"Responsibility" to the hobby? Gimme a BREAK!

[Anonymous]

Ben, I coudlnt have been happier when my dad gave me my first train set. Now, albeit after one or two debacles of HO layouts, I am now an extremely happy N scaler who often talks to his dad about modeling, and he couldnt be happier that he gave me that set 20 years ago. Personally, being military, sometimes I dont know what I would do after a long day at work, or just on the weekends than work on my railroad, or assemble a kit, or airbrush a locomotive, or even chase trains up and down the Norfolk Southern line here. I became a dad Friday (Nov. 30) morning, and I cant wait to introduce my son to this hobby. There is just so much to share with him and enjoy. People are people, you have a lot more to worry about now a days than what someone spouts off on their computer. Pick up a set, set it up, run it with your son, and watch his eyes light up with excitement as the train runs around the track!! Trust me, years from now, youll thank yourself!

Matt

[Anonymous]

Well hey there fellas! I just stopped by to see what was new and I guess this famous site has not yet died!!! Gerald, you have a good point there!!
Ben don't let us scare you away from getting your son a set. I know I may forget somethings from time to time but I know I will never forget the first trainset my dad gave me years ago!
Cheers! Ian

[Anonymous]

You would probably enjoy quilting or needle point because the ladies are so much nicer. I`m insulted by your generalizing and grouping model railroaders in one negative catagory. Do you like everybody in your neighborhood or at work? I`m sure you`ll find one or a few you don`t like. Does that mean that you`ll move from the neighborhood or quit your job? There are other ways to get educated on the hobby without even visiting a forum. Why deprive your son of a great experience to build something fun and to be with his dad because you didn`t like what someone said in a moment of passion. Model railroaders are passionate about the hobby,and some get carried away. Also if you read carefully,other model railroaders jump into the discussion list when somebody gets out of line or accidentally gives the wrong information. We pretty much police ourselves and the editor will jump in if things get too out of hand. Check some of the other sites and you`ll find this one pretty tame next to others. I`m just sorry you`re blaming the hobby for the comments of a few very passionate railroaders(much better than saying bad apples). I would recommend visiting a model railroad show near where you live and meet people in the hobby face to face and then decide what kind of people that are interested in the hobby,or be a guest at a model railroad club meeting. I know you`ll be impressed with some of the people you meet. I sure hope you reconsider getting into the hobby for your sons sake. Thanks, Gerald

[BRAKIE]

Ben:I am sure that most if not all Model RailRoaders will be more then willing to help you in any and all ways.but, being human we act a little cazy from time to time but,down deep we are truly nice folks.Sorry about the impression you got from this forum.But things like this does and will happen,it's human nature that can't be helped.You will find this in all hobbies.

[rogerhensley]

For a much better feel for the hobby, read the other posts in this forum and not just this thread. I personally have found model railroaders to be a good group of people willing to share themselves and their hobby with anyone interested.

There are always those whose hobby is putting down other people and what they think is important. You can find them everywhere, not just in model RR.

Roger Hensley
http://cid.railfan.net/

[thirdrail1]

If you let the attitude of a few steer you away from model railroading as a hobby, you will find very little in this world that is enjoyable, as there are "killjoys" everywhere. Sure, there are some *&^$#^^*#!'s here, but there are a great many good, polite people too.

[Anonymous]

Gee, and I thought I'd actually come to this site for some help or information, or something. If this kind of attitude from all of you here is what this hobby is all about, I believe I'll just find something else besides a starter train set for my son for Christmas. I don't think I want to be part of a hobby where the best the members of it can do is have a "big-boy" tinkling contest.
Forget this.

[Anonymous]

Guys, take it easy! Were all just here to have some fun. I agree that we shouldnt be forced into doing anything, but come on! We are all grown ups here and we should act that way! If it really bothers you wwrite the NMRA a letter or something. But please, just try to lighten up and go build that old freight car thats been sitting on your workbench for the last ten years. HAVE A LITTLE FUN!!!

[BRAKIE]

I agree with you on this or else I would not have been in this hobby for the pass 50 years!

[Anonymous]

Right now I cant think of a better hobby that one can do year round, I myself got hooked into the hobby because I was employeed by the Penn Central Railroad back in the 70's as a fireman. Believe me there is nothing like having all that power working for you sitting up in that cab pulling all those cars. To me this hobby is like being back on a RSD3. I dont need to recruite anyone to this hobby, enjoy enjoy enjoy.

[mnwestern]

Well said Gerald. Let's go on to something new.

[BRAKIE]

AMEN BROTHER

[Anonymous]

Sounds like someone needs to take a nap!

