I've never been looked at in a weird way for my interest in trains. As a matter of fact, a couple of my friends, who usually poke fun at everything, were actually impressed with some of the models I've assembled. They really liked the engine I did, the one as my avatar, and others as well. My family, especially my nephew, are aware of my hobby and enjoy seeing the trains run around the track. Whenever they come to visit, my nephew is quick to ask me if I can set up the trains so he can see them. Since I have no layout built, he helps me set up the track on the floor. Even with that type of setup, they still enjoy seeing my trains go around the track set on the floor. I can only imagine what their reaction would be if I actually had a decked out layout. Hopefully I'll find out in the not too far future.
SpaceMouse wrote: I think being a model railroader is like holding your wife's purse. As long as you have confidence, no one's going to give you crap.
I think being a model railroader is like holding your wife's purse. As long as you have confidence, no one's going to give you crap.
Sometimes I get the "privilege" to hold my girlfriends purse at the most awkward moments. One incident I can recall very clearly is holding her purse at Victoria's Secret while she went in to try on some things. Talk about being out of your element.
TONY
"If we never take the time, how can we ever have the time." - Merovingian (Matrix Reloaded)
cjcrescent wrote: loathar wrote: I get a kick out of the people that shake their heads about how expensive and dumb our hobby is and then try and justify owning a $15k bass boat or a pricey quad runner and hunting gear to "feed their family"$15K? Maybe 25 years ago when I bought mine. Hate ta tell ya this but a middle "grade" BBoat pushes $30K and the ones like many of the pros use are now pushing $60K.
loathar wrote: I get a kick out of the people that shake their heads about how expensive and dumb our hobby is and then try and justify owning a $15k bass boat or a pricey quad runner and hunting gear to "feed their family"
I get a kick out of the people that shake their heads about how expensive and dumb our hobby is and then try and justify owning a $15k bass boat or a pricey quad runner and hunting gear to "feed their family"
$15K? Maybe 25 years ago when I bought mine. Hate ta tell ya this but a middle "grade" BBoat pushes $30K and the ones like many of the pros use are now pushing $60K.
Re enforcing my point of "those are some mighty pricey fish fillets" I had a friend that was a BASS member. MY GOD! The money he spent on his hobby! He'd drop at least $500 a month on his gear. I don't knock people for spending money on their hobby, but he used his to get away from his home and family. At least he liked my layout. He brought his son over to see it one day but the kid could have cared less. He was more into shop lifting and stealing cars with his video game buddies. I guess things like that happen when dad would rather be in a boat in the middle of a lake by himself than doing things with his family.
Thanks for the kind words, guys.
As a group our ideas and views in this hobby are so incredibly varied, yet all of us agree on this issue more tightly than fast drying concrete.
Tracklayer, yes, your response did trigger this but not out of pity....not at all. I can tell by having read many of your posts that you're down-to-earth and are blessed with good sense. Many of us have grown thick skins and are accustomed to letting ignorant sludge slide off of our shoulders
Since 2004, I've read various threads with modelers stating that they experienced being looked down upon by other people. I noticed that this really bothered some of our younger forum members so it was my intent to let them know that many of us have "been there" and that they should actually feel good to be in a hobby that helps develop knowledge and character.
I hope that the posts here made by you guys are an encouragement to them.
We really are a pretty cool group
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Left Coast Rail wrote: tangerine-jack wrote: Left Coast Rail wrote:One of my other hobbies is riding motorcycles. I'll borrow a quote often used by motorcyclists:"How often have you have seen a motorcycle parked in from of a psychiatrist's office?"Think about it. I think the same can be said about most of the vehicles (2, 4 and more wheel) that we all drive.More correctly it's " How often have you seen a TRIUMPH motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist's office" I've seen plenty of Hogs there, must be because of the payments.....Back to topic, I had a blast last night running my garden RR. NOTHING better than a cool evening lit by a warm headlight from a locomotive. Cup of hot coffee on the lawn chair and my wife to keep me company (and to shoo the cat away from the train), dudes and dudettes, life cannot possibly be better than this.I beg to differ on one small point. Life could be better if you owned a BMW motorcycle that has been paid off.
tangerine-jack wrote: Left Coast Rail wrote:One of my other hobbies is riding motorcycles. I'll borrow a quote often used by motorcyclists:"How often have you have seen a motorcycle parked in from of a psychiatrist's office?"Think about it. I think the same can be said about most of the vehicles (2, 4 and more wheel) that we all drive.More correctly it's " How often have you seen a TRIUMPH motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist's office" I've seen plenty of Hogs there, must be because of the payments.....Back to topic, I had a blast last night running my garden RR. NOTHING better than a cool evening lit by a warm headlight from a locomotive. Cup of hot coffee on the lawn chair and my wife to keep me company (and to shoo the cat away from the train), dudes and dudettes, life cannot possibly be better than this.
