I finally had custom passes printed for the STRATTON AND GILLETTE. Personalized passes for your layout used to be a great part of the hobby.
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With the help of this thread, these are the rules I came up with for the back of the pass:
1) This is my layout.
2) No touching.
3) No picture taking.
4) No pets or children.
5) I do not care one bit how the real prototype railroads ever did anything.
6) No talking about the amazing imaginary layout you might build one day.
7) Any comments about anything you do not like must be kept to yourself.
8) If you think you could do better, go do it, but do not talk about it today.
9) You must leave immediately if the host becomes bored with your presence.
10) No smoking, food, drink, loose clothing, or anything else is ever allowed.
Rule 6 is funny right now, because my future layout, and even the layout room, do not exist right now.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190 Most important rule: . DON'T ASK HOW MUCH IT COST! . It was very expensive, but it cost more in time than in dollars. . Back when I had the "Dream House" layout and the "Spare Bedroom" layout I would let visitors in to see them. . This is my experience: . Model Railroaders: Less than 10% are enjoyable visitors. Other Hobbiests: About 50% are enjoyable visitors. Non-Hobbiests: About 95% are enjoyable visitors. . I enjoy sharing. I love excitement when people see the layout. I don't care how many anachronisms, off-prototype anomolies, or picky errors you can find. . I especially don't want to hear about how your future fantasy non-existent layout is so much better than mine. . -Kevin .
Most important rule:
DON'T ASK HOW MUCH IT COST!
It was very expensive, but it cost more in time than in dollars.
Back when I had the "Dream House" layout and the "Spare Bedroom" layout I would let visitors in to see them.
This is my experience:
Model Railroaders: Less than 10% are enjoyable visitors.
Other Hobbiests: About 50% are enjoyable visitors.
Non-Hobbiests: About 95% are enjoyable visitors.
I enjoy sharing. I love excitement when people see the layout. I don't care how many anachronisms, off-prototype anomolies, or picky errors you can find.
I especially don't want to hear about how your future fantasy non-existent layout is so much better than mine.
Yes, us model railroaders are a bunch of stuffy introvert types.......
I have been involved in running open houses since I was a teen at the Severna Park Model Railroad Club.
Like Howard, I can happily report very few problems of any kind.
Several members of the round robin I was once active in were on the NMRA convention tours when the convention was in Phily, again we had no troubles - even with snooty rivet counting NMRA types........
That round robin group did however have to ask a member to leave the group, as he was unable to observe some of the simple etiquette listed in the beginning of this thread...........
I have been to Howards, he is a most gracious host.
I have been to a great many open houses here in the Mid Atlantic, where houses have basements and amazing numbers of them are filled with model trains.....
Lots of great layouts to see......
Sheldon
I've seen several layouts, but I don't usually ask questions- I'll let the docent/owner/operator fill me in on any interesting facts, so I don't seem pushy or over eager.
I've been hesitant to take photos of layouts-privacy deal again- but if the owner is cool with it, I'll shoot enough to get a general feel of it. Like how I do railfanning-never take photos with faces visable.
I've operated on Bob Prehoda's Huntingdon Northern layout before. I actually went just to see the layout in person during a NMRA division meeting, but Bob had other plans. I pulled in a few mintues after he opened the layout, and there were already people there running. He introduced himself (apparently my name is getting around the model railroad community in a GOOD POSITIVE WAY), and gave me a throttle for a "run through" train to get familar with the layout. Then after a bit, I traded that throttle to a younger kid, and I got a throttle to work the coal mine.
I personally always am "afraid" to run other people's equipment, and always seemingly run slow with it-being careful with it.
My club's layout is only open to general public November-January (private tours available if you contact a member, and we can get manpower down there), but we always have at least three club members present- one to run the open house consists(all the throttles are plugged in, at the helix room), one to stand in the hallway and keep an eye on the visitors, and one sits in the meeting room, answering questions on the artifacts located back there. Hopefully, we're gonna start having operations soon, so as soon as we do, 'll let you know our rules for that.
