Ever Feel Pressured to Conform to Other Modeler's Dictates?

[Anonymous]

I voted for #4. The only person whose harsh comments I'm willing to put up with are that of my brother, and even he knows not to pu***he envelope too far![:D]

[MAbruce]

I have not had any “expert modelers” over to see my layout, but have been over to see a few of theirs. After I got over the fact that their work is light years ahead of mine, I carefully looked over what they have done and took mental notes. There is a lot to learn.

The overall realization that I brought away is the sheer amount of work and investment that one needs to commit in order to achieve a great layout like theirs. I don’t doubt that I could become proficient in the modeling techniques they possess; it’s the time and monetary investment that I don’t think I could ever commit to.

From a financial standpoint, if I had the money, the question would be can I bring myself to spend what is required? There is another topic going about the true cost of a large layout, and it has turned out to be a rather sensitive issue for many who don’t seem to want to face the truth of how much they have really spent on this hobby over the years. I personally think this hobby is far more expensive than it should be, but that’s just my view. But that “view” will certainly disqualify me from spending what is required.

From a time standpoint, again I would have trouble justifying spending the time that would be required. We have to face the fact that this hobby can be a huge sponge that soaks up vast amounts of time. I don’t have much time now, but after the kids have grown and left, and I’ve retired, that will probably change. But do I really want to spend all my time in the basement working on a layout, or hunched over a desk putting together (or detailing) structures. Sure I enjoy this hobby, but not to the level that I would have to in order to achieve the status of “expert modeler”.

So by virtue of being unwilling to surrender all my spare money and time, I doubt that I will ever reach the level of master modeling skills nor build that MRR dream Empire. There are just too many other things in my life that I consider more important.

[AntonioFP45]

I'm with MABruce,[swg][tup]

Observe other layouts, ask questions and take notes.

Years back I actually felt intimidated by TONY KOESTER. [V][|(] I would read his editorials and felt that a modeler of his caliber would find my modeling crude and "far below his standards" as even on a small layout my concept would be that railroads hundreds of miles apart would connect. This would give me an excuse to have SCL locomotives, New Haven, and Santa Fe units operate on the same layout. [;)]

But as I continued to buy and/or subsribe to MRR issues, and read Tony's columns I realized that he was a DOWN-TO-EARTH highly skilled modeler that would not put down our ideas or layouts. [8D][:)]He offers a lot of good suggestions for modelers that would like to pursue prototypical style layout themes and operations. I've picked up a lot of ideas from Tony Koester. [swg][tup][swg][tup]

None us should feel pressured from other modelers, but at the same time we must be careul to avoid putting pressure on fellow modelers. [8)] We really have to think before opening our "traps". [:0]

I made the unintentional mistake of strongly suggesting changes on a friend's layout. His response was friendly, but quick: You run your railroad the way you want to, and I'll run my railroad the way I want to." [;)][:D]

That was in 1978 and I still remember it clearly! He and I are still the best of friends along with our wives. [C):-)][4:-)][:X][:I]

Peace out! [^][:D][8D][8)][:)][:P][;)][C=:-)][{(-_-)}][(-D][swg][tup]

[Roadtrp]

[#ditto]
I'm another guy who thinks like MAbruce.

Although I LOVE looking at the expert layouts others produce, I do not want to devote the time and money it would take to produce one myself. I've learned a lot in my brief time on this forum, and I certainly have tried to adapt some of the ideas. The idea of keeping my layout consistent with a particular geographic location and era is something that I have picked up from this board and tried to implement.

On the other hand, my scenery is very basic, and will probably stay that way for many years. At this point in my life I just don't want to devote the time that would be needed to make a highly realistic layout. But I really enjoy my layout and running my trains. I assume that over the years my thoughts on what I want my layout to be will change. For now though, I am happy with what I have.

[mikebonellisr]

We can always learn...I'm open to suggestions.B ut, in the end,it's my creation.

