vsmith wrote: Dave Vollmer wrote: on30francisco wrote: vsmith wrote: We can all agree to disagree about the disagreement we're agreeing upon.Not too long ago I went to an promenent local HOn3 club's open house and was completely ignored even when I asked questions. I'm in my 40's, so its not just youngsters getting the brush off at these open houses, needless to say I left unimpressed by their attitude. This is not the first time I have encountered the brush off attitude at an open houses or at a train show, in fact, over the years its been one of the most consistent things I've come to expect in the smaller scales. One of the main benifits of switching to large scale is that everyones a whole lot more friendly in LS than the ever were in HO or N, must be all that sunshine and fresh air from working in the garden I have noticed that also - that the Large Scale community is a whole lot more friendly, tolerant, and laid back than the small scalers. NOTE: Besides modeling indoor LS from a model railroader's point of view (super detailed and as close to fidelity as practical - good running takes priority over detail) I still dabble in On30 and HO.Holy broad, sweeping generalizations, Batman!!!Dave, I wish it was a generalization, but I've been in this hobby since a teen, and thats over 20 years now, and I was a lone wolf modeler almost all the time I was in HOn30 just because of all the sour people I encountered at shops and shows. I switched to large scale, and my oh my, it was like day to night! I have run into a few sourpuss's in LS also, but overall, it is a very much more freindly crowd.
Dave Vollmer wrote: on30francisco wrote: vsmith wrote: We can all agree to disagree about the disagreement we're agreeing upon.Not too long ago I went to an promenent local HOn3 club's open house and was completely ignored even when I asked questions. I'm in my 40's, so its not just youngsters getting the brush off at these open houses, needless to say I left unimpressed by their attitude. This is not the first time I have encountered the brush off attitude at an open houses or at a train show, in fact, over the years its been one of the most consistent things I've come to expect in the smaller scales. One of the main benifits of switching to large scale is that everyones a whole lot more friendly in LS than the ever were in HO or N, must be all that sunshine and fresh air from working in the garden I have noticed that also - that the Large Scale community is a whole lot more friendly, tolerant, and laid back than the small scalers. NOTE: Besides modeling indoor LS from a model railroader's point of view (super detailed and as close to fidelity as practical - good running takes priority over detail) I still dabble in On30 and HO.Holy broad, sweeping generalizations, Batman!!!
on30francisco wrote: vsmith wrote: We can all agree to disagree about the disagreement we're agreeing upon.Not too long ago I went to an promenent local HOn3 club's open house and was completely ignored even when I asked questions. I'm in my 40's, so its not just youngsters getting the brush off at these open houses, needless to say I left unimpressed by their attitude. This is not the first time I have encountered the brush off attitude at an open houses or at a train show, in fact, over the years its been one of the most consistent things I've come to expect in the smaller scales. One of the main benifits of switching to large scale is that everyones a whole lot more friendly in LS than the ever were in HO or N, must be all that sunshine and fresh air from working in the garden I have noticed that also - that the Large Scale community is a whole lot more friendly, tolerant, and laid back than the small scalers. NOTE: Besides modeling indoor LS from a model railroader's point of view (super detailed and as close to fidelity as practical - good running takes priority over detail) I still dabble in On30 and HO.
vsmith wrote: We can all agree to disagree about the disagreement we're agreeing upon.Not too long ago I went to an promenent local HOn3 club's open house and was completely ignored even when I asked questions. I'm in my 40's, so its not just youngsters getting the brush off at these open houses, needless to say I left unimpressed by their attitude. This is not the first time I have encountered the brush off attitude at an open houses or at a train show, in fact, over the years its been one of the most consistent things I've come to expect in the smaller scales. One of the main benifits of switching to large scale is that everyones a whole lot more friendly in LS than the ever were in HO or N, must be all that sunshine and fresh air from working in the garden
We can all agree to disagree about the disagreement we're agreeing upon.
