OK let's hear it. What kind of modeler are you?
There are many different facets to this hobby, and all kinds of different modelers.
So I'm wondering, which one are you?
Are you a builder? You are working on the layout more than you run the trains. You like to work on scenery, structures, etc.
Are you runner? You like to run trains. You would rather just kick back and run the trains, even if your layout doesn't have scenery.
Are you an operator? You run your layout with prototypical operations like a mini transportation system.
Are you a railfanner? You have a nicely detailed layout, but like watching the trains run through the scenery instead of operating.
Are you a tinkerer? You're not satisfied with anything, and always thinking what to change next. Pull out this structure here, move these tracks here.
Are you a locomotive guy? You like locomotives, lots and lots of locomotives. You're layout mainly consists of engine facilities.
Are you a rolling stocker? You like lots of rolling stock, building kits, weathering. Your layout mainly consists of yard operations.
Are you a collector? You may not even have a layout but have a nice collection for display.
Are you an accumulator? You keep everything, you have old stuff in boxes, you buy more than can fit on your layout. You are buying things for a future layout.
Are you show modeler? You take your module layout to shows and display them.
Let's see, for me right now, I'm in build mode. So I'm a builder. I work on the layout more than I run trains. Even though my trackwork is completed. I'm also a tinkerer. Even though my layout is new, I know I'll be always changing something.
I like engines more than rolling stock. I'm trying to start a nice collection. Starting from completely nothing just 9 months ago, I know have 12 engines.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
I think it depends on where someone is in the hobby. For example, some people start out in this hobby with a train set and begin collecting more rolling stock and locos in order to build up their fleet.
I am a rolling stock and locomotive collector. I have 130 cars and 14 loco.
I plan to be a builder someday.
Will
Michael,
one of the nice things of our hobby is that it has so many different aspects to it and people with different interest can participate in it. Each "category" has its own justification and right and there is no need to look down on someone who enjoys the hobby in a different way.
Questions like yours do have a lot of potential to start a flame war on who is the better modeler, which we should, in any case, avoid.
I used to be a builder/operator, with an emphasize on operation. Since my childhood days, I always wanted to be an engineer, and model railroading was my way of living this dream.
Due to the global economical crisis, I now don´t have the means to build and operate my own layout anymore, condemning me to armchairing. I have thus converted into a planner, developing elaborate plans for a future layout, when times improve. Over the last year, I have developed a number of layout ideas that I could fill a book on small layouts. Although this is also fun, it is not as rewarding to me as operating a layout. But it is all I can do...
I understand where Ulrich may be coming from as far as a flame war about which facet of the hobby is "better", but I didn't take the OP's question/comment that way at all. Too me they are all necessary to some degree. I guess I am in more of the aquiring portion of the hobby. Mostly rolling stock as of late. I have been working on the locomotives, though. I was starting to build a layout but circumstances caused that to be abandoned - for the time being.
Chris
Operations. I love the challenge of serving fictional customers and being paid fictional money.
Sean
HO Scale CSX Modeler
I'm a builder. I like to make my layout run well, but my priority is on the creative aspects of the hobby. The only thing I buy RTR is track, everything else is either from a craftsman kit, or from scratch. My locomotives all came into my life as distressed brass models - requiring repair/restoration before operation. For me, my workbench is my favorite place and building is what I love, and what I do best.
Phil, I'm not a rocket scientist; they are my students.
I'm a runner. My layout is far from finished but I can operate!!
But I'm a builder too. I like scratch building turnouts and more. Now I've build a H0n3 module. And here comes a runner too. I like to go to FREMO meetings and operate the layout. Next week I go to the anniversary for the FREMO Netherlands. There's a hall with 6.000 square meters (about 64.000 square feet) for the layouts, mainly the big European FREMOs.
Wolfgang
Pueblo & Salt Lake RR
Come to us http://www.westportterminal.de my videos my blog
Ulrich,
Sorry to hear about your financial situation that is preventing you from having your own layout. I was in that situation about a year ago when I got laid off from my job. Now I have a new job, a new hobby, and money to spend on trains. You will get back there, don't worry, things will turn around. You have helped me tramendously numerous times, I really appreiciate that.
I don't think any flame wars will become of this thread. Just asking what people's interests are....
