. If I find my days on this planet are coming to an end, I will most likely be one of those that has slipped off in the night. If you go missing, should we start looking in Abbotsford, South Surrey, or Tsawwassen? Well, if I am not seen at Costco in Abbotsford or at PWRS in South Surrey or catching the ferry in Tsawwassen, you can check the greek restaurant or the Boathouse in White Rock. If you cannot find me, then I will be here. This is where I told the wife and kids to dump the ashes on the outgoing tide so I can continue to see more of the world. My wife and kids loved it as I spent a lot of time sailing off the point or walking the dogs in the park in my first 40 years. A good place to rest my weary bones. So come on by and set a spell.
Beautiful point of land,...and I will join you in that sailing trip. Haven't been sailing in a long time, and for a number of years it was my center of existence.
riogrande5761 With the way things are going with this magazine, I wouldn't be surprised if this forum gets the axe.
Are you are saying that it is going very bad with the Model Railroader magazine?
southernpacificgs4 riogrande5761 With the way things are going with this magazine, I wouldn't be surprised if this forum gets the axe. Are you are saying that it is going very bad with the Model Railroader magazine?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Mr. B: Previous post to yours was October 2012, not October 2022.
I miss talking to our friend Ulrich and care just the same for his lovely wife Petra over in Germany.
TF
Track fiddlerI miss talking to our friend Ulrich over in Germany.
I don't think he can really count as a "missing" member.
He's missing to me in my world. Ulrich Hosted the Diner multiple consecutive months for years and posted so many delightful videos every day.
It was like a big empty hole of our Forum Family was missing after he wasn't here anymore.
The man was as genuine as I can profess. I offered to send him money when he and Petra was down and out when Germany was all messed up.
He wouldn't even consider it.
This has been an interesting read. It's a shame that posters disappear - some for the very worst reason (passing away).
However as a newbie, I'm troubled by several of you who seem to think that resurrecting old threads is a nuisance. No. The forum is above all else, a database. Every one of you - especially the senior posters - have an investment to protect in this forum. Those old posts become resources. You're not just here to answer current questions that come up.
Yes, I can see if someone pulls a years-old thread and simply adds a comment to the OP's original post. That could be called a nuisance and on some forums with new member grace periods, is a way to cheat the system.
However, forums can also be used for DIY how-tos, references, and historical context. Yes, the Model Railroader Forum search is pretty bad (this forum is not alone in that), but Google comes up with multiple references to the MR Forum on just about every model railroad subject I search.
So if someone like me, getting back into the hobby after the 70's-80's and trying to catch up, asks a pertinent subject question in an old thread, please don't regard it as a problem or nuisance.
IC_TomHowever as a newbie, I'm troubled by several of you who seem to think that resurrecting old threads is a nuisance. No. The forum is above all else, a database.
I agree with this entirely.
I am also aggravated by the complaints of bringing back older threads. These are usually the same people that complain about repetitive topic postings.
They complain if an old thread gets brought back, and they complain if a new thread is opened with the same topic.
IC_TomSo if someone like me, getting back into the hobby after the 70's-80's and trying to catch up, asks a pertinent subject question in an old thread, please don't regard it as a problem or nuisance.
I won't, and thank you for joining us.
You are quite correct and I still use this forum in such a way. I have Googled a problem I have been having on several occasions only to be led right back to this forum where the answer was presented.
I have been around a while and in the earlier days when the PM part of the forum was working well, I would get PMs from members complaining about other members on the forum. They would seem to be wanting to recruit people in a tribal manner to gang up on whoever they had a personality clash with like a bunch of school girls in the cafeteria at lunchtime.
Be it a personality clash or an old post being resurrected, I just tell people to scroll on by if it/they bugs them, but some people just have too much time on their hands.
IC_TomHowever as a newbie, I'm troubled by several of you who seem to think that resurrecting old threads is a nuisance.
Hi IC-Tom,
I used to be bothered by those people who felt that they had the right to denigrate any members, new or otherwise, for resurrecting old threads or duplicating previous threads. Now I simply take the time to tell the person who has been criticized that they have done nothing wrong.
