Writing A Book and Need Input

[Anonymous]

I am writing a book on the fascination people have with trains and model railroading. I would like to get input from fellow train fanatics. If you would be so kind to answer the following questions:

1) Why do you model?

2) When did you start?

3) What was your first train?

4) Are you a railfan? If yes, what is it about trains that you like?

5) How much time a week do you spend entertaining your love for trains and model railroading?

6) What part of the country do you live in?

Thank you for your input.

Radford Bean

[Anonymous]

I am writing a book on the fascination people have with trains and model railroading. I would like to get input from fellow train fanatics. If you would be so kind to answer the following questions:

1) Why do you model?

2) When did you start?

3) What was your first train?

4) Are you a railfan? If yes, what is it about trains that you like?

5) How much time a week do you spend entertaining your love for trains and model railroading?

6) What part of the country do you live in?

Thank you for your input.

Radford Bean

[Anonymous]

1. Like to make 3D art.
2. At age 6, 45 years ago. Took a hiatus during the cars/parties/girls years, but got back into it when i regained my senses.
3. American Flyer
4. Yes. Mainly the whistle as they approach and the earthquake as they go by. The sight of any train anywhere looks good.
5. Many hours.
6. Texas

[Anonymous]

1. Like to make 3D art.
2. At age 6, 45 years ago. Took a hiatus during the cars/parties/girls years, but got back into it when i regained my senses.
3. American Flyer
4. Yes. Mainly the whistle as they approach and the earthquake as they go by. The sight of any train anywhere looks good.
5. Many hours.
6. Texas

[IRONROOSTER]

1. I like making minatures and watching them operate.
2. Started building ships about 14 or 15, trains at 24.
3. Fleischmann HO .
4. Yes, just like to watch them rumble by.
5. 15+
6. Nothern Virginia
Enjoy
Paul

[IRONROOSTER]

1. I like making minatures and watching them operate.
2. Started building ships about 14 or 15, trains at 24.
3. Fleischmann HO .
4. Yes, just like to watch them rumble by.
5. 15+
6. Nothern Virginia
Enjoy
Paul

[douginut]

1. escapism, love to create my own world and places in time
2. started at about 10 years old.
3. Lionel HO, and Athern.
4. stated by the others , and love to watch switching operations.
5. not enough hours , 10-12.
6. Utah

Doug, in Utah

[douginut]

1. escapism, love to create my own world and places in time
2. started at about 10 years old.
3. Lionel HO, and Athern.
4. stated by the others , and love to watch switching operations.
5. not enough hours , 10-12.
6. Utah

Doug, in Utah

[Anonymous]

1. you control this world of trains
2. Dad gave me N scale for my birthday when I was very young
3. N scale steamer 0-4-0
4. Yes...its that noise the steamers make when they start up as the pistons go round...the chuh....chuh...chuh.chuchcuhcuhcu. The size of the trains is just breath taking
5. I never really thought of keeping track of hours...I know it is quite a bit though
6. Northern Eastern Florida

[Anonymous]

1. you control this world of trains
2. Dad gave me N scale for my birthday when I was very young
3. N scale steamer 0-4-0
4. Yes...its that noise the steamers make when they start up as the pistons go round...the chuh....chuh...chuh.chuchcuhcuhcu. The size of the trains is just breath taking
5. I never really thought of keeping track of hours...I know it is quite a bit though
6. Northern Eastern Florida

[Anonymous]

1) Why do you model? I like doing anything with crafts, and RRing is the ultimate craft. I also feel I am an artist at heart and love creating. The joy of exhibition enters into it as I like showing off what I can do and enjoy the awe and wonder others show in something I created, but I would still model without the show. I also am fascinated by the power and show that a real train portrays as it roars through the country imposing fear in every other vehicle. It's no accident that trains always have the right-of way, though it may be because of accidents that it does.

2) When did you start? At 7 or 8 with a gift of an S gauge used three rail Marx. I destroyed it running it out of the upstairs windows imitating The Adams Family Train wrecks I so fondly remember. The next was an N gauge at 10 which is where I learned that n is not a good idea for kids. Did I start another argument with that comment?

3) What was your first train? S gauge three rail Marx steamer

4) Are you a railfan? If yes, what is it about trains that you like? The roar and size of the units. Even a little 50' boxcar is huge. I remember as a kid my dad worked at a steel mill and they moved metal in bottle cars from one point to another with Alco RS? Diesels. They weaved in and out of the buildings narrowly missing each other by inches it seemed. I loved it. They would speed across the road without slowing and cars and trucks would stop for them. What power and authority!

5) How much time a week do you spend entertaining your love for trains and model railroading? Too many for my wife and not enough for me. 6 to 8 hours would be a good average... no, counting all 20 maybe 96... it's hard to define because I am always looking at the world thinking, "could I model that?"

