Why Open Houses?

[Covina Mike]

I just came back from the fourth open house hosted by one of the clubs in my local area and this will probably be my last. I know this is going to open up a lot of impassioned discussion, but for the life of me I can't figure out why clubs open their doors to the public. My wife's experience in accompanying me to hobby shows and open houses is that model railroaders generally are a bunch of grumpy old men--a very unfriendly lot--and not a few of them are just a little weird. I get a little defensive when I hear that kind of characterization, but I'm beginning to wonder why it is that we come off that way. I know that many of us tend to be loners by nature, but at the same time, I would guess that most of us enjoy sharing what we really enjoy--model railroading--with others who have similar interests. That's why it absolutely baffles me that clubs will host open houses, presumably to boost their membership and to share the hobby with others, and be so unwelcoming to visitors. I think I am a pretty easy person to talk to. I've spent 25 years in the ministry talking to people and trying to make others feel comfortable. I don't think I appear to be unapproachable. I ask questions and show an interest in the work of others, and yet, in the four clubs I have visited, I have yet to have one person say, "Welcome." I have yet to have one person ask if I would have an interest in becoming a member. I have yet to have one person ask if I am new to the hobby or would like to know more about the hobby. In fact, not once has a member ever initiated a conversation--it's alway been me. It's almost like you're invisible at best, or an intrusion at worst. What gives? Am I missing something here--a secret handshake or something? Or, is this a hobby that is shared only among a few select friends? Just curious.

[cacole]

It must be something in the water where you live -- we have always had just the opposite attitude toward visitors at our open houses. We make every visitor feel welcome, offer free refreshments, wear club badges so visitors know who the members are if they have a question, and even let visitors bring their locomotives to test run on our layout if they so desire.

[rolleiman]

I can only speak for myself but many of the reasons you state are why I've never joined a club.. I'm not a people person to begin with.. I'll chat with Anybody online but I like knowing that if I choose to leave, all I have to do is change the weblink.. I think clubs in general, or at least the couple I've visited, are good ole boy networks and there has to be a death to create an opening.. Probably not that extreeme but it's the impression I got..

Jeff

[railroadyoshi]

very interesting points. I've encountered both the "leave me alone" type and the "well hi there!" type. I, personally, have seen more of the latter

[Anonymous]

Quite interesting! Our club has HO scale modules, and we cannot host the usual open houses. We display our layout at our own annual show in a rented area (school gym) and at other train shows. In fact we had the layout set up last weekend in a city about 65 miles from here.

I/we assume many visitors are just coming to see the trains, and probably not potential members. I confess we've never thought of your suggestions of welcoming them or inviting them to our club. We do have business cards available, and they have our website and e-mail address listed along with our meeting dates. I can't say we've really had a lot of feedback with this info.

Our meetings aren't all that interesting to newbies, as we spend most of the time on club business, very little on actual modeling. Some have showed up and most only stay for a meeting or two before deciding there isn't very much in it for them. Can't say I really blame them. The core members of our club have been together for 20 years, and we assume quite a lot about the hobby, probably scare others away.

Not to sure how we can improve, but your comments have given me food for thoughts

Thanks!

Bob Boudreau
Saint John Society of Model Railroaders

[bikerraypa]

I've only ever been to a few "club"-type functions. One group of people was very nice, and I still communicate with a couple of them to this day. The others, without exception, made me feel in the way. It seemed like they figured, "Well, we have to have an open house, but if we ignore them, maybe they'll just leave." I think the problem is mostly that, as part of an open house, they operate their layouts, and don't really have time (or desire, maybe) to talk to anyone - they're busy.

Open houses would generally be better served to have at least a couple of members *not* operating the layout, but rather just approaching visitors and going through the niceties and all that.

Likewise with meetings, as Mr. Boudreau points out. If I went to a club and had to sit through their business meetings, I'd probably die of boredom. A club should have a "designated hitter" who, at open houses or meetings when applicable, sort of attaches themself to the new folks.

