Over the years, YouTube has allowed us to follow along as modelers of all skill levels build their layouts and show us "how to do it." With that, you also get to see the idiosyncrasies of the people themselves. To be frank, most are rather bland, but you watch because you like to see the trains and perhaps get a tip to use on your own layouts.
That said, nothing prepared me for what I just witnessed. His name is Alan Plumb, a seemingly affable, soft-spoken British modeler who has posted a number of videos chronicling the construction of a small N-scale layout. To be fair, the modeling was okay (though I was intrigued by some of his scenery techniques) but his relaxed demeanor was soothing and just nice to listen to for a few minutes. Here was a person who was thoroughly enjoying what he was doing. It seemed his layout was more than just a hobby; you sensed it had real meaning to him, and that energy came through the screen and made you want to watch him all the more.
And then I witnessed the video below. I was disturbed on so many levels, not just at the absolute blind rage in the man's eyes as he utterly destroyed his work - work that he fretted and fussed over for months to recreate a piece of his childhood - but, from reading the comments, the terrible situation at home that drove him to do it.
Model railroading is not "grown ups playing with trains." It is a hobby, a craft, an art form and contrary to the previous sentence, it is an escape. Perhaps it's an attempt to relive or recreate a happier time in our lives or to create a bit of joy and happiness in the here and now for ourselves and our families, friends and children.
There is enough misery in the world and sadly sometimes in our own lives that we need a place to retreat. Maybe it's a little slice of some other time and place in HO scale, or recreating a memory from childhood in O or N or whatever. I just can't imagine not having a way to blow off a little steam (no pun) and find a bit of joy and relaxation in my life. I sincerely hope that none of you are ever in a situation like this poor man, but that if you are you seek out the advice and counseling of friends, family, clergy or whomever before doing something like Alan Plumb.
Apologies beforehand if some take offense at this video, but it's not my intention to post a sensational video of some poor guy going postal on his layout, but more to read all the comments/responses and get a bit of perspective. Life is too short.
Cheers,
JG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPwBV54oa3s
All that because the cost of a loco was questioned? Somebody needs a Snickers.
He should have bought 2 engines and really gave her something to say.
Jim
Yikes! He made Gomez Adams look like Pelle Soeborg! That was a bit scary to watch.
Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad in N Scale.
www.prr-nscale.blogspot.com
Just another in along list of reasons I don't waste any of my time on YouTube.
But, I would have divorced her, not destroyed the train layout....
Sheldon
What is the title on you tube.
Russell
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
csxns What is the title on you tube.
"What Was A Model Railway" by Shed Engineering.
Upon reading the title, I thought the post would have something to do with today's top news story.
Dave
Just be glad you don't have to press "2" for English.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ_ALEdDUB8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hqFS1GZL4s
http://s73.photobucket.com/user/steemtrayn/media/MovingcoalontheDCM.mp4.html?sort=3&o=27
This is a boy in a man's body. I'm sure he's thinking, "This'll teach her."
If I were his wife, I would be calling the kids and asking for a place to stay for a couple of weeks. She'll be next if she stays.
As I say, "Someone is suffering. It is what it is. Move on."No need to publicly promote to a man's personal crisis.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
DigitalGriffinAs I say, "Someone is suffering. It is what it is. Move on."No need to publicly promote to a man's personal crisis.
Well, forewarned, I did not look at the video. I do not need to see it. But then I kinda know what it is like if your meds are not up to date.
If his wife was kicking him out of the house, and told him to take his layout with him... welll what is to be done.
After I pass on, I suppose my layout will meet a similar fate.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
This certainly makes me appreciate the relationship I have with my bride even more.
On two occasions she has come home and while I was sitting at the computer, handed me a new loco (that was on my list) over my shoulder along with a kiss on the head for no other reason than because she loves me.
Sheldon, a divorce may indeed be in the future for these two. However, just because he is a train guy and we are train guys and this is a train forum, we should not jump to the conclusion that she is the problem. Watching his childish behaviour makes me think there is a lot more to the whole story.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
LOL
I gotta tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed the video.
