ONR FAN Honestly, the way some of you guys respond to threads like this one turns off new members because its like we are getting spanked for bringing up a topic that you guys have already discussed a month or two ago.
Gidday, ".....month or two ago"??? Sometimes read, in some variation or other, weekly. Even as an optimist it could, if I let it, depress the spirits, and I occasionally think that someone persuing the forums for the first time could actually be turned off, coming to the conclusion that we're just a bunch of whingers here.
O.K so all forum members, within the forum rules have a right to get things off their chest, the same as I have the right to ignore such threads, but I'm with Mike on this.
"We'd be a lot better off sharing tips on how to save a buck here and there, how you bashed something worthless into something useful, or how you managed to find a good deal on something that was otherwise out of reach of your wallet."
"Where am I heading ??? to do some more work on my current project.
Cheers, the Bear, the still newish guy.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
BRAKIE mlehman or if you've just started and your dreams are way bigger than your pocketbook. Mike,I think a lot of modelers have champain taste with a beer pocketbook.
mlehman or if you've just started and your dreams are way bigger than your pocketbook.
Mike,I think a lot of modelers have champain taste with a beer pocketbook.
Larry,
You've got a good point. Thing is, back when I used to drink, I could drink all the beer I wanted. Try that with champagne and you'll have one heck of a hangover.
In some sense, it's the marketing and editorial content in the model press that brings this on. Don't get me wrong. The journalists are doing exactly what they're supposed to do. Inform us of the latest and greatest and what's on the horizon. Help us to keep an edge on our game, yada, yada. And provide a place for all the juicy ads to meet those needs.
Some people misinterpret that as meaning they're supposed to buy everything brand new, latest cutting edge technology, whatever, or somehow you're just not doing your part to keep up with the Jones's and people will look down their noses at you.
Nothing could be further from the truth...unless you let RTR define your universe. If that's the case, then yes, bring your checkbook, but that's only if YOU want to go there. No whining either.
The rest of us are doing just fine, scrounging, saving, repainting, bashing, all that cool stuff people have always done to best deploy their resources. 98% of every model railroader who's ever lived was on a budget. Don't be fooled by the glossy pages or what's staring back at you from your iPad. Most of us have to sacrifice for our hobby and we don't buy every new thing that comes down the block.
And maybe that's why this grates on the nerves sometimes when people say it costs too much and we're all about ready to jump ship for slot cars or RC or [take your pick]. We'd be a lot better off sharing tips on how to save a buck here and there, how you bashed something worthless into something useful, or how you managed to find a good deal on something that was otherwise out of reach of your wallet. All this and more will draw applause, instead of brick bats.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Okay - I have read all your responses and I appreciated all the input.
There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....
I have no idea where it's going...but my young Son and I sure are enjoying the ride ! To me, that's what it's all about...FUN, spending quality time with family and/or friends and enjoying sometime away from lifes real worries. I have no idea where the hobby is headed outside of my humble home...but it is alive, well, and healthy INSIDE said home.
Enjoy and happy modeling to all!
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."
Rich
Alton Junction
mlehmanor if you've just started and your dreams are way bigger than your pocketbook.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
ONR FAN Nope, I'm not complaining Rich. I understand that yes the same type of topic gets brought up from time to time but like I said, not everyone lives on this forum like some of you guys do. What might have been a hot or heated topic a month ago for you long time members wasn't for new members or members like myself that only visit a few times a month. Thats all I'm saying. Honestly, the way some of you guys respond to threads like this one turns off new members because its like we are getting spanked for bringing up a topic that you guys have already discussed a month or two ago. Why do you guys care so much about old topics being brought up again?
Nope, I'm not complaining Rich. I understand that yes the same type of topic gets brought up from time to time but like I said, not everyone lives on this forum like some of you guys do. What might have been a hot or heated topic a month ago for you long time members wasn't for new members or members like myself that only visit a few times a month. Thats all I'm saying. Honestly, the way some of you guys respond to threads like this one turns off new members because its like we are getting spanked for bringing up a topic that you guys have already discussed a month or two ago. Why do you guys care so much about old topics being brought up again?
