When I saw the Tony Koester in a thread, I thought, this forum isn't much different than my trade forums at work. Big names in my business don't bother. Look at all the MR employees who don't post and they own this and all of the master modelers who don't bother. They really could help us all. Thank you Bruce Petty and Joe Fugate who do post.
Ahem....I don't usually like to toot my own horn, but hey I'm here.
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Maybe they do, only under a pseudonymn?
Definitely not a big name.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Consider this.....maybe they are present and do post but they are not identifying themselves?
I've been a member of various automotive forums for years and in one there is a certain well known SUCCESSFUL drag race driver that has been there longer than I. He posted a few times a week and was very sensible with his advice BUT since we only knew him online as RUSTBUCKET nobody figured him to be who he really was.......
8500HPGASTURBINE wrote: How do you define "big names" There is 100'S of "BIG NAMES" in here that know more then the ones you idolize. Most of them don't have the time to post every 10 minutes. But when they do there reply is very informative. I can name a few with under 400 posts that know more then some with 2000+ replies. JMO Michael
How do you define "big names" There is 100'S of "BIG NAMES" in here that know more then the ones you idolize. Most of them don't have the time to post every 10 minutes. But when they do there reply is very informative. I can name a few with under 400 posts that know more then some with 2000+ replies. JMO
Michael
And there are those with over 2000 replies that "know it all"!
Driline wrote:Ahem....I don't usually like to toot my own horn, but hey I'm here.ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Ahh darn it Driline you beat me to it!
I'm a big name -
TEDITOR!
Teditor
And have you noticed how many normal modelers don't post here either? Haha think about it, there are a few hundred people that actively post on here max, and there are easily thousands of people that do model railroading. If only a small percentage of the total number of modelers are on the site, why is it odd that only a small percentage of the master modelers are on here too?
Cheers!
~METRO
I have had Andy Sperando reply to a question or two I have asked over the years. I too think it would be cool if some of those recognizable name peruse this site and chime in on some substantive questions from time to time. I must say, however, that there are a couple of current editors at MR right now that produce some of the worst modeling I have ever seen covered in print. So I guess there are difinately things more important than name recognition.
Ron
Owner and superintendant of the N scale Texas Colorado & Western Railway, a protolanced representaion of the BNSF from Fort Worth, TX through Wichita Falls TX and into Colorado.
Check out the TC&WRy on at https://www.facebook.com/TCWRy
Check out my MRR How-To YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/RonsTrainsNThings
You have to figure a few things here:1). If they are a "name" model railroader, they probably do a lot of model railroading instead of hanging out on the internet. To become a "name", you have to be skilled. Being skilled requires repetition, and using that skill to create great models takes hours of modeling time. Just think of all the custom built locos, cars, buildings, et al, that the "name" model railroaders create. They didn't get built by people who spend hours a day staring into a flatscreen or CRT.
2). When a "name" model railroader isn't doing his modeling, he's writing about it in either books or magazines instead of online because he gets paid for doing so. So unless someone starts paying "name" model railroaders to put their information online, they will continue to mostly ignore it as it's not putting a penny in their bank account.
3). If a "name" model railroader isn't modeling or writing about modeling, he might be getting paid to make speeches, create videos, conduct clinics, review models, or advise manufacturers on future models.
4). When one is a professional in just about any craft, one wants to unwind and think about other things for a change. For example, I know several railfans who went to work for the RR, and after being on the job for a few years lost almost all interest in model railroading. So, if one is a "name" model railroader, what does one do to get away from it all? Go on the internet and talk trains? I don't think so.
5). Finally, say you are a "name" model railroader who, in his spare time, gets onto the 'net to discuss the MR topics of the day. Now if you get into an argument with someone, then what? I know a guy who used to be Microscale's webmaster and contract decal artist. Hardly a "name" in the hobby, but folks in the industry know him. He used to be online a heckuva lot over on the old newsgroup, rec.models.railroad (and it's predecessor, CompuServe). He'd get into an argument or two in his time, and sure enough you'd have some joker come on and swear they'd never buy another Microscale Decal ever again because of what was said on a newsgroup. Heck, just recently, a manufacturer told me that he's concerned that if he posted what he really thought on a subject, someone would come by his display table at an upcoming show and destroy something out of spite. So there's a danger (or perceived danger) of being a "name" and taking a stand online. To most, it's not worth the risk.
That being said, there are a few "names" that appear from time to time. Jim Six is the best example I can think of. Andy Sperando used to post on r.m.r back in the day. Andy Harmon is a regular on the Atlas Forum, and of course the Atlas crew posts a lot (Rob Pisani, et al). Just a few days ago, the owner of Details West posted something here, and I know an Athearn employee that's over on TrainOrders.
IMHO, the "name" model railroaders are, for the most part, too busy doing the hobby to come online and talk about it.