[CP5415]

I never feel pressured by anyone when it comes to MY layout.
I will listen to what people say about MY layout, locomotives & rolling stock & then decide for myself if what they say will make it better for myself.
As I start to buy Walthers & Kato's passenger car offerings, I do see the benefit of detailed rolling stock. Will this change my opinion of detailing everything to match? Maybe someday it will. I don't have time for detailing right now.
Right now I'm on a constant learning curve as I pursue the quest we've all started out on. The pursuit of the finished model railroad. To me, a persons railroad is his/her own. I would rather comment on the stuff I like about it than the stuff I don't. It makes the owner feel better about their accomplishments.

Just my 2 cents

Gordon

[vsmith]

So far I havent had any bad comments on my layout, but then again almost noboby has seen it. My brother thought it was really cool. But we dont get a lot a friends or family over we alway go over.

I had some bad experiences when I was younger but I ingnored the comments I got.

Today if someone said something I would first decide if what was said had any merit. I am open minded enough to consider all criticism but I will decide if it is relavent or not. If it has some merit I will consider a change. I have already tweeked my layout several times to reflect issues that came up between the paper layout and the real layout.

[Anonymous]

I feel that we can always learn from others who feel inspired to use creativity or time and money (Skills too) to build a unique item in this hobby.

However, we should never be "Compelled" to try and keep up with the "Joneses" who may have access to resources and tools we can only dream of. Every person who participates in the Hobby either a first train set or a advanced modeler with CTC control has given of time, creativity and effort to inspire others to learn and enjoy something that has been very good to the Hobby as a whole.

My two cents

Lee

[Anonymous]

Do the best you can and be proud of it!

[lupo]

I voted:

I've been fortunate enough to not have this issue to contend with

could be the advantages of living on the other side of the planet!

at swapmeets I look closely at the lay-outs but they are most european,
so I pay attention to what others do, but follow my own plan

[ClinchValleySD40]

I have some trusted friends I'll listen to constructive criticism (and may just ignore it) but I listen to nobody when it comes to my hobby. I could not care less what others think.

[bcammack]

I'm my own worst critic, so I never have a problem with others. [:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45
[You run your railroad the way you want to, and I'll run my railroad the way I want to." [;)][:D]

i've said that a few times[:D] what really annoys me is when sombody want to change the track around[:(!] my railway isn't that prototypical[;)] i have steam early and modern desial, Bnsf, cprail, cn, clc, up, nw, but most of my senery is modern

sure it's not all the same age period, or prototypical but do i care? Hobbies should be fun, striving for perfection is not very fun imo[^]

[Anonymous]

I never feel any pressure, but then, few have ever seen my railroad. In my mind, I would not care what they might say. In my heart, I might be hurt, if they knew what they where talking about. I would only let someone get by with it, if they were truly knowledgable, or actually helped with the building of the railroad. I think lots of people whom are critical, use this as a way to put you down and attempt to assert their position in the pecking order or make themselves feel better/smarter. Given this information, I don't put much stock in what other folks might think!

[Noah Hofrichter]

I'm in the seventh grade and I constantly get "seggestions" from my friends at school. They know nothing about model railroading and seggest things like "make a jump in the track" or "you should have a car sit on the track and a train run into it." Please! these are expensive models, not cheap [2c] toy cars that you can bear up and not care anything about there conditon[:(!] I just say "[yeah]" and start talking about something else.

As for this forum, I usually will take into cosideration what people say, and many of the ideas I've learned in the 2 months I've been here, have evolved slightly to fit my situation and are now part of my layout. By gol I love these forums[:D][:D][:)][:)][;)]

Noah[swg][(-D][8D][:P]

[Big_Boy_4005]

I have been in this hobby long enough, and have learned so much over the years, that I no longer have anyone try to tell me what or how to do things.

Conversly, I try to respect others opinions and methods whenever those situations arrise.

Because of my experience in the hobby, I often find people seeking my advice, rather than trying to give me their's, a fact that still flatters me each time it happen, as I don't consider myself as much of an expert as they seem to. In spite of all that, I do listen to other ideas, and am constantly hearing new and interesting ones, some of which I do adopt. I view it as all part of the learning process.

This may be one of the greatest features of this forum, the ability to exchange ideas without getting personal about it.

[swg]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

I have been in this hobby long enough, and have learned so much over the years, that I no longer have anyone try to tell me what or how to do things.

Conversly, I try to respect others opinions and methods whenever those situations arrise.

