Hi I’am a longtime forum member I would like to know what’s the criteria for being called a model railroader ?
Well, to me what being a model railroader is all about is building or having an interest in building a model of a railroad or of parts of a railroad. This could mean anything from building a small diorama of a railroad station to building a 100 ft. x 100 ft. replica of an entire operational railroad. Basically, if any form of building models of anything railroad related interests you, I would consider you to be a model railroader (at heart anyway).
Interesting question, why do you ask???
If you consider model railroading a hobby that you participate in, in some way; then I guess that makes you a model railroader.
Take care,
I agree with brothaslide. There is no established criteria. It’s all in how you view yourself and your hobby. I considered myself a model railroader for years even though it was 99% armchair model railroading. No layout. Years between actually touching a loco or piece of rolling stock. But I always considered ‘model railroading’ as one of my hobbies, just that I didn’t have time to actively participate in it due to the usual list of problems such as career and family. And therefore, because model railroading (in whatever form) was my hobby, I considered myself a model railroader. Still do.
I suspect there are all different points of view on this question. But that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. These days I care a lot less how others may care to classify me.
Regards
Ed
I would say as long as you participate in the hobby in some way then you are a Model Railroader. 2 years ago when I ran trains on our kitchen table I considered myself as one.
Well, I honestly feel the hobby is divided into at least two and perhaps three well defined subgroups…not all of which truly deserve the title of model railroader.
Those that actually model a railroad in miniature (tinplate and scale alike) in some fashion are without question model railroaders. However, those who simply have an interest in the subject and never create/build/acquired anything resembling a layout must simply be considered model railroading enthusiasts - quite a different category. It’s the same sort of situation as for those who enjoy watching golf matches on TV. They are certainly not to be considered golfers if they don’t play, no matter how much they know about the game. And the same could apply in uncounted other situations of a similar nature.
Then there are also those who are stictly collectors of scale model equipment (brass, etc.). How can you justify the term model railroader in their case? If you do, then a person who collects paintings must be considered an artist!
Linn Westcott wrote an editorial on this subject decades ago. As I recall, he too, felt that the object of our hobby was to build a working layout. And in doing so you won the right to consider yourself a model railroader.
CNJ831
I’ve sorta beat this subject to a bloody pulp. I am inline with CNJ831 on this subject and go so far as to believe I must model to be a model railroader I.E. build models, not buy ready to run stuff. That said, we certainly are limited at this time as to being able to buy any models or be modelers anymore, with the manufacturers shoving RTR and ready built stuff down our throats! I also understand the manufacturers are only responding to our desires.
Now, before anyone gets upset with me over my stating my opinion on this topic, know this is only my view on the subject and what I think don’t mean squat! Yes, I have ready to run locomotives, yes I have built wood, resin and plastic craftsman kits, yes I have scratch built many models and yes, I have built shake the box kits. I haven’t hand laid track and I haven’t extruded my own nickle/silver rail! To me, the part of the hobby I enjoy the most is model building! If you like buying RTR and feel your a model railroader, I am happy for you and will not disagree.
The simple truth is there are no criteria for being a MODEL RAILROADER and don’t let anyone tell you there is!
Thanks for responding to my post.That’s clears up a lot on how you look at it.This hobby have so many facets is easy to be called a modelrailroader.
You think you are therefore you are.
For me the hobby is about building a layout and running trains. I have done scratchbuilding, kit building, hand laid track, used RTR cars, RTR locomotives, snap track. I enjoy it all, but if it weren’t for the layout as the central focus I wouldn’t have stayed in the hobby. Others have a different focus, which is fine.
Enjoy
Paul