Why do you visit this forum?

[RedLeader]

No MR Clubs down here, and no MR friends eather. I'm so lonely... so... lonely... [sigh]
I don't really care much about the stars, if you see when I joined, you can see I've been around here for a loooong time ago. Even further back, when this forum wasn't at trains.com, but modelrailroader.com (That's the day trains.com was launched).

[Anonymous]

I did not vote!
Answer................Lots of INFOMATION!
BNSFrailfan.

[Anonymous]

There is a lot I don't know about this MRR hobby and there are a lot of people out there
that visit this forum that do, HEY! freebe information, it doesn't get any better then that.
"The Harven"

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cwclark

'cause I'm at work now and it passes the time better talk'in about my favorite subject.

I'm with Chuck on this one. When I'm at home I "work" on the layout. When I'm at work I "talk" about the layout with you fine ladies and gents.

Helps the day go faster...that is to say when I'm not up to my naughty bits in work[:p]

Trevor[:)]

[Anonymous]

A real mix of answers. I come to ask and answer questions, and for ideas, but more importantly it's something to do with the fact that if I try to talk trains to anyone else I get looked at as though I've grown an extra head and turned bright green! The ability to find others who will have had the same problems in the past is very useful. I just wi***here was a forum this good dealing with European modelling (Have a few Fleischmann questions that I've not managed to find answers to anywhere).

[fievel]

This place is great to just kick up my feet and relax. I can learn a lot just by
cruising the various threads. There is always something of interest, even
if there are different opinions. That's a strength of this forum - not everyone
agrees, so there are many views / options to consider.[:P]

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by espeefoamer

I spend most of my time on the Trains forum,and check this one out sometimes to see how the other half lives.[:)] I have lots of locos & cars but no layout of any kind.Anyone else out there in my position?[?]

Well, the lots of locos & cars part. I actual got it all out at Christmas and am trying to get them into some sort of order so I know what I've got. I do my best NOT to spend most of my time here, it is too easy to justify and end up wasting time. I found I was researching all sorts of things for other people and the things I needed to research were sitting here begging.

[philnrunt]

Most definitely a combo of the above.
I've said it a bunch, getting to pick all of your brains is a pure joy to me. I've had quite a few ideas modified by the thoughts of this group.
And I seriously thank you all.

[Anonymous]

I come here for a number of reasons, which include learning, sharing, getting to know other people, expressing myself, arguing, apologizing and being a member of the Trains.com family.

trainluver1

[Texas Zepher]

I enjoy almost all aspects of it, but over Christmas found I was spending waaayyyy too much time here and not enough working with my actual trains. So I went back to the work bench and only visit occasionally.

I am actually annoyed by some of the posters of whom you can tell are here totally for the stars. Often their posts (or worse, their one word replies) are meaninless and obfuscate the interesting things. [xx(]

[Anonymous]

Hey! howcome my selection isn't up there?

Me = To be a pain in the Butt.

[lupo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by espeefoamer

I spend most of my time on the Trains forum,and check this one out sometimes to see how the other half lives.[:)] I have lots of locos & cars but no layout of any kind.Anyone else out there in my position?[?]

Yes there is !
my lay-out is still in planning fase . . . . DUH!!,
i have a collection of UP locomotives and MOW cars on display in my livingroom, once in a while some of them are let loose on my son's layout ( an 4x8 oval )

[philnrunt]

Chuck says it all. I have felt more welcome, more informed and more involved here than at any other place including 4 NMRA meets and untold trainshows.. I don't know when I've had more fun for less effort!
It's real easy to get tunnel vision- or trestle vision in some cases- when doing it all yourself, and having 156,000 other minds to pick helps alleviate that problem.
The fact that they are intelligent, funny and willing to help is gravy on the 'taters.

[espeefoamer]

I spend most of my time on the Trains forum,and check this one out sometimes to see how the other half lives.[:)] I have lots of locos & cars but no layout of any kind.Anyone else out there in my position?[?]

[Anonymous]

It's all about the stars.

[passengerfan]

To much time on my hands!

[cisco1]

Count me in on the Combo. (Gee this sounds like club night at the BBQ place) This is prime entertainment and a goldmine of experience too! I've just been back in the hobby about three years now and with all the changes it helps to have this kind of resource. Thanks guys!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Noah Hofrichter

I like talking to other modelers. This forum is really my only connection to other modelers. I know there must be several others in my area, but I don't know who they are, so for now a spend my time here.

