- 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.
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.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
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.
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
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.
The Dixie D Short Line "Lux Lucet In Tenebris Nihil Igitur Mors Est Ad Nos 2001"
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
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.
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)
tstage wrote: 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. If I ever have to carry or hold my wife's purse for some reason, I usually either tuck it under my arm or hold onto the flap like I would a lunch bag. If anyone says to me, "Hey, I like your purse", I usually smile and pleasantly respond back by saying, "Thanks. My blue one actually looks nicer with this outfit...but I left it at home." Tom
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.
If I ever have to carry or hold my wife's purse for some reason, I usually either tuck it under my arm or hold onto the flap like I would a lunch bag. If anyone says to me, "Hey, I like your purse", I usually smile and pleasantly respond back by saying, "Thanks. My blue one actually looks nicer with this outfit...but I left it at home."
Tom
I just hit them with it.
Take that you big brute you!
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
twhite wrote: Hoople wrote: AntonioFP45 wrote: If you watch tv, tune into shows that you get something positive out of. Sometimes I do watch Law and Order and House since the characters have personalities with some realistic "depth" and "flaws" to them. YAY!!! Another house fan!!!Yah, I like House, and like Antonio, I also like Law and Order. I think that basically, we're all pretty damned INTELLIGENT people, right? 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!"
Hoople wrote: AntonioFP45 wrote: If you watch tv, tune into shows that you get something positive out of. Sometimes I do watch Law and Order and House since the characters have personalities with some realistic "depth" and "flaws" to them. YAY!!! Another house fan!!!
AntonioFP45 wrote: If you watch tv, tune into shows that you get something positive out of. Sometimes I do watch Law and Order and House since the characters have personalities with some realistic "depth" and "flaws" to them.
If you watch tv, tune into shows that you get something positive out of. Sometimes I do watch Law and Order and House since the characters have personalities with some realistic "depth" and "flaws" to them.
Yah, I like House, and like Antonio, I also like Law and Order. I think that basically, we're all pretty damned INTELLIGENT people, right?
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!"
Tracklayer wrote: BRAKIE wrote: Antonio,After 56 years in the hobby it doesn't matter what others think..After all most have beer guts and are couch potatoes and whizzing their life away doing absolutely nothing while listening to their arteries harden...What type of life is that? Tracklayer.90% of my friends are modelers..5% are slot car racers and the last 5% are fisherman..Birds of a feather you see. I hear you BRAKIE. The problem for me is that I live in a farm and ranch area where very few people have any kind of hobby at all, and spend the biggest part of their time working. That's why I'm always either out in my train room messing with my layout or trains, reading a train book, watching a train video or on the forum here pestering you folks...Tracklayer
BRAKIE wrote: Antonio,After 56 years in the hobby it doesn't matter what others think..After all most have beer guts and are couch potatoes and whizzing their life away doing absolutely nothing while listening to their arteries harden...What type of life is that? Tracklayer.90% of my friends are modelers..5% are slot car racers and the last 5% are fisherman..Birds of a feather you see.
Antonio,After 56 years in the hobby it doesn't matter what others think..After all most have beer guts and are couch potatoes and whizzing their life away doing absolutely nothing while listening to their arteries harden...What type of life is that?
Tracklayer.90% of my friends are modelers..5% are slot car racers and the last 5% are fisherman..
Birds of a feather you see.
I hear you BRAKIE. The problem for me is that I live in a farm and ranch area where very few people have any kind of hobby at all, and spend the biggest part of their time working. That's why I'm always either out in my train room messing with my layout or trains, reading a train book, watching a train video or on the forum here pestering you folks...
Tracklayer
Tracklayer,I understand you situation all to well.You see after being laid off of CSX I lived in a very small town in Kentucky for a year..I was isolated from any club or fellow modelers..The nearest hobby shop was 65 miles away.