After all, isn't this part of model railroading?
At least he acted out what most of us want to do at one time or another.
At the start of the video, I didn't think he would get too far, using a 1x3 scrap of wood, but then he got serious and moved to a spade shovel. The hammer was OK, but I would have used a full length sledge hammer for maximum effect.
ahh, thanks for posting, it made my day. LOL x LOL
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain LOL I gotta tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed the video. After all, isn't this part of model railroading? At least he acted out what most of us want to do at one time or another. At the start of the video, I didn't think he would get too far, using a 1x3 scrap of wood, but then he got serious and moved to a spade shovel. The hammer was OK, but I would have used a full length sledge hammer for maximum effect. ahh, thanks for posting, it made my day. LOL x LOL Rich
All video needs is some rap music and it would be very reminiscent of the printer scene from the movie Office Space.
GP-9_Man11786 richhotrain LOL I gotta tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed the video. After all, isn't this part of model railroading? At least he acted out what most of us want to do at one time or another. At the start of the video, I didn't think he would get too far, using a 1x3 scrap of wood, but then he got serious and moved to a spade shovel. The hammer was OK, but I would have used a full length sledge hammer for maximum effect. ahh, thanks for posting, it made my day. LOL x LOL Rich All video needs is some rap music and it would be very reminiscent of the printer scene from the movie Office Space.
I finally viewed the video, and it's kind of silly.The guy doesn't say anything (he does grunt and breathe heavy), and as mentioned first he breaks apart what I guess is his river scene with his bare hands, then he wacks at the modules with a board (while wearing a Hi-Visiblity vest - must be a Top Gear fan), and finally chops up the modules with first a shovel and then a hammer of sorts (taking a tea break inbetween).The title cards before and after the video indicate in text that someone (I guess his wife) questioned the price of a N Scale 4f loco model, which apparently set him off. The amusing thing was in his notes he clearly states he got lots of appreciation and encouragement from his video viewers - but he freaked out anyway?Was the whole thing Meta, or old school viral video? I checked, yes they do have Reciprocating saws available at reasonable prices in the UK, so no shovels or spades needed for layout busting...(Hi-V vests are mandatory for layout busting in the UK, however).
For me the OP's post explained things fine, and I don't at all mind clicking on an ambiguous title to see what's up. However, once I realized what the subject of the video was, I decided to not bother watching it. I have no time for immature people.
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
That was an epic hobby melt down if ever I saw one.
I think he would fit in nicely here with our discussions
As my daughter says "someone needs a cookie".
I really don't care what somebody who can't control their anger does to their layout. The guy has issues.
[Post edited by admin to remove reference to deleted argument]
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Just another in along list of reasons I don't waste any of my time on YouTube. But, I would have divorced her, not destroyed the train layout.... Sheldon
I agree..There's no woman worth the agony some men put themselves through.I seen that for years and why would anybody put up with it? That's not love by any means.
As for detroying his layout over a woman..I'll keep my comment to myelf.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Hi,
I did watch the video, and read the commentary.... I offer the following:
- many of us have had to take down a layout(s) over the years. The guy should have used a recipricating saw and he would have been done in no time.
- the guy looked like he was headed toward a heart attack. Was the camera person looking for that as a big ending? At least the guy could have worn a sweat band.
- IMO, no comment is necessary for this view. It was some bad behaviour and does no good at all. Ignoring it is the best way to go - IMO.
- Oh, what is wrong with "grown men playing with trains"? Some of us play sports, some play video games, etc. I play with trains and am proud of it.
