Well I’m a Lone Wolf I guess if you wanna name it, because I really don’t know anyone who “models”, though I am pretty friendly with this one guy who has an O scale setup, but doesn’t model. Not sure what to call it, it’s not the toy train look, not the model railroad look, not the plywood prairie operations look. He has a train set I guess. He’s happy whatever it is and that’s all that counts. I do go to a kinda LHS in nearby city of Springfield that has a club and a lot of stuff…a LOT of stuff on the shelves. Sometimes I ask myself if they don’t just have one of everything in the Walthers catalog. But after a couple minutes of talking to them casually, scares me off from further other than casual visit the store to shop type chit chat. I wouldn’t say they are weird as some would say, just very interested in trains and model railroading. Me, well I like Model Railroading. I like trains too, but quite frankly I’m not all that knowledgeable and really don’t want to learn all that stuff to “fit in”. It seems some people think it’s a crime to feel that way, but I haven’t been arrested yet.
Time. Even though I am retired, I really can’t schedule any set meeting or activity other than my monthly Church meeting, and even that sometimes requires an explanation why that commitment is more important than their “needs”. I just have too many odds and ends type things and little projects that at this point I couldn’t participate in and be fair to others. If that makes any sense. I learned too late that once you retire, tell no one.
Structure and requirements of a club would drive me nuts in that for a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, to me and again this is me, not what others should like, I would want to step into my trainroom and get away from all the rules, structure and chaos and be in my little world that I control what happens and when. I don’t want to have to follow anymore rules than I have to and I certainly don’t want to have to answer to someone for what I did, listen to someone explain why I need to do it different than what I want or why I didn’t do something in a timely manner, or take a vote on how something will be done or if it will be done. Just doesn’t sound like fun to me. I’m definitely not knocking it, it just isn’t for me. I like to bowl, but being on a team lasted 1 season. They took all the fun out of it by being (trying actually) Pro Bowlers. Play to win yes. Most definitely. But getting THAT wrapped up in winning is just not fun to me. Then the requirements, you must spend this, you must do that, it’s your turn for who knows what. All necessary for a successful club I know, but, like I said, if you like that stuff, great. It’s just not for me. And no, I’m not trying to be a rebel, or too cool to play with others, I just want something to enjoy and relax at or it might as well be another job.
To each their own and there is definitely room for all. I understand in a club there must be structure as with any group effort, I’m just afraid, like so many things I’ve been involved in over the years and through descriptions others have given on various clubs, they would get a little over zealous for my liking and it would take the enjoyment out of it for me. I want to be able to be accurate when and where I want, to make up what I want, and to most important, change my mind when and on what I choose. Again my opinion and not meant to blast clubs in the slightest. Some love Brussels Sprouts….some can’t stand ‘em.
Maybe I’m better suited to be called an Independent Model Railroader. Yes, I like that better.
Todd
Central Illinoyz
In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.
I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk.
UP 4-12-2 So who out there admits to being a "lone wolf" modeler? Why or why not? As for me, I am a lone wolf modeler basically for the following reasons: 1. I live in PA but have always somehow preferred the southwestern U.S. desert regions--since I was a small child, when we had a large backdrop mural of Bryce Canyon, Utah, on the wall behind our train layout. Here in Central PA, very few people have similar railroad interests, and I'm very sorry, but Brunswick Green or N&W heritage/Norfolk Southern Black just does not excite me--though I have tried multiple times--I am unable to retain interest in the local railroads. 2. My favorite large Central PA train store has approximately 5 "Santa Fe guys" and about the same number of "Espee fans" as customers. 3. The known Santa Fe guys in PA are all into pretty much their own thing: Some steam era, some passenger operations mainly, a couple 1990's or later era; nobody that I personally know who lives within 90 miles of me is into the 1970's/'80's era, and I do not personally know any of the Espee fans at all, not a single one. 4. The SFRHMS and the East Coast Santa Fe Modelers, for the most part, are into the pre-1971 era Santa Fe. I did not find enough in those organizations of what I was interested in to keep me interested in being a member, period. They are fine organizations containing some great people and wonderful modeler/historians, but just do not appeal enough to me--especially since I now prefer SP more. 5. I had a pretty good friend who was into trains and tolerated my interest in the Southwest, but unfortunately he was bipolar, went off his meds, and actually took his own life almost a decade ago--leaving behind a beautiful wife and 2 young boys who miss him very much. 6. Job/family/church worship leader time constraits somewhat encourage me to "do my own thing in my own basement". 7. Local model railroad clubs do not allow child participation under age 12. They also fail to grasp that at 13, boys like girls and stuff other than model trains, so they are losing many potential members. I most certainly refuse to join if my sons are not welcome--and that has been made crystal clear. Plus the guys are just plain weird--or weirder than me--lol. John
So who out there admits to being a "lone wolf" modeler? Why or why not?