Not too long ago I went to an promenent local HOn3 club's open house and was completely ignored even when I asked questions. I'm in my 40's, so its not just youngsters getting the brush off at these open houses, needless to say I left unimpressed by their attitude. This is not the first time I have encountered the brush off attitude at an open houses or at a train show, in fact, over the years its been one of the most consistent things I've come to expect in the smaller scales.
One of the main benifits of switching to large scale is that everyones a whole lot more friendly in LS than the ever were in HO or N, must be all that sunshine and fresh air from working in the garden
Holy broad, sweeping generalizations, Batman!!!
Dave, I wish it was a generalization, but I've been in this hobby since a teen, and thats over 20 years now, and I was a lone wolf modeler almost all the time I was in HOn30 just because of all the sour people I encountered at shops and shows. I switched to large scale, and my oh my, it was like day to night! I have run into a few sourpuss's in LS also, but overall, it is a very much more freindly crowd.
vsmith, I have had the same experiences you had in regards to hobby shops and shows. I've been in model railroading since I was a kid in the 60s. I have always inquired about help and other questions at public train shows and LHSs - politely and at the appropiate times - and have been given the attitude. I feel that at a public show, modelers should be much more congenial and show some positive spirit provided you ask your questions at the appropiate times. Those that don't want to meet the public should stay in the background or at home since the main idea of a public show is to present the positive aspects of modeling to the public. Grouches and sourpusses further alienate potential modelers from taking up the hobby.
I've had this experience at many LHSs also. Since LHSs are in business to make a profit, they should treat every paying or potential customer with respect regardless of their interests or the amount of time they wish to spend in the shop. I usually zip in, get what I need, and zip out but my money is just as green as those who wish to spend all afternoon there. My money is also just as good (and worth more) at online shops. True, there are some rude or pushy customers but the majority come there with the intent to purchase something - either now or in the future. I have noticed since I switched to Large Scale and even when I started in On30, that I have met many more positive and congenial people - both online and in the LS and On30 sections of the LHSs.
Dave Vollmer wrote: jasperofzeal wrote:When you're asked these stupid questions do you answer them to their face the way you are answering them here? How do you deal with the situation?Reading some of the posts here about how train guys are at shows makes me glad I didn't get exposure to this hobby by visiting one of these open houses/shows. As rude and stuck-up that some of the behavior seems, I would have lost all initial interest in the hobby since I would have assumed that ALL train modelers are like that. I guess seeing a club layout or whatever is out the door since I don't want to deal with those types of people or attitudes. I've dealt with the faces and snooty attitude from the LHS when I first started to go there. After they see me spending loads of money do they change their attitude to their superficially polite and helpful ways. Thank goodness for online stores!!In fact, if you'd like to know exactly how I conduct myself at shows, please read this thread:http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1141249/ShowPost.aspxWhat you're missing is that all I'm doing is griping to fellow modelers who have probably also experience the same thing. That's not the same thing as how I would act around spectators at a show.We all have or pet peeves, and we should be able to share them with one another from time to time without it calling our characters into question.I wouldn't do shows if I didn't enjoy interacting with the public.
jasperofzeal wrote:When you're asked these stupid questions do you answer them to their face the way you are answering them here? How do you deal with the situation?Reading some of the posts here about how train guys are at shows makes me glad I didn't get exposure to this hobby by visiting one of these open houses/shows. As rude and stuck-up that some of the behavior seems, I would have lost all initial interest in the hobby since I would have assumed that ALL train modelers are like that. I guess seeing a club layout or whatever is out the door since I don't want to deal with those types of people or attitudes. I've dealt with the faces and snooty attitude from the LHS when I first started to go there. After they see me spending loads of money do they change their attitude to their superficially polite and helpful ways. Thank goodness for online stores!!
When you're asked these stupid questions do you answer them to their face the way you are answering them here? How do you deal with the situation?
Reading some of the posts here about how train guys are at shows makes me glad I didn't get exposure to this hobby by visiting one of these open houses/shows. As rude and stuck-up that some of the behavior seems, I would have lost all initial interest in the hobby since I would have assumed that ALL train modelers are like that. I guess seeing a club layout or whatever is out the door since I don't want to deal with those types of people or attitudes. I've dealt with the faces and snooty attitude from the LHS when I first started to go there. After they see me spending loads of money do they change their attitude to their superficially polite and helpful ways. Thank goodness for online stores!!