- Speaking of sports, I've seen a number of instances where golfers beat the heck out of their clubs, etc.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
JeffG Over the years, YouTube has allowed us to follow along as modelers of all skill levels build their layouts and show us "how to do it." With that, you also get to see the idiosyncrasies of the people themselves. To be frank, most are rather bland, but you watch because you like to see the trains and perhaps get a tip to use on your own layouts. That said, nothing prepared me for what I just witnessed. His name is Alan Plumb, a seemingly affable, soft-spoken British modeler who has posted a number of videos chronicling the construction of a small N-scale layout. To be fair, the modeling was okay (though I was intrigued by some of his scenery techniques) but his relaxed demeanor was soothing and just nice to listen to for a few minutes. Here was a person who was thoroughly enjoying what he was doing. It seemed his layout was more than just a hobby; you sensed it had real meaning to him, and that energy came through the screen and made you want to watch him all the more. And then I witnessed the video below. I was disturbed on so many levels, not just at the absolute blind rage in the man's eyes as he utterly destroyed his work - work that he fretted and fussed over for months to recreate a piece of his childhood - but, from reading the comments, the terrible situation at home that drove him to do it. Model railroading is not "grown ups playing with trains." It is a hobby, a craft, an art form and contrary to the previous sentence, it is an escape. Perhaps it's an attempt to relive or recreate a happier time in our lives or to create a bit of joy and happiness in the here and now for ourselves and our families, friends and children. There is enough misery in the world and sadly sometimes in our own lives that we need a place to retreat. Maybe it's a little slice of some other time and place in HO scale, or recreating a memory from childhood in O or N or whatever. I just can't imagine not having a way to blow off a little steam (no pun) and find a bit of joy and relaxation in my life. I sincerely hope that none of you are ever in a situation like this poor man, but that if you are you seek out the advice and counseling of friends, family, clergy or whomever before doing something like Alan Plumb. Apologies beforehand if some take offense at this video, but it's not my intention to post a sensational video of some poor guy going postal on his layout, but more to read all the comments/responses and get a bit of perspective. Life is too short. Cheers, JG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPwBV54oa3s
JG,
Here is a case study of how the worst in us can sometimes get the best in us. Instead of focusing on the "act", I went to Mr. Plumb's site and watched his more than 35 installment series of how his railway came into being.
You know what, Alan is a very thoughtfull and innovative modeler, who was very mild mannered. I especially liked his design of N scale automobiles traveling on his country roads using a trammel system he and his YT subscribers helped design. Fantastic thinking and effort.
Mr. Plumb also had, in my opinion, good ideas on scenery techniques and I learned a few things watching his posts.
So all of this makes it that much more unfortunate that the worst in him got the best in him.
BUT, individuals are after all human and the "reptile brain" in us can have a powerful negative hold over our best intentions.
So before passing judgement, take a look at the videos in his series and like me, you too may marvel at what a creative person can do at his best.
Joel
Modeling the C&O New River Subdivision circa 1949 for the fun of it!
Joel has mentioned that Alan Plumb has some interesting videos in his Shed Engineering series - let's post the link to his video list.And yes, all that filmed wanton destruction was intentional BUT unnecessary... why do I think so?From Video #1
This video is about the construction of a N gauge model railway. With model railways taking up so much room and like a lot of people been very short on free space then we are trying a somewhat unorthodox approach in building a 13 foot long layout that will fold in half for storage.
chutton01His "N Gauge Folding Model Railway" was DESIGNED to be movable - he could have just took it out of the house and tossed it in his council's recylcing/reclaimation centre... Oh well.
But then he couldn't have made YouTube video to stimulate a lot of discussion on this and other forums
Joe
I don't usually pay attention to the "star" rating system at the top of the page, however I did notice that this thread has been rated five stars.
Really.........?
Like everyone else reading this, I have stopped in to rubberneck at this car wreck and find it a rather unfortunate story to have appeared on the forum. It is like when people yell jump at the poor guy about to throw himself off the bridge and cheer when he finally does it.
BRAKIE ATLANTIC CENTRAL Just another in along list of reasons I don't waste any of my time on YouTube. But, I would have divorced her, not destroyed the train layout.... Sheldon I agree..There's no woman worth the agony some men put themselves through.I seen that for years and why would anybody put up with it? That's not love by any means. As for detroying his layout over a woman..I'll keep my comment to myelf.
Not me, I'm always in trouble here anyway. My 1st wife taught me a very important lession - Women are like busses and trains, if you miss one there is another one coming along in 15 minutes.
Seriously though, any relationship that caused that video, has deeper problems - from the guy who's second wife is counselor......