In my best Jimmy Stewart voice.
Well gee whiz Michael,I'm a collector,a operator and I never got into that change game unless it was necessary and I enjoy doing scenery work...I hate building a layout and in that light I won't tear out a layout when its "finish".
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Tinkerer.
I can never leave well enough alone.
I am always thinking about moving a turnout or crossover, adding another tier, looking for ways to turn my trains around (i.e., wye, helix, etc.).
I drive myself nuts.
Rich
Alton Junction
Mike, I think that for many of the more serious hobbyists among us it is difficult to have only a narrow focus within the broad range of aspects offered by the hobby. I can honestly acknowledge being seriously involved in every one of the categories you posted, except perhaps "runner", since my approach there would be better classed as "operations". Plus, I regard myself as a model railroad photographer of some skill and hobby historian to boot. In my opinion, enjoying the model railroading hobby to its fullest really demands acquiring the skills and knowledge that allows the hobbyist to pursue all these facets simultaneously.
CNJ831
Good question Micheal.
I mainly just like to watch the train's run. Part of my layout is pretty well done, lots of tress and hills / Mountains but, lot of it is thin out door carpet. I enjoy watching the trains as much on the carpeted section as I do on the nicer section.
I kind of gone in phase's. When I first got started I was in to tinkering with old engines and cheap rolling stock. Reason was I did not have the funds for new, so I was E bay happy. Learning to fix things early in the hobby has served me well. My fleet of Tyco Old dutch Hoppers roll and track as well now as my Inter Mountain hoppers.
In this first phase, it was all so about numbers, how many Engines and Rolling Stock could I have. At one point I had around 50 engines and 300 cars. I cut back after I went DCC and gave away around 20 engines and some where around 50 cars.
Next came the scenery stage, started buying and building Kits, I have around 70 buildings now, most are sitting in boxes. Next I started making tress, probably around 300 + now. Then I started on the K-10 Mining and Grain Elevator section. I started this section after I had been on the this site for around a year and a half. Used foam on top of plywood, has a grade and cliffs are up to 14 inches. Looks pretty good.
Stage I am in to now is adding a small yard, passing spurs and a Passenger Train section. All so starting to rip out the carpet a section at a time.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Nice list.
I would separate the collector into Collector (capital C). Usually collects Lionel/American Flyer toy trains, but they exist in all scales. For the Collector, the collection is the thing - frequently they specialize and buy multiple variations. Usually has multiple display cabinets and shelves to display the collection in an organized fashion.
Then there's the collector (little c) or better known as the Accumulator. Some are impulse buyers, some accumulate for that future dream layout. This group has way more than they can use on the layout. If they switch scales they keep everything from the old scale. They usually have everything they ever bought or were given. The "collection" is stored in boxes stuffed under the layout (if they have one), in closets, the garage, etc. These are the guys who buy back issues of Model Railroader (and other mags).
As noted above I would add the Operator category for those who try to operate the layout as a transportation system in miniature.
Then there's the Railfan who likes a nicely detailed layout, but likes watching the trains run through the scenery instead of operating..
Currently, I am an Accumulator. Sometime this winter I'll be in Builder mode for the dream layout and once I have enough of the layout built in the Operator mode as well.
Enjoy
Paul
Lately, I've been finding myself in the category of "I'll-get-to-it-some-day-er". I don't really consider myself a dreamer, because I have a concrete list of "to do" items for my layout. I'm not a collector, because I'm not acquiring any new stuff. With a couple of exceptions, I have everything I need. Nor am I an operator, because my work has stalled in a spot that leaves a large part of my layout inaccessible to trains (plus my layout is basically a continuous loop, which disqualifies me in some people's eyes.)
Usually, though, between work, kids activities (and of course, my foolish decision to both coach youth soccer and be Cubmaster for the local Pack), and required chores / maintenance, I get about 10 minutes to myself at the end of the day, and it's too late to start anything.
So I guess, for the moment, I'm a frustrated builder. Hoping that will change once the cold weather sets in!
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
Good points Paul.
I just edited the original post to reflect the additional categories you suggested.
Ok, now I'm an operator at first.
But most I like to operate at a nice layout, so I have to build it.