In fact, if you'd like to know exactly how I conduct myself at shows, please read this thread:
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1141249/ShowPost.aspx
What you're missing is that all I'm doing is griping to fellow modelers who have probably also experience the same thing. That's not the same thing as how I would act around spectators at a show.
We all have or pet peeves, and we should be able to share them with one another from time to time without it calling our characters into question.
I wouldn't do shows if I didn't enjoy interacting with the public.
I guess the way I phrased my question did give the impression that I was questioning your character. I hope you understand that was not my intent. I agree that we all have pet peeves about whatever and we should vent it out sometimes, but in doing so, a lot of people will always give their two cents and sometimes not help the situation. Again, I hope you understand that I wasn't trying to question your character, I guess I should have just asked the second part of my original question which read: "How do you deal with the situation?" Thanks for your response to that by the way.
Good thread about how to prepare for a show. What I wonder is, if these shows are meant to recruit potential members to a club or whatnot, why not just make it so the trains can run around with minimal supervision, that way a higher amount of attention can be devoted to the public? A "scheduled" op session can be planned for later in the show that way the public can see what a typical op session is about. Specifying that nobody operating a train at that time should be bothered with questions would possibly eliminate the appearance of arrogance or any other negative message that may be conveyed. Also, why not place the layout behind a protective shield (maybe plexiglass) so as to discourage the public from touching anything on the layout? I know it's probably not cheap to do this, and I realize that basic manners would avoid a stranger from touching anything that is now theirs, but we all know that is not always the case. I guess the plexiglass might also impede throwing switches or other needs from the operator, but it would probably prevent small nuances that you guys see.
TONY
"If we never take the time, how can we ever have the time." - Merovingian (Matrix Reloaded)
I started My "G" collecting when I moved to N.W. Indiana.
There are several "HO" clubs around. One day I found out about a "G" gauge club, Illana RR In Valpo, In. I found out when they are meeting and was asked to attend.
It was a typical Winter Evening for N.W Indiana. I fought the Ice and snow to attend.
I got there just early enough. I found the meeting room and found a seat.
Just before the meeting started. I introduced myself.
Everone looked up at me and NO ONE responded with a greeting.
During an interesting meeting. I made several comments and asked several questions. The comments and questions were answered.
Besides that NOT ONE PERSON SAID A WORD TO ME.
After the meeting in the back of this persons factory was a large "G" floor layout and some riding RR rolling stock.
Refreshments was available and enjoyed. One person walked by me and said, " look at the names on the (riding) cars."
I told the Person (NEVER MET) (that E-mailed me the invite) to take me off his mailing list.
...you mean, uh...that we're not supposed to wreck the trains?!!! OMG, I've got to redo my track plan!
So this thread seems to have established:
1) many model railroaders are socially inept introverts.
Knock me over with a feather.
2) when going to hobby shops or shows one can sometimes encounter an attitude
See point 1.
3) a lot of the general public think model railroaders are adults playing with children's toys.
See point 2.
Somewhere in there its a bit of a vicious circle.
I hope you all have been following the cartoons at toy trunk http://www.toytrunkrailroad.com/
Enjoy
Paul
Does this one sum it up, too?
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
Yep.
Spikejones52002, that about takes the cake. Are you sure you were not in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Maine? Several groups of people are like that there.
cordon,I'd like to know what "groups" you're talking about. There aren't that many RR clubs in NH, MA or ME, and since I'm in one of them, I'd like to know what you have against us. Here's a guy (Spikejones52002) complaining about some G-scale club in Indiana, and here you are out of right field tossing darts at three states' worth of RR clubs not only 1000 miles from Indiana, but even further away than where you are (Texas). What did we ever do to you? BTW, please be specific. If you can't remember names of people, at least tell us which clubs gave you a hard time.
