HELLLPPP! I know nothing and I need to get him a train....

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: As for the caboose. It can wait. Im not going anywhere for the forseeable future.

take care and hope things work out.

James

DON'T you dare go any where!!!! Thanks for your understanding! :-)

:-) Tess

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by piccolotess

I apologize everyone for being soooo absent as of late. Long story short my grandmother passed away and life had put on hold everything dealing with trains. I apologize everyone for not being in touch. James, right now I just don't have time to think about a caboose. James, I did get your email thank you. It is saved. I'll be intouch after Christmas when things slow down.....no at the moment I don't have a caboose but I have a feeling that will not be a huge problem. The train will still be beautiful I'm sure. For now I'm going to put a picture in an envelope and tell Keith that a caboose is promised and will be included in the train set eventually. James, I will be in touch! I promise! (now off to make a few more comments concerning everything that has gone on since I've been here last....)

My condolances to you. I know how tough lozing family and freinds can be. Last your around this time, I lost my grandmother to lung cancer. (After finding out the weekend before she had had it for two years already.) Then about 5 weeks later. I lost a friend of mine who was killed in Iraq. And then by thanks giving I had an uncle suddenly just get sick and die on us. I am still trying to get my world to be right side up again in some respects. (Thank goodness I had a hobby to pour myself into) As for the caboose. It can wait. Im not going anywhere for the forseeable future.

take care and hope things work out.

James

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:

Seriously, I strongly agree with an earlier poster, come Christmas morning, this guy is going to get buried in weeks worth of enthusiasm, research, and information, from Reading Railroad history to the intricacies of DCC to the road numbers of various cabeese and their various historical inaccuracies and accuracies, all at once on a day that usually carries its own set of issues, time and attention pressures, obstacles, etc. etc. etc.

Yes, I believe he will get very buried...include in there that I have over 100 pages of posts from this forum in plastic sheet covers in a black folder so he can read up later....oh and is cabeese the plural....I had thought it would be cabooses. :-) Never heard either way. Following is me singing: "You say cabooses I say cabeeses....cabooses....cabeeses....cabooses cabesses.....let's call the whole thing off!!!!!!!" (sorry, everyone for breaking out into song there....I tend to do that at random times....please say some of you know that song....(with different words of course))

QUOTE:
It lays a foundation of honesty. It's clear to me that you picked this up to begin with for him, but things have evolved from there.... Highly detailed modelling can require decades, and is something that may never really be finished.

Yes, I did start this for him...and I do know he has an interest in trains...and has none up to yet. But here is the key factor that makes me know that this will be something he will appreciate....we are both very appreciative of living in Reading and have a strong interest in Reading heritage. We both had a great time riding the "real" reading lines train, but I believe it's collecting something that is TRULY a part of historic Reading that will guarantee success of this gift. True he probably won't understand why the DCC is soo special until after I refer him to copies of this forum, but he will like this present. And that's all I really ask. I hope he will love it eventually. :-) As for decades of this....always going to have strong ties to Reading even if we might not end up here forever so yes this train will be around for a long time. And might be the start of a larger collection of Reading trains.... :-)

QUOTE:
Early on, these realizations imply some degree of long term committment, and even if the interest is there, the timing and availability of space, time, or other resources may not allow this kind of committment.

Space and time are definitely not readily available yet....however this is a start for when we do have a space for real layouts and more time. (Esspecially when I'm not at the beginning of a new career here.)

QUOTE:
Come Christmas morning, I'd recommend significant restraint. "Santa brought you a train?" "Kewl, look honey, I got new socks."

I thought of that as well...downplay the real work that went into this collection.....thanks for the advice there... :-)

QUOTE:
I think you've found the right place, in any event, I don't there's any question that can't be answered in this forum.

Not only that....but people are so wonderful to help out when they don't even know the answer themselves and find out.....it's amazing the source of wonderful people here!

Well, thank you for your advice and contribution! Happy Holidays!

