I'm mostly a lone wolfer also. I an an electrical/electronics dunce though, so am lucky to have a couple of friends to advise or install for me. The rest I've done myself for the most part.
NMRA division groups meet in the evenings mostly, hopefull before your shift. Maybe you can try one if you havent' yet. They don't usually involve the dues, politics, rules of order, etc. that more formal clubs do.
Sometimes you can get a non-model railroader to help even though they could care less about your layout in gerneral. You probably won't convert them but a good lunch or dinner or beverage sharing or trades for work on their projects might give you the physical help you need. (Bench work,(carpenters) wiring, (electricians) etc.)
It's much nicer, of course to have the comraderie of fellow modelers over general population folks, but I started my layout about 5 1/2 years ago and I've received an amazing amount of helpful advice here that's not only kept me going through frustrations (you will have short periods of burn-out) and inspired me to get back to work. The members here really do provide a "virtual" helper/friend who can help you, just not physically pick up those 2X4s or help you plaster/resin your mountain range.
Glad you got your "2nd wind" back. I live in WA state and if you would like someone to occasionally talk model railroading with and keep you enthused (hopefully) feel free to drop me a line via "conversations" private messages.
Tell us a bit about your layout? Size, era, locale, scale...
Hang in there. Sometimes it's lonely but still very rewarding as a pastime. I know guys who post "anti-rivet counting" placards on their layouts ;-)
Jim
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
Bravo,, NP2626!!!
thomas81z Come on mike , didnt know I was that critical of your layout , Well until you throw me out Motley Most people get help from other club members. So join a club in your area. But watch out who you invite to your home. I met some people online who offered to help me. And one guy was great. The other guy was more interested in critisizing my layout. One of those rivet counters. Since then, I have decied I don't need any help. I can do it all by my self. AKA blackz28
Come on mike , didnt know I was that critical of your layout ,
Well until you throw me out
Motley Most people get help from other club members. So join a club in your area. But watch out who you invite to your home. I met some people online who offered to help me. And one guy was great. The other guy was more interested in critisizing my layout. One of those rivet counters. Since then, I have decied I don't need any help. I can do it all by my self.
Most people get help from other club members. So join a club in your area.
But watch out who you invite to your home. I met some people online who offered to help me. And one guy was great. The other guy was more interested in critisizing my layout. One of those rivet counters.
Since then, I have decied I don't need any help. I can do it all by my self.
AKA blackz28
Alton Junction
vsmith political viewpoints and believe me when I say that it does invariably become an issue eventually. We're all opinionated and I have already have head bashing with folks I get along great most of the time.... except around elections.
political viewpoints and believe me when I say that it does invariably become an issue eventually. We're all opinionated and I have already have head bashing with folks I get along great most of the time.... except around elections.
Being from Texas, I have yet to come across a fellow mrr that I disagree with politically. Having said that, I am pretty much a lone wolf. I am someone that wants stuff done the way I want, so I prefer to build everything myself.
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
Thanks for the pep talk guys, I just had a VERY productive day on the layout, laid some track in my yard, painted a large hillside, did some wiring work, All went very well.
While I like taking my little layout to shows to share, I am pretty much a total lone wolf when it comes to building and maintaining it and my incomplete indoor layout. Quite frankly I doubt I could find many who share my hobby and/or political viewpoints and believe me when I say that it does invariably become an issue eventually. We're all opinionated and I have already have head bashing with folks I get along great most of the time.... except around elections.
Also the lack of shows saps my interest. I once could look to 3 shows a year, but now one is gone probably for good, another isn't until next june, and the other may not come back until 2016. On top of this we have moved stuff from the house to the garage, so much stuff I really have no more access to my indoor layout, it has stuff all next to and over it. So I am a bit "lacking the passion" at the moment.
Have fun with your trains
Remeber this is a hobby, something you are doing for your own personal enjoyment! Give others very little heed and do exactly what you are most interested in doing. It is not a race to get a layout done; or, build a model, it is about personal time doing what you love to do! Don't attempt to please anyone, but yourself. Stop doing things you don't like doing and do the things you love!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
rrebell Many of us are lone wolves because we have to be. It is not easy finding people of like mind, even in an urban setting. As for NMRA, some areas are good and some are why bother, I live in one of those areas!!! As for clubs, most are too far away or have two many restrictions as far as time being limited to one night a week and one full day (three local clubs, one now defunk, are that way).