We don't know what Spikejones52002 was like to this club in IN. As far as we know, he could have come across as a jerk or a saint to these people. I know that if a new person came into my club and started questioning things we do, I don't think they'd get a very favorable response. That's basic human nature. If you go into a club, realize that it's you joining the club, not the club joining you.
Paul A. Cutler III************Weather Or No Go New Haven************
Paul,I agree when it comes to clubs there are those that use a mighty wide paint brush to cover all clubs that they have never visited.I am in 3 wonderful clubs(2 HO 1 N Scale) and from your many "my club" replies in our pass discussions on clubs I read yours sounds as nice.
I do not know why many think clubs are full of terrible folk.Grant it I have met some sourpusses in clubs I have visited most members I spoke to was open and friendly.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Brakie,I think it's due to the fact that some people are just too sensitive. For example, say you are a visitor to a club, and a club member rushes past you without stopping, making eye contact or saying so much as "Hi!" Now, is it because the club member is A). An unfriendly jerk, or B). He has to go to the bathroom in a big, big hurry?
Or, say you are that visitor again, and you see another member standing near you working on the layout but doesn't say anything to you. Now is this member, 1). a rude, obnoxious person, 2). a little shy, or 3). busy working on the layout as he only can get to the club 4 times a month for his $28 monthly dues.
This is sort of like the glass being half full or half empty (but to engineers, the glass is too big ). Each person reacts to certain situations differently (optimist or pessimist or engineer). And what may be perfectly benign and drama-free may seem off the charts of bad behavior to someone else.
I've said it before...clubs are not for everyone. You have to have a thick skin, you have to be able to accept someone else's ideas over your own, you have to be able to think about what's good for the club over your own personal needs, and you have to sacrifice something of yourself (ego, money & time) for the greater good of the club. Not everyone is built that way, and that's okay (it would be boring if everyone was the same). But to join any club, you have to be the type of person that can check your ego at the door, or you (or the club) won't last long.
BRAKIE wrote:I wish we could get junior members..One club has 3 the other has 1 only because Grandpa goes there.We need young blood because none of the members is getting any younger.At one club we have a wide age group from 16 to 75.Both HO clubs I am a member we believe in behave in front of our guest.The N Scale club is still untried as far as open houses.It is my belief we will do well.
I wish we could get junior members..One club has 3 the other has 1 only because Grandpa goes there.We need young blood because none of the members is getting any younger.At one club we have a wide age group from 16 to 75.
Both HO clubs I am a member we believe in behave in front of our guest.The N Scale club is still untried as far as open houses.It is my belief we will do well.
Where is your club? If it's in MA I'll join!
The link to my club is at the bottom of my posts as the one marked "www". Or, you can just click here: www.ssmrc.org I'm the one with the full beard and wearing a hat behind the sign.
The club is the South Shore Model Railway Club, Inc., est. 1938, in Hingham, MA. We have approx. 60 members, and are in the process of filling our 6300 sq ft. layout room in our 10,000 sq. ft. club building. Our HO layout is about 1/3rd built, with a long way to go.
We are located in an old (WWI-era) U.S. Navy ammunition depot, inside an above ground bunker used to store battleship rounds when ships would come to the Boston Navy Yard. As such, when we moved in, there was nothing but an empty shell with a 30' hole in the roof. Since then, we have added electricity, plumbing, telephone, heat & A/C (and fixed that hole). We patched the floor and sealed it, bricked over all the windows and painted the exterior (twice now), and have removed all the asbestos roof shingles and replaced them all with asphalt shingles.
Our club is very democratic, with a monthly member's Business Meeting that confirms or overturns all decisions. There is a 9-member Board of Directors (Pres.,V.P., Sec., Treas., Chief Engineer, and 4 Board Members) that takes care of the business of running club, but they, too, need their minutes confirmed at each monthly Business Meeting by the members. Each member gets one vote, and gets equal say about anything that comes before the body. We also have a lot of committees, ranging from the Audit Committee to the White Elephant Table Committee that are run by their Chairmans. These committee Chairmen are appointed by the Pres., approved by the BOD, then confirmed by the Members as they have a large effect on the club's layout, appearance, and future. The Chairman must read, then hand in a written report detailing all they've done in the past month, with all money's spent, etc. At this time, they can be questioned by the membership, and can make motions to get things done or confirmed.
