Rick, This is confusing - 2 Ricks on the same subject Not sure if I can explain this clearly enough so as not to offend anyone, because that is not my intention. One of the problems I find with this hobby is there is no right way to do nearly any thing. Because of that, one problem may attract 4 or 5 or more ways of solving the problem - all of them good ideas, just a little different from each other. As such, you may get 5 or 6 different answers (all of which are right) to the same problem, and that can causes confusion for someone who has no idea what they are doing and is trying to learn. As such, when I don't have a clue about something, such as this control panel wiring, I'll ask a question and stay with the first person who seems to know what they are saying and can give a solution to the problem I have AND, continues to follow the problem until it is resolved. What I'm saying is a lot of different answers can cause more problems than they solve. It isn't that I don't respect those answers, or the persons giving them, I simply try to avoid getting myself confused with multiple solutions that are all a little different in some way. Because there is no right or wrong way to do most things in the hobby, which I thoroughly enjoy and have enjoyed for a great many years, it is a never ending learning curve with new ideas, different ways of doing things, that may not have been thought of before and so forth, no matter how long you've been in the hobby. THAT is what keeps it interesting and enjoyable. I know a few very very senior model railroaders who have been in the "business" for 30 or 40 years with massive basement layouts who have all the knowledge and experience in the world and who still ask questions about certain facets of the hobby. It is very rewarding when someone who has only been around for maybe 5 to 10 years (or less) can teach an old dog a new trick
I guess I am at a loss to comprehend your inconsistent statements. I know I am new here but I am not new to online forums, and it seems to me more ideas and avenues of explanation have always been more fruitful than fewer. Great explanations or tutorials can only lead someone part of the way, especially since we're all different. “Right.” Nobody should need to feel stupid or embarrassed, or feel a need to save face, because they're slow to pick up on something. We all have our different strengths. But, again, it takes effort on both sides. I've been shown my place and will happily sit out in it. I look forward to hearing about the finished project.
Now it is I who is sorry BUT, I fail to see where I have made any inconsistent statements. Getting information from a number of sources can cause confusion. I stick with the one source of information so there is consistency in what is be said. That source is a forum rather than an impersonal you tube thing or some written tutorial where asking for clarification is not possible. I take that one step further by listening to one person, again for the sake of consistency of information to avoid confusion on my part. All of the above pertains to me and is not meant as a general comment. Some people prefer to get a lot of information from a lot of sources and if that works for them then great - that's what matters. It just doesn't work for me. In fact, you hit the nail on the head when you said "...especially since we're all different..." Couldn't agree more. I think it i a general rule of thumb that there are NO stupid questions; therefore, no one should feel stupid or embarrassed or whatever when they ask a question. We all had to start somewhere, were all beginners at one time or another and, as such, am sure we all asked questions that, to ourselves, may have seemed stupid. Unfortunately, there are also some in the hobby (and in life) who think they are the be all and end all of there particular hobby and do treat "new comers" as stupid. I believe they are referred to as "prima donna's". Not sure what you mean by "shown your place". You mentioned you were new here, well so am I, but like you I have been around forums for years, too many to think about to be honest. I am yet to be apart of a forum where everyone agrees with everyone else. The important thing, in my opinion, is to have respect for the other person and their ideas whether you agree with them or not. So, I hope you don't think that I have "put you in your place" or been trying to put you in your place because that was the furthest thing from my mind, in fact, it didn't even enter my mind. While I might stick with one person when it comes to something I am asking about, it does not mean that I don't appreciate or respect anyone else's input.
Rick B. and Rick H. we've managed to confuse others as to who's ...who? On the other hand it should be obvious who Rick B and I are based on our responses and avatar. I think it's safe to say you can address us by either Rick B. or Rick H. Otherwise it get's confusing for us to. I do consider Rick B. to be a good friend and trust his input. No problem here. Getting back to the original question expressed here. You will find all kinds of information available. It's going to be up to you to sort through it. I recommend research, read, research and read some more. Then try what you've learned. A self discovery mission of sorts. This is an open forum and in general anyone who wishes can chime in and add to this discussion. Usually welcomed by most of us. All in hopes of answering the OP's original question. It will be up to the OP, to pick and choose which answers he wants to respond to. We also have a private way to contact a member of TB, in the event we want to follow up with questions. "Conversations," you can start a conversation with any person of your choosing. You know those questions where we don't really need everyone else jumping in to answer. Wombat457, your good and everything is just fine. You'll do ok. Takes a little getting used to. I like your signature: "Knowing what do is one thing ... doing it is another" Right there with you.
Rick H Maybe I need to expand on my signature ... "Knowing what do is one thing ... being able to do it is another" For me, that is probably more appropriate. While this "may sound" contradictory, I do agree that everyone and anyone should put their two cents worth into answering a question. That gives the person asking options to go with. That, for me has never been in contention. Bottom line, no matter who provided the information, the question asked was answered and the problem I had was given a solution I could work with. I should add that everything that was suggested was taken into account, especially those "additional things" that wern't "how to wire this up" specific.
For reasons that aren't clear to me BarstowRick.com has crashed and I'm not electing to pay, to bring it back. Others such as Rick B., DCC guy can handle most of today's questions. Besides who wants an old school termite espousing the benefits of all that stuff. Go build yourself a layout and let it teach you what you need to know. Remember, old model railroaders don't die we just move down the tracks to another destination. NOW! Do me a favor and go enjoy the heck out of this hobby.