6) What part of the country do you live in? Born and raised in Indiana between Chicago and Indy. Last 20 years in SW Missouri.

[Anonymous]

1) Why do you model? I like doing anything with crafts, and RRing is the ultimate craft. I also feel I am an artist at heart and love creating. The joy of exhibition enters into it as I like showing off what I can do and enjoy the awe and wonder others show in something I created, but I would still model without the show. I also am fascinated by the power and show that a real train portrays as it roars through the country imposing fear in every other vehicle. It's no accident that trains always have the right-of way, though it may be because of accidents that it does.

2) When did you start? At 7 or 8 with a gift of an S gauge used three rail Marx. I destroyed it running it out of the upstairs windows imitating The Adams Family Train wrecks I so fondly remember. The next was an N gauge at 10 which is where I learned that n is not a good idea for kids. Did I start another argument with that comment?

3) What was your first train? S gauge three rail Marx steamer

4) Are you a railfan? If yes, what is it about trains that you like? The roar and size of the units. Even a little 50' boxcar is huge. I remember as a kid my dad worked at a steel mill and they moved metal in bottle cars from one point to another with Alco RS? Diesels. They weaved in and out of the buildings narrowly missing each other by inches it seemed. I loved it. They would speed across the road without slowing and cars and trucks would stop for them. What power and authority!

5) How much time a week do you spend entertaining your love for trains and model railroading? Too many for my wife and not enough for me. 6 to 8 hours would be a good average... no, counting all 20 maybe 96... it's hard to define because I am always looking at the world thinking, "could I model that?"

6) What part of the country do you live in? Born and raised in Indiana between Chicago and Indy. Last 20 years in SW Missouri.

[Anonymous]

1) Why do you model?

I like making idears that come to me
(well making a real size house is much more expencive)

2) When did you start?

When i was 9 years old i started to get into making plastic models.
then when i left school and had money of my own i was doing alot more things

3) What was your first train?

A non discript HO wind-up loco that now been looking at it to put an electric and paint it up a bit

4) Are you a railfan? If yes, what is it about trains that you like?

AM I WHAT!!!!! Every time there is some show of the old steamers I'm there somewhere bothering somebody with questions! Love them cause there big noisey
and look very impresive on the rails

5) How much time a week do you spend entertaining your love for trains and model railroading?

between my girlfrend, son and work i get about 20-30 hrs per week (it's amazing how much you can get done when sitting in front of the television!)

6) What part of the country do you live in?

Not what part of the country but whitch country!
Australia mate!

[Anonymous]

1) Why do you model?

I like making idears that come to me
(well making a real size house is much more expencive)

2) When did you start?

When i was 9 years old i started to get into making plastic models.
then when i left school and had money of my own i was doing alot more things

3) What was your first train?

A non discript HO wind-up loco that now been looking at it to put an electric and paint it up a bit

4) Are you a railfan? If yes, what is it about trains that you like?

AM I WHAT!!!!! Every time there is some show of the old steamers I'm there somewhere bothering somebody with questions! Love them cause there big noisey
and look very impresive on the rails

5) How much time a week do you spend entertaining your love for trains and model railroading?

between my girlfrend, son and work i get about 20-30 hrs per week (it's amazing how much you can get done when sitting in front of the television!)

6) What part of the country do you live in?

Not what part of the country but whitch country!
Australia mate!

[Anonymous]

1) I model as an outlet that is constructive, in lieu of watching the TV every night and doing nothing with my spare (haha) time.
2) I started thinking about a model RR in 1998, after my son was born / moved to a house that had a basement larger then the previous house.
3) Athearn SD45 that my father bought when he started "OUR" railroad.
4) Big time - I love the current CP Rail paint scheme, and watching /listening to those huge engines gear up and go!
5) at least 6 hours / week either activly working on my RR or reading or something
6) Calgary, Canada

[Anonymous]

1) I model as an outlet that is constructive, in lieu of watching the TV every night and doing nothing with my spare (haha) time.
2) I started thinking about a model RR in 1998, after my son was born / moved to a house that had a basement larger then the previous house.
3) Athearn SD45 that my father bought when he started "OUR" railroad.
4) Big time - I love the current CP Rail paint scheme, and watching /listening to those huge engines gear up and go!
5) at least 6 hours / week either activly working on my RR or reading or something
6) Calgary, Canada

[Anonymous]

1) Why do you model?

I don't really know, but I know my emotional connection was started early. I have vague memories of riding a train into New York City, and I moved from their at age three. I vividly recall arriving at my new home in Chicago, and first running downstairs to see if my Lionel Trains had arrived safely in the move.

2) When did you start?