Our club has a lot of rules. But these rules are written with 69 years of experience behind them in running an model railroad club. So far, they seem to work.
I can't deny there are "cliques" in our club. Folks with common interest are drawn together by their common experiences. It's human nature. But at least I feel, as a 14 year member, that I can talk to anyone in the club without being uncomfortable. Even those that I disagree & argue with the most are still those that I can sit back and have a drink with while discussing life, the universe and everything. Not all clubs are like that.
I like my club, I'm glad I joined, and I'm a much better model railroader because of it. I must admit, there are times when I want to rip my hair out and scream, but over all, the experience has been good for me and has provided a lot of good times (as well as some good friends).
Big Beast wrote:Well if some you cannot handle so called stupid questions maybe you should not attend shows. It is people like you that turn people away from the hobby. Like I have said most who do not get involved in the hobby have no idea how expensive some of what we have is. If you cannot look past that then join the nearest snoot club.
Ah, the anger...
I think we've made it crystal clear that most of us, although we don't care for the stupid questions, patiently abide and answer them because they are an unfortunate component of the show. I have never once lost my temper at a show in spite of those stupid questions and have always remained polite and helpful. I have answered every question in a polite manner, even though those stupid questions can get old very quickly.
You need to seriously tone down your accusations. I feel very confident that I have not ever turned anyone away from the hobby. Maybe then it makes me dishonest that I act interested in stupid questions, but I have every right to feel privately annoyed by them even if I don't show it publically.
I will be very interested for your proof that I have ever turned anyone away from the hobby. I'm waiting.
Paul3 wrote:The link to my club is at the bottom of my posts as the one marked "www". Or, you can just click here: www.ssmrc.org I'm the one with the full beard and wearing a hat behind the sign.....
....
NOW that's a motley looking crew if ever I saw one.
Shoot, if I lived in massachusetts I'd fit right in.
Paul3 wrote:cordon,I'd like to know what "groups" you're talking about. There aren't that many RR clubs in NH, MA or ME, and since I'm in one of them, I'd like to know what you have against us. Here's a guy (Spikejones52002) complaining about some G-scale club in Indiana, and here you are out of right field tossing darts at three states' worth of RR clubs not only 1000 miles from Indiana, but even further away than where you are (Texas). What did we ever do to you? BTW, please be specific. If you can't remember names of people, at least tell us which clubs gave you a hard time.We don't know what Spikejones52002 was like to this club in IN. As far as we know, he could have come across as a jerk or a saint to these people. I know that if a new person came into my club and started questioning things we do, I don't think they'd get a very favorable response. That's basic human nature. If you go into a club, realize that it's you joining the club, not the club joining you.Paul A. Cutler III************Weather Or No Go New Haven************
You're right, of course. We don't know how he presented himself on that first visit. But the description of the visit struck me as the people being very, very reserved.
Please don't read too much into my comments. I was trying to make light of the situation a little bit to hint that Spikejones52002 wasn't necessarily being singled out. I don't have anything against anyone, especially New Englanders, because I am one.
I was born in Concord, NH, and grew up in eastern Massachusetts. My whole family still lives in eastern Massachusetts. My recollection is that when people moved to New England from other parts of the country, they often found that New Englanders were slow to welcome them and even slower to make friends. This was especially tough on grade school children and teenagers who moved to our town. When I moved to other parts of the country (and to Europe, too), it appeared to me that people were much more outgoing than in New England.
I should have been more specific about the "groups" I wrote of. Please see my post on the first page of this thread about one model RR club. In my sentence I meant that in those states one may find Boy Scout groups, parent-teacher groups, church groups, bicycle riding groups, etc., that appear to be slow to warm up to a newcomer.
The original theme of this thread was trying to understand why model railroaders sometimes appear to be standoffish. Many people have contributed anecdotes and opinions to try to explain why we sometimes appear that way. Mine was just one more attempt.