Many of us are lone wolves because we have to be. It is not easy finding people of like mind, even in an urban setting. As for NMRA, some areas are good and some are why bother, I live in one of those areas!!! As for clubs, most are too far away or have two many restrictions as far as time being limited to one night a week and one full day (three local clubs, one now defunk, are that way).
I live out in the country and my local towns population is less than 6000 and our local University doubles this amount when in session!
I must be the luckiest person alive as we have a local Active Club and average 20 members.
NOW - NOT all of our members are Local as some drive almost an hour to attend and work on the Layouts!
YET - we seem to have and know way more modelers that will come to our Operations sessions (we individual Layout Owners have) and will no problem indriving an hour to get to them!
WHAT is wrong with the rest of the country - that it is such a problem to drive a little to attend a Club or an Individual hosting an Operations Session!
We started our I-80 Group - a Group that wants to go Operate on anyones layout and we will drive 3 hours one way to attend a session (Eastern PA) !
WHY does everything have to be in your backyard and complain that you don't like the way things are!
There are way more modelers out there than everyone believes as we are hearing about them in our part of the Woods (Western PA) and we are 80 miles north of Pittsburgh - 80 Miles south of Erie, PA and 80 miles from Youngstown OH !
YET we have over 100 modelers that regularly will Host an OPs Sessions during the week and weekends!
I just got home from one in Warren, PA and we had over 15 guys there running trains all afternoon!
In 2 weeks we will make a trip to Erie for another OPs Session and there will be another 15 guys there.
We just are NOT afraid to jump in the car and drive - I guess!
Anyone that doesn't want to do that or thinks it costs too much - ISN'T a Model Railroad in my book!
You get out of this Hobby just what you put in!
WHY would a Urban area be any less polulated with Modelers than we are miles from No Where!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
What an interesting post. I really would be interested to understand what kind of help you think you need and aren't getting. I get the impression from reading your post that you don't want help at all, but companionship. If you really do need help with a task that you can't do yourself, because you need another pair of strong arms or a third hand, then your circle of acquaintances must be a bunch of surly cusses, if they can't stop by and help you for a few minutes or an hour. But as I said, I don't think this is the case.
It sounds to me like you have caught the bug, and are trying to share your enthusiasm with others who don't share it. Like many people with a new interest, I'm sure you are brimming with enthusiasm, and are probably turning people off who don't really want to be told about your new hobby / layout / scene / equipment etc., ad nauseum. What you descibe sounds exactly like me and my sons, when they have a new computer game, or have discovered a new video thread on YouTube. In their minds, if I would only experience it, I would see that it's as wonderful as they think it is, and I would be hooked too. In my mind, I don't have any interest in sharing their new discovery, but my manners prevent me from saying, "NFW", so you know what I say? "We'll see." My advice, make sure you are not badgering these people. Mention model railroading briefly. If the person has any interest, he will express it, and you can go from there. If he doesn't, no amount of encouragement on your part will create it -- continued discussion of the subject will have the opposite effect. Neither of my oldest two boys have any interest in the hobby, nor does my wife, and that's ok. When I do something particularly satisfying, they are polite enough to descend into the dungeon and ooh and ahh for a few minutes, and that's the extent of their involvement. I'm ok with that, because I'm wise enough to know that no amount of enthusiasm on my part is going to get any better response. My wife is supportive enough to indulge me when I go out and blow $250 on a new loco. I'll take that small victory.
The pool of model railroaders of all stripes in the US is not huge. While most people appreciate a high quality model, most have no interest in trying to create one. If 1% of the US population (roughly 3.3 million people) is involved in the hobby, I'd be surprised. I teach Railroading Merit Badge classes for local boy scouts, and I can tell you that most of their interest in the subject is, "Yeah, yeah, I'll answer your questions and participate, just give me the badge." And I have to let that go. I tried; it didn't click. Once in a while, though, I find a young man who really catches the bug, and this is great. I encourage him as much as I can. But again, among over 200 boys over the years, I've only hooked maybe 5-6. Again, the message is, don't force it.
Now, if it's advice you need, we're here. Just ask. You don't have to take our advice; maybe it will spur some other idea of your own. There are other forums, and you can attend train shows and convensions too.
If it's companionship you want, keep looking among the like-minded. Someone will show up. Don't try to force someone to do something they don't want to. It won't turn out well.
