Gidday, I guess the of the things I like about the forum is that it allows us to express ourselves, within limits, on any and every model rail topic, and I especially get pleasure witnessing others enjoyment that they get out of the hobby even if its not my "cuppa tea".
That said, for me, viewing some posts can be down right "intimidating", case in point mcfunkeymonkey who, as I hope most are aware of, models in N. What I find is intimidating is the detail and the apparent ease with which MC puts it into his N world. I just wish that I had the ability to do so in HO, heck its bigger so should be easier !!!!
His, of course, are not the only "intimidating" posts here, and to be fair, for me, after the initial "sigh and gulp" comes the "WOW' and then I generally, especially if It's something I'm interested in, get "Inspired" to put it on my "give it a go" list, even though I might not be "game enough" to show others my attempts.
So do you find that you're either "intimidated" or "inspired" or perhaps both??
Remember there is no "right" answer and therefore no prize or second place.
Incidentally for me, I find MCs enjoyment of the hobby infectious and come away from viewing his threads, with a grin on my face.
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Both, there are things that are mentioned that I wouldn't have the nerve to do that are done, but there are somethings that make me do a double-take on my own railroad and perhaps make me change how I'm doing something.
The Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Route of the Black Diamond Express, John Wilkes and Maple Leaf.
-Jake, modeling the Barclay, Towanda & Susquehanna.
I deem myself to be a rather mediocre model railroader, although I have heard voices that I am not. we see so much excellent model work here, not only by McFunkeyMonkey, but also numerous others, who do a pro´s job. I find it motivating and inspiring to see this work of excellence and it does not intimidate me, knowing that I will never meet it.
I always like to go visit other Layouts to see first hand what they have done and ask how this or that was done as I might want to try something similar on my layout.
The thing that most modelers (us on the forums) miss is being able to actually visit these layouts in person that are presented here in pictures!
Some times, while the pictures are great - many are only small areas that have been finished, maybe just for the pictures, as the detail is so well done! The rest of the layout is under construction which is fine but it may give the impression to some that the whole layout is finished to this degree as the pictures seem to show!
On my current layout I have such a large area to do the scenery and details are not near completed as only 25% of the layout may have scenery and of that only 50% of the scenorized area are finished to any degree of detail.
I continue to work on the layout each day (some days getting a lot done - other days not so much).
But the layout has been holding Operations session for the past 10 years - which is the only purpose for the Layout in the first place!
I look at the pictures shown on the forums and wonder if mine will ever be as good - but then again - I am too close to my Layout in that I see it every day. So the Scenery and Details are are not new to me anymore.
But when I visit another layout for the first time - it is all NEW and my eyes can't see everything at once and this puts me in a - I can't do this - when I fact I am - it is just that I see my stuff everyday and this layout once in a lifetime!
If I was around this layout I am visiting everyday - then it might not be so inspiring (I hope I am making my point in not knocking anyones work down - but seeing the Layout every day just makes it too familiar for lack of a better term)!
When visitors come to my layout - I hope that they get the same feeling that they would at someone elses layout.
I just keep working on my layout and keep using the ideas I have seen on other Layouts to hopefully make my Layout look as good!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Bob,
You have one of the most intimidating layouts in the state.
*******
I'd have to say that I when I see pictures of layouts I get inspired. "If they can do it, so can I."
However, one time I made an HO Harry Potter figure, but couldn't figure out how to make the glasses. Just like that, one of the gentlemen from this site made a pair and put up a picture. I still can't imagine being able to make HO sized glasses.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
BEAR,,''GIDDAY,TO YOU,ALSO,,,
But there you go bringing,up that ''TEA'' thing again,,LOL,,
Anyway,,I would say,I would lean wholly to the ''inspired'' side,one of the fact's being,there are many Forum Members here,that have exceptional talent,in creating scenery and or buildings,elect and so forth..As I become older,,ninches,from 70,I've become to more understand,my misgivings and limitaions and not to dwell on what I can't do,but to share,with others what I can do.. Giving ''Praise'' not only helps them,but makes me feel good also.. Not to rant or anything,, but my viewpoint of life,has really changed,a real lot this year about things,as a result I feel more relaxed,than ever...
When I go out in public, (''A FUNNY'') I have to keep my hands in my pocket, or sit on them,to keep,from waving at everyone.....LOL
Cheers,
Frank
"JaBear"So do you find that you're either "intimidated" or "inspired" or perhaps both??
Nope..Mac has his modeling style and I have mind..
I wouldn't have it any other way..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Sir MadogI deem myself to be a rather mediocre model railroader
Ulrich,You're three steps above me since I've always consider myself a half fast modeler..
I've seen your modeling..No need to make a reverse move my friend.
I think the intimidation factor is a good thing, IF it inspires you to go out and do better. Without raising the bar, we end up getting stuck at a certain level.