Because of my experience in the hobby, I often find people seeking my advice, rather than trying to give me their's, a fact that still flatters me each time it happen, as I don't consider myself as much of an expert as they seem to. In spite of all that, I do listen to other ideas, and am constantly hearing new and interesting ones, some of which I do adopt. I view it as all part of the learning process.

This may be one of the greatest features of this forum, the ability to exchange ideas without getting personal about it.

[swg]

Your advice has been well received by me, BB_4005! I appreciate your having taken the time to answer the last question I tossed your way. Thanks very much![:D]

[Eriediamond]

Short answer to the question,------- nope!!!!

[Anonymous]

They're called rivit counters, and the hobby would be better off without them. This species of lower life, is most often found in clubs, and accounts for more people walking out of clubs, never to return, or worse, quitting the hobby in total disgust and never coming back. Does any know if one can buy a bug spray, to do away with these lowlifes??

[BRAKIE]

For me I do things my way and never even think of changing..You see my way has served me well over the 53 years I been in the hobby.I find what works best for me and pay no mind to the whiz kids new ideas. Some new ideas will work while other new and improve ideas are doing things the hard way.Experience is the best teacher not what you read in some magazine or book and surely not listening to every whiz kid.
Rule of thumb:
Avoid "EXPERTS" you see they like to change their minds to much.
Avoid buying layout books-The guy is just wanting to make a buck and may not know the first thing about layout design or much of anything else.
Never ever believe what you read on any forums when it comes to so called "problems" with that or this brand..How do you know the guy even owns that given engine or car? Do this instead-Judge the engine or car yourself.

[Anonymous]

I replied Other. My kids and I are the only ones who run my trains. People either like what I model or down right hate it. My way of modeling has taken me through pretty much the full spectrum of experiences. I've had people rave about my models and some becoming violently mad. Constructive criticism I accept, rude and immature reactions from people who think they know better may get a few choice words from me. It's my money, my trains, and my house, there's the door.[:D][:D]

Thanks,
Jeremy

[Anonymous]

Although I agree with Brakie on making up your own mind up, I can't go along with not using books to help learn how to do something.

[brothaslide]

I've tried to get involved with a few clubs in the past but I found some of the members to be too serious about the hobby (relative to my own interest). I was made to feel like I didn't belong becuase I did not conform to their standards of commitment. So, I moved on.

[Anonymous]

I make them feel that they have my undivided attention , and let them give thier expert advise.................and of course, ignore them.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Noah Hofrichter

I'm in the seventh grade and I constantly get "seggestions" from my friends at school. They know nothing about model railroading and seggest things like "make a jump in the track" or "you should have a car sit on the track and a train run into it." Please! these are expensive models, not cheap [2c] toy cars that you can bear up and not care anything about there conditon[:(!] I just say "[yeah]" and start talking about something else.

As for this forum, I usually will take into cosideration what people say, and many of the ideas I've learned in the 2 months I've been here, have evolved slightly to fit my situation and are now part of my layout. By gol I love these forums[:D][:D][:)][:)][;)]

Noah[swg][(-D][8D][:P]

Jump in teh track?!!!! thats the stuipidous thing i've ever heard, and i know alot of stupid people[:p] I am also a teen and i find that non of them reconize the value of them and some even want to cra***hem[:(!] One time during one of my sisters parties, her friends crashed my 2-8-2 into almost everthing else on the track[:0], lucky the only damage on my mikado was the bell snaped off which was fixed with some glue. My train room is always looked now[:(!]. People on this fourm do seem to be more knowlagable then many perfectionist.

[cp1057]

I've never had to deal with this problem. One thing is that the only people who see my layout are non model RR's and they seem to judge it from its overall appearance and whether the scenery and structures look real. I have to confess that one thing that keeps me from joining a club is a fear of rivet-counters, also I prefer to enjoy the hobby at my own pace and only occasionally attend open houses, train shows, etc.

Beware of people who speak in pronouncements. They often hang about hobby shops and make assertions such as "Well everyone KNOWs that the Canadian National got rid of its steam engines much too soon." And then they sit back and wait for someone to dare contradict them.

This all being said, I've allowed current trends in modeling to shape my layout. After spending years justifying to myself why my layout doesn't have staging tracks the new layout under construction will have them.

