At this time of the year, we normally see a large number of newcomers to the forum, so first and foremost [#welcome] to a great place to learn about toy trains. We have artists, electrical experts, mechanical wizards, railroad engineers, track crewmen, etc. etc. who actively participate on the forum.
First Hint: Post an AVATAR with your profile. The photo/picture avatar helps us to recognize you quickly, but it also helps you find your postings quickly. Click on the Update Profile at the top of almost any screen and upload you photo/picture. (As far as I know, animated GIFs will not work as AVATARS.)
Second Hint: Put a geographic location with your profile. Many times your general location affects an answer to questions you post. Your geographic location can be as simple as:
The Cross Roads of the Nation
The Motor City [{(-_-)}]
The Loop
Blueberry Hill, OHIO
On the Banks of the Wabash
UK
BIG D [C):-)]
The Queen City [4:-)]
Roseyville, NC [(-D]
Now let’s hear other hints from some of the posters to this forum. [:)]
Yes, I am a little leary about those who put nothing in their profile. Also, the info lets us know you. This forum’s sucess is built on personal relationships.
Also remember there is no such thing as a dumb question, but please use the search icon to see if someone has already asked this same thing. You may find that your question has already been answered, so you can be on your RR much faster.
Also look onto page two and three, not just the first page.
Also give us some time to respond to your questions. We have seen some poster expecting an answer within hours of it posting.
Be aware that the way people write is very different from the way they would talk and the crucial thing thats lacking is the body english or reactions that tell you what they’re meaning. So its all too easy to give or get the impression of hostility or rudeness when none was meant.
Therefore make an effort to always give the other fellow the benefit of the doubt and don’t be too hasty in assuming someones ignoring you when they may have either not seen your post, misread it or decided to leave it for someone else to deal with that has more expertise.
Even with the best of intentions its also all too easy to offer helpful advice that is actually erroneous - something I am ocasionally guilty of - if you are really new to this aspect of the hobby be aware that your previous experience with HO or DC controlled 2 rail may not be relevant.
Good point Spankybird, aka as Tom, I remember one poster who wanted his question answered in less than 30 minutes and then bashed us for not answering quickly enough.
[#ditto] Ditto to what Thor said. Also, be patient when you post a question. Sometimes it takes a while for someone with the knowledge to answer to see your post. Try to give as much info as you can when asking a question. For example, “My train won’t run” simply does not tell us enough. What brand/type engine are you running? What transformer are you using? Any signs of power or sound when you try to run the train? All of that helps us determine the source of the problem.
There are NO dumb questions! All of us run into times when we need help with a locomotive or wiring or benchwork, etc. This forum has been very helpful to me, both in the information and inspiration I have gained but especially in the friendships I have made! [:)]
A great topic, Buckeye !! I just think seeing terms like trash, junk, & cheap being used when referring to some of the manufacturers products can be harmful. It can easily offend some one who may have just purchased that item. Plus, these items may be advertised in CTT, the host of this free forum. What about the new guy reading here ? I don’t think it’s a good idea to use those terms.
Two great points by spankybird! The only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked. And there is a wealth of information contained in past posts on this forum, so use the search function to poke around.
Another helpful option is posting pictures. Many ask how, but just as important is having a place to test your approach. Instead of trying in this forum, there is a place on trains.com called “Forum Testing”. Go to www.trains.com, then click on Forums at the top of page. Scroll down to the bottom of the list of forums and voila, you are there. A person new to the forum can make mistakes in Forum Testing and not feel the need to apologize. Then, when you have perfected your posting prowess (say that fast three times), you can confidently return and show off your pics right here. Pictures help answer questions and provide a wonderful way to share your passion with others. I’ve been participating in this forum for less than a year and its really fueled my passion for the hobby.
Thor: First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR. It is hard to teach an “older” dog (I mean guy) new tricks but I will try a New Year’s Resolution to refrain from referring back to my half century of HO experiences. Your point is extremely well taken. Have a great year.
I love my avatar! (My train pic is on my computer…which is at Gateway for the 2nd time)
Anyway, don’t get too frustrated in life! Nor with this hobby. It took me an hour yesterday to put the 675 back together (kept dropping the screws). But I’ll take that frustration over a computer problem anyday!
I have had “avatars” disabled for a long time and this topic just prompted me to notice that many of the “signatures” are making as much clutter as the avatars once were. So they’re both off now.
If it is like everything else I have tried to do in the last 9 months it will take me that long to post an avatar I will be retired before I get it done. During the last nine months things have been real busy work and personal life. But I only have one year and three months and 24 days to go until retirement. What I am getting to is I will have more time for trains and other intrests. I intend to check in from time to time.
