My locomotive and rolling stock model building is not up to my standards. Using a magnifying glass to install parts becomes a frustrating exercise too tedious for my patients.
I've totally migrated to the dark side of buying only RTR.
I'm a decent detail painter and weatherer. I'm good at kitbashing...well...IMO for my standards.
Kitbashing structures, weathering and detail painting of the models, operations and the research that goes into it, uncomplicated DCC programming is pretty much the parts of the hobby I'm good at and want to get better at. I'm an average scenery builder, but would like to get better.
Carpentry, track laying, wiring, are all fine, but I can easily pass up those tasks if I could. I'd say that I'm average in that my efforts don't set me back....like they do with actual model building.
- Douglas
Most average people can get good at any one thing if they put in the work but in this hobby no one can be an expert at everything, just too many things to learn.
Somebody is good at 'digging up' a thread four years old.
Good at everything ---- I'm on the rung to getting there. Just another million and twenty to go.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Heartland Division CB&QIs anyone good at everything? No. End of conversation.
I just stumbled into this old converastion.
Why would there be anyone good at everything?
I am good enough at enough of the required skills to build a layout, but I struggle with some things, and I do get frustrated.
I am still not happy with much of my weathering.
Garry is right.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I want in
DAVID FORTNEYNo matter how you enjoy your trains, keep doing it
Russell
erosebudI think I'm asking for a reminder of how these outstanding modelers do it: ... What's the key to giving me a better perspective?
would "good enough" be more accurate? and not only is it a matter of skill but time.
you don't have to have nice looking layout if you crave operation or like scratch building locomotives.
On the other hand, a nice looking layout, needs adequate building skills for things you can't buy, trackwork, scenery and weathering ... you can buy turnouts, good looking locomotives, rolling stock and stuctures. A "good looking" layout doesn't needs to be perfect or "museum quality". It should have consistent quality and let viewers fill in details with their imagination.
of course many modelers share their skills, so the appearance of a layout may not be solely due to the owner's skill. We should recognize what we're good at and not so good at; get help when we need it and get satisfaction by helping others when we can.
of course, some people are truly gifted. as some fashion models admit, they won the DNA lottery. Most of us haven't
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Been in the hobby for 40 plus years. I hand laid my own track at one time, built some locos, bought brass and have built and tore down several layouts. i still don't know everything and never will. I'm still having fun now that age and medical issues have changed what I do. Can't hand lay track anymore so I use Kato HO track. Can't build kits anymore so I buy my buildings already built. Can't work on my own trains anymore, some friends and others do it for me.
I can still do scenery and it is one thing I can still do, slower then before but it looks great.
All in all I'm still in the hobby running trains and having fun. I am amazed of the product we have available. Bought some of the new digital trains that have came out in the past few years and never thought I would ever see them, the sound, smoke, smoothness. It will only get better IMO.
No matter how you enjoy your trains, keep doing it.
I'm reminded of something that golfer Lee Trevino said a long time ago. The good Lord didn't give anybody a full bag. Even the greatest golfers in history had some part of their game that was so-so at best. Jack Nicklaus wasn't great with the wedges. Tiger Woods used to hit the ball a long way but he has always been erratic with the driver, even in his prime. Ben Hogan struggled with the putter. Trevino was one of the most consistent ball strikers ever but he could never hit it very far.
So it is with model railroaders. There is always some part of the hobby we struggle with. I can't remember how many times I've read stories about great model railroads in which the builder admitted that so-and-so helped me with the wiring or somebody scratch built a lot of the structures.
There are so many hobbies within the hobby that it would be a rare bird who excelled at all of them. In my case, I think I am very good at conceptualizing what I want but not so good in the execution. I do a good job with creating landscapes but my manual skills don't lend themselves to building great looking structures. I'm a dangerous person with a soldering iron or an airbrush in my hands.
In the words of Rosanne Rosannadanna "It's always something".
How "good" do you aspire to be? I'm never going to be an "outstanding modeler" with articles in magazines and name recognition on forums. However, I'm good enough (in my own eyes) to have fun building and operating a model railroad.