Jim
The motto of the Modutrack group
http://modutrak.cgwrr.com/
is "Better Modeling Through Peer Pressure." If you have ever seen their display layout at Milwaukee's Trainfest, it appears to be an effective motivator.
Dave Nelson
I don't think of the great work of other modelers as "intimidating." I'd rather say "humbling."
"Inspiring" works fine for me, as well as "challenging."
Weekend Photo Fun has definitely made me a better modeler. It's even made me a better photographer, something I never intended. I wasn't sold on static grass, but those great N-scale scenes by mcfunkymonkey pushed me to get a Grassmaster and give it a try, and I'm a better modeler because of that, too. The subtle weathering of Doctor Wayne's freight cars adds steps to my own kitbuilding, but gives me results I can be more proud of.
There's one more word to add - "encouragement." And for that, I thank you all.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
BRAKIE Sir MadogI deem myself to be a rather mediocre model railroader Ulrich,You're three steps above me since I've always consider myself a half fast modeler.. I've seen your modeling..No need to make a reverse move my friend.
Brakie - he he, I am a mediocre modeler, but a Paintshop wizard.
Seriously, even without being a paintshop wizard, you can do a lot of getting the best out of your layout by making good photos, i.e. selection of scene, lighting etc.
Wait for my next project ...
Sometimes intimidated, sometimes inspired. But sometimes it makes me want to do something that someone says can't be done, or needs to be done a certain way. To model something mostly because it's never been done that way, or hardly ever.
or the sheer perversity of it.
I get inspired all the time by the great work of others. In my younger years I could probably have accomplished a lot of great work. I did this with some of the Model Aircraft I use to build and fly. However! I think the operative word for me is frustration. Being older with bad arthritis prevents me from putting the fine detail I observe in the great work I see all around me. I will do my best though.
Intimidation is a mind set. Often it is how we were brought up that determines whether we are willing to take a crack at something or not. If we are so scared of failing that we won't even try, then that is unfortunate.
Be a risk taker. It's how we grow. Whether attempting to add fine detail to a structure, weathering a boxcar, building your first scratch build. We each will succeed according to our own gifts.
You wouldn't want me painting your backdrop, that is for sure! I didn't get that gift.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
I admire those who are obviously better at creating a scene or a model than I am. I look for ideas, and try not to be critical, but maybe more evaluative.
Very little intimidates me at this point in my life. It's all good. Well, to be honest, the energy and flexibility of youth is somewhat intimidating for me now at 60. I used to be one of those dynamos. Now,...I groan when I roll out of the sack each day. But in the hobby world, it's all pleasure with some being more than others.
Crandell
Adding to my previous post - I am not intimidated but inspired by the excellent model work presented here. But I am intimated by the seemingly bottom-less budgets some of the folks can dedicate to our hobby. Not that I am jealous, but the main limiting factor for me is finances. I have to do my MRRing on a budget which is virtually nil - I cannot afford the tools I need, nor any of the materials I need.
What really intimidates me is what Broadway Lion (Brother Elias) is achieving, knowing that he is worse off than I am when it comes to finances.
Sir MadogWhat really intimidates me is what Broadway Lion (Brother Elias) is achieving, knowing that he is worse off than I am when it comes to finances.
Ulrich
What Lion accomplishes with so little should inspire you and give you some great ideas! Think positive!
Excellent, innovative and creative modeling always inspires me. I guess my "intimidation factor" is the way some modelers handle DCC. Although I have it, and use it, I'm still baffled at what some do with the electronics side of model railroading and the use of DCC systems. I know I will never get to the level that some have, and I don't really intend to. I'm happy with learning as I go, and using what I learn, on an "as-needed" basis. If you think you know DCC, go hang out at the Digitrax Yahoo Group for awhile, wow, I admit, a whole lot of what goes on in there fly's way over my head, and I have no intentions of trying to jump up and catch it.
Mike.
My You Tube
After reading my own post, I realized that I forgot to mention an important reason why I brought up my electronics "intimidation factor". The LION. What this man has done with basic electronics, with no DCC involved truly baffles and amazes me, He can go about wiring and controlling his sub-way trains, just like "What?....doesn't everybody know this ?" Excellent work my friend!
There, I think I have it all now.....
Bob H and Ulrich are of my thinking. It takes a heck of a lot to intimidate me as I am rather laid back.
Bob noted, and I think fairly, that a whole lot of these super fabulous images that make many drool are, in effect, highly detailed, on layout, fixed diaramas. They are created for photo and showoff purposes which is great! The rest of the layout may be just track and roadbed on plywood as the layout is a work in progress.
I, personally, plan to build the rest of my layout in this fashion; in chunks that are highly detailed for photo ops and the rest modeled in as time warrants, often to a far lesser, but suitable standard.
I am not intimidated as much as Ulrich by the obvious big MR budgets and vast expenditures that are sometimes exhibited by others, but admit to a bit of jealousy. The old maxim, "if you don't have a lot of time, you better have a lot of money", can easily apply to MR.