As for me, I am a lone wolf modeler basically for the following reasons:
1. I live in PA but have always somehow preferred the southwestern U.S. desert regions--since I was a small child, when we had a large backdrop mural of Bryce Canyon, Utah, on the wall behind our train layout. Here in Central PA, very few people have similar railroad interests, and I'm very sorry, but Brunswick Green or N&W heritage/Norfolk Southern Black just does not excite me--though I have tried multiple times--I am unable to retain interest in the local railroads.
2. My favorite large Central PA train store has approximately 5 "Santa Fe guys" and about the same number of "Espee fans" as customers.
3. The known Santa Fe guys in PA are all into pretty much their own thing: Some steam era, some passenger operations mainly, a couple 1990's or later era; nobody that I personally know who lives within 90 miles of me is into the 1970's/'80's era, and I do not personally know any of the Espee fans at all, not a single one.
4. The SFRHMS and the East Coast Santa Fe Modelers, for the most part, are into the pre-1971 era Santa Fe. I did not find enough in those organizations of what I was interested in to keep me interested in being a member, period. They are fine organizations containing some great people and wonderful modeler/historians, but just do not appeal enough to me--especially since I now prefer SP more.
5. I had a pretty good friend who was into trains and tolerated my interest in the Southwest, but unfortunately he was bipolar, went off his meds, and actually took his own life almost a decade ago--leaving behind a beautiful wife and 2 young boys who miss him very much.
6. Job/family/church worship leader time constraits somewhat encourage me to "do my own thing in my own basement".
7. Local model railroad clubs do not allow child participation under age 12. They also fail to grasp that at 13, boys like girls and stuff other than model trains, so they are losing many potential members. I most certainly refuse to join if my sons are not welcome--and that has been made crystal clear. Plus the guys are just plain weird--or weirder than me--lol.
John
I consider myself to be a lone wolf also, and you are far from alone, as your thread can tell you. I don't belong to any club or group who may tell me what I can and what I cannot do.
1} I live in Upstate NY at the PA border, but that has little to do with it. Well, maybe NOT,,,, I used to LOVE watching the CHessie cars go by on the EL RR by my house growing up, but also love STEAM. SO, I loosely model B&O and all its incarnates: the C&O and the Chessie, and the CSX. I do NOT like being stuck in "ONE ERA", so I can change out things on the mini layout I have and then have a whole 'nother perspective on "life" on the MRR. I also like to add the PRR Steamers, I dearly love their massiveness and Belpaire boxes! SInce the B&O DID allow trackage rights, I am well within "realistic" modeling.
2} since I DO do the B&O and incarnates, I rarely have problems finding stuff here. Strasburg, where we visit every 2 years or so, has a large collection of PRR and even B&O ETc. in stock.SO I can get what is available easily. Also nearby is the wholesaletrains.com's brick and mortar store. It is A DANGEROUS place to be for me, AS I spend MORE in the store than I should!
3} I pretty much do my own thing as described above.
4} There are plenty,I am sure, for the B&O anyway, and probably the PRR around. I just don't go in search. Again I don't like being told what I can nad cannot do.
5} Sorry to hear about your friend. I am bipolar, I am on meds. YEs, when I am off them things get nasty nand are NOT very pretty, , OR when I develop an intollerance for a med that was working wonders for me, and have to stop taking them. Fortunately I have an OH who is very supportive, and has put up with and tollerated my "foibles" when things go awry. I have attempted about 7 times to end mine, but for one reason or another, I have survived.. I have never spoken about doing it to anyone, so it is only after I have made the "error" of trying that anyone, including MOH, {now twice} has found out. I think I have learned I must be here for SOME reason. Dunno yet what it is?
