National Model Railroad Month Roger Hensley When I was growing up in the 1950s, it seemed as if the railroads were a part of daily life in the U.S. Trains were everywhere. In those days it was hard not to become interested in modeling them as a hobby. Things are different today. In large parts of the country the railroads never receive the attention of the public in the way they did for most of the nation’s history. The local hobby shop has done a disappearing act as well over the past 20 years, and it’s very possible that the non-model railroading public could go through most of their daily existence without ever being exposed to railroads. It is time to show the interested public what a great hobby we have. More and more, it’s up to us to give others the opportunity to see trains in action. For some people, this is setting up train tracks around the Christmas tree and hooking up engines, boxcars, and cabooses manufactured by Lionel, MTH (Mike’s Train House), Life Like or Bachmann. And for others with a basement, den or room, indulging in model train “play” is serious business all year round. It is such a huge pastime, that November has been designated National Model Railroad Month. Specialist stores, hobby clubs and magazines are devoted to this passion. Obviously, we’re not talking about cheap plastic kid toys here, but true-to-scale models with lights, whistles, steam, and detailed scenery. There are several model Railroads in and around Anderson, and the Indianapolis area is full of them. They come in all sizes from very modest sized layouts to large expansive ones that have taken years to build. The Scenery can be astounding. There could be railroad workers going about their business. There could be a cat in the rubbish, or a woman watering plants in a top floor window box, or maybe a wedding at the church, parking meters, and even drunks on the street. It’s all possible with model railroading. It doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. I have been at it for more than 30 years and I have assembled a number of cars and locomotives without spending my kids inheritance (as if I had one). After having been exposed to model railroading, the allure may be the trains or the scenery or both. Finding or creating the true-to-life trees, mountains, rivers, tunnels, people, stations, etcetera to surround a train track can be irresistible. In addition to our model railroads at home, we have built several model railroads at the Museum of Madison County History (the History Center) for our Christmas Exhibit. So, it you are interested, you may stop in and look them over on and M-W-F. C U There! 15 W 11th Street, Anderson IN
Good to know and thanks Roger H., for sharing this announcement here on TrainBoard. Wish I was close enough to visit your display. Clubs and other groups are planning open houses, layout tours and there are those train shows. It's a good time to shine. I will do my part both through our local Caldwell Model Railroad Club and here on TrainBoard. What do you plan on doing? For now: Let's see I think I will watch train videos and suck down some Diet Dr. Pepper or Shasta Diet Cola whichever is cheaper. I know it's time to get out my note pad and start doodling a new model railroad. In the move to Nampa, ID my layout took it in the shorts. Almost destroyed it. Nothing to celebrate there. I might even get out into my new local and take some pictures and share them on BarstowRick.com. Then link them here so you can enjoy them. Uhh-err someday when the website/blog is up and operating again. Get out the vote. Oh sorry that was a couple of days ago. Happy Rails!
I can't make it down there and haven't heard or read of anything going on up here in northeast Wisconsin. The big train show in Milwaukee was last month but again health and wealth didn't allow attendance. I started interest in trains in the 50s when I returned to the Catholic Grade School and often had to walk past the farmers Co-op and the Scott's paper mill. Even then there were many signs of former tracks and when I got my license and car I got to see a lot more north of and in Green Bay. Then in '72 after Vietnam I moved to Milwaukee and saw a lot more. Now in Appleton area very near two main lines through and a busy yard with several leads to smaller yards.
I am planning on manning the History Center's exhibit. That will keep me busy. I also am working on a newspaper article. Wish me luck!
I think the greatest problem these days is that Model Railroading has acquired a less than attractive image. Most people think it's for weak and immature nerds hiding in Grandma's basement and fiddling with tiny toy trains. I would like to propose a new slogan: MODEL RAILROADING... \^^/~ THE DARK METAL OF HOBBIES! ~\^^/ (My sound decoders play Norwegian Black Metal)
Yeah....common lets show some attitude!! We should be proud and loud. "I AM A MODEL RAILROADER" !! Jim
MR didn't always stand for Model Railroader and yet in some circles it most certainly did. I don't see it but I'm slow enough not to. And as Dale said...
Well then I’ll say it anyway, A new bumper sticker....... My other car is a SD 70ACe, 408,000 pounds and 197,000 pounds of tractive effort! Can your Jetta do that?!?!
Attitude, latitude and magnitude shouldn't make a difference. I genuinely dig this hobby and enjoy all aspects of it. Everyone around me, has their own idea of what they want, how they want to accomplish it. There are lone wolves who seldom talk about their cottage toy train or model railroad. Hiding it because of the critics in the hobby or surrounding neighborhood. Perhaps other reasons such as security and privacy. Others who are more social, out-going and join up with groups or clubs to express their joy in the hobby. Then there's the graduates who start out as a kid with toy trains and later in life end up with a prototypical, rivet counting and nit-picky layout. No roundy-rounds for them. I kind of belong to that group but also enjoy a well done Lionel - three track - un-prototypical Toy Train Layout. A club I recently joined has all aspects of construction, and preferences expressed by each individual participant. I can't help but stand back and appreciate everyone's contribution. Oh and California isn't the only place they have forest fires. They have their own replication of a forest fire, with fire trucks, laid hose, and hot shots working the scene. Darn those prototypical, working weed burners. Grin! So no matter what level, vision, definition and/or standard you build-to and operate your layout. You're part of a unique group of individuals who "Love" what else "TRAINS". AND Why Not!?!? Foamers at heart.