See above. From that point, my brother and I built several HO layouts throughout our childhood. Or should I say, partially built.....always stopped by funds, other activities, or desire to build that empire, and eventually we did cover the basement.

3) What was your first train?

See above. The actual engines were a Jersey Central Switcher and a Texas Special F unit set. My neighbor had the Santa Fe PA-1, and I was jealous. My mom (another typical story) gave away the Lionel to relatives when we "got too old for it". Never got it back.....

4) Are you a railfan? If yes, what is it about trains that you like?

Yes, but not as much as a modeller. I am drawn to large rail yards, and love to study the old track layouts, etc. to figure out how they worked. I can only stay in one spot so long to wait for trains. I seek out hot spots, but usually a few trains satisfies me.

5) How much time a week do you spend entertaining your love for trains and model railroading?

If you include daydreaming, and internet discussion groups like this one, about 100!

6) What part of the country do you live in?

Dallas, Texas

[Anonymous]

1) Why do you model?

I don't really know, but I know my emotional connection was started early. I have vague memories of riding a train into New York City, and I moved from their at age three. I vividly recall arriving at my new home in Chicago, and first running downstairs to see if my Lionel Trains had arrived safely in the move.

2) When did you start?

See above. From that point, my brother and I built several HO layouts throughout our childhood. Or should I say, partially built.....always stopped by funds, other activities, or desire to build that empire, and eventually we did cover the basement.

3) What was your first train?

See above. The actual engines were a Jersey Central Switcher and a Texas Special F unit set. My neighbor had the Santa Fe PA-1, and I was jealous. My mom (another typical story) gave away the Lionel to relatives when we "got too old for it". Never got it back.....

4) Are you a railfan? If yes, what is it about trains that you like?

Yes, but not as much as a modeller. I am drawn to large rail yards, and love to study the old track layouts, etc. to figure out how they worked. I can only stay in one spot so long to wait for trains. I seek out hot spots, but usually a few trains satisfies me.

5) How much time a week do you spend entertaining your love for trains and model railroading?

If you include daydreaming, and internet discussion groups like this one, about 100!

6) What part of the country do you live in?

Dallas, Texas

[sd452]

1. I model because it is a lot cheaper than owning a real train.
2. I started about 4 years ago.
3. My first train was a bachman toy train F7 and 4 cars in HO scale that I got for Christmas.
4. I rail fan to get Ideas for my modeling and because I think they are so cool because of theeir size and power.
5. Between school, work, and sleep I model about 10-15 hours a week.
6. I live in Northeast Wisconsin.

[sd452]

1. I model because it is a lot cheaper than owning a real train.
2. I started about 4 years ago.
3. My first train was a bachman toy train F7 and 4 cars in HO scale that I got for Christmas.
4. I rail fan to get Ideas for my modeling and because I think they are so cool because of theeir size and power.
5. Between school, work, and sleep I model about 10-15 hours a week.
6. I live in Northeast Wisconsin.

[Anonymous]

1. I enjoy the challenge of making something with my hands, especially in N scale and I also look forward to solving problems such as weathering techniques, detail work, etc. that I have absolutely no experience with.
2. I started in July of this year (and I'm 55).
3. I actually don't have a train yet, at least not the one I want. I bought a LifeLike F7 to test track with, but I want to model steam. My first actual train set was a Lionel three track steamer when I was three (my Mom still has the train in her attic).
4. Only when I can see steam - I get really bored watching a string of identical boxcars, hoppers, gons or intermodals where the only thing that changes is the car number. I miss the old boxcars where each line had their own colors, slogans and logos. Ahhhh...the pity of growin' old.
5. Countin' the time I spend on this infernal machiine, I guess about 50-55 hours a week.
6. Washburn, Tennessee - in the mountains of East Tennessee.

[Anonymous]

1. I enjoy the challenge of making something with my hands, especially in N scale and I also look forward to solving problems such as weathering techniques, detail work, etc. that I have absolutely no experience with.
2. I started in July of this year (and I'm 55).
3. I actually don't have a train yet, at least not the one I want. I bought a LifeLike F7 to test track with, but I want to model steam. My first actual train set was a Lionel three track steamer when I was three (my Mom still has the train in her attic).
4. Only when I can see steam - I get really bored watching a string of identical boxcars, hoppers, gons or intermodals where the only thing that changes is the car number. I miss the old boxcars where each line had their own colors, slogans and logos. Ahhhh...the pity of growin' old.
5. Countin' the time I spend on this infernal machiine, I guess about 50-55 hours a week.
6. Washburn, Tennessee - in the mountains of East Tennessee.

[MAbruce]

1) Why do you model?

It’s a form of artistic expression. I like to think of a MRR layout as a 3-D (and fully operational) work of art.

