"WHAT A HOBBY"-- Art, Engineering, Architecture, and TRAINS too,

[Pruitt]

One man's art is another man's paint rag.

I still think that calling Model Railroading "art" is a bit self-serving to the ego, but then again, Model Railroading has always been a "serve yourself" kind of hobby.

No doubt there are many artistic elements to model railroading, But I would rather be considered an artisan than an artist - the former inplies more technical skill and craftsmanship, while the latter implies having an "eye" for what you do.

Just my opinion - feel free to enjoy your own!

[marknewton]

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

Mark, I'm turning blue....help me out, here!!

Sorry mate, but I'm not playing that game again.

As I've stated previously, I'm not trying to change anyone's opinion, nor is anyone going to change mine. I simply stated my views.

If there was acrimony, it was brought about by those unwilling to tolerate an opinion that differs from their's.

Cheers,

Mark.

[selector]

Believe me, it had the moments you found satisfying, but it had other moments, too. I found it to be a bit much too often for my liking, but I agree that much of it was enjoyable. [:)]

[Pruitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

Well, I'm happy you haven't suggested that it is artistic in any way! That suggestion resulted in one of the more acrimonious threads we've had in a long time.

Awwww.....[:(]
I thought that thread provided a lively debate that, excepting a few "pot shot" posts, was generally civil and thoroughly enjoyable!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tomikawaTT

On a rather serious note - the skills developed as a result of active model railroading can prove useful in totally unplanned ways!

On one occasion I made the preliminary plan for a (full scale) avionics maintenance shop which was to be built from the ground up. I am not an architect, but the final building was built to that plan!

Where did I get that knowledge? From scratch building structures following the methods found in articles in the model press.

I also don't hesitate to tackle electrical work, structural carpentry and machine design, for the same reason.

A seasoned model rail isn't a jack of all trades. (S)he is a master of all trades.

That's it, you said it. TomikawaTT !

I believe, if taken seriously, Model RR'ng, can help you with Real-World skills; It's happen
to me.

Her is the list.

--- Art- YEAH Art in 3 dimensions and backdrops.
--- Mechanical Engineering
--- Electrical Engineering
---Carpentry
---Building Architecture
---Landscape Architecture
---CAD (can get you started)
---History-(The study of different Eras)

-------- and many more

Then there is the whole subject of "Trains" alone, which could take a person years
to study.

Yes, it's a Great Hobby.
Sometimes the Scope of it all, seems overwhelming, unless a person would be
satisfied with "mediocre".

[tomikawaTT]

On a rather serious note - the skills developed as a result of active model railroading can prove useful in totally unplanned ways!

On one occasion I made the preliminary plan for a (full scale) avionics maintenance shop which was to be built from the ground up. I am not an architect, but the final building was built to that plan!

Where did I get that knowledge? From scratch building structures following the methods found in articles in the model press.

I also don't hesitate to tackle electrical work, structural carpentry and machine design, for the same reason.

A seasoned model rail isn't a jack of all trades. (S)he is a master of all trades.

[Grubby]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rripperger

QUOTE: Hooo...now you've done it!

Yup, you have indeed. It's 9 AM in Australia - get ready.

Now that could have been a really funny post.... needed a [:P] to indicate the humor though...

Be careful not to re-ignite things that dont need to be by being too clever.

[Anonymous]

[#ditto] with all the above before the big discussion starts again.

[selector]

Mark, I'm turning blue....help me out, here!!

[MidlandPacific]

QUOTE: Hooo...now you've done it!

Yup, you have indeed. It's 9 AM in Australia - get ready.

[selector]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JohnLat

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

Well, I'm happy you haven't suggested that it is artistic in any way! That suggestion resulted in one of the more acrimonious threads we've had in a long time.

Anyway, yes, I agree that the hobby has much to offer the disciplined approach to it. And for those who are bent on an undisciplined approach to it, there is lots for them, too.

Each person can come in at whatever level they want, from the shiney toy train with
a grass mat and plasticville buildings to the other extreme which is a breathtaking
layout that draws you in to another miniature world.

Well, I did say that it IS an art, and actually a modeler could go down that path.
With attention and focus on detail, a model train layout can be a 3-dimensional
work of art.

Hooo...now you've done it! [:-^][:D]

FWIW, I agree entirely. A child scribbling outside the lines is attempting a rendering, an ideal, and although she may not do as well as a more experienced person, the expression IS art.

But we'll get arguments...[:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

Well, I'm happy you haven't suggested that it is artistic in any way! That suggestion resulted in one of the more acrimonious threads we've had in a long time.

Anyway, yes, I agree that the hobby has much to offer the disciplined approach to it. And for those who are bent on an undisciplined approach to it, there is lots for them, too.

Each person can come in at whatever level they want, from the shiney toy train with
a grass mat and plasticville buildings to the other extreme which is a breathtaking
layout that draws you in to another miniature world.

Well, I did say that it IS an art, and actually a modeler could go down that path.
With attention and focus on detail, a model train layout can be a 3-dimensional
work of art.

[Anonymous]

Don't forget the help the ole internet provides. Before the internet the only time you found out about peoples interests outside your local community was in the letters to the editor section of the magazines. Much of the information and parts I've needed I would have never found prior to the internet and these forums.

[dhilyer]

The activities in MRR are broad enough that you should never get burnout with the hobby. If you get tired of putting together kits, do some more benchwork or lay some more track, etc. When you get tired of all that, then there is always the opportunity to read and learn more about the hobby. And as I've heard many times on this forum, "a layout is never finished".

Wonderful hobby.

[selector]

Well, I'm happy you haven't suggested that it is artistic in any way! That suggestion resulted in one of the more acrimonious threads we've had in a long time.

Anyway, yes, I agree that the hobby has much to offer the disciplined approach to it. And for those who are bent on an undisciplined approach to it, there is lots for them, too.

[MidlandPacific]

It certainly demands a fascinating range of skills. I've found that a lot of the stuff I learned building my small layout (which is still in the Plywood Central stage) has helped me in refurbishing my old house.

[cwclark]

you got that one right brother plus some...look at all the stuff we have to incoorperate in our layouts..lots of skills and traits needed ...it's such a wide open hobby...that's why i like it so much..its challenging..more so than a lot of other hobbies...take model airplanes for instance..ok so you learn how to glue paper and wood together and start a cox engine...it's in the air...you make a wrong move and kapow!..a $1000.00 worth of broken stuff on the ground...at least when our locos hit the ground 9 times out of 10 they're repairable...

[Anonymous]

and much more, including History. You can get as deep as you want.

Just to remind everyone how fortunate we are to be able to have such
a hobby as Model Railroading.

Sometimes, I think it goes beyond a "Hobby" into the realm of a "Craft".

What's your view on this?