These are my honest opinions, which I make on the basis of having lived in Massachusetts and New Hampshire 25 years and visiting there over another 40 years and talking/visiting with my relatives. I apologize if I overdid it.
Is that suppose to be a honest response or a smart *** one? I am guessing the ladder.
As far a clubs go. The second a new member pays his/her Dues he/she has every right to speak up against somthing that does not seem right. At least to voice there opinion. If the said club says you have no say so in it yet I would promptly ask for my cash back. I do not beat around the bush I say what is on my mind.
At the same time I understand why the so called "stupid" questions come up. Ive had freinds who was turned away from the hobby because of jerks. First impressions are everything.
A club looking to expand their membership, Should have Greeted me.
I respectively walked into the meeting room. Before the Standing Host or moderator opened the meeting. I respectively greeted and said my name.
ALL I GOT WAS LOOKS, NOBODY returned my greeting....
After the meeting and during the refreshments, ONLY one person said something in my direction as he passed by me.
IF you are a closed club DO NOT accept a request for attendance.
Later I did meet members from this club at G.R. conventions and Displays in Malls seeking people to attend their club. I just passed by with out a second look.
spikejones52002 wrote: A club looking to expand their membership, Should have Greeted me.I respectively walked into the meeting room. Before the Standing Host or moderator opened the meeting. I respectively greeted and said my name.ALL I GOT WAS LOOKS, NOBODY returned my greeting....After the meeting and during the refreshments, ONLY one person said something in my direction as he passed by me.IF you are a closed club DO NOT accept a request for attendance.Later I did meet members from this club at G.R. conventions and Displays in Malls seeking people to attend their club. I just passed by with out a second look.
Those Yankees can be hard to get to.
Come down here to the south there is plenty of Hellos to go around. Not exactly open arms at first until you are evaluated for your interest in various local activities LOL.
Back home the Grocery store was a place where you got your stuff and left quick. Here in Arkansas it can take 2 hours to catch up for that week with 10-20 people from one end to the other.
Safety Valve wrote: Back home the Grocery store was a place where you got your stuff and left quick. Here in Arkansas it can take 2 hours to catch up for that week with 10-20 people from one end to the other.
Your not kidding about THAT! Here in Tn. it takes an hour to get one thing from the store on a Sunday. Too many folks blocking the aisles talking to people they just saw in church 10 minutes ago.
spikejones52002 wrote: I started My "G" collecting when I moved to N.W. Indiana.There are several "HO" clubs around. One day I found out about a "G" gauge club, Illana RR In Valpo, In. I found out when they are meeting and was asked to attend.It was a typical Winter Evening for N.W Indiana. I fought the Ice and snow to attend.I got there just early enough. I found the meeting room and found a seat.Just before the meeting started. I introduced myself. Everone looked up at me and NO ONE responded with a greeting. During an interesting meeting. I made several comments and asked several questions. The comments and questions were answered.Besides that NOT ONE PERSON SAID A WORD TO ME.After the meeting in the back of this persons factory was a large "G" floor layout and some riding RR rolling stock.Refreshments was available and enjoyed. One person walked by me and said, " look at the names on the (riding) cars."I told the Person (NEVER MET) (that E-mailed me the invite) to take me off his mailing list.
Spike sorry to hear of that bad experience, especially with G gaugers, maybe its just them frozen northern winters that brings out the curmongenly side of folks.
I guess being down here in the land of perpetual sunshine just brings out the better nature of people.
I had to laugh reading your experience cause it was almost verbatum my experience with that HOn3 group I mentioned...except that NO ONE responded even to my being there, at least they AKNOWLEDGED your existance.
Sometimes I just really have to wonder how these "clubs" manage to stay alive with such ty treatment of possible new members
I should point out that the HOn3 group was also looking for new members, but sad to say I think they weren't looking for new memebrs with an interest in narrow gauge, but looking for new members of the same age, race, religion, income, political, clothing and taste in automobiles as existing members, which was sad becuase they looked like they would soon be dropping off like flies in the coming years.