I may be feeling a little defensive this morning, but I feel that I am being called out but not named directly as one of the "complainers" who detest the revival of old threads.
richhotrain Someone mentioned the revival of old threads. I readily admit that I for one detest this practice. How often have I started to read a thread by clicking on the most recent reply only to realize that the thread is from 2005 or 2008 or 2011. Why not just start a new thread and link to the old thread in the initial post? A lot of these revivals are to provide an answer or comment to a thread last posted over 10 years ago. I think by now that the OP has had his answer.
IC_Tom This has been an interesting read. It's a shame that posters disappear - some for the very worst reason (passing away). However as a newbie, I'm troubled by several of you who seem to think that resurrecting old threads is a nuisance. No. The forum is above all else, a database. Every one of you - especially the senior posters - have an investment to protect in this forum. Those old posts become resources. You're not just here to answer current questions that come up. So if someone like me, getting back into the hobby after the 70's-80's and trying to catch up, asks a pertinent subject question in an old thread, please don't regard it as a problem or nuisance.
Thanks for the lecture. As a senior poster, let me explain my stance on the revival of old threads.
SeeYou190 IC_Tom However as a newbie, I'm troubled by several of you who seem to think that resurrecting old threads is a nuisance. No. The forum is above all else, a database. I agree with this entirely.
IC_Tom
However as a newbie, I'm troubled by several of you who seem to think that resurrecting old threads is a nuisance. No. The forum is above all else, a database.
SeeYou190 I am also aggravated by the complaints of bringing back older threads. These are usually the same people that complain about repetitive topic postings. They complain if an old thread gets brought back, and they complain if a new thread is opened with the same topic.
Let me explain myself and take the liberty to speak for the other "complainers" who take issue with reviving old threads. I don't feel that it is irrational or mean spirited to object to the revival of old threads. I will use myself as an explanation for my objection. I am permanently signed into the forum, and when I click on the link to the forum on my computer, it takes me directly to Your Discussions. There I am able to review recent postings to threads that I have either initiated or otherwise previously responded to. Every once in a while, the latest reply is to a revival of an old thread. I will explain my objection in a moment.
After reviewing Your Discussions, I click on the Home link to review the most recent postings on the forum. Sometimes, I review a thread of interest based upon the subject title and I start at the beginning of the thread. Other times, I recognize the thread as a somewhat recent post that I have already read and I click on Order Descending to review the most recent reply first and then work backward if desired.
Here is the source and nature of my objection to a revival of an old thread.As an example, the most recent reply may be something like "You can try to locate a dead spot with a voltmeter". It turns out that this is a ten year old thread in which the OP inquired "I am having a problem with my locomotive constantly stopping at the same point of my layout, and I can say with certainty that it is not a short. Can anyone help?" Ten years later, the OP is long gone and the 100 or so ten year old replies have long ago provided the same answer as well as another 100 suggestions for what the problem might be. So, who revives a thread like this? Typically, it is a first time poster who conducted a search for locomotives suddenly stopping and comes up with a link to the ten year old thread and reads the initial post.
Another example would be the most recent response to an old thread that might read something like "I have the same issue. I simply cannot find an EJ&E switcher. May I ask where you found yours?" I review the next prior post in which that latest poster had said "I finally found the EJ&E switcher that I have been looking for." That reply was posted in 2009.
So, my suggestion, which will never be implemented, is to lock older threads, particularly those that have not received any replies for some period of time. Pick a date. All threads started over 3 to 5 years ago? All threads with no reply in the last 3 to 5 years. A poster could still provide a link to the old thread by including the link in a new thread.
As a senior poster, I have become addicted to the forum. I read it each day, sometimes multiple times where the forum activity is hot and heavy and filled with interesting discussion, although that is not always the case. My continuing interest in the forum is two-fold: to pick up new ideas and suggestions that help me to improve my modeling efforts and to offer suggestions, advice and answers if and when I know what I am talking about from personal experience.
