N Scale Column Research

[wm3798]

Before Ian gets all trigger happy and shunts this to the Crew Lounge, allow me to preface that this is very much a question related specifically to N scale model railroading.

I'm cultivating an idea for an upcoming N Scale Approach article for N Scale Magazine regarding N scalers' tendency to group themselves more informally than your typical dyed in the wool NMRA types.  I'm interested in finding out about local and regional round robin groups, N trak clubs and their derivatives (formal or informal), and any other social strata within the scale that might worthy of a mining expedition.  I think we've covered the on-line community at least once, but if there's a new angle on that, I'd be interested in your analysis.

I'll be interested in hearing from the New Jersey Mafia, our clot of New Englanders, the Pacific Northwest, Chicagoland, Canadia, and of course, our very own Mid Atlantic tribe.  Anyone else anywhere else are welcome to chime in.

What makes your particular group hold your interest?  How has it enhanced your model railroading experience?  Do you think this is a uniquely N scale concept, if so why?  If not, why not?
Please contact me via PM or email to wm3798@gmail.com to share your thoughts.  I don't want to spill my candy in the lobby by sifting through ideas here. 

Thanks as always!
Lee Weldon.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I was part of the Bay State Model Railroad Museum (still am, technically), but my work schedule was conflicting with meetings. I just stopped going after a while.

There were other factors: the layout was over 30 and became an unmoving monument to the men who built it. The inability to actually run operations or rebuild sections of scenery to higher modern standards really got to me.

There was politics and commities for everything and it was tough to get through the red tape and do modeling. Not that there wasn't need for this. I see both sides of the arguments. It just wasn't a great fit for me, even though they are a great bunch of guys.

I model alone. I have not really met up with anyone other than at train shows by chance. I guess this is where I belong.

[central.vermont]

Well for myself I think I can sum it up in three words. I like trains!! It doesn't matter what scale it is even
tho I model N scale I also have a couple of HO models that I run on some of the locals that are HO. I've
never really looked at the hobby just as N or HO or any of the other scales it's just plain fun and a good
time to get together and just talk trains.
I guess the only reason I am in N scale is that it was what my very first train set was. A Rapido set from
1968. I grew up with an HO layout in the basement that was my dads and an uncle next door with an
HO layout as well as my Grandfather a B&M fireman.

Model Railroading is fun!!

Jon

[VonRyan]

I belong to New Jersey Southern (N-Trak), and one thing that strikes people is that you don't have to boil us down to find out that we are a like-minded group of guys who enjoy running trains and take pride in the effort we put forth to provide interesting displays for the public, both modelers and non-modelers.
One thing that has drawn some folks to out club is that we don't have politics. Yes, that's correct, I said we don't have politics
Our club officers have been in place for who knows how long simply because there is no need for change, but the club itself is always "changing". We always are looking to make improvements to some of the older modules that have been giving us flawless service since the 1980s and yet the don't look like they are that old.
Everyone has their own interests (mostly Northeastern-Roads interests, but there is also some interests outside the US, such as German (mostly post WW2), and English/Scottish/Welsh.) and as long as there are trains to run, thats what counts. Some of our members have interest in operations, some prefer long unit trains, and there are a couple who prefer to have some prototypical accuracy and beautiful weathering. We don't push anything on anyone, but we do tell you what you want to know when you ask. We have regular meetings (and at least one or two business meetings per year on a semi-fixed basis) as well as some semi-regular dedicated work sessions.
We one member with a mostly complete layout (c55/40 with full operations, just some scenery to tackle) and one who has a layout that is currently in the plywood-pacific phase with some unitrack to run things on in the meantime, a third with one with a plan all laid out, a door to put it on but no money in his pocket.
Skill levels range from complete novice to skilled veteran-modeler.
We always welcome new members young and old.

-Cody F.

[Dave V]

I got nothin'.  I'm as lone wolf as lone wolf gets.

[Ian MacMillan]

Before Ian gets all trigger happy and shunts this to the Crew Lounge,

Why are you guys so afraid? 

[Robbman]

Why are you guys so afraid? 

Why does that remind me of a Nintendo game?  Seriously... and no, not Tetris...

[DKS]

I got nothin'.  I'm as lone wolf as lone wolf gets.

+1

[victor miranda]

isn't one of the problems with the average modelrailroader that HE
is lacking in extroverted personality traits?

that is he like to be alone with the empire he built with his own efforts?

club activities generally do not attract my attention.
I recognize that I am like most modelrailroaders, I like my way
and I know it is the best way and a club full of people like that is very hard to take.

more or less I think the guys who can form an effective club are special and deserve accolades.
most clubs I have seen in action have one fellow with a very clear vision
and the rest do as best they can to meet the requirements of that vision,

the clubs that know the layout is never done, are the better ones to visit.

victor

[peteski]

Why are you guys so afraid? 

Wow!  Long time ago I learned Russian which I long forgotten. But I just noticed that my abilities to read in Russian came back!  But is sounds like English? 
Is says : "All your base are belong to us"? 

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Ha ha this is going to break down into a "I have no friends" thread.

[kelticsylk]

Ha ha this is going to break down into a "I have no friends" thread.

OK, I have no friends.

Seriously though, Aside from this forum and some stuff on my website I only share my hobby with my family.

Not really interested in joining a club. Never have been.

Pathetically yours,
Frank Musick

[CodyO]

Currently my dad my brother and I all have something to do with the layout we've all spent countless hours on it even my uncle joins in ever once in a while. Always thought about a club but it seems there isn't one here in Northeastern PA that does N only a HO club that I know of.

[DKS]

I'm cultivating an idea for an upcoming N Scale Approach article for N Scale Magazine regarding N scalers' tendency to group themselves more informally than your typical dyed in the wool NMRA types.  I'm interested in finding out about local and regional round robin groups, N trak clubs and their derivatives (formal or informal), and any other social strata within the scale that might worthy of a mining expedition.

Speaking strictly through my , this might become a deep and time-consuming research challenge. I might recommend getting in touch with someone I know who has considerable insight into this. PM me if you're interested.

[Ike the BN Freak]

Currently in Spokane, WA, I'm part of the Inland Npire Ntrakers, or something along those lines.  The "layout" is loosely based on N trak standards, but more of a sectional layout.  Biggest issue I have some of the modules are older than I am, but I'm only 28.  But instead of building new modules and replacing old ones that are worn out, sagging, etc, they just want to "repair" them.

When we set up for a one day show, and it takes about 4 of the 7 hour show to get the layout running semi-decently, I prefer to get up and walk away.  Lots of vendor tables, so easy for me.

However the dues are real cheap, free...and we meet Wednesday nights, however my normal work schedule and club don't meet.  However when I do have Wednesday nights off, its nice as I can go down to one of the members homes and run trains.  And that is the point...however for some reason the only trains that seem to run decently are Kato passenger sets.  Which is nice, being means I can run trains, but same trains can get a bit old.  Seems half of the run sessions, ends up rerailing trains or talking politics, but least dues are free.

However I have visited a few of the HO clubs in Spokane, one has steep dues, $30 a month and seem to spend most of their time talking politics.  Another isn't in the greatest part of town, lacks parking and wants $20 a month.  Glad I'm not HO.

Before moving to Spokane, I lived in Las Vegas, were I was in the Southern Nevada N-Trakers, which was a true N-trak club, members built their own modules, and anyone could place one in a setup whenever they wanted.  However we only met once a month, unless we had a setup/show that month.  And only ran trains during those time frames.