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
THE LONE LION...
If I cannot do it myself then I will not do it. It will not be done.
LION does not bite off more than he can chew....
well that is not right either, LIONS gobble up big bites, and if he cannot chew them, he will swallow them whole.
LION has spent more than a year on a detour that has led to the building of new automation and a new modelboard for the layout of him. NOW him must 1) Finish the signal installation; 2) Repair/Rebuild certain equipment (subway cars); 3) Then get to work on the scenery and cosmetic issues.
If LION has trouble with this, him leaves it be and goes to do something else, it is a wonder anything ever gets done at all.
No wait... NOTHING IS DONE,,, all is in progress.
So it will be.
Please pass the Wildebeest.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
GEEEZ TrainsRme1. It is your Model Railroad. I'm on my second one in over 30 years and correct me if I am wrong but isn't it a," HOBBY", that takes us away from the worlds preasures? I don't care what I am working on with my layout. It is absolute relaxation for me. Oh, and one other word. "Patience".
Doug
My layout is my work. I have gotten tons of advice from the people on this forum and several others, but the actual work is mine.
I once helped a fellow model railroader with a programming problem, (speed matched his locos). A lot of criticism of my layout, but not even a thank you when he left.
My grandsons love the trains, love running them and truly enjoy railfanning with me. But neither one shows and interest in contributing to the construction of the layout or any of the many chores associated with rolling stock or maintenance.
Its my layout. I enjoy running the trains, photographing them in action and maintaining the associated website to share my hobby with the world at large.
I don't think you could ask for more than that.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Eventhough I host Operations Sessions every 2 weeks on my Layout - as far as building it I am mostly a loner!
I have had help early on with laying track and building framework
But now that 99% of that is done - I work alone!
WHY?
I can get things done much faster as I don't have to be the GoFur and get tools and check how everyone is doing and is it being done to MY STANDARD!
I belong to a Club and the Club's Standard at times is a stand still - as no one wants to do something and then have it tore up the next meeting because it didn't meet the OTHERS ideas of what should have been done!
Most members ask me what I think as I have been a member the longest!
I usually try to let them explain what they have in mind and if it isn't too far off the wall - go ahead with it just to see where it goes!
Most times we ALL learn something in the process in that we can or We DON"T want to try that again!
This is where most LONERS Lose - is the interaction with like minded Modelers and the exchange of ideas!
YES - We can say we want to be loners but in reality (as I have seen this too many times) they don't want to show how little they know and are afraid that they will get laughed at because of the supposed lack of knoledge!
You can say all you want - but that is what it is as I have seen it all my working life the same story over and over!
Afraid to do anything because the thought of failure!
It isn't failure - it is being UNDER INFORMED as to what it takes to do project!
I was a Shop Foreman for many years and if the workers didn't know how to do something they came to me to figure it out!
Unfortunately - that was the reason I asigned the project to them in the first place - I didn't know how to fix it myself!
So now I had to figure it out (actually we ALL worked on the problem until it was fixed). Teamwork!
BUT - I also learned right along with the rest!
If you feel that you are NOT making Progress - then having others helping might be the answer. I seek help with my Layout problems just for the ideas and then I make the decisions if I will use the suggestions as presented or modify them some.
SO suffer along in silence or get on the Forums and complain to your hearts content - it STILL won't help or Fix the problem!
Working together will!
None of us who interact online in our modern era are truly "lone wolves" any more! We may labor in solitude, but come together in electronic conversation far more frequently than we ever could have dreamt of 30 years ago. Neverthless, perhaps it is our physical solitude which makes some of us feel apart (well, we are living all over the map!). If that is the issue, then seek out a club or even just simply advertise your model railroad interests on Craig's List in your local area- you may well find that there are fellow modelers within easy driving distance who would welcome a visit, a little lunch, etc. Exchange ideas in person- you will no longer feel frustrated, but energized!
For lone wolves such as myself, who do not belong to clubs, I do make it a point to always go to the local club's quarterly swap meet and train show- I see vendors who know me by name after several years of trading with them and other fellow modelers where we recognize each other as a familiar face, if not by name. Just being in their company while perusing the aisles of train stuff is invigorating.
And, at the end of such a day, I always say to myself- "what a wonderful hobby we share and how much fun it is to be a model railroader!"