Left Coast Rail wrote:One of my other hobbies is riding motorcycles. I'll borrow a quote often used by motorcyclists:"How often have you have seen a motorcycle parked in from of a psychiatrist's office?"Think about it. I think the same can be said about most of the vehicles (2, 4 and more wheel) that we all drive.
"How often have you have seen a motorcycle parked in from of a psychiatrist's office?"
More correctly it's " How often have you seen a TRIUMPH motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist's office" I've seen plenty of Hogs there, must be because of the payments.....
Back to topic, I had a blast last night running my garden RR. NOTHING better than a cool evening lit by a warm headlight from a locomotive. Cup of hot coffee on the lawn chair and my wife to keep me company (and to shoo the cat away from the train), dudes and dudettes, life cannot possibly be better than this.
I am a Triumph owner, so would you please explain the word "beg" to me, I am unfamiliar with it. Is it something BMW owners do with the finance companies? I looked in my American-British translation dictionary and I found that "wiring harness" translates to "smoke containment system" and "quality built" translates to "oil leak", but I couldnt' find "beg" anywhere.
The Dixie D Short Line "Lux Lucet In Tenebris Nihil Igitur Mors Est Ad Nos 2001"
tangerine-jack wrote: I am a Triumph owner, so would you please explain the word "beg" to me, I am unfamiliar with it. Is it something BMW owners do with the finance companies? I looked in my American-British translation dictionary and I found that "wiring harness" translates to "smoke containment system" and "quality built" translates to "oil leak", but I couldnt' find "beg" anywhere.
You left out the translation for Lucas - translates to "Prince of Darkness"
a former MGA owner (and no, you can't own just one!). Morris somehow found a way to make even Lucas electrics look like the most reliable part of the car.
Fred W
- by loathar Re enforcing my point of "those are some mighty pricey fish fillets" I had a friend that was a BASS member. MY GOD! The money he spent on his hobby! He'd drop at least $500 a month on his gear. I don't knock people for spending money on their hobby, but he used his to get away from his home and family. At least he liked my layout. He brought his son over to see it one day but the kid could have cared less. He was more into shop lifting and stealing cars with his video game buddies. I guess things like that happen when dad would rather be in a boat in the middle of a lake by himself than doing things with his family.
That's a tragic shame. Hobbies are important for mental health, and there are times when we need those moments to ourselves to rest our minds. However, in the above mentioned scenario, chances are that dad and mom didn't spend a lot of quality time with "junior" or didn't give him the needed discipline when he screwed up.
A child being "turned off" by a parent's hobby is understandable, but if he's stealing and acting like a thug.....then something went seriously wrong when that kid was smaller. Behavior patterns like this rarely start "instantly". Sometimes it can be as simple as the influence by the wrong crowd, combined with a lack of quality time and/or discipline.
IMHO, I don't care if dad is 5'ft 4" and junior is 6'ft tall. His dad should drag him along in that boat more often. Perhaps if he can afford to spend several hundred dollars on his gear, he should consider a Father/Son getaway weekend vacation to talk and try to connect. There are plenty of cheap getaways costing less than $300 for 2 people.
I've learned over the years that the most rebellious kids do hear and remember their parent's words; even if at that moment they're spitting venom. It may take 1, 5, or 10 years.....but those words from caring parents do come out of those clogged brain cells eventually (especially when tough times hit).
I can't even count how many times I've run into "20 something" young adults that tell me of the regret they feel about having given their parents so much grief and garbage during their teen years.
tangerine-jack wrote: ...I am a Triumph owner, so would you please explain the word "beg" to me, I am unfamiliar with it...
...I am a Triumph owner, so would you please explain the word "beg" to me, I am unfamiliar with it...