I don't complain about other forum members who use the forum as a blog or a running commentary on building their own layout or other special project. Many of those threads are interesting. So, I don't know why some forum members object to someone like me who objects to the revival of older threads in a civil manner which I what I try to do. I usually say something like "This is a 10 year old thread. I am sure that the OP has his answer by now." Or, "The OP came and went back in 2009, not be to heard from since".
There is an implicit suggestion elsewhere in this thread that "complaints" about reviving old threads drive new members away. Give me a break. Anyone that thin skinned shouldn't be joining Internet forums like this one. There is no flaming or name calling when a member cites an objection to the revival of an old thread. The real problem is that first time posters, whether reviving an old thread or starting a new thread disappear as fast as they first appeared instead of managing their new thread or reviving an old one.
An excellent recent example was a parent seeking advice on train sets and layout configurations for a preteen son. Excellent advice was offered by one and all. Yet, the OP fell off the radar screen and has not been heard back from for weeks. It is disappointing and a bit aggravating to spend time and effort to respond to inquiries and never learn the poster's reactions or outright actions taken as a result of the responses.
But, I digress. Back to the issue of revival of old threads. They are most often a nuisance because the revivals add nothing to the original discussion.
Rant over!
It sounds as if you're referencing nuisance threads as simple Q&A, instead of the ones you are calling "blogs" or "special projects."
That doesn't necessarily justify ignoring an "old thread," though. Someone may ask, "How do I attach a Kadee coupler to a 70's era Rivarossi locomotive?" Or, "How do I strip the paint from an Athearn bluebox so I can paint it with my roadname?" Questions like that always have relevance, but I'd never describe them as "blogs" or "special projects." A newbie might very well be looking for an answer to those questions, regardless of the date of the original threads. Dismissing either as old threads would be a disservce, IMHO.
The problem is that none of the previous posts in this now 4-page thread were specific with regard to the type of older posts they're complaining about.
Your posts, Rich, are some of the most helpful I've read - and so are many of the other posters' in this thread. I just hope that future judgment on on a thread's age or relevance is a bit less harsh than what's been described here.
How about this -
I responded to the very same "Mom" thread you cited 8 days ago. Why? Because I think it highlights a huge issue for newbies right now: Atlas track plan books are woefully out-of-date relative to DCC and wireless throttle control.
Yeah, someone replied and stated that an Atlas track plan can easily be converted to DCC with little effort. That's missing the entire point.
If I had picked up an Atlas track plan and started building The Big Panhandle or Oregon Pass Lines as soon as I got back into this a year-and-a-half ago, I'd be really, really disappointed right now.
Instead, I was lucky enough to be delayed in obtaining a room. In the meantime, I continued studying and learned all about walk-around wireless control, staging and multi-level layouts, and using vision blocks with no passing through the same scene twice.
That Mom's question (and the thread) has relevance right now.
I admit that I don't post as often as I used to as I don't think about checking regularly and other times there's nothing that I can contribute to with any knowledge.
I will agree with the point that just because something is old (whether it be a post or a model railroad item), it isn't useful. I have a few old (older than I am) AHM U-25Cs that are for coal operations. Some people may eschew them because of age, but at the time I bought my first two, they were the only 25s I could find and the modern ones were too expensive for my budget anyway. (I'm up to four currently.)
richhotrainRant over!
richhotrain Rant over! Gee Rich, why don’t you tell us what you really think???!!! To be fair though I do agree with you over the lack of response from an OP who you’ve done the courtesy of offering advice; but then we’ve both been around long enough to know it’s, unfortunately, nothing new. Cheers, the Bear. PS, Isn’t the weather in the Dearborn Station area still good enough so you can go and take out your frustrations by whacking the snot out of a small white ball!!
richhotrain Rant over!
IC_Tom Your posts, Rich, are some of the most helpful I've read - and so are many of the other posters' in this thread. I just hope that future judgment on on a thread's age or relevance is a bit less harsh than what's been described here.
I did go off on a tangent yesterday. It's just that I don't understand why some members object to other members raising the issue of reviving old threads.