I don't think you pester anybody on this forum.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
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"
Carey
Keep it between the Rails
Alabama Central Homepage
Nara member #128
NMRA &SER Life member
ROFLMAO!!!! Anyway, I must say, like anything, if you carry a big stick and walk softly, there are no problems. Really, I have NEVER been put down (beyond a raised eyebrow) about my hobbies (from flyfishing to model railroading)... granted, I live in the Pacific NW which is a pretty tolerant area, but I think if you are confident and express the pleasure and positive aspects, it is kind of hard to knock this hobby. I actually get lots of fun requests at work from the nurses asking me about my model railroading and how it is going (including requests for pictures!). Of course, my first year at my new job, they gave me a shirt at the Holiday party saying "Still plays with TRAINS"... I laughed and WEAR it with PRIDE... of course, in context, I am a pediatric doc, so it is kinda cool to have an inner child at work. Plus, it coulda been worse... my bald colleague who started at the same time got a book about hair.... LOL...
Brian
bb4884 wrote: AntonioFP45 wrote:then look at the names on the "famous model railroaders" thread and mention them next time you meet a naysayer. Antonio: I fully agree with you on this topic. Also where is this famous model railroaders thread? P.S. House rules
AntonioFP45 wrote:then look at the names on the "famous model railroaders" thread and mention them next time you meet a naysayer.
Antonio: I fully agree with you on this topic. Also where is this famous model railroaders thread?
P.S. House rules
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
AntonioFP45 wrote:Hello Crew, I wanted to post a thread like this before with regards to people we meet that "rip up" on us for being model railroaders.The "Why do model trains get such bad raps" thread is a good one, but guys if you are indeed put down or "dissed" by relatives, coworkers, or brain-cell-deficient snobs.....then stay cool and don't sweat it!This or a similar approach may likely work for us. I've posted the following before:My favorite approach is to calmly smile at the offender......name a few famous people that are or were model railroaders.......and then tell him/her that by a mile this hobby beats going to a bar or night club several times a week, smelling expensive perfume and cologne mixed in with unspeakable body odors, and dumping hard earned money on alcohol laden drinks that are going to wind up in a toilet within the hour. (Funny, but that's what Hollywood says is cool!). In most cases he/she actually thinks about it......and agrees!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.If you watch tv, tune into shows that you get something positive out of. Sometimes I do watch Law and Order and House since the characters have personalities with some realistic "depth" and "flaws" to them. Guys, feel pity for healthy people who are so shallow that they spend countless hours watching that tube, smoking weed, or getting plastered on booze. Many of them won't routinely work on things, big or small, that help the mind expand its horizons, make one a more alert person, and become a person that is an excellent source for creative ideas! I've had my disagreements with some of you here, yet I think I would enjoy running into you at a convention or train show. Haven't some of you noticed that many talented "hot shot" architects put together impressive models of buildings out of cheap prefabricated or raw materials? Another fact: Hobbiests have far lower rates of depression! How many of us have heard the doctor's cliche': Get a Hobby!Guys, wake up! Model railroaders are among the most creative people that you will meet. That's you! If you doubt that, then look at the names on the "famous model railroaders" thread and mention them next time you meet a naysayer. Being in this or other scale hobby indicates that you all are sharper than you probably realize......Peace and High Greens
Hello Crew, I wanted to post a thread like this before with regards to people we meet that "rip up" on us for being model railroaders.
The "Why do model trains get such bad raps" thread is a good one, but guys if you are indeed put down or "dissed" by relatives, coworkers, or brain-cell-deficient snobs.....then stay cool and don't sweat it!
This or a similar approach may likely work for us. I've posted the following before:
My favorite approach is to calmly smile at the offender......name a few famous people that are or were model railroaders.......and then tell him/her that by a mile this hobby beats going to a bar or night club several times a week, smelling expensive perfume and cologne mixed in with unspeakable body odors, and dumping hard earned money on alcohol laden drinks that are going to wind up in a toilet within the hour. (Funny, but that's what Hollywood says is cool!). In most cases he/she actually thinks about it......and agrees!
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.
Guys, feel pity for healthy people who are so shallow that they spend countless hours watching that tube, smoking weed, or getting plastered on booze. Many of them won't routinely work on things, big or small, that help the mind expand its horizons, make one a more alert person, and become a person that is an excellent source for creative ideas! I've had my disagreements with some of you here, yet I think I would enjoy running into you at a convention or train show.