You've never had to beg your Triumph to perform better? Golly, every time I passed one, it was parked on the side of the road and its hapless owner was on his knees, pleading with some power to make the SOB start.
selector wrote: tangerine-jack wrote: ...I am a Triumph owner, so would you please explain the word "beg" to me, I am unfamiliar with it... You've never had to beg your Triumph to perform better? Golly, every time I passed one, it was parked on the side of the road and its hapless owner was on his knees, pleading with some power to make the SOB start.
Oooch, that's below the belt! And that would be the God of Lucas Lord of Darkness. Actually, no, I've never had a problem with my bike. Many of the original problems are now solved with the miracle of electronic ignitions and high output solid state alternator kits. Honestly though, I have begged my Harley riding buddies to try and keep up with me on the twisters!
Oh yeah, the topic.... I just added some more scenery on my layout, that is to say Lowe's was having a sale on cedar mulch and I dumped 3 fresh bags down and pulled some weeds. I also added a garden gnome for no other reason that it's a garden railroad and what garden is complete without a gnome? Looking good for the summer! I've got my B'mann Annie to service, and some of my rolling stock could use a little paint and my town is covered in dust and pine needles. So much to do- so little time!
Well, maybe Im the person this thread is aimed at. Im 14, live in Minneapolis Minnesota. Im a somewhat popular kid, and most of my friends (and people that arent my friends) know about my interest. Im definately a RARE breed in this hobby! I listen to Rap, I wear "gangsta" shoes, I play basketball, and am in the "in crowd". But one thing Ive also had, was values. Im more against drinking and smoking than probably anyone here (sorry If there may be someone more, but Im pretty anti), and for most of my friends, they cant really believe it. Im not the average teenager, on the outside I may be, but inside, I have an interest that most cant fatham. I have many railroad friends, not one being my age. Im in with the 20 and up crowds, most are pretty well known. Im sure a few of you have heard about a Bob Rivard, SOO modeler, and Frank Jordan in model magazines (Frank has made a few books also). I take pride in my hobby, although I rarely just start talking about it with my friends. Most dont ever bother me about it, and people who do, I could care less about anyway. Ive always been happy to be "popular" and a die hard railroad fan since day one. I dont care what people say, I love seeing a pair of SOO SD60s or a pair of GE Dash 8s roll by with a loaded grain train. I find it an easy time not to car about anything else in life, and just enjoying the day making that kit or watching the real things. I have had my fair share of "trains? Why?" and laughter ensues. But, It doesnt bother me to the point that I truely feel hurt. Now, if my bestfriend or family member started saying things, I could definately see getting hurt, and think its just a shame that people cant open there eyes to other things. Its a damn shame some people think smoking weed or even cocaine is cool. Drinking has always been my pet peeve, and Im pretty sure I wont ever drink anything but maybe wine due to special events. Maybe I ventured a bit off topic, but please, any young members here, dont let yourself do something that you know is wrong. Dont even try it. I find myself hurt when my friends promised not to smoke or drink. What do I do the next morning? Hop on the bike and go railfanning. Its a great way to be creative, to get stress off your mind, and to know that you are smarter than most. This hobby has always been target to the name callings, but I'd rather go do something I enjoy than go get drunk. Let others make stupid decisions while you finish up that nice weathering job on the new engine you just bought!
Whew, Im done!
Alec
Alec,
It's refreshing to read your post. Great that you're sticking with good values, as today the pressure to "go with the flow even if its wrong" is heavier than ever. A very good thing that you're doing is staying active. Hopping on a bike to go railfanning is a good workout combined with enjoying watching trains in action.
Many adults feel that today's teens are essentially a rude, obnoxious, lost group that's heading for a societal "train wreck" as Rome did before it collapsed. But there are many kids out there that do resist a lot of the peer pressure, apply themselves in school, volunteer to help their communties and see past the "instant gratification" urges of their peers.
Gratifying to see that in this age of video games (I play too them too!), web blogging, and MP3 players, that there are still a significant number of young people that are getting into this hobby and staying in it. IMHO, some of these young people will be the ones that in a few years will help make significant advancements in the hobby technologies, like dcc and sound. Best thing we can do is to continue to help and encourage them.