CNJ831 Mike, I think that for many of the more serious hobbyists among us it is difficult to have only a narrow focus within the broad range of aspects offered by the hobby. I can honestly acknowledge being seriously involved in every one of the categories you posted, except perhaps "runner", since my approach there would be better classed as "operations". Plus, I regard myself as a model railroad photographer of some skill and hobby historian to boot. In my opinion, enjoying the model railroading hobby to its fullest really demands acquiring the skills and knowledge that allows the hobbyist to pursue all these facets simultaneously. CNJ831
John,I consider myself a "serious" modeler but,not to the extreme.
I am more serious about operation,believable scenery and rhyme and reason for the railroad being then I am about the micky mouse stuff. .I also fully believe a industry should look like it needs rail service and I strive for that goal with few large industrial buildings instead of several smaller industries where 50' boxcar would overwhelm the receiving/shipping docks.
So,IMHO one can be serious with narrow modeling focuses solely base on their modeling goals..
I like building, scenery and structures
I like operations more
I am a diesel guy
I am a freight car guy
Bob
I'm a builder, too. As the construction phase of my 5x12 foot HO layout drew to a close after 6 years, my interest started to wane. For one thing, it lacked operational interest, despite the late addition of a couple of extra industries. But mostly, the space was full. The pink foam was hidden, and even the ballast was complete. Moreover, there wasn't really room for even one more building in the crowded urban space of Moose Bay.
Now, I have embarked upon Phase 2 of my layout, and the thrill is back. I am looking forward at least 2 or 3 years in planning the details of the new section, and then Phase 3 is already taking shape in the back of my mind.
I have, though, sewn the seeds of different things. Phase 2 includes staging, and more interesting switching and industries. The longer run also adds interest to the railfanning, and even the short subway loop got an upgrade, with a pair of sidings which serve as either staging or another station.
World's Greatest Hobby? You won't get any argument from me on that one.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Well, you forgot dreamer. Kind of a variation of planner but the stipulatuion that someday may not arrive. Seems the longer I "plan" my future layout the longer it will take to complete.
I did just tear down a woefully inadequate layout, mainly because it didn't support operatiuons the way I would like. I haven't run a train in six months, going through with drawls righ now.
So what does a dreamer do? Plans the ultimate layout, trackwork, benchwork, scenery all the way down to planning staging track routing and siginals. Even a materials list. But takes forever to do even the smallest part of actual construction. As such in the last 3 months I haven't layed any new track but I did get 4 Hullets for my Whiskey Island section of my "dream" layout. I need a table saw before starting to constrcut benchwork.
Of course the longer it takes to build anything the more time to plan things that can't realistically be built.
See also: analysis paraylisis.
Modeling the Cleveland and Pittsburgh during the PennCentral era starting on the Cleveland lakefront and ending in Mingo junction
MotleyOK let's hear it. What kind of modeler are you? There are many different facets to this hobby, and all kinds of different modelers. So I'm wondering, which one are you? Are you a builder? You are working on the layout more than you run the trains. You like to work on scenery, structures, etc. Are you runner? You like to run trains. You would rather just kick back and run the trains, even if your layout doesn't have scenery. Are you an operator? You run your layout with prototypical operations like a mini transportation system. Are you a railfanner? You have a nicely detailed layout, but like watching the trains run through the scenery instead of operating. Are you a tinkerer? You're not satisfied with anything, and always thinking what to change next. Pull out this structure here, move these tracks here. Are you a locomotive guy? You like locomotives, lots and lots of locomotives. You're layout mainly consists of engine facilities. Are you a rolling stocker? You like lots of rolling stock, building kits, weathering. Your layout mainly consists of yard operations. Are you a collector? You may not even have a layout but have a nice collection for display. Are you an accumulator? You keep everything, you have old stuff in boxes, you buy more than can fit on your layout. You are buying things for a future layout. Are you show modeler? You take your module layout to shows and display them. Let's see, for me right now, I'm in build mode. So I'm a builder. I work on the layout more than I run trains. Even though my trackwork is completed. I'm also a tinkerer. Even though my layout is new, I know I'll be always changing something. I like engines more than rolling stock. I'm trying to start a nice collection. Starting from completely nothing just 9 months ago, I know have 12 engines.