Noah

I am in the same boat as Noah. Since I work second shift and the local club meets at night that keeps me from getting in on the operating sessions. I really don't have a lot of experience in kit bashing and purchase mostly Athearn, Proto 2000 and Spectrum engines. (I won't admit to owning a Frisco GP15 by Trainline (Walters) or any Bachman loco/caboose combo sets (a bunch of various railroads) and you didn't hear me say that either, you just think you did [}:)] [:p] [;)] .)

I really come here to chat and learn. Today I learned that Stuart is using Pringles cans to make grain elevators. Pretty neat idea, I thought so anyway. But he told me this in msn chat, I didn't learn it from the forums although that is how most of us msn chatters do meet originally.

I didn't vote "combo", because I come here to "visit" and in visiting and chatting I learn something most every time. I do post a lot in the "coffee shop", and many of the MR members also know me from the trains.com forums.

Just had a super neat idea. How about a traveling HO Model Railroad on the real train. While traveling you could bring some of your own stuff and run it on the layout while riding the train. [:D] [;)] [:D] Neat way of meeting other modelers.

[greatn]

Combo for me too!! I really enjoy reading the responces to the questions and all the polls. Makes me look at things from a different angle. As a graveyard worker, I am unable to attend any club meeting so this forum replaces the club. I get alot of ideas and encourment here, plus it's fun.

[darth9x9]

I feel there is still hope of helping new people in the hobby and I hope to learn more myself. I will be the first to tell you that I don't know everything (but I have met some people on this forum who do [}:)]).

I also think the number of stars/posts is inversely proportional to the amount of serious model railroading you actually do...... think about it. [:)]

[Anonymous]

Bar is Staffed 24 hours. But I must admit I am retiring to the Presidential Suit in the Vista Dome Sleeping Car in a few minuts so I wont be able to join you. (In my mind the presidential swuit is where the whole dome part is turned into one oppulant bed room. If I ever buy my Vista Dome cars thats what I plan to do with the first one)

[lupo]

Well James, that leaves nothing to the Imagination !
good luck on writing your first book! Keep us informed!

can I have a drink now????

[Anonymous]

All of the reasons listed and more.

I am on a quest for shameless self promotion. I see the acolades bestowed upon hobby greats like John Allen, Frank Ellison, Milton Cronkite, Art Curen, John Amrstrong, and from the second generation of great modelers like, Allen McClellend, Jim Hediger, Gary Hoover, Eric Brooman, David Barrow, and Tony Keoster and I want some of that. I desire to be a part of the third generation of Great Model Railroaders, I want my name, James Mitich, to be discussed with the same reverance, respect, and dare I say slight amount of jealousy as the names I previously mentioned. As these people have imspired my modeling, I to want to inspire other people.

That and I am working on building my credentials so I can have Tony Keoster's job when he retires from the Trains of Thought Column

Have fun all.

James

[Anonymous]

After 39 years in this hobby I can offer some help and still have a open mind to see whats happin on model railroad scene. Thats why I'am here.[8D]

[jjbmish]

I visit to gather some knowledge, share a little (very little) knowledge, and to generally have a good time reading about others experiences. I'm just getting the layout back up after 10 years of arm chair railroading and I'm amazed at how much has changed, but the fun and enjoyment is still the key.

John

[n2mopac]

Thanks all for your input so far. Yes, I should have left the "combination" option off and forced poll takers to name their 1 top reason for coming here. I would have made the poll results more interesting. But your responses have been enlightening. Thanks.
Ron

[Nieuweboer]

for a combination of the reasons mentioned, but also for a smile , a chuckle and sometimes a laugh. So much has changed in the hobby in the years since I started more than 40 years ago and at the same time so much has remained the same. One thing that I value very much is the internet contact with other modellers worldwide, even if I will never see them in the flesh I feel like I know them. And one more thing: railroad modellers are the most helpful bunch of people inhabiting this globe. Let's keep it that way!

[trainfan1221]

I think a lot of us have a thing about getting the stars, but we have had enough trouble already with that! I generally have never been a big fan of the whole computer society or the
internet thing, but I do enjoy the people and the whole atmosphere on this forum. It's great
to hook up with people with the same interests. There is definitely a feeling of
comraderie here that probably isn't around on most other sites. I've always enjoyed the shared interests of railroading and the other people who also have this common bond.

[Anonymous]

Seriously, I'm the ONLY honest person who answered "To show off my modeling knowledge/skill"?! (at least so far).

Many have posted that they want to learn from others as well as pass along what they have learned, which results in their choice of "Some combination". In truth, I wanted to select several replies as well. I think this might have been a better poll if the "combination" answer wasn't available, and the question was "What is the primary reason" for one's participation. I've had my share of questions for which I needed to seek advice from others, but on a daily basis what I'm mostly looking for is a thread to which I feel like I can contribute.

So, I'm a "show-off".