Perhaps an approach of, "Thanks for coming to the meeting, I know the business end isn't very interesting, but if you'd like to come look around a bit I'll show you and answer whatever questions you may have while everyone else talks shop."

Just my 2 cents.


Ray

[nbrodar]

I've had generally good experiances with open houses. Usually the people are friendly and willing to talk.

Nick

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rolleiman

at least the couple I've visited, are good ole boy networks and there has to be a death to create an opening.. Probably not that extreeme but it's the impression I got..

Jeff

Well, some are! One of the big problems in the social aspect of the hobby is that many (not all) of the established members in a group tend to an exclusive attitude toward strangers. May be from of being uncomfortable more than "Go Away" actually. And, I have seen just the opposite from some people who will stop you on the street and say, Hey, didn't I see you at the LHS or Openhouse, or Division Meet the other day. Certainly those that make people feel that they are not wanted are definately counterproductive. Many clubs would be wise to re-examine why they are having the OpenHouse in the first place.

[skiloff]

It is kind of funny. There is a club that has two open houses every week here, because the mall is giving them free space, as long as they open it up on busier days when lots of families might come through. The first time I was there, a man approached me right away, gave me a brochure and asked me if I've ever done any modelling, etc. He encouraged me to come out to a meeting (though I haven't been able to). The next few times we went (I always take my six year old son - who knows very well that the trains are delicate and he treats them extremely well, better than many modellers, I would say), we barely got a look from the guys there. Then I happened to be standing beside a train just as it derailed. My first instinct was to catch it before it fell to the floor, so I grabbed it and I got a dirty look for touching the train. Then another time we went, an older gentleman took my son aside and showed him how to use the Digitrax remote and let him drive the train around and around. I don't think I need to tell you how much he talked about that trip. What I do find is that many model railroaders look at the kids like they are automatically going to break something. I don't think that helps get kids involved. If you have an open house, use an older engine that you aren't really concerned whether it gets broken or not. Let the kids run the trains. You might find they actually take better care than most adults. Sorry, rambling.

[jrbernier]

Just came back from 'Sunday Duty' at our club's Open House. The layout space was cleaned up, floor vacuum'ed, and loose object cleaned off of the layout over the past 2 weeks. Refreshments, cookies(train shaped) and donuts were served. We had everyone sign our guest book, and we may get some new members out of this(main reason for the show). All members has 'clean' clothes or new club logo shirts on.
Yesterday, I went to a MR 'flea market' - all the types that the original poster mentioned were in attendance.......
Being 'cleaned up', greeting guests, and having a 'clean' train room does wonders!

Jim Bernier

[Paul3]

I'm a 12-year veteran of my club and 30 years old, and in our collective defense, for every "grumpy old member", there is an irresponsible visitor (or two) in their history. I've seen some pretty weird things done at my club by visitors:

1) A new brass SP Daylight (at least $500) by Key Imports was having a little trouble leaving the yard with a new train (wheels spinning, etc.). A "helpful" older visitor decided to increase the loco's traction by pressing down on the boiler with his finger, effectively pinning it to the track. I mean, he pressed so hard the wheels stopped turning, for pete's sake.

2) A young (under 10) visitor knocked over a brass electric ($700) that was parked in a yard onto the next track. That's ok, kids want to touch, and we understand when it happens. What was kinda crazy was the reaction afterwards. The father of the kid was right there, and he immediately grabbed the loco (wince), set if quickly upright (but not on the rail), grabbed the kid, and disappeared into the crowd. Of course, this was my engine it happened to, and I was watching the whole thing from our dispatcher's viewpoint. Let me tell you, my heart was in my throat until I saw that no damage had been done. [:)]

3) But what is much more unbelieveable is when the kids are touching things right under the noses of their parents or grandparents, and the adults say nothing (or even encourage them!). Ripping out trees, derailing cars and locos, etc.

4) At our old club location, we had low ceilings. And yet, every year, some father would hoist their kid on their shoulders and run their little noggins into a light fixture. Sigh.

