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

[tstage]

So...whadaya all think? Should I answer "yes"?

Tom

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: I have visited many layouts over the 50+ years I've been in the hobby and I can't ever remember telling someone that "this is a bad idea". It's his RR and he likes it. Almost every one of them had some good idea to bring home. I've had criticism and some of it hurts and some of it is good. I have a sign in the train room that reads " Anyone that doesn't like the manner in which these trains are operated, please notice the mistletoe attached to the owners shirt tail."

Have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY
Bob

Right! This coming from the guy who drove over 2000 miles to see my layout and with Texas Charm convinced me I needed DCC and Sound! Snake oil charmer I'd say!!

Though I must admit the DCC and Sound has worked wonders for all my ailments.

Bob's advise is sound as I have one of his framed quotes hang'n on the wall on the way down to the train room.

Keep your own council listen to advice, take cristism for what it's worth and consider the source and the entertainment value associated with it.

BTW Bob has never criticized my layout, just provided good sound advise.

Fergie

[Anonymous]

I have visited many layouts over the 50+ years I've been in the hobby and I can't ever remember telling someone that "this is a bad idea". It's his RR and he likes it. Almost every one of them had some good idea to bring home. I've had criticism and some of it hurts and some of it is good. I have a sign in the train room that reads " Anyone that doesn't like the manner in which these trains are operated, please notice the mistletoe attached to the owners shirt tail."

Have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY
Bob

[rogerhensley]

I have opened my layout to several layout tours over the years, but no more. Most people seem to enjoy what they see, but a few 'authority' figures have tee'd me off to the point that I've had it.

When I have visited other layouts, I can honestly say that I have never seen a layout where I didn't find something that I liked. That is always what I look for and enjoy seeing. I have NEVER criticized a layout or layout feature to the owner. After all, they were good enough to open their doors to us.

In my case, I have heard, "They never had boxcars painted that way." Yes, they did and I have the photos to prove it. And. "Why don't you get rid of those Athearns and get some real engines." Those Athearns have served me failthfully for 20 years and have earned their keep and the right to be upgraded and detailed. Why don't you get the h--- out of my house.

No, I'll keep the doors closed unless it is a youth group who may be interested in joining in 'The World's Greatest Hobby'. In that case, the door is always open!

[TurboOne]

Vic, how ya doing. I think we should have a Trex track. The train goes round and round until it builds up enough speed, then goes up a 75 degree grade and lands in the trex's mouth. That is my sons favorite Hot Wheels add on. [:)]

Or the ultimate train layout Gomez Adams where he crashes them or they disappear in the 1 foot tunnel. Way cool.

Tim

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 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! [;)]

I'm still waiting for someone to try the "jump in the track" idea!!!![;)][8D][:D][:p][:o)][:0][:I]

[SpaceMouse]

I voted other. I substituted you guys for other modelers since none have been to my house. I listen to what you say and think about it bowing to authority. Of course some of you know what you are talking about and others are full of--well, I take a little discretion with me to the decision bank.

[Anonymous]

I voted for number 4. I really admire the huge basement empires the well experienced modelers have built, and I'd like to have a basement empire myself someday, but for now I do things the way I do them. If I want to run 4-8-8-4 Big Boys on 18" curves, then i will! No rivet counter is going to tell me otherwise.

[AggroJones]

I don't have other supposidly higher level modelers at my layout. Like I said before, no other model railroaders have seen my work in person. Only family members who don't know a Big Boy from a Big Blow.

All the techniques I use are ones I feel comforable with. Not the "standard" some big shot says works. Thats fine. Whatever. I tend to be satisfied with the work I do. And I think alot of people like it too.

[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.

[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! [;)]

[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.

[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

[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

[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.

[Anonymous]

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

[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]

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.

[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

[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]

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??

[Eriediamond]

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

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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!

[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[^]

[bcammack]

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

[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.