Along about 1986 my son had just entered middle school, budget was tight and the only place we had to build a small train layout was in a drafty unfinished garage, but build we did and fun we had. Yep, we were green peas. If there was internet at the time, we didn’t have any. We learned from books at the library, a few purchased at the local hobby shop and MRR magazine. Most of the rolling stock and modeling supplies also came from the hobby shop, along with friendly tips and encouragement.
The layout was nearly complete when we joined the NMRA. Reading in the newsletter about an upcoming layout tour I inquired about entering ours. Shortly thereafter, an NMRA member and a wonderful man, the late Armand Cyr visited to check us out. He had nothing but praise for the layout and to our excitement we were entered.
On the evening before the tour Armand was kind enough to invite my wife, son and I to see a few of the other local layouts on the tour. Wow, we were in awe of so much fantastic Model Railroading, and the hosts were more than gracious. There were a couple HO layouts, one filled a two car garage and the other nearly half the house. Also, living in an outbuilding was a large and really super American Flyer set-up with all, and I do mean all the bells and whistles. Upon arriving home I was beginning to wish we’d not entered the tour. Said to my wife, “If I had a layout that was anywhere near to what we saw tonight, I’d burn mine.” But she’s always been a gem, “Oh honey, don’t worry, your’s is good.” She replied.
Next morning it was cloudy and lightly raining. My wife made a big batch of chocolate chip cookies to set next to the sign-in sheet. The weather and coolness in the garage didn’t dampen the spirits of the tour attendees. Don’t recall how many visitors that day, but unforgettable are the many kind words of encouragement, not to mention special kudos for the baker of those wonderful cookies.
Sometimes, it’s that word of encouragement that keeps us going.
We don’t have layout tours as such, so what I get to see of others modelling is at train shows.
It can be a mixed bag, and sometimes disappointing in my opinion, but as my Grandma used to say, “If you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything.”
That said, I have to raise my hat to all those that are prepared, and brave enough to share their modelling with the Great Unwashed, I myself being definitely in that category!
Besides it’s surprising what one can learn, if one looks close enough!
Cheers, the Bear.
Hi Peter,
That was real nice to read about, thank you and myself I have found it an encouragement.
My Father never took the slightest interest in my lifelong passion for Trains and Railways and my Mother was usually too interested in the next meeting of the Women’s Institute.
But I have always taken on board Model Railway encouragement (not necessarily or always advice) when offered it by others and have often tried to reciprocate - especially when seeing the efforts of youngsters at Model Railway exhibitions.
At ME Ex’s, there are usually Club Layouts, large and good - built by mature, experienced modelers.
But I will always select a Junior built layout for my ‘Best in Show’ vote and tell them. Watch it lift their spirits.
Paul.
A lovely story, Peter.
Words of encouragement go a long way.
Because I could not use my right hand properly I was told I was lazy for not using it. The more I tried it didn’t help, but still carried on.
I took up scenery modelling to use both hands. Gosh have I made so many mistakes. Family encouraged me (thankfully). Though I had a train set it was never in any scenery I built.
It was Dawn who encouraged me to have a layout in the scenery. Bless her. Off course the errors are still being made, but Dawn never says a bad word.
When the doctors at the hospital said “Years ago I had a stroke causing loss of use of part of my right side.” I hadn’t been lazy. The words made me ‘try harder’.
Dawn still gives me great encouragement. I still make mistakes when railway modelling (and there are many). The support from Dawn is priceless.
I’m getting ready to start my next layout. It’s going to be in N scale due to space constraints I have about enough space for a 3×6 layout. But I also have a helper in of all people my daughter. She loves doing scenery and craftsmanship and it helps with her own issues by giving her something to work on that constructive rather than destructive for her mind.
I think I have had, in the many years I have had trains, never had ANY encouragement nor praise, but it was my hobby and I didn’t care what people thought of it, Now, 50 years later, I bought a small apartment ONLY for the trains, I am sure it looks more than professional, and the building and expanding only brings me immense joy
I’m encouraging a few of my friends to get into the hobby of modelling since they are really good craftsman and can really make good use of a project they set their mind to, should I suggest getting into HO to other people?
Electricity isn’t for everybody, to be honest, I don’t care that much if my trains aren’t moving, but the occasional visitor wants to see that, they don’t care (or don’t even see) all the details I painstakingly made everywhere, (birds, rabbits, cats, dogs, and what not, flies and butterflies aren’t there though) Not to mention that trains are expensive
So now, a Dutch friend of mine, who wants to see the trains moving is making and designing all kinds of electronics to automate stuff, including bar code readers hidden under the rails, to identify trains. I know that can be done digitally but that’s way above my head. (I am 72 years old and my trains slightly younger). He designs and makes the electronics, I dutifully install them.
Nice story Peter. I recall some of the encouragement I got, even on the atrocities iwas creating at the time. The models got upgraded over time, but destroyed in a fire. The memories do live on. Dan
I am excited for tomorrow (Friday). All of our local 2nd graders are going to visit our museum. We also have a depot and that is where I will be. They will start by viewing our outdoor display and then I will explain what a depot is. Most of their parents probably don’t know. They will then be given an Operation Lifesaver presentation by a local BNSF engineer who is taking a day of vacation to talk to the kids. After that they will get a demonstration of telegraphy and will get to send their first name on the telegraph key. The last exhibit is in the freight room which is loaded with all kinds of railroad tools. There will be a retired BJRY engineer to lead them through that.
The best part is when they leave. A Rock Island dining cloth will be pulled off a table and there will be trays of HO cars and track. Each kid gets to pick one car and one piece of track to keep. The idea is to encourage them in the hobby. Maybe dad or grandpa has a train stored in the attic that will come down. The cars were furnished by the Hawkeye Model Railroad Club in Iowa City and the track was furnished by a private individual. They are solidly behind our effort.
Currently finalizing plans for Wilmington Shops, and I’ve also got a local friend in the hobby I’m encouraging to upgrade from a loop of EZTrack on a table.
i thinks it’s important to understand “why” which you explained – because they’re a craftsman – and presumably gives them an outlet for this skill and the appropriate attitude.
i assume this hooby would be satisfying for others with suitable skills and attitude
but i think to do this hobby or any hobby expecting recognition by others or expecting others to “join in” is the wrong reason to do so
It went very well today on National Train Day Eve. We were prepared for 60 kids and had 40. Each kid left the depot with a bag containing an HO car, a piece of track, a sheet of Morse code letters, a paper with whistle signals listed and a Sly Fox and Birdie coloring book. Their visit will probably be the discussion around the supper table tonight. The depot was only part of it. They were introduced to churning butter, grinding corn, dial telephones, hand operated can openers, a country school classroom and other stuff in the main museum. The entire staff was exhausted, but it was worth it.
Postscript: The layout was completed and along with being loads of fun, became a vehicle that took us to new places in the hobby, like painting, weathering and scratch-building. The layout came down in 2010, but not before providing hour upon hour of happiness running trains with my grandchildren. Don’t wait, build a layout, have fun and make great memories while you can.
