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"LONE WOLF MODELER"

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  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Monday, October 3, 2016 9:38 AM

I guess I’m a lone Wolf Modeler too.  I started with HO in 1951 with a shelf layout in the rear of my Dads detached garage.  He built a 10’ x 9’ “Den” for me to call my own.  He got me going at the age of 8 with my first train, a Lionel 027 gauge 2-6-2 Christmas 1948.  He helped me build on my model railroad until I decided to switch to HO.  He wasn’t pleased with my decision and that was the end of his participation with my hobby.  
 
I have never found anyone interested in model trains in the near vicinity so I guess that is how I become a Lone Wolf.
 
Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel I occasionally need a bit of help now and then.  I have a 30 year old grandson that will help me when I have something I am unable to do by myself.  I enjoy his company but it is short lived as he’s out the door when the task is complete.
 
I have one fellow model railroader I keep in close contact with by e-mail and phone that is 2500 miles away.  I really do enjoy the contact with you guys on this forum and look forward to your responses as well as participating with my own topics.
 
Thanks Guys!
 
 
Mel
 
Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951
 
My Model Railroad   
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Moderator
  • Member since
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  • From: Northeast OH
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Posted by tstage on Monday, October 3, 2016 9:37 AM

BRAKIE

Food for thought.If one is a true lone wolf why is he/she on a forum seeing a lone wolf is similar to a hermit?

Agreed, Larry.  That's why I tried to make a distinction between the forum (seeking help/advice) and working on my layout by myself.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, October 3, 2016 9:25 AM

I like the satisfaction of doing it all myself.  I'm not on a schedule to get things done, and at any given point in time, my layout is what it is.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    August 2013
  • From: Richmond, VA
  • 1,890 posts
Posted by carl425 on Monday, October 3, 2016 9:23 AM

BRAKIE
Food for thought.If one is a true lone wolf why is he/she on a forum seeing a lone wolf is similar to a hermit?

An interesting idea.  I believe it reinforces the theory that forum users sometimes forget that other users are people - they believe they are interacting with a computer.

To paraphrase George Thorogood: Ya know when I model alone, I prefer to be by myself.

I have the right to remain silent.  By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, October 3, 2016 8:37 AM

Robert:

ROBERT PETRICK
I start a project and two days later I'm over budget and a week behind schedule

LaughLaughLaughLaugh  

I don't usually go over budget but I do overbuild. I had a contractor look at my deck roof to see if he could duplicate the design for a new garden shed. He couldn't get over the size of lumber that I used. Everybody loves the look though.

I'm in the same predicament with my layout benchwork plans. I can probably reduce the lumber by 1/3rd and it would still support a Sherman tank!Smile, Wink & GrinLaugh

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,500 posts
Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Monday, October 3, 2016 8:23 AM

hon30critter

I'm also rather fussy about not cutting corners. I built a $4000 deck for $7000!Laugh

I know what you mean. I start a project and two days later I'm over budget and a week behind schedule.

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, October 3, 2016 8:02 AM

I have been a lone wolf modeller for many years as in not knowing anyone in the immediate area with a layout, but this past summer I took the plunge and joined the Barrie - Allandale Railroad Modellers Club. They are a great group of people and they have certainly been free in terms of offering advice. There is an interesting range of knowledge levels and skills amongst the club members.

I have been active on the MR forums and that is where most of my modelling contact has been.

However, as far as having other people work on my layout, that isn't something that I would be comfortable with unless I really knew that the other modeller(s) was highly skilled in the specific task. I figure I will make enough mistakes on my own without having to go back and re-do someone else's errors too. I'm also rather fussy about not cutting corners. I built a $4000 deck for $7000!Laugh

There is also the fact that if I have done the work myself I will know exactly what and how it was done (at least until my memory fades and I can't find my notes Smile, Wink & Grin).

Dave

 

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Monday, October 3, 2016 7:49 AM

Food for thought.If one is a true lone wolf why is he/she on a forum seeing a lone wolf is similar to a hermit?

I've walked the lone wolf path but,prefer to join a club and hang with modeler/railfans since we share a common interest.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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  • Member since
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  • From: Northeast OH
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Posted by tstage on Monday, October 3, 2016 6:40 AM

I enjoy socializing with other MRRers - particularly at train shows - and have gleaned quite a bit of information from knowledgeable folks right here on the forum, which I am very grateful for.  For the most part though I am a lone wolf when it comes to my layout because I like learning and doing my own work.