~ Tess

[fiatfan]

Please accept my condolences on your loss. I don't have much to contribute to the thread. All of the other Toms have been performing admirably. I lost a brother last month so I know what an confusion and upheaval an unexpected death can cause. You will be in our prayers tonight.

Tom

[Anonymous]

Tess-
First, I'm sorry for your loss. Things like that during the holidays are especially tough, even if you know they have to happen.

Second, you handled the insinuation here with suffiecient grace to make it clear that you are not a guy!

Now my take on the whole thing-
As I followed this thread I thought that it was pretty neat that someone had an idea for a gift, but didn't know quite what they were after, did some research, got loads of good information, learned from it, and, from all appearances, is interested enough to participate in the hobby as well. That can't be a bad thing. I didn't see anything inappropriate said by anyone. Would there have been as many responses if Tess was a guy? Maybe, maybe not. But is that really relevant? There have been plenty of threads from newbies or parents trying to get things for kids. Some die out, but I think it is often because the original poster vanishes. Tess didn't vanish. She stayed with it and asked new and more informed questions, so the thread kept going. I just don't see a problem. There have certainly been other offers of help to other forum members, I just don't see a probelm, and don't see why there has to be negativity cast on what certainly looks like a good thing to me. So there!

You can call me Tom, it seems to be a good thing.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tom Bryant_MR



Tess, last minute Christmas shopping idea, my little [2c] "pay it back" suggestion - how about a stocking stuffer - a subscription to MR mag? Maybe two, so that there is no ru***o see who gets to read it first? Looks like you both may have the bug.

And pics are in order right after the holiday. We all want to see what Santa brought.

Best wishes and happy holidays to both of you!

Regards,
Tom Bryant

Another Tom!!!! Is every other Model Railroader a Tom out there?!?! ::::hehe::: Anyway, I'm definitely concidering a magazine.....and also potentially considering contributing to one. I've always been one to document everything that I do.....politics and life of a teacher.....you learn early on to document your butt left and right. Anyway, someone suggested writing a bit about this learning experience and contributing to a magazine. The thought has not totally vanished from my mind. A subscription to some type of magazine is also another possibility. But I think I'm going to hold off till after Xmas. (want to get my Keith's opinion there)

And I'll do my best to get pics after Christmas. Thanks for following along and feel free to contribute any time!

:-) Tess

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:

I talk to a 10-year old differently than I talk to an adult. There are some things that a child of that age is NOT going to pick up yet because his or her mind has NOT developed to think in those terms.

That does not mean I don't offer the SAME amount of help to a 10-year old. My answers are going to be worded and framed differently. The 10-year old's response to my inquiries is also going to be different to that of an adult. I know that Tess is an adult just by the way she asks the questions.

Tom,
By the way you explained yourself I would have thought you were a teacher! You must have kids if your not a teacher! Do you? If so, have you gotten them into the hobby as well?

Tess

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by loathar

Yes ,
Don't you all think it's kind of funny that she didn't know anthing about trains in her first post, but now "she's" posting like a pro??????(read between the lines)

Wait, a minute....just re-read the post......is Loathar saying that I might be a guy pretending to be a girl by the " "she's" posting like a pro". Wait, if that's what Loathar meant now I am offended. Not that its at all bad to be a guy.....I just personally like being a girl....

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by loathar


Don't you all think it's kind of funny that she didn't know anthing about trains in her first post, but now "she's" posting like a pro??????(read between the lines)

Sir, you have given me the ultimate complement.....had you intended to or not. Thank you sooo much, Loathar! Guys, he said I talk too much like a pro!!!!! I don't consider myself a quick study on anything outside of music, however, when my interest is peaked I do tend to pick up things fast. I kind of have to in my profession. I do not tend to learn things outside of music very fast and if he thinks I'm talking too much like a pro then my studying has paid off. Thank you again, Loathar!

