Model Train Journal

Model Train Journal
Devoted to all facets of 3-Rail, O-Gauge Model Railroading
That's what is printed at the top of the page.
The 3-Rail sections has 206 t0pics with 5459 views.
The Club Car Lounge has 218 topics with 64,210 views.
The 2-rail section has 666 topics with 11,902 views.
These figures are from several minutes ago so have probably changed.
My point is that we don't seem to have as much interest in model
railroading today, especially 3 rail.
MTJ is still my favorite partly because of its diversity but it would be
nice if model railroading got a little more attention.
Or maybe those that think it is dying are right.

I think that most may come here for the relaxed atmosphere and the ability to say (within some reason) whatever they want to. Lots of "thread drift" indicates that to me.

rogruth wrote:The Club Car Lounge has 218 topics with 64,210 views.

MTJ has taken a rather dramatic non-train tilt, which is fine I suppose, but the lack of "project-oriented" content has me coming here much less. I used to learn a lot here, now, not so much. Too many rants, not enough hobby content.

Healey

You know I have no problem with any of it.
I'm just trying to encourage more railroad elated stuff.
I came to MTJ after asking questions on other forums
back when I was getting back into model railroading.
MTJ is where I got immediate answers to my questions.
I have been here ever since. There is no place like MTJ.
MTH is close but not quite.
My real hope is that we do a little more to attract and
help people advance in model railroading.

Healey, I agree. See above.

Tell ya what guys: if you don't see enough train stuff posted here, consider it YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to post something trainish. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece. Show how to make a shotgun shack from cardboard. Or, how to make a signal from hanger wire.

Roy wrote:Tell ya what guys: if you don't see enough train stuff posted here, consider it YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to post something trainish. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece. Show how to make a shotgun shack from cardboard. Or, how to make a signal from hanger wire.

I used to do that and it seemed not well received here at MTJ and even less so at OGR where "look at my shiny thing..." dominates. I minimized posting such here and eliminated doing so at OGR. I am more active elsewhere posting "how to" or "how I did..." topics.

Rufus T. Firefly wrote:

Roy wrote:Tell ya what guys: if you don't see enough train stuff posted here, consider it YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to post something trainish. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece. Show how to make a shotgun shack from cardboard. Or, how to make a signal from hanger wire.

I used to do that and it seemed not well received here at MTJ and even less so at OGR where "look at my shiny thing..." dominates. I minimized posting such here and eliminated doing so at OGR. I am more active elsewhere posting "how to" or "how I did..." topics.

You're right Rufus. But can't it be changed a little?

rogruth wrote:

Rufus T. Firefly wrote:

Roy wrote:Tell ya what guys: if you don't see enough train stuff posted here, consider it YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to post something trainish. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece. Show how to make a shotgun shack from cardboard. Or, how to make a signal from hanger wire.

I used to do that and it seemed not well received here at MTJ and even less so at OGR where "look at my shiny thing..." dominates. I minimized posting such here and eliminated doing so at OGR. I am more active elsewhere posting "how to" or "how I did..." topics.

You're right Rufus. But can't it be changed a little?

Changed? Here or there? I could post more, but one wearies of disparaging comments........

J. S. Bach wrote:I think that most may come here for the relaxed atmosphere and the ability to say (within some reason) whatever they want to. Lots of "thread drift" indicates that to me.

Agreed.

I would further suggest that the thread begun by Wayne, in 2016, "Waiting for the Train," and Roy's "Most Beautiful Locomotives" thread serve a very pleasant purpose in that regard, Roger.

MurphOnMillerAve wrote:

J. S. Bach wrote:I think that most may come here for the relaxed atmosphere and the ability to say (within some reason) whatever they want to. Lots of "thread drift" indicates that to me.

Agreed.

That and the entertainment value that goes with all of those variables.

Rufus T. Firefly wrote:I could post more, but one wearies of disparaging comments........

I do not remember any "disparaging" comments about your work.

My favorite thread is the CVRR postcards. That's probably because my interest is in the 1900 era and I enjoy history.

J. S. Bach wrote:

Rufus T. Firefly wrote:I could post more, but one wearies of disparaging comments........

I do not remember any "disparaging" comments about your work.

Well, maybe I remember them better being on the receiving end of them?

I agree with J.S. in that I cannot even imagine anybody coming up wth a single vowel of negative appraisal of any of your craftwork, Rufus. Not that I doubt you, you being on the receiving end of any such remarks, but even on a forum as freewheeling as MTJ, I have difficulty understanding any old ***** being unnecessarily critical of such careful and gifted work, honestly.