Charles
Hillsburgh Ontario

[randybc2003]

When I work on my module for the club gatherings, and my equipment that I run on the assembled layout, I probably will comply withcertain things for coordination's sake. If the criticisim is for appearance or opperations or non-critical matters, I may put it in the back of my mind and let it cook. Then make my own decision on the suggestions.
IT'S MY RAILROAD AND THAT'S THE WAY I RUN IT!!!
Randy

[cjcrescent]

When it comes to known visitors who are basically better at things than I am I will generally listen to them. Especially, if they really are giving good advice, or explaining how they solved a similar problem I have encountered. Now whether or not their method/advice will work for me, that is for me to decide. But as for "rivet counters", let me say this, I can and have rivet counted with the best and I feel that it has its place, (in the contest room only), BUT not in the form of UNSOLICITED advice at a layout visit. I have several "rules" posted at the entrance to my railroad room.
"This Model RR is a personal expression of my creativity, tastes, modelling skills and memories of growing up in a small town. All comments and questions are welcomed and encouraged as long as they fall within these simple parameters....
1. All nitpickers, critics, rivet counters, etc. will please leave fingers and tongues in the box at the door. They can be picked up as you leave.
2. Failure to deposit said weapons will result in forced removal of same.
3. Our unsolicited advice secretary is Ms. Helen Waite. If you have any unsolicited advice please go to Helen Waite.
4.Remember what my daddy always said; ITS MY RR AND I'LL RUN IT ANYWAY I D*** WELL PLEASE!
5. Thank you for your kind cooperation, understanding and patience. "
I have used these rules for over 35 years and 3 layouts and they have worked remarkably well.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by t3488g

QUOTE: Originally posted by Noah Hofrichter

I'm in the seventh grade and I constantly get "seggestions" from my friends at school. They know nothing about model railroading and seggest things like "make a jump in the track" or "you should have a car sit on the track and a train run into it." Please! these are expensive models, not cheap [2c] toy cars that you can bear up and not care anything about there conditon[:(!] I just say "[yeah]" and start talking about something else.

As for this forum, I usually will take into cosideration what people say, and many of the ideas I've learned in the 2 months I've been here, have evolved slightly to fit my situation and are now part of my layout. By gol I love these forums[:D][:D][:)][:)][;)]

Noah[swg][(-D][8D][:P]

Jump in teh track?!!!! thats the stuipidous thing i've ever heard, and i know alot of stupid people[:p] I am also a teen and i find that non of them reconize the value of them and some even want to cra***hem[:(!] One time during one of my sisters parties, her friends crashed my 2-8-2 into almost everthing else on the track[:0], lucky the only damage on my mikado was the bell snaped off which was fixed with some glue. My train room is always looked now[:(!]. People on this fourm do seem to be more knowlagable then many perfectionist.

Ah come on now!

A jump in the track would be COOL! [8D] Just like HOT WHEELS!!![:p]

Just build a ramp, get that loco up to full speed and " Whieeeee !!!!" [:D]

At least you'll have a use for those cheepie Bachmann bottom-o-da-barrell engines! [;)]

[Anonymous]

I've never had this problem - the only criticism I've encountered was of my early efforts with couplers - before I bought a height gauge and proper Kadee magnets rather than the McHenry ones I was using. I'd already realised something was amiss, so this was very helpful criticism/advice!

I would never model a real location (probably for this reason). Unless you are amazingly thorough, there will always be someone (especially at shows and exhibitons for some reason) who will say "you got that wrong", or "it didn't look like that". As a result, I tend to attempt to achieve realism in locos/cars, but freelance my settings. The Lehigh Valley F7s on an excursion train (from the Athearn SE set) will have been super-detailed following photos of the prototype, but they will be running in a fictitious setting incorporating elements of various locations that I have seen.

Experts are a valuable part of any hobby, so long as they are approachable and helpful. My approach, when helping others, has been to offer advice if asked, but otherwise to keep quiet so as not to cause offence. I'm no rivet counter, though I respect the time and effort involved in building fully-detailed models, and try to emulate these. However, I still have time for those who, for whatever reason, don't bother to do this.