ONR, it is not, per se, that we object to bringing up a topic already discussed a month or two ago. It is this specific topic, among a few others, that brings out the Here We Go Again replies. It just comes up again and again and again. And, you have been around here long enough yourself, so you know that.
Be that as it may, the OP has every right to bring it up again and everyone else has the right to say, Here We Go Again. So what? Why object? Why slam those of us who have been around long enough to see this topic come up again a dozen times?
ONR FANHonestly, the way some of you guys respond to threads like this one turns off new members because its like we are getting spanked for bringing up a topic that you guys have already discussed a month or two ago. Why do you guys care so much about old topics being brought up again?
ONR FAN,
I don't care if you discuss it or not. Most of these I ignore, but sometimes I'll step in and say my peace. And it's kind of harsh, which i hope you don't mind, as it's nothing personal.
I do often wonder why this hobby seems to attract so many new folks who right off the bat start worrying if it's dying or it's just too darn expensive. I mean, pick a different hobby if you're worrried about it dying under you like an old and wheezy horse or if you've just started and your dreams are way bigger than your pocketbook.
It actually wouldn't be so bad if it happened just once a month, but it's probably more like one a week.
If it's because you're not around to notice, then it usually is a good idea to read into a forum on just about any issue before you start asking deep questions. You're joining a community, so assess what others have said and consider what you might say that's new and original. Because it really is about having at least some minimal respect for what's come before if you're new enough to need to worry about such things.
I will pass along one piece of advice that may help...Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither is a good layout. If it all seems overwhelming right now, cool your jets, buy what really matters and start planning. Even if you have the bucks, you can't buy it all at once -- and then you'd be like the 80 pound boa constrictor than ate the 200 pound sheep -- you'd be stuck for awhile anyway.
So what's that mean? If you're really wanting to go railroading, start at it now, little by little. Most of us could never afford our layouts if we worried about the total price. It might upset the spouse, to boot. It's a long term endeavor, even if it's just a starter layout. Give it time. Your collection will grow. You'll eventually lay track, etc, etc.
Like everything really good in life, model railroading takes time and is not entirely defined by money. Education, marriage, a vlounteer commitment...all take time and effort. The money -- whether you're rich or poor -- should be somewhere further down that list of priorities. If it's not, rich or poor, you got into the hobby for the wrong reasons and should probably choose something else that suits you better.
Well, I only read a few of the responses, but I have long been of the opinion that the hobby of model railroading has evolved, splintered, diversified and expanded to the point that it really is not one hobby any more.
Maybe it never was, but it is even less so now.
And personally I only care about my version of it. I only have time for my version of it.
That version includes building models, running trains, creating realistic looking scenery, simulating real railroad operations to some degree.
What the rest of you do, what you buy, how many young people get interested in it, what the manufacturers make next, is all of only passing interest to me. I have enough kits, and tools, and materials to keep me busy for quite a while yet. And I see no real shortages of any thing else I might need or want - so it's all good for me.
Sheldon
Where are we heading?
If you're talking about the hobby, I don't know.
If you're talking about this thread, then here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfltikFvhWc
Andre
HaroldA A few days ago I got into a discussion about the future of model railroading. There were several postions on the topic which ranged across a broad spectrum of opinion. Now without revealing my take on the topic, I am interested in getting some feedback on what the forum thinks without getting into heated debate. So my questions are, where are heading as a hobby? Are we healthy and growing or heading for life support? I would really like to hear what you think.
A few days ago I got into a discussion about the future of model railroading. There were several postions on the topic which ranged across a broad spectrum of opinion. Now without revealing my take on the topic, I am interested in getting some feedback on what the forum thinks without getting into heated debate. So my questions are, where are heading as a hobby? Are we healthy and growing or heading for life support? I would really like to hear what you think.
The hobby is dying way down from what it once was but that's because there's so much more variety in things to do today than there once was but there will still always be a few railroaders around even fifty years from now that will be fighting over the old engines and rolling stock on auction sites like ebay that we own and enjoy today that may no longer be made by then. Time will tell...