I guess I'd liken it to being an oil painter or illustrator: Make suggestions as to which colors to use and what various techniques might work best but...don't make a stroke on my canvas.  In my eyes it will become less of my expression because of it.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Monday, October 3, 2016 5:40 AM

Another lone wolf here.

Like mobilman44, I have no local buddies to share my passion. I wish that I did, but I don't, so I work on my layout by myself. I am fine with that situation. No interest in being a member of a club.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Southeast Texas
  • 5,449 posts
Posted by mobilman44 on Monday, October 3, 2016 5:37 AM

Don't feel alone............. I've been a serious lone wolf MR since the mid 1950s.  My idea of a layout is something I totally built by myself.  It's likely a character flaw, but I don't want anyone touching the layout - although advice and instruction is OK.

I don't have any local MR friends, and none of my kids or grandkids have a serious interest - and frankly I'm OK with that now.

All that said, I do have a couple of really good MR friends that I met on this forum (I'm in Houston, one is outside Chicago, one in the mountains of Montana) and I value them highly. 

The thing is, they are both lone wolf MRs as well, and our thoughts on the subject are pretty much the same.

 

ENJOY  !

 

Mobilman44

 

Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central 

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Tampa, Florida
  • 1,481 posts
Posted by cedarwoodron on Monday, October 3, 2016 5:02 AM

Being a lone wolf myself, I find its more a matter of time and opportunity issues that make it difficult to personally engage with other local model railroaders. Perhaps that may change as I fully retire in 4 years, when my schedule will be far more open.

That having been said, I don't feel like a lone wolf as I have relied on this forum, more than any other, to obtain advice (and offer some as well) on many hobby issues. The online community makes being a true lone wolf a thing of the past, provided one makes the effort to interact. Some live in areas where direct contact is hampered by distance, others live in Metro areas where contact may be more an option, but- as is my case at present- still problematic, due to time availability.

But all of us can easily be participating members of the greater modeling community- and it should remind us that we are never alone. A friendly response is just one posted message away at all times. For that, I am grateful to MR and my fellow forum members!

Cedarwoodron

 

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Culpeper, Va
  • 8,204 posts
Posted by IRONROOSTER on Monday, October 3, 2016 4:47 AM

TrainsRMe1
Hey all, I have a question for you, how many of you are lone wolf modelers, ( you have a layout that you work on alone)??

Yes

TrainsRMe1
have you ever had times that you wished you had some help with work on your layout, you would like to have fellow modelrailroaders helping you create your world??

No

I prefer to work alone at my own pace.  Whatever it is - it's all mine.  I did the group thing at work for many years before retiring.  Now I like doing the solo thing.

I do go to local NMRA division meetings when I can.  That and the online forums satisfy my socializing.  I go to train shows now with my son who is into O gauge Lionels in a big way.

Paul

If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.
  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Shenandoah Valley The Home Of Patsy Cline
  • 1,842 posts
Posted by superbe on Monday, October 3, 2016 2:45 AM

I am truly a lone wolf and am not interested in getting help to get the"job" done quicker or even better. I know my layout will never be considered an outstanding piece of work, but it really gives me a lot of personal satisfaction to know it's all mine for better or worse. I don't wnat to admire some one else's work. It's my baby with no compromises.

This is my first layout and my only regret is that I don't have time to build a second after my learning experience with this one.

This is not to say that there's anything wrong with guys working togther. It's just an individual decision.

Bob

 

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Monday, October 3, 2016 12:14 AM

I think all of us must have a couple of close friends in the hobby, and who wouldn't enjoy their company for a few hours, especially if they knew your plan and were willing to help out with scenery, track laying, wiring, etc.  I have thought about that.  However, the one guy I know really well is a lone wolf, even if he socializes several times weekly with photogs and modelers.  He likes to do his own stuff.  So do I.

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: west of Portland Oreg.( the city of Roses
  • 599 posts
"LONE WOLF MODELER"
Posted by TrainsRMe1 on Sunday, October 2, 2016 11:23 PM

Hey all,  I have a question for you, how many of you are lone wolf modelers, ( you have a layout that you work on alone)?? have you ever had times that you wished you had some help with work on your layout, you would like to have fellow modelrailroaders helping you create your world??  that's where I'am at right now, don't get me wrong I enjoy after a long hard day at work, being out in my trainroom enjoying peace and quite, but there are times I would like to have a operation session, or a contruction session, fellowshiping with fellow modlerailoders, sharing ideas, stories, tricks to the hobby, how would one get this idea off the ground???

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