One interesting aspect of the hobby is that it forces one to acquire some knowledge, experience and skills in many different areas. How deeply you want to go in these various areas depends on your own personal interest and standards. Some areas are harder or easier and more or less "fun" than others. Often you don't know until you try. As an example, I tried building my own turnouts as an 'economy' measure and it turned out to be fun (at least for me).
Grinnell
Practice is one thing, but that's only doing the same thing over and over again. That doesn't make you better, it just makes you experienced. The trick is to learn each time you do it; to ask yourself, "How can I do it better next time?" And then to actually try it, using previous attempts to learn what works and what doesn't.
Take cutting styrene. If you do it wrong the first time, and then do it the same way again and again and again, you're never going to get any better. Try different tools, different techniques, ask people how.
My old High School Art teacher told us all that every one starts out at the same skill level; no one is born an artist. The difference is that some stop learning, while others continue to learn and improve. With art, it's all about observation of your own skills and using that knowledge to improve those skills.
Paul A. Cutler III
Hi erosebud
The short answer is No.
No one is good at everything we all have our strengths and our weaknesses.
How do we deal with this we get help from someone who's strength is our weakness that way we learn and our weaknes will at least get to the pass with a strong push.
I have no time and a limited skill set but I have a layout and one I am happy with.
I forced my self to make time to relax with my Hobby hence I have a layout.
The John Ahern's, Malcolm Furlow's and John Allen's of this world
Just to pick on some of the Famous one's
All started in exactly the same place as we all do.
When we do something we learn when we repeat we improve.
We also have some tricks that can fool people into thinking things are better than they are or bigger than they are if need be, hiding the mouse hole the train disapears through.
Me when I can't do something I want I look to a MRR friend for help, he will talk it through show me and help with construction if nesasary, point me at an artical in the model press. And I do the same for him.
The skills needed are learned as we go and in some tasks patience is forced on us
Because we know to rush at it like a bull in a china shop will get us the same result and will sink the whole project before we get any further.
You will notice a lot of the really good modellers have been at it for quite a while and have had the time and gained the experience needed to build a notable layout.
Remember even they have things they are not good at and sometimes need a bit of help.
There is no prize for finishing a layout first mind you.
You can't finish a layout because there is always something that can be added or changed and improved..
regards John
There was a time when I had to do everything myself. it was an ego thing and about pride of accomplishment. This included building locos and painting all others. I would not allow anything RTR on the pike except a brass loco and as mentioned only I could paint it. Then I met John Glaab (2nd brass guide, and Peach Creek Shops in Maryland). He came up with a statement that had quite an effect on my attitude..........." A model rail-roader is similar to an orchestra leader....does not have to know how to play all of the instruments, but can know how to put them all together to render a fine symphany." After this sank in, I began having friends do wiring, I wound up purchasing structures and rolling stock from others, and had friends help with scenery and just about everything else on the pike. I never looked back, as I found this way to be quite enjoyable. Any visitors to my pike will see a rather large printed list of credits for all of the folks who helped out over the years.
I do appreciate fine art in any form, and there are several structures on my layout done by rather talented artisans. They do add quite a bit.
my two bucks,
HZ
Daywhitemtns I'm just naturally good at everything I do. What else can I say?
I'm just naturally good at everything I do. What else can I say?
Oh Lord it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way.
God's Best & Happy Rails to You!
Bing (RIPRR The Route of the Buzzards)
The future: Dead Rail Society
Speaking of great modelers and western scenery, not to take away from the aforementioned; we also have to mention Rand Hood in that category.
After having my old Lionel stuff stolen in a household move back in '92, I started collecting HO track, turnouts and rollong equipment. For about the first two years, since I didn't have enough equipment to actually build a layout, I did a lot of reading; I was a sponge. I read everything I could get my hands on, subscribed to several model and prototype railroading periodicals (including MR), bought a number of how-to books, and read whatever I could about the hobby. And now, with my second layout in progress, I still read whatever I can. The wonderful thing about this hobby is that no matter how much you've acquired in skill set, there's always room for more! As I always say, the main thing is to have fun; that's really what this hobby is all about.