5) But my favorite visitor story of all time was actually not during an Open House. We were at the club during a pretty nice day, so we had the doors open. We're in a park, so there are a lot of joggers and dogwalkers around. Well, there was only a couple of us in the building, all at one end. I had to go fetch something or other from the far end where our lockers are, and I see this 10-12 year old girl leaving the building out one of the open doors. I found this rather strange (most people who walk in say "Hello" or something, or at least introduce themselves). She obviously wasn't stealing anything, so I thought nothing of it...until I got into our locker room/model shop. There was a puddle (not a pile, thank goodness) of you-know-what in the corner of the room! She had obviously come in looking for a bathroom (which we do have), and couldn't find it (it's at the far end where we were). So she decided to relieve herself on the concrete floor, instead of going around the back of the building, into the woods, anyplace but in the middle of a concrete floor.

Paul A. Cutler III
*****************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
*****************

[Train 284]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Paul3

I'm a 12-year veteran of my club and 30 years old, and in our collective defense, for every "grumpy old member", there is an irresponsible visitor (or two) in their history. I've seen some pretty weird things done at my club by visitors:

1) A new brass SP Daylight (at least $500) by Key Imports was having a little trouble leaving the yard with a new train (wheels spinning, etc.). A "helpful" older visitor decided to increase the loco's traction by pressing down on the boiler with his finger, effectively pinning it to the track. I mean, he pressed so hard the wheels stopped turning, for pete's sake.

2) A young (under 10) visitor knocked over a brass electric ($700) that was parked in a yard onto the next track. That's ok, kids want to touch, and we understand when it happens. What was kinda crazy was the reaction afterwards. The father of the kid was right there, and he immediately grabbed the loco (wince), set if quickly upright (but not on the rail), grabbed the kid, and disappeared into the crowd. Of course, this was my engine it happened to, and I was watching the whole thing from our dispatcher's viewpoint. Let me tell you, my heart was in my throat until I saw that no damage had been done. [:)]

3) But what is much more unbelieveable is when the kids are touching things right under the noses of their parents or grandparents, and the adults say nothing (or even encourage them!). Ripping out trees, derailing cars and locos, etc.

4) At our old club location, we had low ceilings. And yet, every year, some father would hoist their kid on their shoulders and run their little noggins into a light fixture. Sigh.

5) But my favorite visitor story of all time was actually not during an Open House. We were at the club during a pretty nice day, so we had the doors open. We're in a park, so there are a lot of joggers and dogwalkers around. Well, there was only a couple of us in the building, all at one end. I had to go fetch something or other from the far end where our lockers are, and I see this 10-12 year old girl leaving the building out one of the open doors. I found this rather strange (most people who walk in say "Hello" or something, or at least introduce themselves). She obviously wasn't stealing anything, so I thought nothing of it...until I got into our locker room/model shop. There was a puddle (not a pile, thank goodness) of you-know-what in the corner of the room! She had obviously come in looking for a bathroom (which we do have), and couldn't find it (it's at the far end where we were). So she decided to relieve herself on the concrete floor, instead of going around the back of the building, into the woods, anyplace but in the middle of a concrete floor.

Paul A. Cutler III
*****************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
*****************

Looks like you have had your share of adventures!

All the clubs that I have been to a couple local ones and one in southern Oregon, everyone, everytime I have been there, were always friendly and willing to help with any questions.

Just typing that paragraph reminded me of a story...

A couple years ago, my dad, sister and me went to the Yreka Western R.R. (www.yrekawesternrr.com) to go for a train ride. A model railroad club occupies the main part of the depot and is a real attraction. My sister and I were walking slowly around the layout looking at the different scenes and watching the trains go by. Being a model railroader myself, my sister knew very well not to touch anything. One member glanced over at us and said"Would you to like to come back and run trains?" I was speechless and said "Yes" of course. We went to the operating area of the layout by the staging yard and the man introduced us to the operator however I forgot his name. He was very nice and gave both me and my sister a train to operate and explained the controls. We were having a contest to see who could stop their train closest to the station with the "momentum" on. Then we started talking about all kinds of train things. It was a great experience.