Paul A. Cutler III************Weather Or No Go New Haven************
I guess they probably have REAL lives...
I know I've been surprised in the past when someone is posting blatant lies about a company how fast someone from that company signs on and sets the record straight. So I know many companies DO monitor what's being said here. I guess the "pros" might not want to get bogged down with the inevitable questions they would be asked. (for free)
Chuck Geiger wrote: When I saw the Tony Koester in a thread, I thought, this forum isn't much different than my trade forums at work. Big names in my business don't bother. Look at all the MR employees who don't post and they own this and all of the master modelers who don't bother. They really could help us all. Thank you Bruce Petty and Joe Fugate who do post.
Chuck,You'll not see them here..Those cats are on specialized yahoo groups that deal with advance prototypical operations,advanced layout planning,railroad history, prototypical detailing etc..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Well, since you bring it up, there are some who do post, but don't make a big deal about it.
I hold NMRA Master Model Railroader certificate 138, under my name, Robert L Miller. I worked pretty darn hard to get it, and I am proud of it, but I don't post mmr on my signature because it draws some comments about being stuck up, or uppity, or whatever. A few, like Brakie know I have it, but I prefer up to now not to mention it. I earned it in the late 80's. I have been published in MR back in the 70's with a freelance layout that was called the Mojave Western.
I prefer to be able to post and make comments without having someone take aim and fire, or want to start a debate. Other MMR's I know also post on forums but do what I have done. I am telling this only to point out that this hobby is for all of us, and none of us have all the answers. My work keeps me from getting envolved other than in my local division, and with a few of the modelers in Kansas City who are also MMR's.
No MMR that I know is an elitist, we all enjoy sharing our hobby, but our time is also precious to us. Having said this, I will drop back and enjoy and read, and offer a thought when appropriate. I chose years ago not to be a "big name", and I hope you understand that many others feel the same. Also having an NMRA doesn't make us any better than the majority of the non NMRA,s and in fact I know of a lot who are excellent modelers but don't like the NMRA or for other reasons choose not to pursue it. I have seen some excellent modeling on this forum in photos, and in comments, as well as most of the other forums. This is a hobby, and as such becomes more of an extension of ourselves, not of someone else.
Bob
lvanhen wrote: 8500HPGASTURBINE wrote: How do you define "big names" There is 100'S of "BIG NAMES" in here that know more then the ones you idolize. Most of them don't have the time to post every 10 minutes. But when they do there reply is very informative. I can name a few with under 400 posts that know more then some with 2000+ replies. JMO Michael And there are those with over 2000 replies that "know it all"!
And you're saying I don't?
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet
pastorbob wrote:I hold NMRA Master Model Railroader certificate 138, under my name, Robert L Miller. I worked pretty darn hard to get it, and I am proud of it, but I don't post mmr on my signature because it draws some comments about being stuck up, or uppity, or whatever. No MMR that I know is an elitist, we all enjoy sharing our hobby, but our time is also precious to us. Having said this, I will drop back and enjoy and read, and offer a thought when appropriate. Bob
No MMR that I know is an elitist, we all enjoy sharing our hobby, but our time is also precious to us. Having said this, I will drop back and enjoy and read, and offer a thought when appropriate.
Yep, Bob ... an MMR is quite an achievement and makes you a "big name" as far as I'm concerned.
I think the term "big name" probably means "frequently published" in how it's used in this context. Right now, traditional publishers like Kalmbach are mostly "old school" in their use of the internet -- it helps them market their print publications. They haven't quite figured out yet how to turn the internet into a big money maker like their print publishing business is.
As a result, modelers who are frequently published aren't thinking of the internet as the first stop for their article -- and well they should. I don't know of any internet outfit that pays what the hobby magazine publishers pay for material. So these "old school" modelers would not be posting content online because there's not much income in it.
There are several modelers who have great online content, but that material is not collected in two or three places like it is in the hobby print magazines, so you have to be dilligent with Google to find a lot of it. Those with the better online content could also be called "frequent publishers" but they won't have the name recognition of the print publications because of the splintered nature of the internet.
As the internet matures and begins to eclipse print publications as the first place people go for content, this is going to shift. And getting your content online is way easier than getting printed in one of the big hobby magazines -- so in that sense, the days of just a few big names is going to end and the whole way content gets produced is rapidly becoming more democratic and moving to the masses.
As we see on this forum, the internet levels the playing field a lot and we're all more like peers. Thats actually a good thing, since even the big boys still put on their pants one leg at a time like the rest of us.
Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon
As we see on this forum, the internet levels the playing field a lot and we're all more like peers. Thats actually a good thing, since even the big boys still put on their pants one leg at a time like the rest of us. " border="0" width="15" height="15" />
Then there are those of us who somehow manage to get both our legs caught in a single pants leg.
And our shirts on inside out.