Let's let the Gentleman alone now! If he thinks I know more about trains then I make it out to be.....well then that actually makes me happy. :-)

[Anonymous]

I apologize everyone for being soooo absent as of late. Long story short my grandmother passed away and life had put on hold everything dealing with trains. I apologize everyone for not being in touch. James, right now I just don't have time to think about a caboose. James, I did get your email thank you. It is saved. I'll be intouch after Christmas when things slow down.....no at the moment I don't have a caboose but I have a feeling that will not be a huge problem. The train will still be beautiful I'm sure. For now I'm going to put a picture in an envelope and tell Keith that a caboose is promised and will be included in the train set eventually. James, I will be in touch! I promise! (now off to make a few more comments concerning everything that has gone on since I've been here last....)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by piccolotess
Actually, no I didn't receive an email back....sorry. What did you say?

OK I resent it. If it does not work. this time I will post it here.

James

[jeffers_mz]

Women.

Give 'em a caboose, and next thing you know, they want the whole darn train.

:-) (The preceeding is a wink, and the above is humor.)

Seriously, I strongly agree with an earlier poster, come Christmas morning, this guy is going to get buried in weeks worth of enthusiasm, research, and information, from Reading Railroad history to the intricacies of DCC to the road numbers of various cabeese and their various historical inaccuracies and accuracies, all at once on a day that usually carries its own set of issues, time and attention pressures, obstacles, etc. etc. etc.

So he's a tech guy, and he has at least a passing interest in railroading and shiny gears on miniature toys, and the perfect world may come true, the bug may bite him just as hard as it has you, necessarily faster since your interest and enthusiasm has been building over the course of this thread, and come New year's Eve, the two of you may wake up from the bug-bit fog and realize that half your Christmas presents remain unopened, the Christmas turkey sitting in the still 500 degree oven has long lost the capacity to support further oxygen-reduction reactions, (having days ago run the batteries dead in the smoke detectors, unnoticed), and the pair of you are in possession of the finest running Reading transition era model railroad in the continental United States, but then again, I'd want to ask myself....how likely is this outcome?...what other outcomes are possible?...of the pool, which are statistically most likely?...what trains of occurrence will each of these set in motion?...and most important...how can this deluge be presented so as to increase the chances of optimum development on Christmas, the following week, the following month, and over the next decade or so?

If this guy is like an awful lot of guys I know, he probably wants something for Christmas...maybe related to a project he is currently involved in, or a system he is creating, key components in a grander design. A lot of his reaction on Christmas day will relate to how well the preconcieved notions are fulfilled. Case in point, I am reviving a decades old interest in model trains right now, and would be pleasantly stunned to open presents that amount to a fleet of locomotives and rolling stock, or a DCC system, or sound, come the happy day, but had the same occurred last Christmas, when I was dialing in a prototype/work/fabrication shop, a key element in most or all of my future projects, including the model train layout currently under construction, a pile of trains and accessories would have been a hinderance at the time, taking time and attention from the then current goals and objectives.

The above is an extreme case, but I like to view the entire spectrum of possibility in advance, hoping for the best, prepared for the worst. If nothing else, it offers me the ppotential ability to direct an event chain in the general heading I hope it goes.

I think a critical element here is an admission, at least at the innermost levels, that this topic has become extremely important to the person doing the giving, while the recipient represents, at least to some degree, a question mark. That's important, because all else follows from this.

It lays a foundation of honesty. It's clear to me that you picked this up to begin with for him, but things have evolved from there. Your interest is probably not something he is going to miss for very long. "Very long" is also a key element here. I'm putting up a layout myself, ostensibly for my kids, (which should tell you to some degree how well I can sympathisize with your situation), and I expect a pretty basic layout to take two years to become functionally operational, track laid, wired, de-bugged, terrain in and painted, basic vegetation in place, the beginnings of civilized areas, structures and infrastructure in place, and only then does the real hobby begin to assume order. Highly detailed modelling can require decades, and is something that may never really be finished.

Early on, these realizations imply some degree of long term committment, and even if the interest is there, the timing and availability of space, time, or other resources may not allow this kind of committment. For example, I have the track laid and terrain base perhaps 80% complete for a layout I really don't have room for. The room it's in's walls are lined floor to ceiling with shelving containing campoing, backpacking and climbing equipment, one corner contains a small but functional computer music studio which is soon destined to grow alarmingly, and finally, is the only available future bedroom for an 11 year old boy who shares a room currently with his sister, a situation which will need to change soon. Filling the middle of this already full space is the trainset.

