How Many Women Are In Model Railroading?

[Anonymous]

This is a little off topic, but it does concern women and railroading. For a very inspirational and true story, see

http://www.millermicro.com/poems.html
then click on "The Ballad of Kate Shelley, by MacKinlay Kantor"

Follow some of the links at the end which explain the circumstances. Some accounts have Kate at 17, some at 15; whatever, she was truly a heroine.

[Anonymous]

This is a little off topic, but it does concern women and railroading. For a very inspirational and true story, see

http://www.millermicro.com/poems.html
then click on "The Ballad of Kate Shelley, by MacKinlay Kantor"

Follow some of the links at the end which explain the circumstances. Some accounts have Kate at 17, some at 15; whatever, she was truly a heroine.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jwixom

MY EX HATED WHEN I WENT TO MY TRAIN ROOM.SHE ALSO HATED WHEN I WENT TRAIN SHOWS. I HOPE I CAN FIND SOMEONE THAT SHARES MY HOBBY.

My boyfriend's ex hated his hobby also. I guess it's because there are people who can't stand to be the center of the universe. I hope you find someone who shares your interests in this hobby.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jwixom

MY EX HATED WHEN I WENT TO MY TRAIN ROOM.SHE ALSO HATED WHEN I WENT TRAIN SHOWS. I HOPE I CAN FIND SOMEONE THAT SHARES MY HOBBY.

My boyfriend's ex hated his hobby also. I guess it's because there are people who can't stand to be the center of the universe. I hope you find someone who shares your interests in this hobby.

[jwixom]

MY EX HATED WHEN I WENT TO MY TRAIN ROOM.SHE ALSO HATED WHEN I WENT TRAIN SHOWS. I HOPE I CAN FIND SOMEONE THAT SHARES MY HOBBY.

[jwixom]

MY EX HATED WHEN I WENT TO MY TRAIN ROOM.SHE ALSO HATED WHEN I WENT TRAIN SHOWS. I HOPE I CAN FIND SOMEONE THAT SHARES MY HOBBY.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Elonna

I don't know if I count or not...I have not really started yet...still doing research and trying to just understand how to get started....as I said in a previous thread...I was getting involved in this for my son who adores trains, but the more I am reading and learning...I myself am getting excited about the prospect and can not wait to get started [:)]

You know - it doesn't matter who"brought us to the dance", only that we got here. I'm glad you are enjoying this. It is addictive. Welcome to model railroading.

Life is a journey - enjoy the ride.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Elonna

I don't know if I count or not...I have not really started yet...still doing research and trying to just understand how to get started....as I said in a previous thread...I was getting involved in this for my son who adores trains, but the more I am reading and learning...I myself am getting excited about the prospect and can not wait to get started [:)]

You know - it doesn't matter who"brought us to the dance", only that we got here. I'm glad you are enjoying this. It is addictive. Welcome to model railroading.

Life is a journey - enjoy the ride.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Elonna

I don't know if I count or not...I have not really started yet...still doing research and trying to just understand how to get started....as I said in a previous thread...I was getting involved in this for my son who adores trains, but the more I am reading and learning...I myself am getting excited about the prospect and can not wait to get started [:)]

Once you've started planning, you are a genuine Model Railroader -even if your work is done from an armchair (aka Armchair Modeler). A suggestion - take plenty of time to learn and plan, and ask lots of questions.

If your little boy is anxious to get started and you know what scale you want just lay a temporary loop of not-soldered sectional track with a little bit of hot glue on a piece of plywood (sand the edges well for sliver prevention!) that can be pulled up when you are ready to proceed. Or get a new piece of wood that you can work on while he can still run the temporary layout. Get a reasonably good locomotive that can handle your minimum track radius (from a hobby shop or Walthers etc, NOT a department store toy train set) and a couple cars, don't get one of those $10 power packs; get an economy solid state one with pulse power but no extra frills are needed for now. Also rubbing alcohol for track cleaning.