I'm more of the MoW of my layout, I enjoy building it and operating it on a loosely prototypical B&O operations in the late 50's early 60's. But not mainline operations but backwater in the hills of WV where steam was phased out last for the road. My love is running the older equipment that either I bought or was given to me 20+ years ago. I have alot of fast mail trains and reefer expresses that run through as well as long coal drags and locals. My great joy is super detailing equipment, my OCD to attention to detail drives my wife nuts but when you look at my equipment it doesn't look like it's a model but a miniture of that items whether it's an engine or rolling stock or a building. But for me when running my trains on the layout I truly enjoy seeing a pair of EL-3a doubleheaded pulling a coal drag on a 2% grade with a pair of Mikes on the back end as helpers. But everyonce in a while I get a wild hair and pull out my only Amtrak I own and run it for giggles and grins. The love for me is building my own "world" in the layout and being able to unwind and just be a " kid" again for a little while.
As for engines.... wow I have 18 Steam engines, 15 diesels
passengers.... I have 82 passenger cars for 4 roads B&O, C&O, PRR and Amtrak
rolling stock.... I don't count that high.... lol
Motley OK let's hear it. What kind of modeler are you? There are many different facets to this hobby, and all kinds of different modelers. So I'm wondering, which one are you? Are you a builder? You are working on the layout more than you run the trains. You like to work on scenery, structures, etc. Are you runner? You like to run trains. You would rather just kick back and run the trains, even if your layout doesn't have scenery. Are you an operator? You run your layout with prototypical operations like a mini transportation system. Are you a railfanner? You have a nicely detailed layout, but like watching the trains run through the scenery instead of operating. Are you a tinkerer? You're not satisfied with anything, and always thinking what to change next. Pull out this structure here, move these tracks here. Are you a locomotive guy? You like locomotives, lots and lots of locomotives. You're layout mainly consists of engine facilities. Are you a rolling stocker? You like lots of rolling stock, building kits, weathering. Your layout mainly consists of yard operations. Are you a collector? You may not even have a layout but have a nice collection for display. Are you an accumulator? You keep everything, you have old stuff in boxes, you buy more than can fit on your layout. You are buying things for a future layout. Are you show modeler? You take your module layout to shows and display them. Let's see, for me right now, I'm in build mode. So I'm a builder. I work on the layout more than I run trains. Even though my trackwork is completed. I'm also a tinkerer. Even though my layout is new, I know I'll be always changing something. I like engines more than rolling stock. I'm trying to start a nice collection. Starting from completely nothing just 9 months ago, I know have 12 engines.
Am I a builder. Yes, but not by choice. I would much prefer to be running the trains than building the layout. I really don't enjoy the building process. It is simply a means to an end. To get the railroad I want, it is what I must do. If a could snap my fingers and magically have the railroad I envision, I would do it in a heartbeat. If I had the funds to do so, I would pay someone to build my railroad. Since neither is an option, I have to keep slugging along, dreaming of the day when I can run a full schedule of trains over a completely scenicked layout.
My plan is to be an operator. I just don't get a lot of satisfaction from operating trains over large sections of unscenicked lumber. I know a lot of modelers commence operations long before the layout is scenicked. That just doesn't work for me. I want my layout to both function and look like the real thing.
If and when I finally get to the operator stage, maybe I will become a tinkerer, reworking parts of the layout that can use improving. I hope to have that luxury some day.
I've never considered myself a collector of either locomotives or rolling stock. I never buy anything with the idea of putting it on a display shelf. If I don't have a use for it on the layout, I won't buy it.
I am in the all of the above category. I recently caught the operations bug which has led to some serious changes in the layout. I am getting good at prying turnouts and track loose. Some things have to be complete before proceeding with others.
Just enjoy it all,
Sue
Anything is possible if you do not know what you are talking about.
Interesting...
At one time or another, I have been all of the above. Now, since I've been granted title to enough space to build a reasonable facsimile of my dream layout, I'm no longer an accumulator and have become much more a builder.