I also noticed in hindsight a warning sign, namely that this layout had been under construction for over 10 years, half of it was only partially hardshell sceneried, most of it was still just track on benchwork, IOWs I had the impression they spent more time aurguing over HOW to do it then in actuall doing OF it
Have fun with your trains
vsmith wrote: spikejones52002 wrote: I started My "G" collecting when I moved to N.W. Indiana.There are several "HO" clubs around. One day I found out about a "G" gauge club, Illana RR In Valpo, In. I found out when they are meeting and was asked to attend.It was a typical Winter Evening for N.W Indiana. I fought the Ice and snow to attend.I got there just early enough. I found the meeting room and found a seat.Just before the meeting started. I introduced myself. Everone looked up at me and NO ONE responded with a greeting. During an interesting meeting. I made several comments and asked several questions. The comments and questions were answered.Besides that NOT ONE PERSON SAID A WORD TO ME.After the meeting in the back of this persons factory was a large "G" floor layout and some riding RR rolling stock.Refreshments was available and enjoyed. One person walked by me and said, " look at the names on the (riding) cars."I told the Person (NEVER MET) (that E-mailed me the invite) to take me off his mailing list.Spike sorry to hear of that bad experience, especially with G gaugers, maybe its just them frozen northern winters that brings out the curmongenly side of folks.I guess being down here in the land of perpetual sunshine just brings out the better nature of people.I had to laugh reading your experience cause it was almost verbatum my experience with that HOn3 group I mentioned...except that NO ONE responded even to my being there, at least they AKNOWLEDGED your existance. Sometimes I just really have to wonder how these "clubs" manage to stay alive with such ty treatment of possible new membersI should point out that the HOn3 group was also looking for new members, but sad to say I think they weren't looking for new memebrs with an interest in narrow gauge, but looking for new members of the same age, race, religion, income, political, clothing and taste in automobiles as existing members, which was sad becuase they looked like they would soon be dropping off like flies in the coming years. I also noticed in hindsight a warning sign, namely that this layout had been under construction for over 10 years, half of it was only partially hardshell sceneried, most of it was still just track on benchwork, IOWs I had the impression they spent more time aurguing over HOW to do it then in actuall doing OF it
Or one that is starved of manpower, funds and left to rot for want of TLC.
I don't even want to join a MRR club after the reception I got from the currator of the LHS. I'm a fairly friendly person and I went to the LHS to purchase my start up items and was trying to make new friends in the hobby. Well this place had been previously owned by an older gentleman who still hung out at the shop although he had sold the business off. I started talking to him and he invited me to the club layout get togethers on Friday nights. But after I got the extreme cold shoulder from the current owner (one more than one occassion)(sp?)of the shop and knew that he was part of that club I totally lost interest. I mean cold, like I was a bother to him and I was a customer in his store for crying out loud!!!
Listen, if you are not friendly towards new comers and you want to gaurd your MRR secrets, then don't complain when you have to pay more dues to your own club because you can't get new lasting memberships. What's the old axim,? you catch more flies with honey? Something like that. Regardless, just as I'm not part of any yuppie motor cycle club, a loner, I will not belong to any MRR club around my town either.
BUT!!! I may check out the one that Penn State, http://www.clubs.psu.edu/up/mrrc/ , has since I work here and practically live at work anyhow. Whew!! Thanks, just had to get that off my chest.
ARR
AltoonaRailroader,Lemme see if I got this right: You refuse to join any club (even a motorcycle club) because the owner of a local hobby shop who happens to be a member of a local model railroad club isn't a friendly person to you? What about the rest of the members of said club? Are they like the current owner, or the ex-owner of said LHS?
Now if you're really a connisseur of attitude, try going into a music store, one that sells instruments. Now that is attitude...makes a hobby shop or a club look like triple A. Sales musicians are a perfect storm of ego, insecurity and arrogance. I like going in there just to noodle on a guitar and enjoy all the reactions.
Things could be worse. At least the clubs have trains to watch.