I don’t remember when I first joined the MR forum, however many years back; or, in what version the forum was. But, I do know that the last version of the forum left something to be desired, it was slow and klutzy and many of us complained, I know I did - this was the one before this one.
Kalmbach did listen and created this “new” forum. I say new in quotes because I guess we can’t call it new anymore. However when it first opened and until recently, the forum felt new. Forums need a certain “balance” to them, more than just a “critical mass,” forums need the “old timers” as much as the newbies. The newbies provide enthusiasm which rubs off on the old timers, the old timers provide the wisdom of the error of their ways and the tips of hard earned problem solving over the years on their own layouts. The tips from the older guys also comes from “jawing it” with other guys and gals over the years at layout meets, clubs, shows, social gatherings, and any other type of social interaction that includes the hobby, including associations, what have you.
Initially the MR forum was “out of balance” with more newbies to “old farts” status. Usually you need some old farts to come and an park and adopt the community as home. As their advise proliferates, this attracts more experienced and inexperienced hobbyists to the forum and the quality of questions improve. Topics become creative and “in jokes” become more numerous. The forum becomes community for many. For some, the “community” will become their saving grace through some rough times.
I don’t know when it happened but the Model Railroad forum has “growed up” somewhere in the last six months while I was away tending to an illness in the family. Its nice to see a forum that was klutzy and frustrating to use, move into a mature active creative community.
So congratulations Model Railroader and Kalmbach for providing this community.
And congratulations to the forum members who hung in there throug