On the other hand, I could have some sort of “God” complex and just want to create and control my own little world… [;)][:D]

2) When did you start?

Around age 7-8.

3) What was your first train?

My parents bought me an N-scale train when I was a kid in the 70’s (An Atlas CNW passenger train set). They were amazed how I was able to work with it as they thought it might have been too small for me at that age.

4) Are you a railfan? If yes, what is it about trains that you like?

Nope. Those people scare me. [:0]

I do, however, like to watch trains when I happen to run across them. But I have never actively sought them out (nor really felt compelled to).

5) How much time a week do you spend entertaining your love for trains and model railroading?

A couple of hours on average. It really depends on the time of year. I spend more time with it in the colder months when I’m inside more. I also have young children that take up much of my spare time.

6) What part of the country do you live in?

New England, but I grew up in the Chicago suburbs (more trains out there).

[MAbruce]

1) Why do you model?

It’s a form of artistic expression. I like to think of a MRR layout as a 3-D (and fully operational) work of art.

On the other hand, I could have some sort of “God” complex and just want to create and control my own little world… [;)][:D]

2) When did you start?

Around age 7-8.

3) What was your first train?

My parents bought me an N-scale train when I was a kid in the 70’s (An Atlas CNW passenger train set). They were amazed how I was able to work with it as they thought it might have been too small for me at that age.

4) Are you a railfan? If yes, what is it about trains that you like?

Nope. Those people scare me. [:0]

I do, however, like to watch trains when I happen to run across them. But I have never actively sought them out (nor really felt compelled to).

5) How much time a week do you spend entertaining your love for trains and model railroading?

A couple of hours on average. It really depends on the time of year. I spend more time with it in the colder months when I’m inside more. I also have young children that take up much of my spare time.

6) What part of the country do you live in?

New England, but I grew up in the Chicago suburbs (more trains out there).

[leighant]

1. I model because I like creating my own little world, with a microcosm of a time period and region, and because I like trains. Trains (and tracks) have a special relationship with the land that is both eminently modelable, and thematically interesting. I like the research, and seeing 3D art as someone, actually 4D art when it comes to life. Like enough operation to give a sense of going someplace and doing something. There are so many things to do in model railroading, more than in any kind of hobby EXCEPT making feature motion pictures. But that co$t$ $o much!
2. Started trains at age 2 or 3, and I'm almost 60 now.
3. First train a windup "Honeymoon Flyer" that went round and round in a groove on a kind of thick disk. Then Marx and Lionel with my dad's help, and HO in teen years, and N after college and still. With lots of HO modeling for clubs and a little S scale and 1/2 inch scale for friends layouts for variety.
4. Railfan? Yes and no. I would call myself more of a "rail researcher". I am not especially interested to taking steam fantrips, etc, or buying "railfan collectibles". I am interested more in tracking down the relics of the things I am interested in modeling.
5. How much time, 2 or 3 hours to 15 a week, depending. I have been busy in recent months producing a 1 1/2 hour movie of the history of my family over 125 years that has taken some of my time and energy, and instead oif active modeling, I am messing around writing in the forum!!!
6. Ahmmm in Texas, pohdnuh.
And now for a negative word. Oh good grief, another book or article or TV show about "the fascination people have for trains". Sigh. It sounds sooo Generic.

[leighant]

1. I model because I like creating my own little world, with a microcosm of a time period and region, and because I like trains. Trains (and tracks) have a special relationship with the land that is both eminently modelable, and thematically interesting. I like the research, and seeing 3D art as someone, actually 4D art when it comes to life. Like enough operation to give a sense of going someplace and doing something. There are so many things to do in model railroading, more than in any kind of hobby EXCEPT making feature motion pictures. But that co$t$ $o much!
2. Started trains at age 2 or 3, and I'm almost 60 now.
3. First train a windup "Honeymoon Flyer" that went round and round in a groove on a kind of thick disk. Then Marx and Lionel with my dad's help, and HO in teen years, and N after college and still. With lots of HO modeling for clubs and a little S scale and 1/2 inch scale for friends layouts for variety.
4. Railfan? Yes and no. I would call myself more of a "rail researcher". I am not especially interested to taking steam fantrips, etc, or buying "railfan collectibles". I am interested more in tracking down the relics of the things I am interested in modeling.
5. How much time, 2 or 3 hours to 15 a week, depending. I have been busy in recent months producing a 1 1/2 hour movie of the history of my family over 125 years that has taken some of my time and energy, and instead oif active modeling, I am messing around writing in the forum!!!
6. Ahmmm in Texas, pohdnuh.
And now for a negative word. Oh good grief, another book or article or TV show about "the fascination people have for trains". Sigh. It sounds sooo Generic.