Over the years, YouTube has allowed us to follow along as modelers of all skill levels build their layouts and show us “how to do it.” With that, you also get to see the idiosyncrasies of the people themselves. To be frank, most are rather bland, but you watch because you like to see the trains and perhaps get a tip to use on your own layouts.
That said, nothing prepared me for what I just witnessed. His name is Alan Plumb, a seemingly affable, soft-spoken British modeler who has posted a number of videos chronicling the construction of a small N-scale layout. To be fair, the modeling was okay (though I was intrigued by some of his scenery techniques) but his relaxed demeanor was soothing and just nice to listen to for a few minutes. Here was a person who was thoroughly enjoying what he was doing. It seemed his layout was more than just a hobby; you sensed it had real meaning to him, and that energy came through the screen and made you want to watch him all the more.
And then I witnessed the video below. I was disturbed on so many levels, not just at the absolute blind rage in the man’s eyes as he utterly destroyed his work - work that he fretted and fussed over for months to recreate a piece of his childhood - but, from reading the comments, the terrible situation at home that drove him to do it.
Model railroading is not “grown ups playing with trains.” It is a hobby, a craft, an art for
Can’t watch it at the moment, but the feel of the comments is sad and frustrating. Hypocrisy is the nature of the beast that may have caused that, it’s saddening these days. I feel that may be a contending factor in a relationship(if I ever have one) for me.
OTOH, perhaps Mr Plumb shouldn’t have posted his public video on a YouTube channel.
Kinda by it’s very nature, he himself is publicly promoting his personal crisis. Welcome to 21st Century social media…
This certainly makes me appreciate the relationship I have with my bride even more.
On two occasions she has come home and while I was sitting at the computer, handed me a new loco (that was on my list) over my shoulder along with a kiss on the head for no other reason than because she loves me.
Sheldon, a divorce may indeed be in the future for these two. However, just because he is a train guy and we are train guys and this is a train forum, we should not jump to the conclusion that she is the problem. Watching his childish behaviour makes me think there is a lot more to the whole story.
At least he acted out what most of us want to do at one time or another.
At the start of the video, I didn’t think he would get too far, using a 1x3 scrap of wood, but then he got serious and moved to a spade shovel. The hammer was OK, but I would have used a full length sledge hammer for maximum effect.
ahh, thanks for posting, it made my day. LOL x LOL
ahhh, one of my all time favorite movies. Truth be told, there is a YouTube video of this scene. I won’t post the link because it contains profanity, but for those who are interested, just type “office space printer scene”. LOL I had forgotten about the accompanying rap music. Thanks for the reminder.
I finally viewed the video, and it’s kind of silly.
The guy doesn’t say anything (he does grunt and breathe heavy), and as mentioned first he breaks apart what I guess is his river scene with his bare hands, then he wacks at the modules with a board (while wearing a Hi-Visiblity vest - must be a Top Gear fan), and finally chops up the modules with first a shovel and then a hammer of sorts (taking a tea break inbetween).
The title cards before and after the video indicate in text that someone (I guess his wife) questioned the price of a N Scale 4f loco model, which apparently set him off. The amusing thing was in his notes he clearly states he got lots of appreciation and encouragement from his video viewers - but he freaked out anyway?
Was the whole thing Meta, or old school viral video? I checked, yes they do have Reciprocating saws available at reasonable prices in the UK, so no shovels or spades needed for layout busting…(Hi-V vests are mandatory for layout busting in the UK, however).
For me the OP’s post explained things fine, and I don’t at all mind clicking on an ambiguous title to see what’s up. However, once I realized what the subject of the video was, I decided to not bother watching it. I have no time for immature people.