HO scale needs plywood at least 4 feet x 4 feet (available precut at home improvement centers) for a track circle of 18" minimum radius with derailment room and preferably at least 4' x 8' for anything more than a simple circle (turnouts and small yards). N scale needs at least 2' x 2' (also available precut) for a circle of 9.75" minimum radius, and preferably 2' x 4' (also available precut) for turnouts. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Elonna

I don't know if I count or not...I have not really started yet...still doing research and trying to just understand how to get started....as I said in a previous thread...I was getting involved in this for my son who adores trains, but the more I am reading and learning...I myself am getting excited about the prospect and can not wait to get started [:)]

Once you've started planning, you are a genuine Model Railroader -even if your work is done from an armchair (aka Armchair Modeler). A suggestion - take plenty of time to learn and plan, and ask lots of questions.

If your little boy is anxious to get started and you know what scale you want just lay a temporary loop of not-soldered sectional track with a little bit of hot glue on a piece of plywood (sand the edges well for sliver prevention!) that can be pulled up when you are ready to proceed. Or get a new piece of wood that you can work on while he can still run the temporary layout. Get a reasonably good locomotive that can handle your minimum track radius (from a hobby shop or Walthers etc, NOT a department store toy train set) and a couple cars, don't get one of those $10 power packs; get an economy solid state one with pulse power but no extra frills are needed for now. Also rubbing alcohol for track cleaning.

HO scale needs plywood at least 4 feet x 4 feet (available precut at home improvement centers) for a track circle of 18" minimum radius with derailment room and preferably at least 4' x 8' for anything more than a simple circle (turnouts and small yards). N scale needs at least 2' x 2' (also available precut) for a circle of 9.75" minimum radius, and preferably 2' x 4' (also available precut) for turnouts. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Elonna

I don't know if I count or not...I have not really started yet...still doing research and trying to just understand how to get started....

Smile, Elonna. Doing the research is part fo the fun! For me, at least. Bless that kid of yours for getting you into this hobby! [8D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Elonna

I don't know if I count or not...I have not really started yet...still doing research and trying to just understand how to get started....

Smile, Elonna. Doing the research is part fo the fun! For me, at least. Bless that kid of yours for getting you into this hobby! [8D]

[Anonymous]

I don't know if I count or not...I have not really started yet...still doing research and trying to just understand how to get started....as I said in a previous thread...I was getting involved in this for my son who adores trains, but the more I am reading and learning...I myself am getting excited about the prospect and can not wait to get started [:)]

[Anonymous]

I don't know if I count or not...I have not really started yet...still doing research and trying to just understand how to get started....as I said in a previous thread...I was getting involved in this for my son who adores trains, but the more I am reading and learning...I myself am getting excited about the prospect and can not wait to get started [:)]

[Anonymous]

My girlfriend is the driving force when it comes to the fine detail work. She also participates actively in operating sessions around the area. She's in pretty good company, too... there's usually at least one other woman in attendance wherever we go.

Now if only we could agree on a prototype. Mine's transition-era Pennsy, hers in modern-day ARR. Oh well...

We went to GATS together last weekend... rode Amtrack to get there and back. While sitting in on an airbrushing clinic, another lady present said that her husband was home working on the model trains, but she'd come to the show so that she could learn more about his hobby, and maybe end up teaching him a few things!

[Anonymous]

My girlfriend is the driving force when it comes to the fine detail work. She also participates actively in operating sessions around the area. She's in pretty good company, too... there's usually at least one other woman in attendance wherever we go.

Now if only we could agree on a prototype. Mine's transition-era Pennsy, hers in modern-day ARR. Oh well...

We went to GATS together last weekend... rode Amtrack to get there and back. While sitting in on an airbrushing clinic, another lady present said that her husband was home working on the model trains, but she'd come to the show so that she could learn more about his hobby, and maybe end up teaching him a few things!

