At this time of the year, we normally see a large number of newcomers to the forum, so first and foremost to a great place to learn about toy trains. We have artists, electrical experts, mechanical wizards, railroad engineers, track crewmen, etc. etc. who actively participate on the forum.
First Hint: Post an AVATAR with your profile. The photo/picture avatar helps us to recognize you quickly, but it also helps you find your postings quickly. Click on the Update Profile at the top of almost any screen and upload you photo/picture. (As far as I know, animated GIFs will not work as AVATARS.)
Second Hint: Put a geographic location with your profile. Many times your general location affects an answer to questions you post. Your geographic location can be as simple as:
Now let's hear other hints from some of the posters to this forum.
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
Yes, I am a little leary about those who put nothing in their profile. Also, the info lets us know you. This forum's sucess is built on personal relationships.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Also... Roger's Corner's Elev. 936 ft. in Ohio ( somewhere )
ChiefEagles wrote: Yes, I am a little leary about those who put nothing in their profile. Also, the info lets us know you. This forum's sucess is built on personal relationships.
The first time in three years, he agrees with me! It's a RED LETTER DAY in beautiful Ohio.
To all new members
Also remember there is no such thing as a dumb question, but please use the search icon to see if someone has already asked this same thing. You may find that your question has already been answered, so you can be on your RR much faster.
Also look onto page two and three, not just the first page.
Also give us some time to respond to your questions. We have seen some poster expecting an answer within hours of it posting.
I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com
Be aware that the way people write is very different from the way they would talk and the crucial thing thats lacking is the body english or reactions that tell you what they're meaning. So its all too easy to give or get the impression of hostility or rudeness when none was meant.
Therefore make an effort to always give the other fellow the benefit of the doubt and don't be too hasty in assuming someones ignoring you when they may have either not seen your post, misread it or decided to leave it for someone else to deal with that has more expertise.
Even with the best of intentions its also all too easy to offer helpful advice that is actually erroneous - something I am ocasionally guilty of - if you are really new to this aspect of the hobby be aware that your previous experience with HO or DC controlled 2 rail may not be relevant.
spankybird wrote: Also give us some time to respond to your questions. We have seen some poster expecting an answer within hours of it posting.
Good point Spankybird, aka as Tom, I remember one poster who wanted his question answered in less than 30 minutes and then bashed us for not answering quickly enough.
Ditto to what Thor said. Also, be patient when you post a question. Sometimes it takes a while for someone with the knowledge to answer to see your post. Try to give as much info as you can when asking a question. For example, "My train won't run" simply does not tell us enough. What brand/type engine are you running? What transformer are you using? Any signs of power or sound when you try to run the train? All of that helps us determine the source of the problem.
There are NO dumb questions! All of us run into times when we need help with a locomotive or wiring or benchwork, etc. This forum has been very helpful to me, both in the information and inspiration I have gained but especially in the friendships I have made!
A great topic, Buckeye !! I just think seeing terms like trash, junk, & cheap being used when referring to some of the manufacturers products can be harmful. It can easily offend some one who may have just purchased that item. Plus, these items may be advertised in CTT, the host of this free forum. What about the new guy reading here ? I don't think it's a good idea to use those terms.
Thanks, John
Another helpful option is posting pictures. Many ask how, but just as important is having a place to test your approach. Instead of trying in this forum, there is a place on trains.com called "Forum Testing". Go to www.trains.com, then click on Forums at the top of page. Scroll down to the bottom of the list of forums and voila, you are there. A person new to the forum can make mistakes in Forum Testing and not feel the need to apologize. Then, when you have perfected your posting prowess (say that fast three times), you can confidently return and show off your pics right here. Pictures help answer questions and provide a wonderful way to share your passion with others. I've been participating in this forum for less than a year and its really fueled my passion for the hobby.
Lionel collector, stuck in an N scaler's modelling space.
Very wise words from Thor. You can always use a moticon i.e. to make sure you are not misinterpreted.
Stack
Thor: First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR. It is hard to teach an "older" dog (I mean guy) new tricks but I will try a New Year's Resolution to refrain from referring back to my half century of HO experiences. Your point is extremely well taken. Have a great year.