Clearly, all projects cannot proceed at their current pace, the Pauli Exclusion Principle ordains less than wonderful results if they do. Although the details will certainly be different in your case, the possibility of future collisions with work other hobbies, interests, and responsibilities may well exist in your case as well.

You haven't raised any questions in this direction, and unsolicited advice carries risk of undervalued assessment, but here goes anyway.

Come Christmas morning, I'd recommend significant restraint. "Santa brought you a train?" "Kewl, look honey, I got new socks."

The purpose here is not deception. An already busy day may simply not be the best time for a discussion which could imply a years or decades long committment. I do think, however, that that discussion needs to take place as soon as conditions allow it to do so productively.

"Honey, that train ride you took me on was so memorable, I wanted to get you this train so we could enjoy it again and again, and somehow, in the process, I'm afraid I've been bitten by the bug myself." Etc...etc...etc...

If you're still reading by this point, the sermon is over, on to practical matters.

Aftyer the holidays, odds are you will ask a a question that triggers observation of some of the longer term realities of planning and executing a train layout. Track planning software, the purpose of the model railroad as related to both the real life railroad and also to your expectations, operations planning, benchwork considerations, terrain construction techniques, analog or digital control, sound, how you can successfully model not just one era but several on the same layout, all that can wait, but it doesn't hurt to at least touch on the concepts now.

I think you've found the right place, in any event, I don't there's any question that can't be answered in this forum. Not only are there apparantly some of the people writing the articles that appear in various MR magazines here, but there are also a large number of people here which bring in a wide variety of viewpoints and solutions beyond the tried and true.

Here's hoping your guy's eyes light up come Christmas morning when he sees that green and black beauty racing around the rails, and that the Christmas turkey does burn in the oven while you two fall off the edge of the world into a very nice place I'm already in, Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night.

[Tom Bryant_MR]

I've been following this thread all along and WOW!. Reading it makes me feel like that little kid agin; looking in the store window hoping . . . just hoping that I've been good enough this year.

Tess, last minute Christmas shopping idea, my little [2c] "pay it back" suggestion - how about a stocking stuffer - a subscription to MR mag? Maybe two, so that there is no ru***o see who gets to read it first? Looks like you both may have the bug.

And pics are in order right after the holiday. We all want to see what Santa brought.

Best wishes and happy holidays to both of you!

Regards,
Tom Bryant

[chateauricher]

[#ditto]

Hear ! Hear !

Tom (tstage), I agree entirely with your comments.

Now, can we just get back to trains, modeling and helping each other ?

[tstage]

Tom,

I responsed to your other post, so I'll try and not repeat myself here.

QUOTE:
If a 10-year old boy had asked this question about a present for his father, you guys wouldn't have paid so much attention to it.....Many of you would have passed over it as a kids post that wasn't worth a reply....

For me personally, yes, I would treat a 10-year old boy differently than I would treat Tess. However, NOT for the reasons you propose, nor for the differences of the gender you are inferring, but because of the difference of the ages. Now, before you jump to any wrong conclusions, let me elaborate further on this point.

I talk to a 10-year old differently than I talk to an adult. There are some things that a child of that age is NOT going to pick up yet because his or her mind has NOT developed to think in those terms.

That does not mean I don't offer the SAME amount of help to a 10-year old. My answers are going to be worded and framed differently. The 10-year old's response to my inquiries is also going to be different to that of an adult. I know that Tess is an adult just by the way she asks the questions.

With that said, I have eagerly helped out some of the younger members on the forum. Mondo1 is one 12-year old, that comes to mind, that wanted to build a layout and was looking for ways to raise money to do that. He later was looking for an inexpensive DCC system. I posted several replies to his questions - and he asked a whole lot less questions than Tess did. Tom, have you helped out any of the younger members here in the same manner as you are complaining that we helped out Tess?