[Anonymous]

my wife is vary supportive of the hobby . she is interested in helping to build our layout and cant wait to run trains. my ex wife said a grow man playing with trians is childish and i need to grow up. i have met weman from both sides of the tracks. the other day she asked me after heating the tires the way thay do in nascar are you ever going to grow up ? i said no,and she made promise that would stay the way i am. we enjoy the hobby together and other things of interest like nascar racing and drag racing . years ago she draged raced and has the tropies to prove it and men didnt agree with a women driver and really didnt like it when she would smoke there ***. she cuts areal nice light i never drag raced before but have done alot of street racing. she has alittle geo prism and i have 88 camaro with a v6 we have raced them and she can get the jump on me at the light. she says weman have a better reaction time and i beleve that .she dont know that much about model railroading but i have tought her the basics. after we build this layout she will learn more .weman can do what aman can sometimes better. she has said there has to be a drag strip on the layout and a creek or some body of water that is named after her . we will keep on riding those rails of love.

[Anonymous]

my wife is vary supportive of the hobby . she is interested in helping to build our layout and cant wait to run trains. my ex wife said a grow man playing with trians is childish and i need to grow up. i have met weman from both sides of the tracks. the other day she asked me after heating the tires the way thay do in nascar are you ever going to grow up ? i said no,and she made promise that would stay the way i am. we enjoy the hobby together and other things of interest like nascar racing and drag racing . years ago she draged raced and has the tropies to prove it and men didnt agree with a women driver and really didnt like it when she would smoke there ***. she cuts areal nice light i never drag raced before but have done alot of street racing. she has alittle geo prism and i have 88 camaro with a v6 we have raced them and she can get the jump on me at the light. she says weman have a better reaction time and i beleve that .she dont know that much about model railroading but i have tought her the basics. after we build this layout she will learn more .weman can do what aman can sometimes better. she has said there has to be a drag strip on the layout and a creek or some body of water that is named after her . we will keep on riding those rails of love.

[Anonymous]

To judy; Your quite welcome[:)] And to Mike; Peace and thanks[:)]

[Anonymous]

To judy; Your quite welcome[:)] And to Mike; Peace and thanks[:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by emeraldisle

robmik; I think i'ts great that judy posted this so please, lighten up and don't life so serious.

Emeraldisle ;
No need to take any umbrage, perhaps I was only "pulling your chain", but in any event, I will now lighten up.
regards \ Mike[:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by emeraldisle

robmik; I think i'ts great that judy posted this so please, lighten up and don't life so serious.

Emeraldisle ;
No need to take any umbrage, perhaps I was only "pulling your chain", but in any event, I will now lighten up.
regards \ Mike[:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BNSFNUT

Another thing I noticed that there are many woman in toy train collecting, One told me she got into the hobby because when she was growing up nobody gave trains to little girls show she was making up for it now (BTW she also modeled in N Scale)

The stereotyping of days gone by - trains for boys, dolls for girls [V]. Even today, the classic advertising pose is a (grand)dad and young (grand)son operating their railroad; although some of the more progressive ad photos now include (grand)daughters and the occasional (grand)mother. So many posts on this forum (how long have you been in model railroading) are from those who started with a train set at age 6 (me included). If more girls had been given toy trains way back then, there would probably be far more women in the hobby now.

If you have a small daughter, grandaughter, or niece etc who shows an interest in your MRR activities, you might want to consider a train set this Christmas to get her started. Love of trains and the modelling craftwork (and education) that goes with them seems to be an inborn characteristic not necessarily gender related - many boys (and men) have little or no interest in trains. If only they knew what they are missing.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BNSFNUT

Another thing I noticed that there are many woman in toy train collecting, One told me she got into the hobby because when she was growing up nobody gave trains to little girls show she was making up for it now (BTW she also modeled in N Scale)

The stereotyping of days gone by - trains for boys, dolls for girls [V]. Even today, the classic advertising pose is a (grand)dad and young (grand)son operating their railroad; although some of the more progressive ad photos now include (grand)daughters and the occasional (grand)mother. So many posts on this forum (how long have you been in model railroading) are from those who started with a train set at age 6 (me included). If more girls had been given toy trains way back then, there would probably be far more women in the hobby now.