(My Model Railroad, My Rules)
These are the opinions of an under 35 , from the east end of, and modeling, the same section of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway. As well as a freelanced road (Austinville and Dynamite City railroad).
riogrande5761 Doughless I've been to NMRA home-layout visits and generally speaking, the folks who take those tours are not in the hobby, and I find them to be completely respectful of the owners property and effort it took to build the layout. Interesting. I've never been on NRMA tours, although I imagine there could be some cool layouts to see. I would have thought those would be populated by model railroaders. How is it non-hobbiests are going on the NMRA tours? How do they even know about them? For some reason, the ones who are in the hobby seem to default to a level of competition over knowledge, skills, accuracy, and the typical things people compete over if they aren't careful. A case of where some, or too much specific knowledge but with no bridle or social monitoring ends up resulting in less than ideal social situations.
Doughless I've been to NMRA home-layout visits and generally speaking, the folks who take those tours are not in the hobby, and I find them to be completely respectful of the owners property and effort it took to build the layout.
I've been to NMRA home-layout visits and generally speaking, the folks who take those tours are not in the hobby, and I find them to be completely respectful of the owners property and effort it took to build the layout.
Interesting. I've never been on NRMA tours, although I imagine there could be some cool layouts to see. I would have thought those would be populated by model railroaders. How is it non-hobbiests are going on the NMRA tours? How do they even know about them?
For some reason, the ones who are in the hobby seem to default to a level of competition over knowledge, skills, accuracy, and the typical things people compete over if they aren't careful.
A case of where some, or too much specific knowledge but with no bridle or social monitoring ends up resulting in less than ideal social situations.
Good point, there are yellow signs nearby and I think some of the visitors are regulars. I'll be safe and say that usually only one in the family group is interested in trains, and they keep their distance while the hobbyist keeps his manners.
Maybe its the lack of freedom brought about by the setting that inhibits boorish behavior.
Yes. There are some wonderful layouts on those tours, and very gracious hosts.
- Douglas
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
riogrande5761 Welcome to the hobby. Sadly there seems to be a fairly high percentage of socially dysfunctional people in the train hobby, including vendors and folks who are manufacturing models as well. One guy lost himself a sale recently by being rude to a customer who was just trying to buy a model from him. I guess this company/importer feels we need his stuff more than he needs the customer. SMH But I guess social dysfunction isn't limited to train manufacturing exclusively, or the hobby. Sometimes people earn the stereo type that many of us end up facing.
Welcome to the hobby. Sadly there seems to be a fairly high percentage of socially dysfunctional people in the train hobby, including vendors and folks who are manufacturing models as well. One guy lost himself a sale recently by being rude to a customer who was just trying to buy a model from him. I guess this company/importer feels we need his stuff more than he needs the customer. SMH
But I guess social dysfunction isn't limited to train manufacturing exclusively, or the hobby. Sometimes people earn the stereo type that many of us end up facing.
Kids will be kids and that's understandable, but the visitors with the hobby background tend to take more liberties with the owner's layout and comments than what a nonhobbyist seems to think is appropriate.
Doughless It fits the stereotype of the creepy train guy in the basement who never bothered to care about learning basic social skills.
Doughless,They need people skills at work no doubt but,transform into a bumbling self centered baboon the very moment they step into a train room or basement.
The sad part that mood stays with them when they go to clubs or train shows.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
People have reported that happening so that is a risk. All you can do is minimize hopefully.
The only issue that really bothers me about this thread is the realization that someone on a tour may steal something. Color me naive.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Doughless Wow, some of these stories about what visitors did or do is concerning. It fits the stereotype of the creepy train guy in the basement who never bothered to care about learning basic social skills. One of the most annoying is the lack of self awareness when they are hogging the hosts time by talking to him about how much they know. Some of this stuff has nothing to do with trains. Its seems like basically impolite people who got into the model train hobby.
Wow, some of these stories about what visitors did or do is concerning. It fits the stereotype of the creepy train guy in the basement who never bothered to care about learning basic social skills.
One of the most annoying is the lack of self awareness when they are hogging the hosts time by talking to him about how much they know.
Some of this stuff has nothing to do with trains. Its seems like basically impolite people who got into the model train hobby.
bogp40 Coat rack is not only a conveinence, but stops all that coat sleeve damaage even for the pointers.