6} I don't have a basement, but do have a spare BR with trains in it. I, too, like to have "free time access to my trains" whenever I want, not on Tues. and THurs. just cuz it IS those two days... BUT I DO suggest you watch just how much you "do your own thing in your own basement",as it can lead to blindness, you know, and I once got caught doing my own thing in my own basement. It was embarrasing to say the least. we all need private space for "doing our own thing", though sometimes it cna be done in public.
7} I must admit to not having any children, and cannot tolerate other's children. ESPECIALLY when they misbehave, act up or cause trouble. The neighbor's kids area handful outside our house and a nuisance for sure being destructive to our property often. SO you get little sympathy form me there, but I do understand the "father son thing". I look at it this way thouhg, if you "make it crystal clear" that you will not join my club if your sons are nto allowed, then I say :good riddance to you" to you. YOU might be missing out on somehting you may belong to well after those boys have married those skirts they are chasing, and have gone off to their own life, and to work and give you grandchildren {hopefully NOt too early, mind you} whom you can then make play with trains to get the new generation into it.
Maybe you are weird, but so am I. Aren't we all? I mean some of us MRRs DO hide in damp dark dingy basements, or garages, or spare BRs creating our own little worlds where they like us and know us well there...
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
I've had periods of "lone wolf" and periods of being in a group or club due to being in the service and moving frequently. I find that I do a lot more model railroading when I'm involved with a group or club. Being around other model railroaders gets me excited about the hobby and its possibilities, and limits my procrastination.
I also learned a lot from participating in building club or other people's layouts. I'd much rather learn what my preferences and preferred methods are from the mistakes of others instead of having to make my own. I find that the hobby magazines, and to some extent the forums, tend to minimize the drawbacks of a particular method or material. But actually trying it in person (on somebody else's layout) uncovers both the positives and negatives very quickly.
I'm currently in a club - club in name only - that has many like-minded guys in it. We have new members joining on a regular basis and almost no attrition, so we must be doing something right. Yes, heated words do get exchanged at times. And we do vote at meetings, although there is no formal club organization of any kind. Meetings are twice a month at whoever volunteers to host the meeting. Being a modular club, there is minimal club equipment (NCE DCC system, stanchions and rope to protect the layout at shows). The kitty is kept full through passing the hat at meetings, and hosts are reimbursed for the refreshments they serve.
On the layout side, we have a standard that has become the HOn3 Free-mo standard. We setup in point-to-point layouts, usually with branches. We do a combination of prototypical ops with switch lists, and just plain running trains. Some of the members have been published in various model railroading magazines.
We are always experimenting with different ways of doing things. We have gone from fitter rails to butted rail joints at the module ends. We have found that having the module legs separately assembled from the module makes setup and tear down much simpler. We are trying to find out why our wiring/control system doesn't work for an entire show or work throughout the layout on initial setup. I'm experimenting with grades that are not self-contained within a module set, and I'm experimenting with modified waffle module construction.
Bottom line: my growth as a model railroader is much faster as part of a group than it was when I was a lone wolf.
Fred W
uh, no.
Does it really matter? "I am what I am"
-Ken in Maryland (B&O modeler, former CSX modeler)
Exactly
Joe
Hmmmm, I would have never thought of building the model railroad all by myself as being a lone wolf. I have always assumed I would build my model railroads myself, but I would never consider myself a lone wolf modeler. So we are actually having a discusison about "what chair"?
Seems the discussion is almost now a list of what each of us think a lone wolf is, and how we meet or don't meet that self determine definition.
cmrproducts ... Apparently a Lone Wolf is one that Does NOT associate with any other known Modelers(as that might be construed as a CLUB)! Few if anyone knows HE is a Modeler (Definetly in the Closet - as that is the only room available) Plays with his Trains by himself (Doesn't Like to Share) Builds a Layout JUST the Way he wants and asks for NO HELP ( Knows everything) Doesn't get on the Forums (if he does then he is associating with others) Therefore if one does not adhear to the above they CAN NOT call themselves a true LONE WOLF Your Definitions - NOT MINE! YMMV ;-) BOB H - Clarion, PA
...
