How Important has Internet Access Proven to be to Your Hobby?

[darth9x9]

The internet has been most helpful with research and find prototype info and pictures.

On the other hand, eBay and forums keep me away from doing things I really need to do like assemble cars, renumber cars, paint cars, etc.

What's a model railroder to do?

[jfugate]

For general research, it's hard to beat the internet. It has put me in touch with other modelers who have something else that is helpful to me that I'm certain I would not have met any other way.

Several posts on here commented about getting bombarded with spam ... the best way to avoid that is to get an email account that is not free, or if you get a free one, make sure it's not a big name outfit like yahoo, hotmail, aol, msn and so on. I use NetIdentity, since I can get an email domain name that is similar to my actual name: [e-mail] is my email address. It's a bargain at $25 a year, and no spam.

Another biggie is to move away from the big name browsers, especially Internet Explorer. Go to http://www.mozilla.org/ and download the firefox browser. It will pick up all your IE settings automatically, and it includes built in pop management. Some sites may complain if you are not using IE, so keep IE around and use it if you must, but don't make it your default browser.

If you get off the beaten path somewhat like this, the spammers will have a much harder time finding you and life will be good!

[Noah Hofrichter]

I've found the internet invaluble. I can get many items I couldn't otherwise, get info from people like the great ones here, and find prototype infomation on the net. I don't think I'd be very far in this hobby without the web here, it fabulous. But as stated above, It does cut into my modeling time some, and that's not so good. But the pros outwieght the cons.

Noah

[Anonymous]

If it wasn't for the internet, I would not be nearly as knowledgable about the hobby as I could be. Its been good. The amount of information out there is amazing.

Alvie.

[Anonymous]

My current health does not allow me to get out to the LHS too often, and does not allow me to do any significant railfanning, or meet with other modellers. So the Internet is irreplacable for me.

But even so, I have been able to find information on prototypes that I wouldn't have the time or opportunity to see otherwise. And I have found products that I have not found in my LHS. And it's very cool to be able to keep in some kind of contact with those who model prototypes that I am interested in too.

---jps

[RedLeader]

Without the internet I couldn't be in the hobby. The only way I can buy stuff is through the web.

[Anonymous]

its been very helpful for me. I would still be floundering over some tings if not for internet. I also have purchased more online than at LHS which really isnt local to begin with.

[Anonymous]

For me, the internet and www (not the same thing!) have both been indispensible.

I have not done any purchasing, with the exception of one auction on eBay. I have used the web to obtain photos and drawings for modeling and collect prototype information on railroads, notably the Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee RR (www.northshoreline.com). Since I plan to model the North Shore, I must scratchbuild or kitbash a considerable amount of my equipment, which would have me spending a fortune on books and photos, if I could even find them, had the web not been around.

Researching anything is so much easier. The problem now is not enough information, but too much.

[Anonymous]

I live in Germany, so the internet is my first information about everything in US railroad - prototype and model.[:)]

[aloco]

Very important. I've found lots of locomotives on the web and avoided paying full-blown retail prices for them. The MSRP for locomotives is ridculously high.

[krump]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kbfcsme

Info good[:D]
ebay good[:D]
time spent on internet cutting into modeling time, bad[:(!]
finding happy balance?[:p]priceless

... what he said...[:D][^]

cheers,
Krump

[on30francisco]

The internet has been an extremely useful tool to me in this hobby. Since I model in a minority gauge and scale, I can access information about products, both obscure and common ones, and cottage industries that would probably not appear in the Walthers catalog or a mainstream publication. I access a lot of modeling plans, prototype information, construction techniques, painting and weathering tips, and other useful information. I also use the internet to shop online and to access the many forums that pertain to model railroading (like this one). I have got many useful and helpful modeling tips from these forums from postings by ordinary modelers like myself. The best part about these forums is that they are interactive. The only problem with the internet is that I sometimes spend too much time surfing - both model railroading sites and other topics - than actual modeling. Sometimes, while waiting for the glue or paint to dry, I do both at the same time.

[Anonymous]

I love how I can ask a question and have a lot of people answer!

[CBQ_Guy]

The internet is the proverbial two edge sword - it's good for all the reasons mentioned thusfar. It's "bad" because it takes so much time away from actually working on/operating the layout.

I have gone from being an armchair modeler to a mouse click modeler!

A few weeks ago I told the wife my hobby is no longer model railroading. She seemed understandably shocked and asked me what had taken it's place. I told her "READING about model railroading~

[sparkingbolt]

As the one who posted this topic, I see I'm in pretty good company. The reason I asked was that I only fairly recently began to appreciate the usefulness of this resource, and am still learning more ways. I've been a model builder for 30 years. Relative newcomer to the www. Thanks, Dan.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

My last trip to a hobby shop was very disappointing when I encountered bare shelves and a surly clerk who acted as if I was intruding on his personal space. I don't need that type of place to go to when I can find items faster and cheaper on the Internet.

