Hey all, I had a bud of mine @ work friday, ask me why I liked model trains so much.You know I couldnt think of a quick comeback so I just said,just because.I got home friday night and thought about it,and here's what Icame up with: You ask me why I liked trains so much;Have you ever sat on the front porch of an old country store in S.E.Ark and seen a triple lashup of "jeeps" pulling a freight consist so fast that you couldnt count the cars.Have you ever gotten to help your granddad hang the mailbag on the hook and wait for the train to come by to get it,and missed it cause you looked away for a second.If you ever got to chase a mailbag as the old toot in the car kicked it out and be laughing as he did it.If your Dad and one of his buddies who worked (for a major RR) in shreveport picked you up and you got to sit in the seat of an old F-3,and that 8yr olds mind is going faster than the engine.Frenchy trying to show me what everthing did.(Still dont remember).What a day that was.Well My dad and frenchy are both gone, but you know I wouldnt trade that day and all those memories for anything.Iguess that's why I like trains so much. Just Because!!!! RRMAN48 Rusty B.
You like trains 'just because' of the memories. That'll do! It's the capturing in miniature of things you remember OR would like to remember. Roger
It keeps me out of trouble with my wife of 35 years? It makes my credit card company happy? Nah,it's because it's so damn much fun to meet such nice people with the same illness I have.("TRAINS") ------------------ Catt!#118
I think us Sicko's might get more answers about our Illness at the Inspection Pit on this one, so I'm gonna move it there...See ya'll in "The Pit!" And here we are! I've been asked this many times by friends and family. My Dad would walk into the Train Room and say, "Hey, your Mother called you to Dinner over an hour ago. Why are you still running trains?" I'd be lost in the moment and wouldn't even respond. Later He'd come back and say, "Alright, time to hit the sack! Shut it down!" It's amazing to me how much time I'll lose while operating my trains on a layout. I've been known to run from 5PM to almost 10AM and not realise the time has past. Railfanning is almost as bad. If I'm out alone, I'm lost! It's better to take a friend who will remind me that it's getting late. This works great, unless the person I take is inflicted with the same sickness! ------------------ Brent Tidaback, Member #234 BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot! "Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners!" The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF [This message has been edited by Maxwell Plant (edited 14 November 2000).]
I had the same experience rrman, but mine was a steam engine 62 years ago, and many more since then. I'm still "sick", can't seem to get cured. Ha! ------------------ Watash
This is truely the hard question...one my wife has asked me in the past. I guess it is many things for me from the raw power of a locomotive to the majestic (yes I said majestic) beauty of a steam engine. The color and motion, and of course the sound. One cannot forget the history that is represented either. Modeling all of this is a challenge, sometimes a test, a way of bringing history back in some instances and pushing the limits of today's motive power in others. Both railfanning and modeling allow me to spend more time with my kids. Most of all, it allows me to be a kid too!! Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
Well, here's my answer. For me it isn't really the memories of trains, or even the raw power of locomotives. It's the perfect blend between a mechanical hobby (Designing,building, etc) and artistic hobbies (making scenery, roads detailing,etc) and electronics (lights, switches, etc) It is a great combo for me, and I'm an addict! I hope there isn't a 12 step program for this, 'cause I don't want to be cured. See ya, Shaummy
As far as I'm concerned, I can't explain it or theorize about it; I have just loved trains and railways (and to a lesser extent ships, aeroplanes and buses) right back to when my conscious memory started at about 2 1/2 yrs old and nothing will ever change that or make me tire of the hobby or look for something to replace it; it is totally beyond explanation; the love of this particular hobby is completely ingrained in me. What I find very interesting is that so many former and present railwaymen are also fans and enthusiasts; this sits in them alongside all the hassles, problems and humiliations of the everyday job at work (as graphically described by some of our members in "On the Rails"); they are able to let their interest in and love of railways override the daily problems. This must say something about railways as I don't see many people in my line of work (lawyering) wanting to study it and talk about it endlessly as a hobby; we can't wait to get out of the office and away from it at the end of the day and at the weekend. Ben
I just think they are cool! And when I show other people they say , "cool" . ------------------ No! Your track is not clean.
For those who understand, no explaination is necessary. For those who don't understand, no explain-ation is possible. That is all you need to know, Grasshopper... ------------------ Southeast....Southwest.. Ship IT on the Frisco! Bob T. http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html
It (like everything else) is a combination of lots of things -- Model RR-ing combines artistic, electronic, crafts, etc. and gives me a way to get lost in my own world far from the complex "real world". I've never been much for "operating" but now with DCC even that's a lot more interesting -- but creating my own little world with details that I decide to include (no trash unless I choose, no-one else is littering up my world...) is the "fun" -- but also, shopping for neat "new" stuff is also a great part of this hobby. Finally, I've met some neat people on boards like this and at NMRA National Conventions (and regional ones too!) -- a great levelling and melting with some high powered individuals!
Welcome to trainboard sync I hope you find as much enjoyment here as the rest of us. I never thought about shopping for models until you mentioned it. I have to agree always great walking into a hobby shop looking for something to buy sometimes not a great feeling when you leave the shop with either and empty wallet or a heavier credit account lol ------------------ Regards Paul Cassar-Moderator & Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
Along with many of the already mentioned reasons, it is the thrill of Empire Building. following the history and action of a prototype or "imagineering" a freelance effort. Great fun and WE ARE IN CHARGE eh!!! ------------------ Robin Maberly and Tayside
I manage a model train store and hear that question at least once a day, oftentimes, more than that. For me it is indeed memories. Memories of of my youth as I grew up alongside the Kettle Valley Railway and fond memories they are (Sadly, memories are pretty much all that remains of the KVR). It is also a chance to be creative, a chance to get away from the daily stress and build my own little space where I can be at one with myself. Many understand when I explain why I like trains but some don't and that is their right as well as their loss. To all of us who enjoy trains and this fantastic hobby, Happy Modelling. Cheers, Terry
Friscobob, yours is the best answer and the most concise - there isn't really anything else to say; those of us in the know, know why anyway, while those who don't, don't care and will never understand even if we spend a thousand years trying to explain - I've better things to do with my time! Ben
Thanks Ben- I was afraid that my answer came across as a bit too flippant. But, when you think about it, it's about as close to true as I can get. Especiall in this dot.com world of satellites, superhighways, transcontinen- tal jets, large trucks, and cell phones, railroads seem so 19th century to some. How- ever, until a better technology cones along, it's STILL the best means of moving large quantities of cargo (and people) overland. Besides, when was the last time you saw a magazine called "Traffic Jam- THE Magazine of Congested Highways"? ------------------ Southeast....Southwest.. Ship IT on the Frisco! Bob T. http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html
Guys,I think Friscobob said it best.Sometimes I have to go all around the world to tell my feelings.But his reply is short,sweet,to the point. RRman48 RustyB. FISCO FOREVER!!!!
Well, I just like Trains! And Model Railroading! ------------------ CSX and HO Scale The Newark Branch RR Ship it the good 'ole way, BY RAIL http://homestead.juno.com/huntertjo
why do I like trains??? Well since I was knee high to a grasshopper I have always loved anything mechanical--trains,planes,cars, heavy duty factory machinery, heavy & light duty construction equipment, tractors and the like. Also model rr is FUN and is full of memories. Maybe also that my great grandfather worked on the SSW/CB line.