Tracklayer
richhotrain BRAKIE richhotrain Now it sounds like you're complaining, newer member. Rich He may have a just complaint.. Is there any real need for "here we go again" type posts from the usual suspects? The solution is simple..Don't like the topic? Move on to other topics..Seems easy enough to me. Let MR moderators decide what is and what isn't necessary. Dunno. Why not let someone say, Here we go again. We do get the same issue repeatedly. Rich
BRAKIE richhotrain Now it sounds like you're complaining, newer member. Rich He may have a just complaint.. Is there any real need for "here we go again" type posts from the usual suspects? The solution is simple..Don't like the topic? Move on to other topics..Seems easy enough to me. Let MR moderators decide what is and what isn't necessary.
richhotrain Now it sounds like you're complaining, newer member. Rich
He may have a just complaint..
Is there any real need for "here we go again" type posts from the usual suspects?
The solution is simple..Don't like the topic? Move on to other topics..Seems easy enough to me.
Let MR moderators decide what is and what isn't necessary.
Dunno. Why not let someone say, Here we go again. We do get the same issue repeatedly.
Welll..Ok.
I guess you missed my reply when you stated the hobby was dying on page one..
That was just tooooo good to pass.
Yep, he seems to be a magnet for trouble.
Just having some fun with you Frank
Jim
Soo Line fan csxns Soo Line fan It's the weekend!!!! Big Al, AKA Parker Legend, returns: Chapter 1,876 Did he start this. No, I was referring to another individual who comes here and always manages to cause chaos. Not implying he is the op.
csxns Soo Line fan It's the weekend!!!! Big Al, AKA Parker Legend, returns: Chapter 1,876 Did he start this.
Soo Line fan It's the weekend!!!! Big Al, AKA Parker Legend, returns: Chapter 1,876
Did he start this.
No, I was referring to another individual who comes here and always manages to cause chaos. Not implying he is the op.
Jim, you must be talking about Frank.
Poeple have been saying this hobby is dying since the slot car craze of the 1960s. So far all have been proven wrong. Dumb topic. Next.
The hobby will continue to evolve. Might not be in the direction we want. Remember, change is a constant.
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
richhotrainNow it sounds like you're complaining, newer member. Rich
ONR FANJust an observation. You long time forum members are constantly bringing up that threads like these cause grief on the forum. Sure they can but so far the posts have been informative. The only people complaining are the long time members who are on this forum everyday. Don't forget that not everyone has the time to be here everyday. I'm lucky if I have the time to surf the forum once every few weeks. Between running a business, the house, the wife and kids there really isn't much time left. Maybe easy up on the HERE WE GO AGAIN type posts? Not everyone was here the last time a thread like this was brought up.
Now it sounds like you're complaining, newer member.
Well, my LHS just moved - into expanded quarters. So someone's buying this stuff!
But to echo other comments - they also carry a lot of RC stuff and model airplane supplies, so I've got a steady source of scale basswood & balsa...
Soo Line fanIt's the weekend!!!! Big Al, AKA Parker Legend, returns: Chapter 1,876
Russell
well at least this one didn't start off with bashing the young people, anywho the hobby is not dying.
on any given day I'd take my trains over my xbox, in fact I'm gonna get one of those AMB GN cabeese kits so I have something to do.
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
The hobby is fine and there are more serious hobbyist than ever before. We are shrinking as a percentage of population but the numbers of us keep going up. The hobby shop is pretty much dead in most parts of the country but then that is true of a lot of retail types. True I miss the hanging arround the hobby shop chats but I can chat online, not the same but what can you do. The products available are amazing now but how much have prices really gone up, if you are careful and patient, the hobby can be quite cheap, if you pay retail, quite expencive.
JoeinPA Tom: Loved the cartoon. I wonder how many of us remeber Jackie Gleason and the "Honeymooners". Joe
Tom:
Loved the cartoon. I wonder how many of us remeber Jackie Gleason and the "Honeymooners".
Joe
Probably everyone on this thread who thinks the hobby is dying.
As for you Tom, one of these days, POW, right in the kisser!
Yea, we're dying out, Joe. (Doh! - Sorry! I had to bring it up, didn't I?)...
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.