It looks like a subject regarding Modelling and being nice has disappeared, I thought we were actually having fun, was somebody actually offended by a little jocular juggling?
Teditor
I am new here and do not have the knowledge[D)] to know what everyone is talking about. I see some heated forums and avoid them. I also work overnights and takes me time to catch up to the forums. I see no reason for anyone to get offended but again I do not always know what everyone is talking about. I am trying to learn though.
Ahhh, it was off-topic and silly. I didn’t see anything offensive in it, but it was the kind of thing that invites problems. (Yeah, I was right in there, too, with references to both Monty Python and Mel Brooks.) I’m still wondering whether “modelling” has 1, 2 or 3 L’s, but in my house the dictionary is only used for holding down track while the glue sets.
Thanks Mr Beasley, I was just beginning to wonder if I was going crazy, being upside down down under does funny things to the mind, now where were we - oh yes - model railroading is fun!
Teditor
Yes it is I just started, I just got my first 4-8-4 J type and it is a blast. I am just starting to add turf and trees and stuff on my layout. I like how i can run my trains and still build. Its very fun.
GTX765, the beauty of this hobby is that you can build, enjoy and keep building all at the same time, it is a hobby where you will never finish, and will never want to.
The J class is a magnificent engine, you have good taste so early on, just remember that there is a learning curve, never feel as if any question is a silly one, we all have our own answers, you will just have to work out sometimes which ones will suit your needs.
These forums are a fantastic source of assistance and inspiration, sometimes they can be a bit overwhelming, but experience and a strong desire of achievement in this hobby will allow you to glean the most from it - Model Railroading ‘IS’ Fun - welcome aboard.
Teditor
TEditor, alas, my thread was officially yanked. I was advised this morning that there were at least two complaints, and since it was marginal in many respects…(oh, what the heck, it was off the wall), the decision was to pull the plug on it. I am naturally a bit disappointed, but I’m not going to cry over it. I think my message was taken, and we can only hope that the complainants won’t take their success as an affirmation of their approach to posting here and to the range of enjoyment we should all feel free to have in the hobby.
See you in other places. Those who played along have my affection and gratitude. [:)]
-Crandell
Crandell (Is that with one or two L’s?)
It was ‘genuine fun’ for the short time it lasted, I sensed that there were some people that didn’t quite get it.
Being in Australia and modelling the Southern Pacific (as well as UP, SF and D&RG) I find the forums of great value. I will never have the opportunity to see real American trains, so my sense of size and magnificence has to be judged by my knowledge of steam and diesel locomotives in my time as a fireman/acting driver on the New South Wales Railways in the 1960’s-70’s.
Our beloved 38 class Pacific’s came in at just over 200 tons, hence I can imagine the size of the American trains without too much difficulty.
In Queensland where I live now, a general mainline diesel is around 90 tons on 3’6" gauge, further up north from where I live though, the coal trains (still on 3’6" are 100 ton cars with 100 car trains with mid-train helpers (I havn’t even managed to see these in person yet).
In Toowoomba where I live, I overlook a sharp loop that sees regular freight trains of two of the 90 ton mainline locos and 42 coal wagons of (I think) 63 tons each, these traverse a model railway like curved and tunnelled grade up and down the Toowoomba Ran
Blasthemising? Oi vay! Pass me another Fosters…
First, if you can stand it, let me compliment you on your writing style. I like the way you do it.
Secondly, any engine at or over 200 tons counts as a hefty engine, no matter where it is. True, the super steamers like the H-8, Z’s, Y class, Challengers, and Big Boys were Leviathan-like, but they came comparatively late. But I have nothing more than an hour puzzling over the backhead in a hot and hissing Baldwin 2-8-2T to my credit, so you are way ahead of me.
Darn it anyway. [:D]
In any event, TEditor, as you so graciously allow, I was merely poking fun, and trying not to be mean-spirited while doing it. As someone schooled in social psychology, I know there is always a risk that some present will feel uncomfortable about participating in such games, and I don’t begrudge them their dis-ease, or unease if you will. It takes all kinds to make this forum what it is, and that is what I would like us all to accept…we each come to the forum with different values, worldviews, sensibilities, and experiences. It takes more than cross words to dissuade a person from notions they hold dear, so belabouring it the way we have done in some threads is counterproductive. When there is disagreement, badgering the intractable is not going to be productive in most instances. It just makes people dig in that much harder. It also serves to polarize the discussion, after which we get the flaming wars. Facts may be indisputable, but how they are interpreted makes them contestable.
Anyway, thanks for joining the fun. I appreciate your affirmation.
-Crandell
P.S. - that darned American ISpell keeps telling me that modelling only has one L. What does it know!
I thought the whole thing was pretty humourous…or is that humorous? Dang, I hope I didn’t offend anyone. [:)]
If no one was offended then we obviously aren’t trying hard enough…