We’ve seen a lot of discussions here about this hobby shrinking. How about we do something about it, even comparably small. How about we have a sticky topic on this forum that just lists different advices from people, something like Problem and Solution lists. For ecample - derailments, power packs, DCC tips, engine lubrication, and on and on…
It will function in the form of tips i.e. Someone knows something usefull, but not plainly obvous for the newcomer and will add tip to the thread. That way
a) We will have centralized place to browse for new ideas
b) Whoever is new to the hobby will find wealth of info.
I am a beginner myself, and already had many bumps. And even in my case I wi***o share them so that another person doesn’t have to go through it again.
I am sure I am not alone in such desire.
What do you think ?
If enough people support, we’ll ask moderator to create separate sticky topic,
In my opinion, based on past experience, people would post unrelated items, and it would probably get clogged up and useless with all of the garbage that would wind up in it. Close moderation would be necessary to keep it useful. If properly managed, it could be a blessing and stop some of the repetitious questions being posted here.
Very true, but I think it is worth it.
I understand that this forum may not be very well moderated.
I wonder if there are other well-known forums that are?
On my other site, topics like this are made by a mod, made sticky and then locked. So everyone can see them but only mods can post. Any suggestions people have, they can PM them to the mods, and they’l review them and add them.
I think that this would be a fine idea. Something for the “lone wolf” railroaders to go to if they don’t want to venture into the jungle of these forums. I’ll put my two stars behind it.
If they could “lock it”, that would be good. Maybe if we submitted posts through a moderator that would keep out war stories and movie reviews from sneaking on, things could be kept fresh but with some control.
Yep, the more I think about it the more it looks like sending your tips (or rather short articles) through moderator is the only way. But it will guarantee the best content.
I really think it will be worth it, and will be one of a kind resouce on the entire internet.
For example did you know there is a site http://www.modeltrainsweathered.com/
that describes awesome technics on weathering. I found it by chance !
And I did search google on the topic if weathering.
Another model RR forum that I participate in has a special section for especially informative threads that have run their course. A notable thread on tree making, or a thread on scratchbuilding a finely detailed coaling tower might find its way into that forum.
These are locked and not open for general postings and I believe the moderator would have to deem the thread worthy of inclusion and move it there. A moderator that’s on top of things would have a good feel for what threads belong there and wouldn’t require especially close attention.
I’d expand the original proposal to include two knowledge libraries, one for beginners and one advanced. I’ve come across quite a few informative threads here in the past year I’ve been lurking here that are worthy of special inclusion.