Apparently a Lone Wolf is one that
Therefore if one does not adhear to the above they CAN NOT call themselves a true LONE WOLF
Your Definitions - NOT MINE!
YMMV ;-)
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Actually, I meet all those criteria including the last one since I am on the forums under an alias.
Yes, shockingly enough IRONROOSTER is not my real name.
from one in the shadows
So, participating in this discussion means we are NOT Lone Wolves? Withdrawing from public appearances to avoid criticism is not enough if postings continue to expose one to public analysis?
The philosopy professor set a chair on his desk and told his students to write an essay proving that the chair did not exist. The best essay consisted of two words: "What Chair?"
What model?
LION was looking at the bio printed in MR at the end of each article about a layout.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
BroadwayLion MOST Model Railroaders, as far as I can tell are NOT lone Wolves. I look at every bio attached to every article and 99% (well 100%of those I have seen) are MARRIED! They have a spouse and usually children. They may model trains alone from other modelers, but they are hardly alone. Wives and families look in to see what they are doing. They give support and encouragement. . ROAR
MOST Model Railroaders, as far as I can tell are NOT lone Wolves. I look at every bio attached to every article and 99% (well 100%of those I have seen) are MARRIED! They have a spouse and usually children. They may model trains alone from other modelers, but they are hardly alone. Wives and families look in to see what they are doing. They give support and encouragement.
.
Hey LION,
I am confused by the above statement, Out of curiosity I checked for the bios of every one who has a post on page one on GENERAL DISCUSION.
Tthere was one true bio and 3 who made general comments about model railroading. In fact you don't have a bio other than the description in your above post.
Also it is important to note that there is no single definition of a lone wolf as it applies to the OP's post but as its been said, being a lone wolf doesn't mean that you are a hermit.
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
The LION is not married, him has no wife or children, his parents are still alive, but live in Pennsylvania and do not have computers so I cannot even show them my website. Sometimes monks will come up to see what I am doing, sometimes they will bring visitors up to see the layout, but they do not have the same investment in the layout as would a wife.
If the LION would keep the layout room just a little neater, he could encourage more visitors, and I am now getting to the point where the layout is worth watching, for visitors at least.
dehusman cmrproducts Apparently a Lone Wolf is one that Does NOT associate with any other known Modelers(as that might be construed as a CLUB)! Few if anyone knows HE is a Modeler (Definetly in the Closet - as that is the only room available) Plays with his Trains by himself (Doesn't Like to Share) Builds a Layout JUST the Way he wants and asks for NO HELP ( Knows everything) Doesn't get on the Forums (if he does then he is associating with others) And I realize that Bob is summarizing so this is not pointed at him. Those are some pretty narrow definitions. We are discussion a "lone wolf" not a hermit. I would say there are zero modelers that meet that definition. How would we know anyway? If they comply with the first two bullets they wouldn't have any contact with any other modelers, we are all modelers, so if we know somebody then they couldn't be a lone wolf. I would think that a lone wolf is one who primarily builds and operates layout by him or herself. Being on the forum is just like reading a book or talking to friends. The assumption that because they don't ask for help they know everything is pretty insulting. Some people like figuring out things for themselves. That's why people scratchbuild, kitbsh and build kits. I consider myself a lone wolf modeler with regard to building my layout. I designed it myself, I built it myself. Nobody else builds benchwork, nobody else builds roadbed, nobody else lays track, nobody else does wiring, nobody else builds my cars and engines, nobody else builds my buildings, nobody else does my scenery. I do it that way I get the closest to what i want. I do it that way not because I "know everything", but because I like doing those things and figuring out how to do the things I don't know how to. If I didn't like doing it, why would I have this as a hobby? I have picked a design that is small enough for me to build, but large enough that I need several other people to operate it. I am a lone wolf modeler, I am not a lone wolf operator.
cmrproducts Apparently a Lone Wolf is one that Does NOT associate with any other known Modelers(as that might be construed as a CLUB)! Few if anyone knows HE is a Modeler (Definetly in the Closet - as that is the only room available) Plays with his Trains by himself (Doesn't Like to Share) Builds a Layout JUST the Way he wants and asks for NO HELP ( Knows everything) Doesn't get on the Forums (if he does then he is associating with others)
Dave, Excellent summation, that's me as well. Happy to have others over to operate, happy to go elsewhere on occasion to socialize and operate. But when it comes to the "building" part, I don't see it as a group activity.