[CANADIANPACIFIC2816]

You will run into all kinds of people at open houses, and I think it is because of the social, or shall I say anti-social makeup of people. I've been to two fall meets of the Burlington Route Historical Society, I've been to a couple NMRA conventions and I have been to a few club shows within a couple hundred miles of where I live and I have encountered people who were very down to earth and real friendly. And I have met people who were directly the opposite in terms of social behavior. We are always going to have peolple like this out there. It is simply a part of human nature.

One of the purposes of an open house is to promote the hobby and at the same time, raise money for a club's coffers. My argument is that if you don't answer questions that a visitor might have, if you don't invite visitors in to see the layout from our vantage point, if you don't hand a throttle to a youngster and give him some coaching in running a train, then how in the world are you going to promote the hobby of model trains?

CANADIANPACIFIC2816

[Anonymous]

I met a man at an NMRA function this summer. His last name was the same as one of our local "celebreties"-at least the "celeb" is an old timer around town and there is a piece of interstate bearing his name (the "XXXX Memorial Freeway"). I asked the man I just met if he was a relative. "Unfortunately yes" was his growling reply, followed by his negative opinion of this famous relative. I ran into this same man at an operating session on local layout (which was once featured on the cover of MR) last week. He was a different person and we got along extremely well. Who can tell with people?

[cwclark]

I understand where you are coming from..I also went to two layouts this past weekend and have come to the conclusion that it's the individual not the group as a whole...the first layout i visited was a very well done HO layout but the host was a a bit preoccupied and was more interested in talking to his buddies there than any outsider...maybe it was a fear of strangers in his layout domain..I really can't tell you...the second layout i went to was another well done layout in N scale..the host was very friendly and did a lot of talking and explaining what this was or what that was...I felt right at home in his layout...another thing i've noticed is that it may not be the individual at all, but the cause of the unfriendliness is the layout itself....some of the guys on the throttles where so busy trying their best to keep up with the trains running that they really didn't have time to sit and chat with the guests...you know how that is...walk away from the train and a disaster is in the making....I found this so true ..the guys running the trains were really trying to keep up with them that the slightest distraction would be the makings of a derailment or a car separating from the train...can't really blame them there....chuck

[cnw4001]

Our club open houses are often good fund raisers with a donation jar at the entrance. We do get new members as a result but not too often.

As has happened to others mentioned in this thread we too have had major theft during the event. Custom painted engines.

As to whether you meet friendly folks at open houses I agree with other posts, you find a cross section of humanity there and that's the case in any phase of life.

Dale

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cwclark

but the cause of the unfriendliness is the layout itself....some of the guys on the throttles where so busy trying their best to keep up with the trains running that they really didn't have time to sit and chat with the guests...you know how that is...walk away from the train and a disaster is in the making....I found this so true ..the guys running the trains were really trying to keep up with them that the slightest distraction would be the makings of a derailment or a car separating from the train...can't really blame them there....chuck

Absolutely! It is amazing the number of people who want to have a conversation with you when you are concentrating on doing your job. I've had people come up to me at church back when I was an organist and want to discuss the weather or some other latest news while I am trying to play the postlude, or the ones who want to tell me all about the band they saw last week while I'm getting the sound system tuned for the band that is playing this week..... And, they all think that I must have had a bad day because I told them to "GO AWAY!". (I am generally known to be a friendly, outgoing person. Like off the scale extrovert on the Myers-Briggs scale. LOL) That is the big reason why at a club openhouse, there should be members assigned to greeting people and answering questions. Others, if available, should be watching guests to keep them from doing those things that they didn't know were no-nos. But absolutely, do not bother the people running the trains!