Good point. As for the clerk, what an [censored]. Nothing makes my blood boil faster than a rude sales clerk, especially when I'm at a LHS. Dag nab it, there outta be a law forbidding those with no appreciation or enthusiasm for model trains and the people that buy them from even working at a hobby shop! [soapbox] [:(!] (Ahem) There now...I feel much better.[:D]

[cacole]

With no local hobby shops within 70 miles, and the one that is having bare shelves and about to go out of business, I couldn't survive without Internet access and on-line dealers. My last trip to a hobby shop was very disappointing when I encountered bare shelves and a surly clerk who acted as if I was intruding on his personal space. I don't need that type of place to go to when I can find items faster and cheaper on the Internet.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:
I dropped out of all Yahoo connections, because I was never bombarded with porn Spam UNTIL I signed on to groups at Yahoo[V]...and that most offensive form of Spam has all but stopped now.

It's often said that one cannot miss what one never had...I guess that's why I know some happy & contented model railroaders that don't even own a computer.[;)][:D]
regards,
Mike

I agree with both statements shown above. My mailbox thanks me repeatedly for severing all ties to Yahoo.[:D]

In regards to modelers without computers, you brought up a valid point: that you can't ask about the moon if you never knew one existed. I think this is proof that you can continue to enjoy the hobby w/o the additional benefits that Internet access gives you (though I confess that it has been a plus for me regarding trains). As with anything else, finding balance in the hobby is key. What 'floats the boat' for some sinks the ship for others.

[Anonymous]

I like the 'net, but I get less actual work done on the layout, since it came along.[:I]
I use it more for newspapers & general knowledge, than for any hobby-related purposes.
As far as forums, there are very mixed feelings about their general usefulness.I find the generally atrocious levels of spelling and grammar the most offensive part of forum content...but I guess those things matter no longer, in today's world of speed and progress.[:(]

I dropped out of all Yahoo connections, because I was never bombarded with porn Spam UNTIL I signed on to groups at Yahoo[V]...and that most offensive form of Spam has all but stopped now.

The whole scenario really depends on one's perspective....if you are modelling 1948 for instance, and you have access to a large library of books, magazines etc. with everything you needed to know about railroading in 1948...guess what ? There's nothing new about 1948 !..it's only POSSIBLE you can find it more quickly & easily on the 'pooter.... On the downside, since everything EVER KNOWN about 1948 is on the 'net, it might take you even longer to search out exactly what you want, than it might in a railroad-specific book.[:0]

It's often said that one cannot miss what one never had...I guess that's why I know some happy & contented model railroaders that don't even own a computer.[;)][:D]
regards,
Mike

[Anonymous]

I don't know how I got along before the internet. These forums are great, let alone shopping or just looking at manufactureres websites.

[Anonymous]

Info good[:D]
ebay good[:D]
time spent on internet cutting into modeling time, bad[:(!]
finding happy balance?[:p]priceless

[douginut]

So far everyone else has detailed my reasons for using the internet in our hobby.
SuperCheifFan has the right idea there I have just such a setup when complete the scenery and benchwork will conceal my server!. Trains.com and Chicago-l.org are continuing inspirations to me.

Doug, in Utah

[CP5415]

Like most of us, It's become an important tool for information. It's also an excellent tool for making new freinds.
Without it, I would not have known that Proto is releasing another couple of D&H PA's!!!
WooHoo, I can't wait till AUGUST!!!!!!
Without it, I would not have met a good model railroad/railfan friend.
Without it, I would have had to guess to what's available on the market. I probably would not have known about my Walthers MEC pulp wood cars.
Without it, I would not have half the information I need to do the wiring for my layout.
But to answer the question asked;

It's very important to me!!!!!

Gordon

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by PistolPete

So much information, so little time. The net is fantastic I really like the availability of hearing about different layouts, likes/dislikes, equipment, etc. Of course if I spent less time reading these forums and my soccer forums may be I would get more done on my layout. [:)][?]

If space is not an issue, having the computer in the same room as the layout would be a good thing. I travel between rooms to access both--bummer, bummer, bummer.[V]

[PistolPete]

So much information, so little time. The net is fantastic I really like the availability of hearing about different layouts, likes/dislikes, equipment, etc. Of course if I spent less time reading these forums and my soccer forums may be I would get more done on my layout. [:)][?]

[Anonymous]

Very important in terms of speed. I have access to a greater body of information faster than ever. Going to the bookstore to buy books and hitting the library to research obviously requires more time. Buying items is more of a snap if you exclude time spent waiting to receive an order. I wouldn't rely on the Internet exclusively however, as I'd miss the atmosphere of my favorite hobby shop...and the sense of euphoria I feel when I unexpectedly discover a train-related book at the local Barnes & Noble. [:D]

[Anonymous]

very important. i could not live without it.

[Jacktal]

My only web based purchases are my MR subscription and other occasional Kalmbach's publications.For my modelling needs(trains and accessories) I rely on my LHS who I feel has fair prices and good service,and even more important,I'd like him to stay in business.

But for the rest,I'd say that Internet is my only source of info's.I can learn tricks,hear about new products and even visit other people's layouts,all while sitting in the comfort of my home at only the price of my connexion...unbeatable I say.

[Anonymous]

This forum and Model Railroader mag. are the answer keys for me.