As for this comment - "Builds a Layout JUST the Way he wants and asks for NO HELP ( Knows everything)". well actually I do. After 40 years at this I at least know everything I need to know to accomplish all my modeling goals and I have seen very little new in this hobby in the last 10-15 years that would change any of my major materials or methods of constructiion.
Sheldon
I wasn't intending for this to become...heated...in any way at all.
It was a question brought on by comments made in another thread.
I'd say that I'm in the lone wolf category due to mostly family, work, and other time constraints--and that I've had a few negative experiences with formal clubs.
So to me a "lone wolf" is somebody who models primarily by themselves, but might operate with others occasionally. The reasons the person models by themselves may be many: There might not be friends nearby with the same interests. There might not be hobby shops available within a reasonable distance. The person may have an "unworkable" work or social schedule that really doesn't allow membership in any kind of club, formal or not...
Many folks in this hobby tend to have rather strong opinions about "this is how you should do _____ ". They often are very well intentioned, but I've learned they may be very wrong, too. As the years have passed, I've come up with different ways of achieving the same goals--sometimes for a very good reason--so yes, I like to do it "my way".
I built what I felt I could afford, and could complete, with only moderate impact on the basement that my wife and kids want to use for other purposes. If I had it to do over, I likely would do it differently.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
As I had stated earlier in this thread -
I am building my current Layout by myself
DOES That Make ME a LONE WOLF ??
Yet Every 2 weeks I have an Operating Session with about 20 Operators in!
That Doesn't sound Like a Lone Wolf !
From what I have been able to understand from the responses in this Thread
TZ:
And I still contend that anyone posting on this forum cannot be in the strict sense a lone wolf.
----------------------------------------
I agree with your assessment and will add a cold faceless computer screen will never replace the friendships one can gain from being a member of a club.
pascaff wrote: I like what I like, and model what I want.
---------------------------------------
That has to be one of the funniest copouts about club membership I ever read..I'm a member of a club and model what I want..
------------------------------------
pascaff wrote:I do not want to follow some groups idea of how things should be done.
-----------------------------------
That's only at club level and you can do like I do..When in Rome do as the Romans..Simple no?
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Holy Thursday, you know, a Seder Meal, Lamb, Cabbage (I'm not so sure that the Jews would have put the bacon on it, but that is the way we have always done it.) Yes, fresh bread, and the wine this year was a nice Pitite Sirah from Paso Robles, a gift from our winemaker.
Mostly we do not eat so high on the lamb. We used to raise cattle, but have gotten out of that business, so now all of our meat comes from the truck. Well, except for the lamb, Br. Placid went down to a neighbor's farm about 10 miles southeast of here and brought back the lamb (very much quite alive, thank you) and he took it to the butcher shop (Hamburger Meats would you believe, run by Kim and Tim Hamburger, and yes that is their name) where it was slaughtered and brought to the Abbey. Br. Placid explained how it was done, but I'm sure you do not want to know.
BroadwayLion Here at the Abbey we take turns doing the dishes. For most of the monks there are always two doing dishes. On Sunday I do the dishes, and I do NOT WANT ANY HELP. I do things my way. PERIOD! BTW: We have our Lamb Dinner this evening. Imagine that the LION and the LAMB! ROAR
Here at the Abbey we take turns doing the dishes. For most of the monks there are always two doing dishes. On Sunday I do the dishes, and I do NOT WANT ANY HELP.
I do things my way. PERIOD!
BTW: We have our Lamb Dinner this evening.
Imagine that the LION and the LAMB!
Really? You had Lamb for dinner? Did it come with rolls, and a side of peas and everything? Wow you are so lucky to have such nice dinners at the abbey.
I had Pizza for dinner. Imagine that! Motley & Pizza! And I didn't do any dishes either, paper plates are great!
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
I'm a lone wolf modeller. My work forces me to interact with many people, and by the end of the day I'm basically fed up with most and would like to relax with something that does not involve others. Working on my layout while listening to music is very enjoyable and relaxing.
pascaff* 4) I like what I like, and model what I want. 6) I do not want to follow some groups idea of how things should be done. 7) I am too old and stubborn to change my ways.