Coat rack is not only a conveinence, but stops all that coat sleeve damaage even for the pointers.
And if coats are off, less places to hide things the nefarious may want take with them.
BRAKIE When I visit a layout I'm to engross at looking at the layout for any industry ideas I might be able to ste--er,ah,borrow. The majority-well at least 90% - of the layouts I have visited the owners knows how I like to take in the details and scenes so,seeing me slightly bent forward with my hands behind my back doesn't make them think I'm Mr.McGoo. At two of the basement empires there was a coat rack to hang your coat or jacket..A very nice touch.
When I visit a layout I'm to engross at looking at the layout for any industry ideas I might be able to ste--er,ah,borrow.
The majority-well at least 90% - of the layouts I have visited the owners knows how I like to take in the details and scenes so,seeing me slightly bent forward with my hands behind my back doesn't make them think I'm Mr.McGoo.
At two of the basement empires there was a coat rack to hang your coat or jacket..A very nice touch.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
bearman Rio..if you have a layout big enough that the public, railroaders and non-railroaders alike, would be interested in touring it, then it is not impolite to have a sign at the entrance that lays out the basic rules in big block letters. Other facilities, e.g. museums, certain retail stores etc. have sign with the necessary admonishments, why not a layout?
Rio..if you have a layout big enough that the public, railroaders and non-railroaders alike, would be interested in touring it, then it is not impolite to have a sign at the entrance that lays out the basic rules in big block letters. Other facilities, e.g. museums, certain retail stores etc. have sign with the necessary admonishments, why not a layout?
100% agree. Prevention is better than cure.
marksrailroad The only other layout than mine that I come in contact with on a regular basis belongs to a friend which had me to build it for him some years ago. Now each time I go to visit him he wants me to do some kind of work on it...
The only other layout than mine that I come in contact with on a regular basis belongs to a friend which had me to build it for him some years ago. Now each time I go to visit him he wants me to do some kind of work on it...
I used to know a guy in Indiana where I went to college who was building a very ambitious layout in his basement. Last I heard, he had worn out his welcome with a number of club buddies who he depended on for making progress on the layout.
As for other peoples layouts. I keep my hands to myself and just look them over and pay my respects. It's the non-model railroaders that you have to worry about.
Of course posting all of these rules and recommendations here are fine, but how to you get those sods who visit to follow them, I'd guess the majoriity of them don't read this forum. Hmmm? Preaching to the choir may not help much ... unless it just makes you feel better. But feelings are no good if they don't change your experience.
There lies the rub. I think you'd have to have an iron stomach to have lots of people come visit the layout.
SeeYou190...I do not have a layout worthy of a "tour". It is 60 foot mainline and approximately 55 sf total. However, whenever non-hobbyiest friends visit, they always want to see the layout and are filled with questions about it. I generally offer the basics of how it is operated and there are always questions about the materials used to construct the scenery.
When my club showed up at my house for our monthly meeting, they were also filled with questions about operations and scenery. I took some special delight to point out some of the problems that had to be fixed or tweaked and we all got a good laugh out of it. I have never had to answer the how much does it cost question. The only time that issue has come up is when a friend sometimes comes over with her dog. The first time I told her that I had gone to some expense with the layout and I would prefer that the dog not be allowed in my trian room. She said she understood.
In my line of work, my coworkers actually have an interest in the model trains and can appreciate the work required to make them the art that they are. (For safety new models are shipped to my work address.)
So some of my coworkers could fall into the would-be or will-be model railroader category. One guy wants to model a major eastern railroad complex truss bridge using 3D printed parts, and he has the cadd and bridge detailing skills to complete the task well, and we recently located a decent set of plans, thanks to folks on these forums.
Occasionally I take these coworkers to the better layouts (not mine) for a tour.
John
Little TimmyI alway's give the host a custom lettered / painted car from the Demon's Hollow & Pacific. It's my way of saying "Thank you"
I have the same practice.
There is STRATTON & GILLETTE equipment scattered hither, thither, and yon because of this tradition.
I have visited many layout's over the year's. The other's here have given good "rule's " to follow ... but I go one step further. at the end of the " tour / operating session, I alway's give the host a custom lettered / painted car from the Demon's Hollow & Pacific. It's my way of saying "Thank you" for putting up with me, and my question's. ( I have even given a DH&P SD-9 ..... now EVERYBODY want's one ! )
Rust...... It's a good thing !
Howard Zane Without visitors, what is the purpose of it all? Art literally has no meaning if it is not shared.
Without visitors, what is the purpose of it all? Art literally has no meaning if it is not shared.
I like that. Thanks, Howard.
Ed
Great topic...I now average around 1500 visitors per year, and other than a few thefts and even lessor number of butt heads....I love sharing the pike and fielding questions and comments. I can honestly say that 99.9% of visitors have been terrific on all counts. Occasionally I open the layout for groups of elementary school kids. I ask (insist) that all cell phone/devices remain upstairs. Give a kid a DCC throttle, and he/she is hooked....(at least to they become reaquainted with their device.)
At the top of the stairs is an old antique Russian stove which prior to kids arriving, I place some plastic novelty bones, and chorcoal powder under the stove...... "Now gather around kiddies.....any of you know what this is?...referring to the stove. Not yet, has one kid answered correctly, so I tell them that it is a Bulgarian kid cooker explaining that for centuries Bulgarians have cooked kids if they fondle adult toys. Almost everytime levity does the trick....well it is better than duck taping their hands together! (no insult meant for Bulgarians as just the name sounds neat)
What I have done now to alleviate possible thefts is not allowing coats, boxes (including camera bags), and any kind of shopping bag. Actually not allowing coats or loose clothing is quite a bit easier on the scenery close to aisles. I do encourage photos and video, and I'm honored that folks want to shoot the pike.
HZ
Layout tours and Operating sessions: Two of my favorite parts of the hobby - both as a visitor and a host. It is worth noting that Layout tours and Operating sessions are different types of events.
At layout tours one follows all of the rules suggested here. Especially don’t touch layout surfaces or equipment. You are a guest of the layout owner and best behavior is always advised. I have hosted many tours and have had very few problems with visitors. Most are train guys and their friends who are interested in seeing the layout and know the rules well. We have a great time. For me, hosting tours is one of the highlights of the hobby.
OPs sessions are quite a bit different in that the visitor/operator will have to interact with the layout and equipment. The layout owner will generally outline the rules regarding re-railing equipment, food in the trainroom etc... I generally don’t invite operators to the layout that I don’t trust to be careful and respectful with the trains and layout infrastructure. No long sleeves or heavy coats to avoid dangling sleeves that will catch scenery items.
It is also important for the layout owner/designer to build the layout so that operators don’t have to reach over delicate scenery items in the course of regular operations. I put away fragile models that might get broken during a session that are not easy to repair. I have a series of trees at the front of the layout that are removable for OPs to make it easier for operators to reach trains in the scene.
Operations is another great aspect of the hobby I enjoy. Our group has been together for the past 18 years, so everyone knows the drill and we have fun.
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
Mine would be, even if you are a "professional" model railroader, don't get this idea that you are entitled to even the simple things like putting a derailed car back. What you should do is find the owner of the train and kindly inform him of the problem.
I'm beginning to realize that Windows 10 and sound decoders have a lot in common. There are so many things you have to change in order to get them to work the way you want.
MisterBeasley I saw this on a modular layout at a local train show.
I saw this on a modular layout at a local train show.
I saw something similar to this at a club. It was a big apothecary jar or a gallon-size pickle jar or something filled with liquid and 15 or 20 various fingers and thumbs. No sign, no commentary, no warning or anything . . . just a big jar of stumpy fingers.
LINK to SNSR Blog
John and Other Posters: If my "layout" had a calendar it would read somewhere in the 1940s - the actual calendar on my wall reads 2018. Social graces and norms have changed in those 78 years. Individuals and clubs that open their layouts up for public inspections and viewings will get the public of 2018. I am sorry to bring such a shadow to this thread but there is a risk taken when you do this open houses.
Old Fat Robert
I've gotten this on a couple occasions .... people who come to see your layout and spend the entire time talking about THEIR layout and how THEY do things. If that's only where your interest lies, talking about yourself, stay at home on Facebook.
Mark.
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