Cedarwoodron
TrainsRMe1Just venting here
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Greg, your reply is an excellent assessment of giving and receiving advice whether it relates to a model railroading issue or any other issue for that matter.
You ought to start a separate thread and repeat your reply verbatim as the initial post.
Rich
I assume many people get involved in model railroading because of their interest in trains and for artistic aspects. My guess is most problems modelers have are with the unbreakable laws of physics, electrical issues or geometry: radii and grades. These issues are less of a concern for me because i'm an elec eng, but have problems at work to solve.
Before we had these forums, there were limited ways to get answers to our questions about what we read in books, magazines or specific to our layouts. The only alternative was to find other modelers and hopefully one who had some experience with your problem.
With these forums we have a media for asking questions and usually getting more advice than we need, and often not enough.
At work, I need help and need to ask questions. And i have learned that you rarely get a answer that directly solves the problem. The more useful advice helps you better understand the problem and/or helps you think about the problem from a different perspective. Understanding the problem, being able to describe the problem succinctly is usually 80% of the solution.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
I don't understand what you are trying to do that is being held up by lack of help. No one works on my railroad but me. If you need answers or advise, inquire here. There are many people in here willing to share their years of experience.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
The NMRA has great regional and divisional local programs in many areas. Portland is pretty active, especially with the national NMRA Convention coming to town in 2015.
PNR 2nd Division (Portland area)
Pacific Northwest Region
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I am a lone wolf like Bob when it comes to model railroading. All I learned was learned reading books, magazines or participating to forums, mainly this one. When I need extra hands, my girlfriend is willing to help. She can also criticizes the way I am doing things and results. She doesn't know much about model railroading but she has a keen eye for realism. She is all the help I need, except for all of you on this forum who kindly answered my questions.
Great thanks to all.
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
I can understand getting frustrated at times, I am also a 'lone wolf' in the model railroading community. I went to a local club a year ago and somehow didn't seem to 'fit in' with the operatiion (in my mind). I do everything on my layout and only asked my wife to help with something a few times. I consider this forum to be my closest 'buddy' or railroad friend. Any problem I have I get answered within a day, and usually within hours. I may give the club another try as I really would like to have a live (face to face) conversation with someone that has the same interest and passion that I have. The only one that really showed an interest in my layout was my great grandson (4 years old) and he was PASSIONATE about trains.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
TrainsRMe1 I have been working on my layout now, about 3 1/2 years, and while some goals are being met, others are not, it seems frustrating to me that It seems I can't get any help. . . . . . what can I do to combat this???
I have been working on my layout now, about 3 1/2 years, and while some goals are being met, others are not, it seems frustrating to me that It seems I can't get any help. . . . . . what can I do to combat this???
Let me see how diplomatically I can say this.
If the "Turntable Turmoil" thread is any indicator of your ability to interact with others, that may be part of the problem. Several of us tried to help you with your turntable wiring problem, but were left wondering how you solved your problem when you never really gave us any tangible feedback.
I kind of go along with Superbe, as I am pretty much a loner. At the moment the next projects are getting in a drop ceiling and get benchwork up. Neither of these require a modeler and I hope to get a son or someone else to lend a hand.
As for the modeling, since I've done my current layout alone, it's mine. It might be nice to have some modeling help, but never having had it, maybe I wouldn't be happy. I think just offering the oppertunity to others is all you should think about. If they want to help, good (I hope), if not, just keep plugging along enjoying what you are doing. As is mentioned above, sometimes the help isn't very useful in one way or another.
There is another modeler in town that I go to shows with. We look at each others layouts, sometimes to help, sometimes just to see progress. He's not particularly interested in helping me (thinks he's not good enough), so I don't push him. I give him help or advise if he asks for it, otherwise I let him play with his layout as he wants.
Do what you want with your layout and enjoy. If others don't want to enjoy it with you, it's their loss.
Have fun,
Richard
I get frustrated at times. Right now I can't work on my layout because I'm waiting for two amputation sites on my left foot to heal. Until then I have to keep off it as much as possible. The layout is covered in clutter at this time. It'll probably take a month just to get it cleaned up to a point that I can work on it again.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Well, I am a true loner and do everything my self. I don't have the best results in different phases of the layout but overall I'm satisfied. In fact if some one else worked on it the layout it wouldn't mean as much to me.
It's my baby...100% of it.....and as I said I'm a loner
Can't find some one to help then suck it up and do it your self.
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up