If you have a small daughter, grandaughter, or niece etc who shows an interest in your MRR activities, you might want to consider a train set this Christmas to get her started. Love of trains and the modelling craftwork (and education) that goes with them seems to be an inborn characteristic not necessarily gender related - many boys (and men) have little or no interest in trains. If only they knew what they are missing.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by emeraldisle

To Judy; My comments while appearing to be critical, are not. As I said I welcome all including women into this hobby. It's a hobby for all and it is supposed to be fun. I have daughter whose 27 years old and you wouldn't believe the effort it takes to stay one step ahead of her in the chain pulling arena. Many times she catches me off guard, and sucks me right in. She's a sweetheart and her interest in my hobby has been a joy to me. Her mom, the love of my life for 33 years has only a casual interest, but any interest is much appreciated. When you posted this forum, the old gears started to turn and just couldn't resist the practice. You've been great sport and you have my admiration for taking the stance that you have. Keep it up because if more young ladies like yourself had the interest in model railroading that you do, believe me thier spouses would really think it was great. Your always going to run into the guys who think that women and model railroading are like oil and water, don't let them discourage you. By the way I'm not one of them. I hope in the future, that you and I are always on the same side. Happy MRRing.[:)][:)]PS; you weren't supposed to see the first posting, sorry bout that.[B)]

As we would say in Texas - Gracias Amigo

Cheers

Judy
Dallas, TX

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by emeraldisle

To Judy; My comments while appearing to be critical, are not. As I said I welcome all including women into this hobby. It's a hobby for all and it is supposed to be fun. I have daughter whose 27 years old and you wouldn't believe the effort it takes to stay one step ahead of her in the chain pulling arena. Many times she catches me off guard, and sucks me right in. She's a sweetheart and her interest in my hobby has been a joy to me. Her mom, the love of my life for 33 years has only a casual interest, but any interest is much appreciated. When you posted this forum, the old gears started to turn and just couldn't resist the practice. You've been great sport and you have my admiration for taking the stance that you have. Keep it up because if more young ladies like yourself had the interest in model railroading that you do, believe me thier spouses would really think it was great. Your always going to run into the guys who think that women and model railroading are like oil and water, don't let them discourage you. By the way I'm not one of them. I hope in the future, that you and I are always on the same side. Happy MRRing.[:)][:)]PS; you weren't supposed to see the first posting, sorry bout that.[B)]

As we would say in Texas - Gracias Amigo

Cheers

Judy
Dallas, TX

[Anonymous]

robmik; I think i'ts great that judy posted this so please, lighten up and don't life so serious. [:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]

[Anonymous]

robmik; I think i'ts great that judy posted this so please, lighten up and don't life so serious. [:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]

[Anonymous]

To Judy; My comments while appearing to be critical, are not. As I said I welcome all including women into this hobby. It's a hobby for all and it is supposed to be fun. I have daughter whose 27 years old and you wouldn't believe the effort it takes to stay one step ahead of her in the chain pulling arena. Many times she catches me off guard, and sucks me right in. She's a sweetheart and her interest in my hobby has been a joy to me. Her mom, the love of my life for 33 years has only a casual interest, but any interest is much appreciated. When you posted this forum, the old gears started to turn and just couldn't resist the practice. You've been great sport and you have my admiration for taking the stance that you have. Keep it up because if more young ladies like yourself had the interest in model railroading that you do, believe me thier spouses would really think it was great. Your always going to run into the guys who think that women and model railroading are like oil and water, don't let them discourage you. By the way I'm not one of them. I hope in the future, that you and I are always on the same side. Happy MRRing.[:)][:)]PS; you weren't supposed to see the first posting, sorry bout that.[B)]