BTW: a couple of you mentioned music. I always mentally picture trains with modern (1980 thru today) smooth jazz. Not the slow tunes, but the more upbeat instrumentals. The cool beats often make me visualize the sway, motion, and sounds of passenger trains. I usually play some Joyce Kooling or Paul Brown when I'm working on my trains. Blew me away when some kids told me that a lot of young people listen to jazz as well.
Virginian wrote:Performing a reality check relative to the passtime of fooling with little toy trains is irrational.
When put that way, there are very few things that anyone does that could be considered rational, let alone logical. Just look at your diet, for instance.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
Thanks for the compliments! I should have also stated im into all types of music too! I love Hall & Oats, and many other classic bands from the 60s 70s and 80s. When I hear a rap song, I instantly think of chasing a train. The up beat tempo really gets your blood going. When I hear the classic rock I think of the "good ole' days". Some of those songs really make me a little sad too, but not in the bad way. Just thinking of how much things have changed.
I picture modern trains running to Punk rock, especially Amtrak (I can hear Johnny Rotten now belting away "no future, no future, no future for meeee). It fits the grungy, post modern ideals somehow. Steamers run always to Big Band, Glen Miller and Dorsey.
Roy,
She's jealous of your hobby...that's all there is to 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.
tstage wrote: Roy, She's jealous of your hobby...that's all there is to it...Tom
Also sounds like the "slight hint" of her maybe having a slight crush on ya!
If you think you guys get put down for 'playing with model trains', imagine being involved in the LEGO hobby, or worse yet, the combination of the two - LEGO Trains! At least model trains are considered by the majority as being 'adult' oriented. Try pulling out a pile of plastic blocks and try to convince people you're an adult. :)
--Tony
I think she does like you a little bit.Go Getter! Then let us know how it works out.
wctransferWell, maybe Im the person this thread is aimed at. Im 14, live in Minneapolis Minnesota. Im a somewhat popular kid, and most of my friends (and people that arent my friends) know about my interest. Im definately a RARE breed in this hobby! I listen to Rap, I wear "gangsta" shoes, I play basketball, and am in the "in crowd". But one thing Ive also had, was values. Im more against drinking and smoking than probably anyone here (sorry If there may be someone more, but Im pretty anti), and for most of my friends, they cant really believe it. Im not the average teenager, on the outside I may be, but inside, I have an interest that most cant fatham. I have many railroad friends, not one being my age. Im in with the 20 and up crowds, most are pretty well known. Im sure a few of you have heard about a Bob Rivard, SOO modeler, and Frank Jordan in model magazines (Frank has made a few books also). I take pride in my hobby, although I rarely just start talking about it with my friends. Most dont ever bother me about it, and people who do, I could care less about anyway. Ive always been happy to be "popular" and a die hard railroad fan since day one. I dont care what people say, I love seeing a pair of SOO SD60s or a pair of GE Dash 8s roll by with a loaded grain train. I find it an easy time not to car about anything else in life, and just enjoying the day making that kit or watching the real things. I have had my fair share of "trains? Why?" and laughter ensues. But, It doesnt bother me to the point that I truely feel hurt. Now, if my bestfriend or family member started saying things, I could definately see getting hurt, and think its just a shame that people cant open there eyes to other things. Its a damn shame some people think smoking weed or even cocaine is cool. Drinking has always been my pet peeve, and Im pretty sure I wont ever drink anything but maybe wine due to special events. Maybe I ventured a bit off topic, but please, any young members here, dont let yourself do something that you know is wrong. Dont even try it. I find myself hurt when my friends promised not to smoke or drink. What do I do the next morning? Hop on the bike and go railfanning. Its a great way to be creative, to get stress off your mind, and to know that you are smarter than most. This hobby has always been target to the name callings, but I'd rather go do something I enjoy than go get drunk. Let others make stupid decisions while you finish up that nice weathering job on the new engine you just bought!Whew, Im done!Alec
Hmmmm.....
I guess I'm kinda like you, I also think drinking and smoking and things like that are totally stupid, I'm 12, and I am a total train freak![:D]
I am homeschooled, so I don't meet a lot of kids, so I mostly have a group of 4 or 5 best friends, but my very best friend, and the only one who likes trains, moved to Texas a couple years ago, leaving me all alone with no other train friends. I know a couple people who like trains, but they're all adults.
