I was out in the shop at work the other night, and was introduced to a new employee by the shop supervisor. The guy was kind of rough looking with a beard and tatoos on his arms. I figured he was a biker or something on those lines, but after talking to him for a few minutes, I was shocked to find out he was an N scale model railroader. I couldn’t believe it. We got into such a deep conversation about trains that the supervisor (I’m actually his boss) had to come over and remind me to leave the guy alone so he could get his work done. You just never know do you. And some guys won’t even bring up the fact that they’re model railroaders out of concern that someone might laugh at them because they don’t consider it macho…
We have a guy in our club just like that, when he first came to us, we would part ways to let him through, he’s one of the nicest guys you will find and his wife has also gotten heavily involved in the club, unfortunately, he is not a very well man, reckons that maybe too much time on Harley’s shook the body up the wrong way.
He is also an N scaler, great to work with, an adept modeller, but takes ages to rerail an N scale freight car or loco, maybe a kick stand would help.
I hear that in more ways then one…While I don’t have a beard I been told many times I have a very “wild” look in my eyes that seem to say “danger”.Of course I am not wild and think myself quite tame unless provoke and it takes a lot to get me to that point.
I am sure that is why it takes time for people to get use to me and for me to make new friends.
This is a topic I can relate to. While not having a beard, long hair or any tattoos, I do ride a Harley. I am an avid model railroader and a railfan to boot. One day I headed up to my favorite rail fanning location, Folkston GA, on the HOG. When I got there several families with kids and numerous other folks were there and saw me ride up. Obviously I got some real long looks! After taking up a chair on the platform, one person approached me and we got to talking. Since I have been going to Folkston for years, I was very knowledgable about the comings and goings of trains there. Pretty soon a crowd had gathered since most were novices and didn’t know the first thing about DD’s, sub-divisions or signals. The comment that stuck with me was made by a mom who remarked that she didn’t think bikers were into trains. [:)] Little did she know I’ve been into trains longer than bikes.
I had a huge scary looking biker guy move in next door to me. I’m a big guy myself, but this guy scared me! Turns out he was one of the most soft spoken, nicest guys you’d ever want to meet. He wasn’t into trains but thought my layout was pretty cool. Brought his biker gang over to check out my trains one day. (that was interesting) Everything was great till 8 cop cars pulled up to his house and arrested him for murder. He beat a woman to death with a tire iron for stealing a bag of heroin from him.[:O]
You just described my brother. He’s sort of the wild one in the family, and while he doesn’t have tattoos he’s a sort of rough mountain man type with wild hair and a manic look in his eyes, who likes to throw angle iron around for fun (he’s a heavy-industry machinist). But once he’s out of his greasy work digs and combs his hair (rarely) his primary hobbies are astronomy and reworking N scale steam.
I’ve known to look deeper than the surface for most of my life. It’s amazing what you can find down there!
Folks, if there is one great realization that I have come to in my life, it is that I am the scariest person I’ll ever meet. I won’t go into the details, but my mind looks at all possibilities in any situation. It is only my strict upbringing that makes me bring it to heel and do what I know to be socially acceptable.
Seriously aware that drugged up idiots cannot be relied on as to when, where or which way they will (or will not) kick off – check
Love Harleys — check, check, check (Springers are best… the VRod is interesting)
Built 1st bike from bits – check
Interesting scars and missing bits of fingers-- check
Pretty near always stop at side of road (where it’s legal) if a biker has broken down – check (Um… that’s a biker not a romper suited twit on a rice burner).
Used to stop to help every other car broken down but way too much hassle/fear about these days - safer to just call the police to go help if I spot a young lady stuck late at night… there is no way I would stop on my own even under CCTV – isn’t modern society sad? – check
Neighbours that don’t know me hate me – check
neighbours that know me know that they can get help 24/7/365 when they need it – check
Grew up with model railways – Check (0 Gauge)
Work on railway – check (well I’m employed on the railway…)
Years of railway/railroad research – check
Have built and exhibited 0N2 – check
Switched to US RR interest – check
Can clear an entire pub bar with the assistance of one other (my size) just by walking down it - bulldozer style – check (Never had to say a word or touch anyone).
It is all those years on those runaway cabooses with you trying to tie them down with the old brake wheel that gave you the fearsome or is it scared look.
Thw “WOBBLY” is only wobbling slightly this morning. Things are looking good.
Probably so vsmith. Probably so… Actually, he said he started out with HO, but it took up too much room, so he really had no choice but to go with N. That was my problem too.