I actually do revere old threads, particularly those that ought to be Stickies at the top of the forum because of their standout model railroading discussions. But, I do wish that there could be some way to place limits on the revival of old threads such as locking them after a period of time and inactivity. Any member would still be free to link to an old thread after starting a new thread.
richhotrain IC_Tom Your posts, Rich, are some of the most helpful I've read - and so are many of the other posters' in this thread. I just hope that future judgment on on a thread's age or relevance is a bit less harsh than what's been described here. Thanks for your kind words, IC_Tom. I did go off on a tangent yesterday. It's just that I don't understand why some members object to other members raising the issue of reviving old threads. I actually do revere old threads, particularly those that ought to be Stickies at the top of the forum because of their standout model railroading discussions. But, I do wish that there could be some way to place limits on the revival of old threads such as locking them after a period of time and inactivity. Any member would still be free to link to an old thread after starting a new thread. Rich
Thanks for your kind words, IC_Tom.
That would be great if it was easy to link them.
I don't understand this concern over old threads.....
Or long running threads.
In one of my other hobbies, on a very popular forum for that hobby, with forum software that actually works, I started a thread on August 19, 2011. It is still on page one with over 1000 replies and 207,000 views.
Why? because may people appreciate the information I have shared, and I appreciate their feedback.
Going back to the layout room now....
richhotrainI actually do revere old threads, particularly those that ought to be Stickies at the top of the forum because of their standout model railroading discussions. But, I do wish that there could be some way to place limits on the revival of old threads such as locking them after a period of time and inactivity. Any member would still be free to link to an old thread after starting a new thread. Rich
Finding info on an old thread can be a gold mine if it helps you solve a problem. If you lock a thread how can updated information be added such as a new fix or download that is now available for old DCC technology for example? A locked thread may have a person feeling there is no solution after reading it when in the meantime one has been developed, such as a new aftermarket part for an old steamer or an upgrade for a DCC system. Being able to add to an old post could be a godsend to someone who was about to junk something.
BATMAN richhotrain I actually do revere old threads, particularly those that ought to be Stickies at the top of the forum because of their standout model railroading discussions. But, I do wish that there could be some way to place limits on the revival of old threads such as locking them after a period of time and inactivity. Any member would still be free to link to an old thread after starting a new thread. Rich Finding info on an old thread can be a gold mine if it helps you solve a problem. If you lock a thread how can updated information be added such as a new fix or download that is now available for old DCC technology for example? A locked thread may have a person feeling there is no solution after reading it when in the meantime one has been developed, such as a new aftermarket part for an old steamer or an upgrade for a DCC system. Being able to add to an old post could be a godsend to someone who was about to junk something.
richhotrain I actually do revere old threads, particularly those that ought to be Stickies at the top of the forum because of their standout model railroading discussions. But, I do wish that there could be some way to place limits on the revival of old threads such as locking them after a period of time and inactivity. Any member would still be free to link to an old thread after starting a new thread. Rich
There is a difference between making a thread "sticky" so it is easy to find and locking it.
That other forum I refered to has a "stickies" section that is separate from other threads where people can easily look for basic data threads.
If our hosts, or any of you want to see how a good forum works, check out "MyTractorForum.com"
OK, my guests are here for the day, so I am going back to being a missing forum member.
Most often, the revival of an old thread happens with a newbie, typically a first time user, so he can be forgiven for lack of familiarity with managing threads. But, anyone who knows how to post on the forum should be able to figure out how to start a new thread and link to the old thread, locked or unlocked, or at least reference it in the new thread.
Really, that is all that I am saying. Again, I have nothing against old threads. I often look for them myself using the forum Search function.
I don't know Rich, last time I tried this forum would not let you copy and past an active link? There is some sort of little trick, but I'm really bad at remembering that kind of stuff.
https://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/293202.aspx
I simply copy and pasted this, not active when you post the reply?
But what do I know? It does not matter, facts don't mean anything on here anyway.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL I don't know Rich, last time I tried this forum would not let you copy and past an active link? There is some sort of little trick, but I'm really bad at remembering that kind of stuff. https://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/293202.aspx I simply copy and pasted this, not active when you post the reply? But what do I know? It does not matter, facts don't mean anything on here anyway. Sheldon
The problem is the forum software that requires a patch to get this: