Model railroading as an art form

[tstage]

Does it really matter?  If one desires recognition for their MRRing efforts then the best place to start is probably joining the NMRA.  YouTube is another good venue that will allow a modeler to exhibit their talents to a wider audience.

Personally, I enjoy MRRing because 1) I like trains, 2) enjoy incorporating certain learned skills to enhancing that enjoyment, and 3) enjoy sharing what I have learned with others in the hope that it will enhance their own enjoyment.  I have NO interest in changing the world's view of MRRing; it will always be skewed and misunderstood - like a lot of artistic endeavors - and really is of no consequence to me in my own enjoyment of the hobby.

Tom

[Mr Ron]

True, but not the recognization that comes to artists, musicians and other art practioners; especially the monetary rewards that come with art.

[Track fiddler]

Good evening Mr Ron

I do believe some already have.  John Allen being one of them and there is more.

 

 

TF

[Mr Ron]

    There are three classical forms of art; painting, sculpture and architecture In addition there is the dance, music, literature and other performing arts. All of these are recognized worldwide as forms of expression. Fine arts became a separated skill as opposed to the decorative or applied arts. Those practicing the fine arts have made their mark on the world with their contributions to society. There is a great amount of notoriety that goes with being famous in the art world along with great monetary rewards. The world of architecture also has its art creators; Frank Lloyd Wright being the most recognized among the thousands of living and dead architects. What has this to do with model railroading.

    Architects of buildings use models of their design to present an illustration in 3 dimensions that people can see and be able to understand. The model is made in a scale that is large enough, but not overpowering. What happens to the models that architects make. Most times they become displays in their office if they are good enough to become award winning architecture; many are scrapped. In model railroading, we see a scale model of a locomotive, scenery, structure depicting a full size slice of everyday life. To me, that puts model railroading at a skill level that can be considered art. Yet model railroaders do not enjoy all the notoriety and fame that practioners of the other arts enjoy. Of course model railroaders fall into several groups; those who build kits or buy RTR models and those who devote all their artistic skill to produce a model that others can enjoy. I would like to see top modelers being recognized for their work by a worldwide organization. It’s time model railroaders were recognized for their craft instead of someone who plays with trains. Naturally not all of us model railroaders can compete on a world stage nor can all painters or musicians compete. But model railroaders should be considered an artist the same as a painter or musician or performer is with the rewards that come with such notoriety.