No, I just enjoy the heck out of the super stuff shown and often learn from what I see and plan or modify my own efforts accordingly.
Richard
If I can't fix it, I can fix it so it can't be fixed
Maybe trepidation is a more appropriate word than intimidation for this subject. Just sayin.
there's so much amazing work here that I'm almost scared to share mine which I feel is rather subpar when compared to others work. that said it's also a challenge that I must rise to so that I may be able to do the same level of work on their level. I don't think I'll be a master though like M.C. Fujiwara, who's N scale articles in both N scale Mag and MRR are amazing. Then there are others like Mike M. from Nscale.org Pete M. and Marty M. who's modeling is nothing short of amazing.
Mike M.'s BN F9's
Pete M.'s BN Exec. units
Marty M.'s Milwaukee road F unit's and all manner of caboose variations as well as SP&S units, cars, etc.
There are many more Like Mike S. whom has an unimaginable amount of SP units, Dennis K. who models the C&NW, Walter E. a fellow BN fan whom is building BN business cars with brass sides, the list goes on. Even Leigh Valley 2089 who's work I'd put up here as some of the Best N scale I've seen.
SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader
While I note that there is some fine work on this forum as presented in the photographs, I am neither intimidated nor inspired. My belief is that anyone can achieve good results if they are willing to learn and practice. My original inspiration comes from 2 of the pioneers in this hobby - John Allen and his G&D along with John Armstrong and his CS.
I have my own vision of what I want to accomplish. My first goal is to be fully operational on a layout covering approximately 900-1000 sq ft of my 1400 sq ft basement. My second goal is an overall basic level of scenery. My last goal will be super detailing. Since I am 66, I probably won't make it through the last goal, but I would like to get through #2.
One thing about the G&D is that the mainline was never finished even though John Allen was essentially retired for the 20 years he worked on the final version. John Armstrong never completed the scenery even though the layout existed for 50 years in his basement.
As with everything else in life, you have to make choices. Even though I'm retired, I have a limited amount of time to work on the layout, but that's my choice. So recognizing this, I focus on the part that is most important to me, my first goal above. And I use as much RTR as I can afford and is available.
Enjoy
Paul
I don't think that I find anything intimidating anymore. With a bit of practice and patience, I find that I can do just about anything I put my mind to. This hobby is a learning experience, and we are all still learning. And if something doesn't come out the way you want it to, never be afraid to tear it out and start over.
S&S
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
For me it's not intimidation, it's "inspiration"
If I was to be intimidated it would have be be from Bob Grech's fantastic work. BTW, Wonder how his new layout is looking. Actually there are so many here that inspire me and continue to enhance my skills. How does it go? Just Do It, or do it again and again if need be.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
I'm don't intimidate, but I am always inspired.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
What this forum has meant to me is more inspiration, although I did lurk for four years before I got up the nerve to start posting. I used to work in a hobby shop in the late 70"s early 80's and was the "HO guy". But then I took a 25 year break from the hobby and onto other careers. So when I picked this up again, a lot of stuff had happened in the hobby.
I was a DC guy so DCC was a big mystery. The forum showed me that it was no big deal to upgrade to DCC. My old layout that my Dad started in the early 60's had Atlas switch machines. Reading the forum gave me the confidence to switch to Tortoises. I 'm old enough to have a 4 year degree without needing a computer requirement to graduate. The forum helped me move into JMRI. Now I think the sky is the limit. My next challenge is to move into laying my own track. Another goal is to have almost total automation using JMRI so I can have complex operating sessions even if its just me.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank some people that have inspired me in the hobby esp, Cody G, Wolfgang D(RIP), Pele S, and Lance M.
I hope this forum pushes us all to better modeling/operations, Derek
My take is centered on two other 'I' words, interested and informed.
Since my own modeling is aimed at a very specific objective I'm not affected by anything aimed at other targets - I appreciate good work, but rather in the manner of appreciating a beautiful 1:1 scale scene. (The Grand Canyon is stunning, but I don't find it either intimidating or inspiring.)
I AM interested in things different from mine - recognizing that different simply means not the same and has no value content. I get VERY interested when someone posts a solution to one of my, "How can I do that?" questions. These forums have opened my eyes to techniques that I never would have tried for myself, which I now consider part of my standard suite of construction methods.
I don't consider myself an expert on anything in particular, but I have tried to offer helpful (I hope) suggestions to posters with questions. Often, it's a suggestion to broaden the horizon beyond the pinpoint, to try something new or to experiment to determine actual, rather than theoretical, limits. Sometimes the best answer can be found by simply re-phrasing the question.
So, what inspires me? The infinite possibilities of the future. What intimidates me? Bear in mind that I played serious war games for a quarter-century before retiring as a USAF Master Sergeant. 'Way back when, I SMILED at my DI's.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)