[railroadyoshi]

Hm, well, i'm hoping for the best on the 28th. I'm visiting Keith Shoneman's layout during the Tour de Chooch.He lives some 2.5 miles from me, 15 minutes on bike, 5 minutes by car. Last time I visited was 3 years ago or so. This time i'm hoping with all my heart that he'll offer me an oppurtunity to participate in an operating session![:D][:I][:)][:P][:P][:P][C):-)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Covina Mike

I just came back from the fourth open house hosted by one of the clubs in my local area and this will probably be my last. I know this is going to open up a lot of impassioned discussion, but for the life of me I can't figure out why clubs open their doors to the public. My wife's experience in accompanying me to hobby shows and open houses is that model railroaders generally are a bunch of grumpy old men--a very unfriendly lot--and not a few of them are just a little weird. I get a little defensive when I hear that kind of characterization, but I'm beginning to wonder why it is that we come off that way. I know that many of us tend to be loners by nature, but at the same time, I would guess that most of us enjoy sharing what we really enjoy--model railroading--with others who have similar interests. That's why it absolutely baffles me that clubs will host open houses, presumably to boost their membership and to share the hobby with others, and be so unwelcoming to visitors. I think I am a pretty easy person to talk to. I've spent 25 years in the ministry talking to people and trying to make others feel comfortable. I don't think I appear to be unapproachable. I ask questions and show an interest in the work of others, and yet, in the four clubs I have visited, I have yet to have one person say, "Welcome." I have yet to have one person ask if I would have an interest in becoming a member. I have yet to have one person ask if I am new to the hobby or would like to know more about the hobby. In fact, not once has a member ever initiated a conversation--it's alway been me. It's almost like you're invisible at best, or an intrusion at worst. What gives? Am I missing something here--a secret handshake or something? Or, is this a hobby that is shared only among a few select friends? Just curious.

I have lived and visited clubs in the Southern California area for thirty or more years, and have received most every type of good and bad welcoming to the open house events.

It is not only the Model railroad clubs, it is just sort of the busy attitude that people get today and who knows what is the problem. Most clubs certainly do this out of tradition and outreach to get new people interested, but clubs can have a tendency to shoot their own feet so to speak, when their greeters are not friendly. I also noticed that many are my age and even a little older and maybe not really interested in taking much. This is sad when an open house is really open for all to see and you should be able to ask questions. Don't get me wrong, I put myself in that category too sometimes, but try not to show it to others when they are interested in something I might have knowledge of.

I certainly have asked many questions at show, but only after complementing the high points and giving certain praise just to break the ice for the hard core members. I once was in a club that is now gone, and ran trains during several open houses. It was certainly fun to watch the kid’s eyes as they watched one of my GS4’s with the mars light working coming out the tunnels. It was fun to answer questions if you are not running and that is why they should have a host doing that.

I visited the great San Diego club museum last year and was really overwhelmed by the gracious attitude of their staff. They run seven days a week fifty two weeks a year with only two or three holidays off if I remember correctly, but John noticed I was interested and never really asked about my background, he just asked if we wanted to come back into the layout and get a tour. We received a royal tour and they really have a fantastic layout to tour also. The loop was not completed yet while we were there, but the whole layout is so entertaining, I could watch it all day.

So don't blame yourself, unless you know why you should, but just realize some of these people are not in Public relations.

[SpaceMouse]

Hmm,

IF all the memebers of my club were not really nice, I probably would not have joined.

I can't imagine them being grumpy to the public.

[Anonymous]

Well, there are all sorts in this hobby. We do seem to have more than our share of grumpy old men in my experience. And while I won't yet qutie subscribe to old, I am a male and more than a big grumpy.

I have been amazed at times at how inhospitable, and nearly resentful of my very presence, folks have been at shows, open houses and the like. Not always, there are plenty of good experiences. But the folks who act as though you're an imposition are common enough to take note.

Now, when we're talking about guests at an actual operating session, that's a different story. I agree that having people hover and pester when you're trying to do something is annoying. But I like the idea of a "pinch hitter" to handle visitors... if you're not prepared to deal with visitors/guests in that or some other way, then you ought to impose and enforce a "members only" rule at op sessions.

I have to agree with the original point here, though. If you are a grumpy old railroader, then don't have an open house, don't attend the open house, or suck it up, slap a smile on your face and act nice. (For me, the latter is easy, I just act like I do when my wife's family comes over!)