Haven't some of you noticed that many talented "hot shot" architects put together impressive models of buildings out of cheap prefabricated or raw materials? Another fact: Hobbiests have far lower rates of depression! How many of us have heard the doctor's cliche': Get a Hobby!
Guys, wake up! Model railroaders are among the most creative people that you will meet. That's you! If you doubt that, then look at the names on the "famous model railroaders" thread and mention them next time you meet a naysayer.
Being in this or other scale hobby indicates that you all are sharper than you probably realize......
Peace and High Greens
Although I've never had any negative reactions when I tell people I'm into model railroading (heck, that's one reason why I like living in the San francisco Bay Area where there's a high tolerance and acceptance for non-mainstream interests) I agree it's MUCH cheaper than going to bars and nightclubs. In the past I used to waist more money in bars in a week than the cost of one brass steam loco (in HO).
As for the shows Law and Order and House, I like those shows too.
Tracklayer wrote: AntonioFP45 wrote: Hello Crew, I wanted to post a thread like this before with regards to people we meet that "rip up" on us for being model railroaders.The "Why do model trains get such bad raps" thread is a good one, but guys if you are indeed put down or "dissed" by relatives, coworkers, or brain-cell-deficient snobs.....then stay cool and don't sweat it!This or a similar approach may likely work for us. I've posted the following before:My favorite approach is to calmly smile at the offender......name a few famous people that are or were model railroaders.......and then tell him/her that by a mile this hobby beats going to a bar or night club several times a week, smelling expensive perfume and cologne mixed in with unspeakable body odors, and dumping hard earned money on alcohol laden drinks that are going to wind up in a toilet within the hour. (Funny, but that's what Hollywood says is cool!). In most cases he/she actually thinks about it......and agrees!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.If you watch tv, tune into shows that you get something positive out of. Sometimes I do watch Law and Order and House since the characters have personalities with some realistic "depth" and "flaws" to them. Guys, feel pity for healthy people who are so shallow that they spend countless hours watching that tube, smoking weed, or getting plastered on booze. Many of them won't routinely work on things, big or small, that help the mind expand its horizons, make one a more alert person, and become a person that is an excellent source for creative ideas! I've had my disagreements with some of you here, yet I think I would enjoy running into you at a convention or train show. Haven't some of you noticed that many talented "hot shot" architects put together impressive models of buildings out of cheap prefabricated or raw materials? Another fact: Hobbiests have far lower rates of depression! How many of us have heard the doctor's cliche': Get a Hobby!Guys, wake up! Model railroaders are among the most creative people that you will meet. That's you! If you doubt that, then look at the names on the "famous model railroaders" thread and mention them next time you meet a naysayer. Being in this or other scale hobby indicates that you all are sharper than you probably realize......Peace and High Greens Antonio, did you create this thread just to make me feel better about my sister's put down ?.Actually, there are a lot of people out there that don't understand us railroaders - or any other hobby for that matter. Like you said, if they can't drink it, drive it, eat it or smoke it, it's stupid in their book... I'm not much of a people person anymore, and have as of yet to come across a steam or diesel loco that's lied to me, stollen from me, tried to scam me, etc. All they've ever done is bring me joy which is something I haven't known much of in my life.Tracklayer
AntonioFP45 wrote: Hello Crew, I wanted to post a thread like this before with regards to people we meet that "rip up" on us for being model railroaders.The "Why do model trains get such bad raps" thread is a good one, but guys if you are indeed put down or "dissed" by relatives, coworkers, or brain-cell-deficient snobs.....then stay cool and don't sweat it!This or a similar approach may likely work for us. I've posted the following before:My favorite approach is to calmly smile at the offender......name a few famous people that are or were model railroaders.......and then tell him/her that by a mile this hobby beats going to a bar or night club several times a week, smelling expensive perfume and cologne mixed in with unspeakable body odors, and dumping hard earned money on alcohol laden drinks that are going to wind up in a toilet within the hour. (Funny, but that's what Hollywood says is cool!). In most cases he/she actually thinks about it......and agrees!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.If you watch tv, tune into shows that you get something positive out of. Sometimes I do watch Law and Order and House since the characters have personalities with some realistic "depth" and "flaws" to them. Guys, feel pity for healthy people who are so shallow that they spend countless hours watching that tube, smoking weed, or getting plastered on booze. Many of them won't routinely work on things, big or small, that help the mind expand its horizons, make one a more alert person, and become a person that is an excellent source for creative ideas! I've had my disagreements with some of you here, yet I think I would enjoy running into you at a convention or train show. Haven't some of you noticed that many talented "hot shot" architects put together impressive models of buildings out of cheap prefabricated or raw materials? Another fact: Hobbiests have far lower rates of depression! How many of us have heard the doctor's cliche': Get a Hobby!Guys, wake up! Model railroaders are among the most creative people that you will meet. That's you! If you doubt that, then look at the names on the "famous model railroaders" thread and mention them next time you meet a naysayer. Being in this or other scale hobby indicates that you all are sharper than you probably realize......Peace and High Greens
Antonio, did you create this thread just to make me feel better about my sister's put down ?.