Your darn tootin.
~Dave
(Wooooooot! MF Woooooot!)
P.S. stay trainin
Heartland Division CB&Q Is anyone good at everything? No.
Is anyone good at everything?
No.
Thats probably the most truthful post here so far. That said, there are some folks who are quite good some things and if they've got a fairly complete and visually stunning layout, probably they've gotten some help from some folks who are good at the things they aren't good at - most of the time anyway. There is the down side to being a "lone wolf" hobbyist - which is fine if you are happy with your hobby too.
Many have done very appealing work and I'll put Rob Spangler right up there - and again, I'm biased because I love the western theme, western scenery vs. a similar well done job in the mid-west style or eastern style. I just love western desert and mountian scenery best hands down. Rob's got pretty much all the factors I like in one layout - my favorite time period, western desert scenery really appeals to me, and Western Pacific trains to boot.
I just watched Mike Dannemann's video posted by Model Railroader on this website and I don't know if mike is good at everything but he his artistry in copying the look of the D&RGW Front Range is nothing short of stunning. He presents N-scale at it's greatest advantage - high scenery to train ratio, and blends the scenery to the back drop seamlessly. The diorama with the Big Ten loops looks expansive and life like. The Flat Irons on the Front Range above the Big Ten capture the look of that much photographed area and the Moffat Tunnel in winter snow gives you the shivers! Best of all for me, Mike also runs D&RGW trains which are faithful to the 1965-1985 time period better than anyone I've seen in any scale (my favorite time period btw!). My only complaint is I'd like to see more of the train consist.
Museum quality! Kudo's Mike, from a Rio Grande fan. Cheers!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
doctorwayne There may be those who are good at everything, but I'm not one of them. However, I'd like to think that I am good enough for my own expectations, but even that one falls down as I look at things I've done which met my standards at the time they were done. I don't see much that I wouldn't redo if I had the time, but I'm too busy trying to do current projects better than the ones already done. If you can satisfy your own expectations, even only temporarily, then you are likely to get better as you go on. Good at everything? I wouldn't be foolish enough to even bother pursuing it. I do find it disappointing that more Members don't post their work here - there are a scant few left here who might dare to criticise, but a lot more who might be able to offer constructive suggestions for making improvements. Anyone can improve by dint of repeated attempts, but how much better to hear and see, free of charge, tips from those who have learned them over time and through hard work. I post far fewer photos here than I do here: bigbluetrains and lots of the latter are more instructional than they are examples of work done well. In fact, some are illustrations of missteps and errors, all part of the process of improving. Wayne
There may be those who are good at everything, but I'm not one of them. However, I'd like to think that I am good enough for my own expectations, but even that one falls down as I look at things I've done which met my standards at the time they were done. I don't see much that I wouldn't redo if I had the time, but I'm too busy trying to do current projects better than the ones already done. If you can satisfy your own expectations, even only temporarily, then you are likely to get better as you go on. Good at everything? I wouldn't be foolish enough to even bother pursuing it.
I do find it disappointing that more Members don't post their work here - there are a scant few left here who might dare to criticise, but a lot more who might be able to offer constructive suggestions for making improvements. Anyone can improve by dint of repeated attempts, but how much better to hear and see, free of charge, tips from those who have learned them over time and through hard work. I post far fewer photos here than I do here: bigbluetrains and lots of the latter are more instructional than they are examples of work done well. In fact, some are illustrations of missteps and errors, all part of the process of improving.
Wayne
I'd advise a newer person to try everything, and get a feel at what your strengths and weaknesses are. That will give you an idea how you want to proceed. In my case, I found out early on that I was pretty good at scenery, building kits (painting, decaling etc.), and later that I was pretty good at some technical stuff (installing decoders, replacing motors) and weathering. But tracklaying, scratchbuilding, benchwork, not so much. I can do it, but it's a lot more effort than some other things are. So I build kits, use shelving from a big box store for the benchwork, and use Kato Unitrack.