Only semi-related, but interesting I think:

Having said all that... The other way I use up all my free time is with vintage cars. And the folks at car shows put any model railroader I've ever met to shame. They not only have the 'don't bug me' and 'go away, yer bothering me' in spades, but often add a distinct element of la-di-dah to it: The type of car I own and my focus in that hobby mean I'm generally attending "concourse" shows. I restored and work on my car myself, but A LOT of the hobby in this arena is folks who can't even change their own oil, but who can write gi-normous checks to the specialists. It often boils down to a bunch of old rich guys playing at "who's is bigger?" (their bank accounts, I mean).

I'm already a rogue in their company since I actually drive my car (the shock! the horror!)... But what I really love to do is watch the bored-out-of-their-minds kids passing row after row of "DON'T TOUCH ON PAIN OF DEATH!!!!!" type signs and then invite them to sit in mine, honk the horn, make "vroom vroom" noises and so forth. The look on those other guys' faces is priceless! Part of it may be because I also have the trains - after considering the damage an over-eager six year old can cause to a loco, and how long it would take me to fix _that_, I have a hard time getting worked up over "they might get a fingerprint on the gearshift!!!".

[Anonymous]

That's great (and the appropriate response) TA, but think about something else.

What about the folks we see a fair amount of here. The "newbies"... Often younger, often trying to get started in their first layout, maybe someone bought them a bachmann box set and they're looking to go from there, maybe had a layout at home and now want to get a little more serious that they're on their own. Your 15-22 year old "I'm trying to learn" sort.

Usually I am proud of the reception they get here... But think about it. What if you're that kid going to the local club "open house" to try and get involved with your fellow hobbyists? What if you're going there seeking some fraternal advice on your 4x8? What if you do not have the modeling experience, life experience, confidence to just laugh it off. Isn't it likely it will put you off the whole thing? Maybe you'll become one of the "trains are for kids and grumpy old farts" folks, buying the stereotype? You don't get a second chance at first impressions...

Many of us here can say "to heck with those jerks" and blow it off. I can say "fine, don't invite them back" you can say "I just laugh it off"... I'm not worried about us, I'm worried about the younger folks in our hobby (more specifically the lack thereof).

[retsignalmtr]

in the last month i've been to two club open house's and operated my clubs modular layout at a mall show and a semi large train show. at one open house the one club member in attendance had a hard time running trains without derailing due to many (obvious to any viewer) track defects. when i pointed out what the member could do to stop some of the derailments he imediatly got some tools and made the adjustments needed. i had a nice time there and he asked me more about my club than i did of his. i also invited him to come to my club on any meeting night. at the shows i was able to answer questions while running trains and if i couldn't answer i sent them to a member who could. several months ago we had an open house for a boy scout troop. we let them operate trains but it was hard to teach them about scale speed. we operate informally but all our members are outgoing and will answer questions and help promote the hobby. thats why we have shows and attend others. we are always asking people to come to our club and maybe join or just visit. i'd rather go to see an operating model railroad than go to a museum to see paint splashed on a board by someone who's been dead for over a hundred years.

[gvdobler]

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

Originally posted by cwclark

but the cause of the unfriendliness is the layout itself....some of the guys on the throttles where so busy trying their best to keep up with the trains running that they really didn't have time to sit and chat with the guests...you know how that is...walk away from the train and a disaster is in the making....I found this so true ..the guys running the trains were really trying to keep up with them that the slightest distraction would be the makings of a derailment or a car separating from the train...can't really blame them there....chuck

I think this is part of the problem. Not one thing in that paragraph sounds inviting to a guest.

If your club is going to have an open house then it should be an open house not an operating session with people watching.

New people want to see trains run. Have some running that don't require mission launch attention and have people with no other function than to greet guests.

When we host an open house selling real estate we want the lights on and everything picked up and neat and the owners gone. I know you can't do that but the idea is so people feel at ease not unwelcome.

Whoever is in charge should make it clear to the membership that it is an open house not a club meeting. If you don't want to be there stay home.

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