Most of my relatives think it's pretty cool that im into trains, and I have developed some part time operators; one of my relatives, my age, 2 of my friends, and my brother, 10. My friends here that I allow to operate and be around my trains are girls, they're more carefull and appreciate that it's a model and not a toy.
The rest of my friends mostly want to make car chases with the automobiles and train wrecks! [:(!]
Good luck Alec!
Springfield Central Railroad
Route of Pittsfield Pass
http//
TrainmanTy,
Way to go!
Good website. I liked your photos, especially the overhead shot of the Conrail unit. What's cool about is that years back there was a TRAINS magazine issue with almost that same type of overhead shot of a Conrail EMD wide-cab with the CEO's picture "cropped" right next to the locomotive.
Keep us posted on your progress. If you update your photos or layout, please let us know here.
Thanks! I haven't been working on the RR for a while becouse it's been so cold here, but now its warming up there might be progress soon. I am working on a site about the model railroad (instead of the corperate site for the freelanced railroad) with more pictures and a track plan, it'll probobly be finished sometime before May.
out standing peace of work!!!!!!!!!1
JIM
twhite wrote:Most of my friends are like me, musicians. And most of my musician friends think that my model railroad is really COOL! (Yes, we still use that great Jazz term, because it works!). Funny thing, though, as I said on another post, a lot of my high school students have discovered my Website, and THEY think it's Cool, also. "Yo, dude, you seen Mr. White's TRAINS? WOW!"
Most of my friends are like me, musicians. And most of my musician friends think that my model railroad is really COOL! (Yes, we still use that great Jazz term, because it works!). Funny thing, though, as I said on another post, a lot of my high school students have discovered my Website, and THEY think it's Cool, also. "Yo, dude, you seen Mr. White's TRAINS? WOW!"
That's probably because most diesel horns let out a minor 7th chord. :)
AntonioFP45 wrote:My wife's cousin used to spend money like water going to strip clubs. He told me that he finally woke up one, day over a decade ago, and realized that HO locomotives and rolling stock provided far more satisfaction and were much cheaper. Now he often talks about the joy he gets out of this hobby.
My wife's cousin used to spend money like water going to strip clubs. He told me that he finally woke up one, day over a decade ago, and realized that HO locomotives and rolling stock provided far more satisfaction and were much cheaper. Now he often talks about the joy he gets out of this hobby.
He still gets to spend his money on HOs. :)
Hmmmmm, interesting observations.
I have had several people say ''this is what you do? play with little tinker toy trains in the basement? omg! thats so pathetic''..........then I ask them what they do for a hobby, none of the nay-sayers even had a hobby, and some were so un-creative [is that a word?] and unimaginative, that they couldn't even get a paint-by-numbers set to look like anything! lol
Then there are those who marvel at the thousands of details and little scenes on a layout, the level of detail on a loco or the weathering on a boxcar, and the fact that it all works. Almost all of those sort of people say ''I wish I had your talent'', they are the ones I like to talk with, and explain how and why I did something, and most of the time they say they didn't realize that it doesn't take an artist to use an airbrush, or an engineering degree to make parts, I think that the ones who would ridicule and poke fun, don't have any idea what we do, and how much fun it can be.
It doesn't matter what someone else thinks, what matters is you are enjoying yourself and your hobby.
quote " When put that way, there are very few things that anyone does that could be considered rational, let alone logical. Just look at your diet, for instance."
Thanks, I'd rather not. The 'nutritionist' at the doctors office started in on that proper diet, more exercise, etc. the other day, and I stopped her cold.
"You do realize" I said, "that if I did all that, I probably would never have come thru the door in the first place. I am here for more of those great little pills that let me eat what I want and have a cholesterol level of 124. I believe in better living thru chemistry. When I get home from work, where I have been since 6:30 AM, and it is cold and rainey, like it has been a lot this year, there ain't no way I am going to go walk two miles in it. Not any more. If, repeat IF you can convinnce me there is a way to get out of this life alive, keep talking, otherwise, let's enjoy the silence, please."
I enjoy tinkering with little toy trains. If anyone else doesn't like it, sc**w them. It makes every bit as much sense as fertilizing your lawn so you can cut it more often, or growing a few veggies for twice what it costs to buy them, even assuming you are only worth $3 an hour. My favorite punchline is, "My other hobby is shooting. Keep it up."
Glad to have "another one" Tyler! Keep doing what you like, and dont let people try to tell you its stupid.