When it comes to model railroading, it's impossible for a lone wolf to be anything but a generalist. Only clubs (or people who can afford to employ professional builders) can make a comfortable fit for anyone who is a narrow specialist. At the moment, I am mainly a builder (of the layout, and of some of the kits I accumulated against the day...) I am an operator. My inner (model) railfan will have to wait until the scenery is complete on the various sections of the layout (and the most spectacular area will be one where the benchwork is still future tense...) I am having fun, have been having fun and expect to continue to have fun - and, after all, that's what it's all about.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
tomikawaTT ...I am having fun, have been having fun and expect to continue to have fun - and, after all, that's what it's all about. Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
...I am having fun, have been having fun and expect to continue to have fun - and, after all, that's what it's all about.
AMEN.
My situation may be somewhat unique, and could very well sound like torture to most of you...
I got deep into trains about 2002 after a lifetime of dipping my feet back into the hobby sporadically (along with prerequisite childhood memories of an elaborate Lionel set). For the past 8 years I've bought up a sizable collection of Genesis, Spectrum, Proto 1000/2000 and IHC steam and diesel locos, over 90 Athearn blue box freight and passengers cars, and a few accessories. Lucky for my wallet, things were still cheap! Hardly any DCC or sound equipped models back then. Genesis Mikados and Spectrum steam sold for $100 or less. Proto and Atlas diesels were going for $40-$60 on ebay, Athearn blue box old stock in the hobby stores were $4-$7 each! I was able to collect an empire of colorful rolling stock and high quality locos and enjoy building up the kits for reasonable prices, unlike today where a good loco or freight car costs 3-4 times as much.
I live in a small apartment and never set up even a shelf layout. There just isn't the room, and I never knew if I'd being moving from year to year--that's the main reason. So all train running has taken place on a four foot test track on my desk, back and forth. Needless to say I practiced the one tie per minute crawl on many a loco. I concentrated on modifications mostly, like adding weight to locos, changing the entire blue box fleet to kadees, painting custom details, decaling unlettered locos and cars, lubricating locos, creating small tabletop scenes, and constructing a few buildings. I learned to get get satisfaction from inventive tasks, like changing the unrealistic factory headlamp to a yellow LED in all my steam locos or adding crew to locomotive cabs, or building my own track cleaner car from an Athearn boxcar using a piece of spring-loaded masonite. Then I started buying used freight car lots with broken pieces and restoring them. I replaced many a broken boxcar rung with a heavy duty staple bent into shape to match the rest, then painted to match. Stuff like that. Great fun to while away the cold winter nights.
Now that I'm retired my wife and I can relocate to a less expensive area with the hope of buying a house. Then I will build my first layout. Funny though--I may not enjoy the actual track laying and scenery making as much as all those years of tinkering and inventing and repairing.
Thanks for listening,
Robby
(Mister Mikado because the Genesis Mikado is my favorite steamer, which runs like a silent Swiss watch, which I brought back from the dead by repairing those tiny fragile wires under the boiler. But my Spectrum 3 truck Shay just cleared her little throat...all right little Miss Shay, you're my other fav.)
Builder 40%
Railfanner 30%
Operator 25%
Tinkerer et. al. 5%
But the mix varies depending on the phase of the moon, the weather and a host of other things.
The mind is like a parachute. It works better when it's open. www.stremy.net
larak Builder 40% Railfanner 30% Operator 25% Tinkerer et. al. 5% But the mix varies depending on the phase of the moon, the weather and a host of other things.
Fits me to a 'T' although I tend to do a lot of 're'-modelling too---
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
Motley Are you a locomotive guy? You like locomotives, lots and lots of locomotives.
I am definitely a locomotive guy. I like diesels, especially diesel locomotives with body styles from the 1940s and 1950s.
MotleyOK let's hear it. What kind of modeler are you? Are you a builder? Are you runner? Are you an operator? Are you a railfanner? Are you a tinkerer? Are you a locomotive guy? Are you a rolling stocker? Are you a collector? Are you an accumulator? Are you show modeler?
Are you a builder? Are you runner? Are you an operator? Are you a railfanner? Are you a tinkerer? Are you a locomotive guy? Are you a rolling stocker? Are you a collector? Are you an accumulator? Are you show modeler?
Then there are the areas you didn't mention. Helping out railroad oriented organizations. Vvirtual modeling with computer software and games. Layout desiging seems to be missing from your list.. Then there are all the train games where one builds railroads and conqures the gamming world 18xx (tile) series, Empire Builder (crayon) series, Rail Baron, Tycoon, Rails through the Rockies, Silverton, etc, etc.