I’m new here but I can’t figure out how to search the forums. Sort and filter did not help. how do I just enter a search term and go from there. And why is that not obvious to the newcomer
Over to the right side a bit under where you log in is a box called “Search our Community”. It is hard to find, even if it is right there. lol I’m so used to the search box being a drop down menu I missed it too.
Andrew
You can also go a little further down in the column and find “popular tags” Some folks put a tag (subject) on their posts so even if your specific search word is not mentioned it will find the thread.
Good luck,
Welcome back - I see your join date is 2003, but you haven’t posted since 2005 or so, it seems.
Why it is not obvious? The people who makes the software apparently wanted to rename things in the newest version of the software (there has been several SW version changes since 2005).
In the latest round,
“Search forums” became “Search our community”
“Send PM (Personal Message)” became “start a conversation”
In addition someone at Kalmbach probably decided that it was more logical with the “Search this site” (i.e modelrailroader.com) at the top of the right hand margin, with “Search our community” (i.e. search forums) further down, beneath some ads.
My old professor that taught the man-machine interaction/designing user interfaces probably would have used it as an example of how not to do things.
Like the people who designed the open/close door buttons on some of our suburban commuter trains. Next to the door there is a red button labeled “open”, and below that a green one labeled “close”. People who want to disembark keep pressing the green button - which of course does not open the door (being labeled “close”). In their heads green (quite logically) is “walk”, not “secured door”.
After a redesign, the newer trains now only have one button - which opens the door. Now, when it is cold outside, people are searching for some way to close the door 
Designing intuitive user interfaces can be tricky. There are plenty
But you’ll get used to it after a while.
Smile,
Stein
HI Welcome back.
On the right hand side margin you will see “search our community” above "shortcuts’ and “popular tags”.
There you cna enter you key word or words to find threads ont eh topic{s}.
Keep in mind there may be several Key word{s} atht can apply to get what you are looking for. FOr insatnce 'ballast" will give you everything that mentions ballast, from color to choose, laying it, etc. If you just want to know aobut laying ballast, try entering “laying ballast” Or “gluing down ballast”.
GOod luck with your searches.
If you don’t come up with what you are looking for, you can always post a question here adn specify that you tried to find what you wanted to know by the search engine but couldn’t find it or were overwhelmed by the number of threads.
Why don’t you,merely, type in a question on a New Thread. You will be surprised how quickly you will get a dozen answers,(especially, if you mention that you are a Newbie ! Bob Hahn PS.If you need help with Posting a photo, just ask, and we will respond