pugdog
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Oct 26, 2005, 9:13 AM
Post #1 of 1
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Updates, editorials, and musings.
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I've been updating the train boards at http://pittsburghhobbyforums.com with some comments and editorials.
In short, model railroading is a *great* hobby for almost everyone. It's a family affair that has something in it for almost every interest from detailed modeling to computer controls, to operations.
Lately, the hobby is being turned into another "activity" with all the ready made kits and trains, and emphasis on operations and the use of the word "prototype" way too much.
It doesn't have to be that way!
It's your layout. If you want to model the modern era with steam trains, go ahead! If you want to build it your self and not let anyone else near it -- FINE! If you want to mix HotWheels cars not-to-scale on your layout, go ahead!
Don't let ANYONE tell you it's wrong, or turn their nose up with a "it's not prototypical" sneer.
What's wrong is _THEIR_ attitude. This is MODEL railroading, and with models you can do ANYTHING your creative whims want you to.
My dream layout (since after 30+ years of planning, it's still mostly parts and pieces) is a trip from Area 51 to Hanger 18, with a long detour through the Twilight Zone.
I don't want reality! I want to express my own vision, make really cool models, and come up with lots of funny and aburd, but completely [im]plausible, scenes.
People *LOVE* the christmas train layouts, which are so far from "prototypical" they are in the realm of fantasy. *BUT* we love them! We want them. We remember them. We want to pass them on.
Don't get hung up with the hype of "prototype" or realistic operations. That's for some (a minority, truly, a minority) model railroaders. For all the rest of us, it's about FUN and good times.
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