I enjoy making benchwork, tracklaying, wiring, making things run right, and kitbuilding. Even scratchbuilt a few things. Y'know what I'm lousy at? Scenery and weathering. It's kinda like changing the oil in my car. I know how it's done, I'd just rather pay someone else to do it.
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
I'm only really good at one thing; Not giving up.
Simple answer? No.
Expanded simple answer: Even the Great Ones are likely to have needed the help of others to build what they have done. I peronally belong to a club for just that reason. I am good with electronics/wiring, fine details (so the club members say after looking inside the buildings I have detailed anyway), and such, but not so great with scenery. I suppose I do okay with benchwork and tracklaying, but there are others who are much better at it than I am.
So don't ever feel bad about not being the best at something...we all have our strengths and our weaknesses. If you find that you are weak in an area, find a friend who is good in that area and enlist their help. Absolutely no shame in that!
Robert Beaty
The Laughing Hippie
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The CF-7...a waste of a perfectly good F-unit!
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the
end of your tunnel, Was just a freight train coming
your way. -Metallica, No Leaf Clover
I am currently making a version of the "phantom gg1 paint scheme". This loco nerver existed in the real world but still looks like a great GG1 to me.
When it is finished I will post photos. No weathering here as it never got produced - but still a fine looking loco and just to have something that was "imagined" at the Amtrak Design Team is enough to provoke me to spent lots of hours to make it a reality - even if only in HO Scale.
I am not realy good at everything but to create an unrealised loco paint scheme is enought for me to TRY.
Chris.
Loco Guy - is a state of mind - not an affinity to locomotives.
Sit back and enjoy your track...
As several above have mentioned, I may not be good at everything, but I am a lot better at the things I have tried than I was when I first started. Practice sure helps. Some folks seem to be naturally better at some things than others. Even outside the modeling world this is true, some are great working with wood, others with metal or electronics. The more you do the closer you can get to your goals. Also, many people have different "good enough" levels, just keep practicing until you reach yours.
Good luck,
Richard
vsmithI'm terrible at electronics, so I have zero interest in DCC, Apps or smartphone/computer controls. Unfortunately that's exactly where the mainstream of the hobby is heading, bigtime.
There's nothing to prevent us from following the path less travelled.
Have fun with your trains
In my (humble opinion) you make the best of what you have. I know a lot of "prototypical" enthusiasts would look at my layout and be apoplexed.
But I still love my layout "prototypical" or not. I sit most every night and run my locos (now DCC and Sound) and enjoy the time I spend. I don't "weather" anything (in fact I think it looks goofy on a model layout). These are models, and as such represent the "railroads of yesterday" - with or without mud or other things these trains gather during their lifetime.
I am just a hard core model train guy - I dont care about realism on a small scale unless I can afford it.
I just enjoy running the trains of yesteryear and wonder how great it would have been to be part of that - or even seen them run.
End of conversation.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
In my opinion, I think predispositions are important. You can't neglect the fact the son of a modelrailroader whose grandfather was also a modelrailroader might have some kind of predisposition has he's been raised in a favorable environnement to learn. Just like the son of a pianist could more easily become one himself.
Just like if one was a train engineer, or train dispatcher (or other job related to the field) should have knowledge about the prototype a carpenter might not have. (yet the carpenter has valuable skills that perhaps the rail dispatcher does not have)
So: Yes, some of us have knowledge or skills that seem to be innate, but I doubt they are. Fact is, model railroading is a hobby that requires so many different and varied skills the chances are some of those skills were learned or can be learned outside of the hobby itself. It means we probably don't have to learn them all from scratch, unless one is a total stranger to any of those needed skills. That means if all the skills needed represent 100%, rare are the modelers that start at 0%.
That makes the hobby itself an accessible one to anyone who's got minimal interest.
And then all what is needed is leveling those skills up.
Antoine