I love my avatar! (My train pic is on my computer..which is at Gateway for the 2nd time)
Anyway, don't get too frustrated in life! Nor with this hobby. It took me an hour yesterday to put the 675 back together (kept dropping the screws). But I'll take that frustration over a computer problem anyday!
Bob Nelson
Hey Neil,
Perhaps this excellent topic deserves a sticky? Thanks CTT for this forum!!!!!!!!
Jim H
One other thing for all the newbies. The people on this forum are the nicest I have ever found on the web. Also, the folks at CTT manage this forum with a VERY light hand on the controls. Let's all (new folks and old folks) keep this forum as polite as possible so we deserve the light handed controls we now have.
I would like to echo Jim H's comments. The guys at CTT should compile all of these suggestions (along with the instructions on how to post photos) into a "Read First" post. This would allow new posters to get up and running more quickly.
Regards,
John O
Here's another one...try NOT to be thin-skinned when you read a comment, description, or word on the forum that is based in fact. A Rolls Royce isn't called a CHEAP car, and a Ford Escort isn't called an expensive/high end car. Everything is relative, including toy trains.
Dep
Virginian Railroad
RaleighTrainFan wrote:I would be happy to provide all of this information, but my profile appears to be set to "Private" with no evident way to alter that.
I'm not sure I believe the "private" title on the profile. Try updating it and see if that information is not then available to others. Mine shows private but I believe it is out there. Not that it is very interesting!
Jim
Okay I just tried to update my stuff but now Ya'll are going to have to listen about my dog lol. No actually I lost her in Sept and it's going to be next fall until the breeding I want a pup from so that's why the train is finally out of the closet.
Hey Spankybird that critter on your shoulder looks just like my boy Harley.
Lisa
RaleighTrainFan wrote:Ah! It appears to work despite the "private settings" statement. I will see if it comes up. (EDIT: And indeed it does!)
RaleighTrainFan,
Great..... hey have you ever heard the joke about the attorney who goes into a bar with a duck under his arm.... uh...... but I digress..... Seriously maybe you can share an opinion on the lawsuits between Lionel and MTH in another topic about such things. Welcome aboard.
Welcome aboard too.... best to be real nice to folks who think Dobermen's are the only dog! Our two cats have the utmost respect for large dogs, and large ferocious dogs even more! But you can mess with dogs and trains both ya' know. No excuse to keep the trains in the closet.
marxalot wrote: RaleighTrainFan wrote:Ah! It appears to work despite the "private settings" statement. I will see if it comes up. (EDIT: And indeed it does!)RaleighTrainFan,Great..... hey have you ever heard the joke about the attorney who goes into a bar with a duck under his arm.... uh...... but I digress..... Seriously maybe you can share an opinion on the lawsuits between Lionel and MTH in another topic about such things. Welcome aboard. Lisa Welcome aboard too.... best to be real nice to folks who think Dobermen's are the only dog! Our two cats have the utmost respect for large dogs, and large ferocious dogs even more! But you can mess with dogs and trains both ya' know. No excuse to keep the trains in the closet. Jim
Thank you very much. I have not read the opinion overturning (effectively) the MTH judgment, so I am not really qualified to comment. I do hope that both companies realize (now, at least) that there are better ways in life than homicidal litigation.
DJSpanky wrote: RaleighTrainFan wrote: Thank you very much. I have not read the opinion overturning (effectively) the MTH judgment, so I am not really qualified to comment. I do hope that both companies realize (now, at least) that there are better ways in life than homicidal litigation.Somehow I highly doubt it. From what I've heard, Mikey seems to have a personal axe to grind with Lionel so I expect that as long as he thinks he can squeeze something out, the case will be refiled and another round of litigation will ensue.
RaleighTrainFan wrote: Thank you very much. I have not read the opinion overturning (effectively) the MTH judgment, so I am not really qualified to comment. I do hope that both companies realize (now, at least) that there are better ways in life than homicidal litigation.
Somehow I highly doubt it. From what I've heard, Mikey seems to have a personal axe to grind with Lionel so I expect that as long as he thinks he can squeeze something out, the case will be refiled and another round of litigation will ensue.
Or Lionel likes to have a monopoly. It's all point of view
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