A few thoughts and questions from a newbie to the forum. As a returning railway modeller I've been amazed at the standards of modelling displayed on the layouts on this forum and in the news. I was wondering whether it is only the skilled modellers who post on here or whether 009 attracts or inspires more skilled modelling.
Looking through the press there are a lot of other models that are excellent but there are quite a number that while good or average don't, in my opinion at least, match the sort of standards seen here. I guess that the lack of RTR items means that a certain skill level is necessary; but even some of the P4 and EM layouts on offer while technically of a high standard seem to lack the atmosphere (for want of a better word) displayed by the majority of 009 layouts. It could be that as an 009 enthusiast my view is subjective but I've noticed that at exhibitions any 009 layout seems to attract a lot of interest amongst visitors.
Is this high standard because:
1) The subject matter tends to be more atmospheric?
2) Less skilled modellers are out there but don't post, write articles or exhibit - which they do in other scales?
3) 009 only attracts more skilled modellers?
4) There is too large a general model railway press and their standards are perforce not as high?
While 1&4 may well be true and contribute to the overall standard here I can't believe that 3 is; therefore why don't less skilled modellers post?
Is the forum daunting for new members? A lot of forums have a section for newcomers or for people to introduce themselves, maybe there should be one on here, as while everyone on this forum is always very helpful and friendly it can be daunting to have to jump into an existing discussion. Would someone surfing be re assured by the society site that 009 wasn't too difficult a modelling choice; is there a place to put something on the general site (accessible to non members) along the lines of some of the "how to do it" posts about starting in 009 and a few basics?
What does everyone think? Worth a discussion or should I get my coat? :)
Paul
Paul
Are you going to the convention at the end of the month?
If so your questions and thoughts can be answered by meeting and talking to the members who will be exhibiting, demonstrating and holding clinics to advise and inspire. Regarding the quality of layouts and models that appear in the model press and the 009 News they are probably down to years of experience by their makers. Don't be put off by those modellers, the vast majority want to help and encourage anyone who shows interest and willing to pass on their knowledge and expertise.
The same can be said for visiting members open days that various groups hold up and down the country. There you will find all sorts of different layouts and models of varying quality. In the big universe of 009 modelling you are not alone.
Roger
Hi Paul
In my experience 009 attracts a very wide range of modelling skills. Yes there are many fine examples, but there are also many that are not so good as well as many that just use ready to run continental H0e locos and stock.
I think what separates members of the 009 Society from other more popular scales is the way we accept and accommodate all these levels of modelling ability within the society. Also there is virtually no intolerance of incorrect prototypes; in fact members often receive praise from others for the ingenuity and originality of their models.
There have been some people over the years that have tried to move 009 away from this
Interesting questions, Paul. While I'm sure 1 is true (it's why I model in 009!) the answer to 3 is more complicated. I suspect that most of us are a fairly modest bunch and would be reluctant to admit to being skilled - certainly I wouldn't claim to be.
I think it can really only be for others to judge how skilled or otherwise a modeller is.
Having said that, as a relative newbie myself I am impressed by the general goodwill displayed on this forum - folk here are generally pretty generous and encouraging even (perhaps especially) when someone's results are less than perfect. And we can all learn from failure, including other people's!
So please don't be put off sharing your endeavours with the rest of us.
David.
I would guess that as 009 is not mainstream, the two dedicated sites (009 Society and NGRM) attract a higher proportion of skilled modellers to their forums. If you were merely 'playing' at this scale combination you would be less likely to join one of the above.
This would obviously also apply to EM etc but what draws most of us into 009 is the sheer pleasure of building your own stuff and adapting where necessary to create what we imagine narrow gauge to be, rather than in trying to exactly replicate a known animal within strict limits.
Narrow gauge is rather distinctive when it comes to 'atmosphere' and how each of us achieves this is down to the individual.
Rivet counters and imagineers can comfortably sit side by side, and the less experienced modeller can find praise and encouragement without being scoffed at.
We all started somewhere, and none of us is ever finished. :)
I would say that 009 tends to attract people who are willing to "give it a go" no matter what their level of skill and modelling experience.
In the mainstream gauges/scales there people who produce fine layouts without straying very far from RTR even when it comes to non-rolling stock items. When it comes to 009 a certain amount of DIY and improvisation is pretty much inevitable.
Wow! That was quick, thanks for taking an interest folks. (Takes coat off)
To reply to some of the points others have raised:
I can't get to the convention but I have been to various area group shows and in my opinion the level of modelling is better than at most local model rail shows - I think some of it it may be down to the point that Brian made about originality and Deadhorse's comment about rivet counters and imagineers being able to sit side by side. I'd also say that society members are always excellent ambassadors at shows always engaging with visitors and not ignoring them or having a meeting with their mates which I've seen from some other societies and exhibitors. I used to get paid for working with the public so I know that it isn't always easy!!
On line as well I have always found society members to be helpful, supportive and encouraging, all the same it is still a little intimidating to start posting on a new forum, which is why I wondered about an "Introduce yourself" section. After all I've done it now -but are there many more lurkers out there that would be encouraged to join in? Also, on line, you have to be a member to see these discussions, without them and without visiting a show what impression would you get of modelling in 009 - easy, difficult, too specialist? Please don't think I'm being critical, I couldn't have designed the site, but I wonder if we are missing an opportunity to increase use of the forum or attract new members.
I'll put my money where my mouth is and post some of my initial efforts in the near future.
Meanwhile, Brian that quarry is quite atmospheric you know, the scrap heap, the trees clinging to the edge of the cliff......
Paul
enjoyed the discussion you started and look forward to your contributions. I understand your initial concerns but my advice is whatever the question ask it. It is amazing what comes out and I learn something from almost every thread. One big lesson is to never underestimate the efforts of others, what may seem nothing out of the ordinary often turns out to be very interesting or leads to something else that is.
Peter Smith
Interesting discussion.
I think there are three sorts of modeller:
1 - those who are good at building stock
2 - those who are good at scenic modelling
3 - those who are good at both of the above
I've seen several standard gauge finescale layouts which have immaculate stock with perfect lining, but they run through awful scenery. Conversely I've seen several layouts using RTR stock with superbly realistic landscape around them.
What matters more to my mind is consistency in all aspects of modelling, i.e. nothing stands out as either being far better than its surroundings, or conversely doesn't stand out as being poor in comparison. This, to my mind, helps give the overall impression of atmosphere and quality in a layout.
I think narrow gauge modellers are willing to 'give it a go' as Graeme put it, by necessity as we have to build so much of what we use. This ends up with increased levels of skill across the board, gradually improving the appearance of the subsequent layouts they build.
Just my 2p.
Re. information for new members, I'm keen to get more articles coming into the 009 News that are of a 'how to' nature to share techniques and to encourage others to 'give things a go'.