4) I like what I like, and model what I want.
6) I do not want to follow some groups idea of how things should be done.
7) I am too old and stubborn to change my ways.
As to some of the other points: Everyones' work schedule interferes with their free time. Everyone enjoys their alone time. I used to ignore the club for MONTHs at a time. I went over 3 months without showing up to volunteer at the museum. So what? It got tedious. That doesn't make me a lone wolf.
8) If you want to visit my layout and run some trains, you are more than welcome, just do not nit pick.
As more of a "lone wolf" type, I love Athearn's facebook page with it's suggestion input.
Right now, I've identified a paint scheme of GP15 that they need to do, that I think will appeal to current modelers, and will sell quite nicely.
I'm in the process of identifying all the possible road numbers, etc. of the particular scheme that can be photo-verified, and then I will post the info. on Athearn's facebook page.
Paul--
Thanks for your opinions.
Yes, I couldn't have done some of the things you've done as a club member--your list is actually rather impressive.
Yet at the same time I've been able to do some fun things as more of a lone wolf modeler, as well as a member of what at one time was an informal small club of brass model operators...Some of those things I might not have done as easily if I was a formal club member. I've been invited in to see some really neat layouts and brass collections through personal contacts I made at train shows--which aren't always conducive to hosting a club-sized event.
I begged, pleaded, cajoled, sent color images, and posted often on the BLI forum to get them to do some paint schemes of (Santa Fe) RSD-15 that they had never offered--and it's nice to know that although it was a 5th or even 6th run of RSD-15, they have now had a complete sellout. Good for them! This also proves that if you can provide some decent information--and find some other people to agree that a given project can sell--you can actually persuade a manufacturer to at least do a new paint scheme.
Also--I was "that guy" who, while an employee at Bowser more than 20 years ago, was pushing for "gee, wouldn't it be cool if we made an Alco C-430"? I endured more than a few wise cracks about that at the time (from the remaining steam only devotees, no less), and my friend at the time, who happens to be the current store sales manager, also had an interest in that particular model back then (we owned 'em in brass, too.). It's really really neat to see something that was only a wishful-thinking dream all those years ago finally come to pass. (Yet it still took lots of other people asking for the very same thing on various forums--and also some of them picked up the phone and called Bowser).
That does prove that the individual(s) who squeak the loudest sometimes do get the model they want, and you can actually contribute, at least in a small way, by participating in the various online polls and discussions about "what should get done next".
For most of my life the C-430 was my favorite engine, and I'm just glad they're finally doing it.
Now, back to the Lone Wolf discussion.
AAAHHHH--OOOOOO
P.S. At Bowser's retail store, the Saturday morning "Cheers"-style discussions, which still continue to this day, occasionally help the boss decide which projects, what paint schemes--even what paint shades--should be used. They solicit input from all possible historical societies--and the Mexican modelers have been very helpful--but sometimes a finished sample model just doesn't look right under indoor lights. So the informal discussions still have a place.
Most definitely a lone wolf here. I live in a small(ish) town with no MRR clubs at all. Closest one is almost 500 miles away. We don't even have a hobby shop in town. It only sells very expensive toys and games. Outside the forums, I know only one other person into model trains and he does have a very impressive layout, but he lives about 1200 miles away. Seen his layout only 2 times.
Like a lot of you guys, I have an idea of what my little world should look like and don't want anyone farting around with it. It's my little getaway from reality.
Lorne
I do enjoy the odd Saturday morning impromptu meetings at the hobby shop. It's a 40 minute hike for me, but it's the closest one that I have and thankfully the folks there are train people too, so it's fairly well stocked with the basics and a few higher end treats. But it's been nice to arrive and on occasion see other model railroaders milling about a new product or pouring over some catalogue. We stand around with coffee and yak about what we are doing with our layouts or other model railroading projects. It's just guys with a common interest in model railroading enjoying each others company for a bit. I think the comradery is good for all evolved.
Regards, Don.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that both engines have failed, and we will be stuck here for some time. The good news is that you decided to take the train and not fly."
"Membership has it's privileges," as American Express said. If you want the enjoy the benefits of being in a club, then one has to put up with the pains. I'll have been a member in my club, the South Shore Model Railway Club, for 20 years come September, and barring "real life" problems, I'll be in this club for decades more.