QUOTE:
TESS-Nothing against you. I'm sorry if I affended you....
People here are talking about nonsence posts and worthless posts and polls and I was just making a statement about my feelings on this one...
I'm sorry if I ticked all you off (really)...but come on...NINE pages on a Christmas present
that she dosen't know if her husband want's???

Tom, if you had read the post more carefully, you would understand that the present is for Tess's boyfriend, NOT her husband.

QUOTE:
Don't you all think it's kind of funny that she didn't know anthing about trains in her first post, but now "she's" posting like a pro??????(read between the lines)

Perhaps, Tess is a quick learner. She freely admits earlier in the post that her only experiences were riding a train a couple of times as a kid. That doesn't make anyone a pro on the topic

I rode a few trains over my lifetime and still knew "next to nothing" about trains a year and a half ago when I started into MRRing. Now I know a little more than next to nothing...and still have a ways to go. [:)]

Tom, the bottom line is that the forum is here to provide a venue to each of the members to help another out with their questions and inquiries. We are NOT all experts in ALL aspects of MRRing. Nor are we talented exactly the same. I appreciate the help that I've received on this forum over the last couple of years. I, in turn, have tried to contribute back in the same way and more to those who are in need of help - whatever the age of the inquiree is.

I see that Tess's post has allowed many of us to contribute in one way or another to help her find a very nice gift for someone special in her life. My suggestion: Instead of criticizing the effort, add some of your "expertise" to the topic to help another fellow member out. Otherwise, ignore the post all together.

Tom

[loathar]

Yes , I have come back to this topic... If a 10 year old boy had asked this question about a present for his father, you guys wouldn't have paid so much attention to it.....Many of you would have passed over it as a kids post that wasn't worth a reply....
TESS-Nothing against you. I'm sorry if I affended you....
People here are talking about nonsence posts and worthless posts and polls and I was just making a statement about my feelings on this one...
I'm sorry if I ticked all you off (really)...but come on...NINE pages on a Christmas present
that she dosen't know if her husband want's???
Don't you all think it's kind of funny that she didn't know anthing about trains in her first post, but now "she's" posting like a pro??????(read between the lines)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Student of Big Sky Blue

Tess, I responded to your email yesterday. Did you still get it?

James

Actually, no I didn't receive an email back....sorry. What did you say?

[Anonymous]

Tess, I responded to your email yesterday. Did you still get it?

James

[tstage]

Tess,

I have some more information I need to send you. Can you send me your e-mail address? My e-mail is on my profile page. Thanks.

Tom

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:
I often feel they should should put FDA warnings on all Magazines and websites that states....

Funny! That is soooo true! I should have just gotten Keith the other present I had planned.....avoided this potential addiction completely.....

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:
I often feel they should should put FDA warnings on all Magazines and websites that states....

Funny! That is soooo true! I should have just gotten Keith the other present I had planned.....avoided this potential addiction completely.....

[Anonymous]

QUOTE:

I can think of no thread that has garnered as much interest as this one, and dousing it with cold water, surely you could have guessed, would be unwelcome. It diminishes the noble intent of every contributor, and sets you apart as a churl.

I just hope Loathar visits again so he can see the reaction he has received. Thank you, Crandell for your defense. :-)

[Anonymous]

I wish I had more of your focus. I have been modeling since I was 4. And in that time I have modeld Union Pacific, Santa Fe, Bulrington Northern BNSF. Briefly considered Montana Rail Link for a long eneugh time to buy three locos. Modeled my own made up railroad for a time. So by the time I finally committed to GN. I now have lots of stuff to repaint. And Items that I own that GN didn't have. (Mainly various steam locos, and 90s era diesels) I have to figure out what to do with. But I wish you well. And I am sure that in a few months, you will get a train just for your very own to run around.

It wasn't really hard to find focus. Keith and I are very proud to live in the Reading area and the railroad is very symbolic to this area. It's funny....the majority of my youth was spent thinking that the Reading Lines still existed. No idea that it wasn't around any more.

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