Actually, there are a lot of people out there that don't understand us railroaders - or any other hobby for that matter. Like you said, if they can't drink it, drive it, eat it or smoke it, it's stupid in their book... I'm not much of a people person anymore, and have as of yet to come across a steam or diesel loco that's lied to me, stollen from me, tried to scam me, etc. All they've ever done is bring me joy which is something I haven't known much of in my life.
Tracklayer--
I really should introduce your sister to MY sister--the Straightening Out Process would take about two minutes (without any violence) and your sister would be one of your best promoters. She's been one of my biggest fans for over forty years, and so is her son and grand-son. Every time they're down--which is frequently--we're all in the garage, running trains. Now, THAT'S family! The lady is worth her weight in Platinum.
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
Hey, when it works, it WORKS, LOL!
I don't think I could have said it better myself. Well done, Well done!!!!
I think we as model railroaders have the most talent of almost any hobbiest. The model railroad world has become so realistic that I almost can believe it. Thanks for pitching in your time to explain this.
Happy railroading
James
Wow, no one has ever given me crap about model railroading.
Many people are surprised when they find out I'm doing it, but then invariably, they say that either they or a family member used to, or they're interested in getting into it.
Even my so-called "cool" friends think it's neat that I do this.
If people are giving you guff about it, you need to associate with different people!
Few, if any, hobbies are as wholesome as ours.
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
Quote-as of yet to come across a steam or diesel loco that's lied to me,
Guess you haven't bought any IHC diesels.(OK, maybe it was the actual ad that lied.)
Here's another check...I was manning the NMRA Clinic booth at the Olympia Lion's Club RR Swap Meet this past Saturday. I had the usual safety brochures, World's Greatest Hobby handouts, give-away key chains and the maps for the local Home Layout tour taking place that day.
Wonderful people were coming by all morning and while not selling anything, we were in a good spot for the crowd coming around the end of one of the rows of vendors. Kids were asking for the coloring book, the adults were interested in the layout tour and the Amtrak brochure.
This one man came up and started looking through the WGH handout and he asked me how come they call it the World's Greatest Hobby? I asked him what hobby or sport he did in his spare time. He told me snow mobiling. I said ok.
Then I told him, "When you go snow mobiling, you have to purchase or rent a snow mobile at X dollars, drive to a (usually) restricted place to do the snow mobiling, limit yourself to doing your hobby only during a certain time of the year. So the hobby, while fun, has it's limitations.
Model railroading, however, involves many different things: carpentry, electrical and/or electronics work, kit building, equipment maintenance, scenery, planning, space useage, budgeting, painting, possible computer work and several other activities that help you enjoy the hobby. You get to do it at home or in a club with your contemporaries. Yes, you can spend big bucks; but you don't HAVE to. For vacations, you are not limited to one activity, you can go anywhere and include railfanning along the way, or even do dedicated research into your favorite road.
By this time, there were two or three other people listening in to our conversation. One guy added that there are a number of national magazines that help the model railroader and provide resources to help you build your layout. The man was nodding affirmatively and thanked me for the thoughts. Maybe we have another convert?! Who knows.
After the day was over, the NMRA group met at the super's house for pizza and several of the tour locations told us they close to 100 visitors that day.....so the interest MUST be there!!
So, if someone rips you for doing a hobby you like....no big deal. I'll bet they just never THOUGHT about it.