Andre
Actually, not correct...they simply don't post here. If you are a participant in certain more advanced forums, they appear quite often, especially in those devoted to subjects like operations, scratchbuilding, etc.
CNJ831
Bob makes a good point above. Some people on this forum tend to rip mercilessly on those who write or otherwise are recognized. Now that I think about it, if I were Tony Koester (just one example) I would not bee too quick to chime in on a forum where I had been criticized as much as he has here by some. I'm not a glutton for punnishment.
And let us not forget our very own and highly published Joe Fugate. Thanks for chiming in Bob and Joe to remind us that there are many very skilled modelers who contribute here regularly.
Pastor Bob,
After noting your sensical, informative, and well mannered comments on various postings (including some of mine), I'm not surprised that you are an MRR. And frankly, that makes you a "big name" in my book!!!
I'll "bet the railroad" that the Kalmbach RR staff do check out this forum regularly, and in addition, a few have posted under their name, and I suspect others have using a psuedonymn (spell?). My gut feel is that to "them", this forum is "for us", to work out our own problems, etc. Also, by having a low profile on this forum, their influence is minimal. Thus, they can glean what the "average MR's" thoughts are on various subjects - which they can address via their magazines/books.
By the way, I have exchanged emails with various members of Kalmbach's RR staff over the years, and to a person they are "regular folks" - and all around nice guys!!!
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I regard Bob Boudreau as a big name model railroader.
Dave Nelson
CNJ831 wrote: Actually, not correct...they simply don't post here. If you are a participant in certain more advanced forums, they appear quite often, especially in those devoted to subjects like operations, scratchbuilding, etc. CNJ831
I'm going to have to agree with CNJ on this one. I won't mention what other boards (out of respect for our hosts), but you run into quite a few "names" in the more advanced forums.
It depends on what you're after... I tend to visit MR forums when I'm looking to shoot the breeze; there are other places I go when looking for specifics about what I model. For example, there are groups dedicated to PRR prototype modeling. I also enjoy kitbashing steam in N. Some of the other boards have serious N scale steam heads that are always there when I need info for a kitbash such as driver diameter, frame width, etc. so I can plan ahead. And likewise, my own experiences will go farther in those boards because others there are more likely to be doing what I do.
I think that many of the "names" you're looking for are so focused on a specific aspect of the hobby, these forums don't support their interests. I believe this is meant to be a basic-level forum, which is why we're so noob-friendly (nothing wrong with that!).
But as your interests narrow, know that there's much more out there in cyberspace...!
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
While I'm on my soapbox...
I guess it also depends on what's a "big name." Most people here are thinking of "big names" as people who have been featured a lot in MR. Model Railroader Magazine is not the ultimate authority on who is or isn't a "big name."
There are people in the PRR proto modeling circle and people in the N scale community who have never graced the pages of MR, yet whose opinions I'd value more than, say, Tony Koester's. MR is not the only pub out there. And, thanks to the Internet, there are very skilled modelers out there who can share their work without being published on paper.
So we need to be careful that we don't only respect those modelers that MR says we should, and dismiss others as not "big names" because they haven't published in MR.
Even though it might give him a heart attack, I will too. The names I'm familiar with often appear on the more advanced Yahoo forums and at least one appears regularly on the Atlas forum.
Dave's right that this forum doesn't support their interests, which are more focused on specific aspects of the hobby. This forum tends to be a general BS session.
I don't see Allen McClelland, Paul Dolkus, Pelle Soelborg, George Sellios, Lionel Strang, or Eric Boorman posting on any online forums, yahoo or otherwise. (I'm spelling the names from memory and I may have mistyped a few of them, so cut me some slack ... )
There are quite a few "names" that are regulars in MR that don't post anything online anywhere that I'm aware of. As to why they don't, there's probably lots of reasons ... not the least of which is the fact it takes time and they prefer to spend their time either working on the layout or writing for money.
jfugate wrote:I don't see Allen McClelland, Paul Dolkus, Pelle Soelborg, George Sellios, Lionel Strang, or Eric Boorman posting on any online forums, yahoo or otherwise. (I'm spelling the names from memory and I may have mistyped a few of them, so cut me some slack ... ) There are quite a few "names" that are regulars in MR that don't post anything online anywhere that I'm aware of. As to why they don't, there's probably lots of reasons ... not the least of which is the fact it takes time and they prefer to spend their time either working on the layout or writing for money.
There used to be a certain, extremely well known and highly experienced, model railroader who frequently posted on the ldsig email list. I recall him floating a track plan for comments and having various people assure him he was making a huge mistake with a part of the design he knew from a decade or two or previous experience. The people doing the assuring couldn't seem to grasp that he knew (from much experience) exactly what he getting into in this area and the design compromise was satisfactory for him. They were well meaning but eventually heckled this guy enough that he simply left the ldsig email list never to return (that I know) of. Perhaps this suggests why some "big names" don't post much (if at all).
FWIW
Charlie