Because I've been a member, I've been able to make some great friends and have some great experiences. I've gone on the Acela from Washington to Boston, the Adirondak to Montreal, and taken the sleeper on the Lake Shore Limited from Boston to Chicago. I've toured Amtrak's Southampton St. Shops and the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Shops. I've operated an S-4, an S-6, an SW9, and a B23-7. I've been to Cass, Strasburg, East Broad Top, Wiscasset, and Steamtown. I've gotten a cab ride in an FL9, a GP28, and an F40PH-2C. I've helped various manufacturers create products, like Microscale's "MBTA Purple" trim film, Rapido's Osgood-Bradley cars, and Athearn's NH twin 50' TOFC. All because I have been a member of the SSMRC. There's no way I would have done all this if I had been a lone wolf. Sure, maybe some of it, but not all of it.
OTOH, yes, I've had to deal with club politics. We run by Robert's Rules. We are Incorporated and are 501(c)3 Not For Profit. We've had "blow ups". We've had bad members and incompetant officials. We've moved at least 4 times, and the club has almost folded a few times due to internal tensions (tho' not since I've joined).
But we're also 75 years old, so we must be doing something right.
If one cannot put up with the occasional flare ups, well, not everyone is cut out for a social club. And BTW, that's not to say that all clubs are worthy of one's time. Just as not everyone can be in a club, not every club is cut out for new members.
It's not much of a surprise to me to see that most people on this thread are "lone wolfers". This forum is a perfect way for people who won't or can't join a club to learn new hobby things and talk trains. Meanwhile, those who are in clubs don't seem to have much time to devote to online forums...or they don't feel the need to join up here because they get their hobby social interaction at the club. Let me put it this way; of the 70+ members currently in my club, and counting all the other members who have come and gone that I've known in the past 20 years, there's only two of us that have ever posted here to my knowledge (bogp40 is the other). That rather says something.
Paul A. Cutler III
Sheldon--
I didn't realize you were so "close". Bel Aire is a beautiful area, and I've been to a local large scale outdoor layout there for many open houses, prior to switching back to HO. It's only about 70 miles from my house.
The best thing is that during those open houses, we often had WWII aircraft flying overhead--we saw all kinds of aircraft--mustangs, corsairs, etc. fly over.
88gta350 UP 4-12-2 I might rather prefer a Round Robin type layout visiting club if there was one in the greater Harrisburg, PA area. John I'm in the Harrisburg area and would be willing to visit some layouts. I don't have an operating one myself, still building it, but wouldn't mind getting some experience on some other layouts. There's a club in Mechanicsburg. have you looked into it at all? Even if you didn't want to join there's probably members who would be willing to do some type of round robin outside of the club.
UP 4-12-2 I might rather prefer a Round Robin type layout visiting club if there was one in the greater Harrisburg, PA area. John
I might rather prefer a Round Robin type layout visiting club if there was one in the greater Harrisburg, PA area.
I'm in the Harrisburg area and would be willing to visit some layouts. I don't have an operating one myself, still building it, but wouldn't mind getting some experience on some other layouts.
There's a club in Mechanicsburg. have you looked into it at all? Even if you didn't want to join there's probably members who would be willing to do some type of round robin outside of the club.
Hi Dave--
Thanks much for your response. I hadn't thought much about the round robin type of informal organization until reading the responses to this thread. I would be interested, certainly, in having a few people visit or vice versa--but the folded dogbone single track plan (with only 1 stub siding) I chose is such that imo folks might be easily bored, and with a single track primarily DC only railroad (I can run DCC engines but usually end up having to reset the factory default settings to get them to run, using the MRC Sound Controller 2.0), I don't think I can accommodate more than one guest at a time effectively, and DCC fans might certainly not appreciate any kind of factory reset. So for me to "host" people might not be the best idea, unless I change my power supply to something with real (not pseudo) DCC.
I've toured the club in Mechanicsburg several times and do not believe that I would fit in there. I would fit in better with the members they actually kicked out of the club, some of whom I've been priviledged to work with on another person's layout.
Anyone in the greater Harrisburg, PA area is certainly very welcome to pm or email me.
Best Regards--