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ian,I know we are all passionate about this hobby,and I also know we can all be buddies since we all have a common interest. The disaster last month and ongoing hostilities here and overseas have most likely made us all edgy whether we realize it or not. Sometimes we forget we`re all on the same side. Our hobby will get us all through this and create a bond that nobody can break. Let`s get back to questions and answers we all love to read and learn from. Seriously though Model Railroader is still the best magazine out there we can purchase to teach us all something to better what we build or to perfect what we already have. I know the editor reads all discussions we have and the complaints that we have to better the magazine. I`m sure he doesn`t mind the critisism because they seem to be striving to produce the best quality magazine possible. MR isn`t perfect,but none of us are either. We`re all in this together and would all be fast friends if every one of us could get together. After all model railroading is the greatest hobby in the world,and thats no exageration. Your friend and fellow model railroader, Gerald Beach

[Anonymous]

Thanks Gerald, you made me laugh out loud!! You brightened my evening.
Take care,
Ian

[Anonymous]

Thankyou Mike for trying to calm these personal attacks because of a difference of opinion. This all started because two model railroaders had a different opinion about the hobby. Since then I`ve read someone is an officious jerk,another has a reading comprehension problem,another has bad punctuation,another has bad punctuation,another should grow up and shouldn`t show such disrespect,another has chips on their shoulders,another doesn`t carefully read or understand,and another asking "do you hate model railroaders. I`ve tried to inject humor in most replys and stating "can`t we get along" at least twice. I then am told I should relieve my stress after stating I don`t drink which was more humor. I then asked the person what kind of medical degree they had to come up with such a diagnosis since they didn`t like my reply "I don`t drink" Then somebody had to go to the basement because they can`t believe that guy. He must have been real upset. Hey everybody I think you should go back and read everything from the start to the fini***o see if I`m really the villan I am in their minds. You will read all but one was humor or pleads to get along. There was only one reply that showed any contempt and that was when a person claimed I was too stressed. Those who live in glass houses shouldn`t throw stones. Like I stated before,I enjoy reading both pro and con on each discussion,but let`s stop the personal attacks because I don`t have a basement to run to. Respect others opinions even if they differ from your own,and calm down. Gerald

[Anonymous]

Folks -

I appreciate the energy and emotion with which you have all responded to the discussion about the World's Greatest Hobby.

If you wi***o help with the effort to promote the hobby of model railroading, please do.

If you wi***o simply enjoy it privately, please do.

There are many good reasons why companies have joined the WGH team, including the continuation of their business. While we can't fault them for that, we must all understand the real goal of WGH is to make it easier for new people to discover what most of us already know - that model railroading is a fun, safe, creative hobby.

The great thing about this country is we are all entitled to voice our opinions. I think we've had a good variety of views expressed in this thread, but it's time to get back to doing what this forum is really about and that is helping each other with the hobby.

Thanks for all your comments.

- Mike Williams, editor Trains.com

[Anonymous]

Hey you guys....
get a grip on reality!!!
Mark makes a valid point... We can all accept that.
However , some here have displayed a level of Imaturity, that does no credit to our wonderful hobby.. For heaven sake .. come back to reality!
Thanks guys..

[Anonymous]

Hey Gregg! Can you believe this guy??? I had to retreat to my basement to re-assure myself model trains are not about getting ticked off, but about having a fun time!!
Take care,
DR. Ian

[thirdrail1]

Where did you go to charm school??? If it is your intention to pi** everyone on this forum off, you are doing a good job. A little politeness goes a long way in this world, try it for a change.

[Anonymous]

Ohhh,thankyou Doctor Ian,where did you go to medical school? I`m surprised you give out diagnosis for free! Gerald

[Anonymous]

Well that's fine Gerald, but for your own well being find something else then to relieve this built up stress you seem to have!!

[Anonymous]

I`m really shafted I don`t drink. Gerald

[Anonymous]

Well, after spending the last while reading everyone's comments i have come to the conclusion that there are a few of you who need to just chill out. Go out, have a drink at some bar, christ if you fellas take this hobby that seriously you shouldn't be in it!!!
Cheers.
Ian

[Anonymous]

Jim, I said nothing negative about either of the gentlemen. It was not an attack, just a observation. Gerald I guess that body armor might come in handy! Mike

[Anonymous]

Mike, I like your sense of humor. Wanna buy a good set of body armor? Now I`m kidding! Gerald

[Anonymous]

Hey guys,

I think we're getting way off topic here. Let's keep the conversation to model railroading, pro and con, and not get into personal attacks.

Thanks.

Jim Schulz
associate editor, Trains.com

[Anonymous]

Gerald, Shut up and mind your own business! Just kidding. Personally I think the back and forth between Mark and Terry is better than any comedy I have seen on T.V., having said that guess they both will jump on me now. Mike

[Anonymous]

Come on guys, can`t we all get along? There`s only one sandbox here. I love the positive and negative views, but lets play nice. Gerald