Wed 27 Aug 2008
I generally steer clear of model railroading related philosophies, but after reading this post I thought the author deserved a mention. David K. Smith articulates some of the issues within the model railroading hobby quite eloquently. Titled “Members Only”, David discusses the apparent divide between ‘model railroaders’ and ‘modelers’ – discussing the difference between those who play with trains like the ‘real thing’ and those who enjoy the hobby for the diverse appeal.
Based on what I read, it appears that I am a ‘modeler’ – a title I’m happy with.
Members Only – 1-160.blogspot.com
August 28th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Well, I’m clearly a modeller, too. For some reason, people think that Godzilla and giant robots don’t belong on a “real” Japanese train layout.
Having people criticize how you spend your hobby time seems completely ridiculous to me. Mind you, if I actually cared what random people on the internet thought of me, I would probably be institutionalized by now.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Well, I’m happy to say that I’ve been pretty happy in my meanderings in the real and online worlds of model railroading. Mind you, I’ve found my share of trolls in both realms but I’ve also found people I enjoy talking to and who are excited to tell me what they’ve learned and eager to hear new ideas I’ve had. I have found you have to pick and choose who you want to be your friend, just like the playground. Just like in any other part society, you have to take the good with the bad. It might be possible that I’m just more thickly-skinned — some people might say “obtuse”. I also have the added bonus of my wife and children appreciate my train stuff, which makes me happy.
-mike
September 9th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I’d classify myself as a modeler as well. While I enjoy prototype and prototype operation, I’m not hardcore on it. The purpose of the hobby is to have fun and please yourself. If you want to have Godzilla wreaking havoc on your version of Tokyo or set your layout in the midst of a fantasy realm, who’s to stop you by telling you “it’s not prototype”
Hobbies are meant to be fun, and I say enjoy it however you want.
-Dan-