(jeb@oscalemag.com). - O Scale Trains Magazine Online

Narrow MindedBobber GibbsAre You a “Real” Model Railroader Yet?In my opinion, you might be a collector, model designer,manufacturer, importer, dealer, modifier, painter, repairer, kitbuilder, kit-basher, scratchbuilder, layout planner, electronicsexpert, railroad historian, researcher, writer or even an editor,but you do not become a real model railroader until you actuallyinstall miniature tracks between a terminal and a destinationand operate a model train on those tracks. Even a run of onlya few feet makes you a real model railroader in my book, andit tends to keep you enthusiastic about expanding. Of course,there are a lot of choices to consider before you decide whatkind of model railroader you really want to be.What’s Your (O Scale) Pleasure?If you read O Scale Trains Magazine regularly, you obviouslyhave an interest in standard-gauge trains. If you read this columneven occasionally, you might have at least a bit of interest innarrow-gauge trains. However, have you ever considered justwhat really gives you the most pleasure in our O Scale hobby?There are so many facets to model railroading that it isunlikely any two O Scalers will share exactly the same interestsin the same order. Whether you are primarily a standard-gaugeror a narrow-gauger, you might learn some interesting thingsabout yourself by copying this page, circling the features thatmost interest you, and then listing them in the order of importanceto you. It might verify what you already know, or it mighthelp you to make some important decisions in the future.Interest Choices for an O Scale Model RailroaderRailroad Location – Asia, Africa, North America, SouthAmerica, Europe, Australia, otherScenery – mountain, snow, tunnel, snowshed, hill, valley,forest, flat, desert, seaside, riverside, port, city, town, village,ceramic village, industrial, farm, trackside, underground, otherEra – early steam, late steam, transition, early Diesel, contemporary,futureRailroad Type – Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, regional, shortline,high-speed, multiple mainline, single mainline, industrial, traction,mass-transit, trolley, tourist, museum, otherPrototype – early railroad, fallen line, merged line, shortline,industrial, imaginary, fantasy, otherGauge – wide, standard, narrow, multiple, mono, Proto48,Hi-Rail, otherMotive Power – human, animal, gravity, steam, air, electric,internal-combustion, geared engine, otherPassenger – high-speed, long-haul, commuter, public transit,excursion, amusement park, otherFreight – long-haul, unit, container, dedicated, peddler,mixed, otherPrimary Commodity – gasses, liquids, chemicals, forestry,mining, raw materials, coal, ore, aggregate, manufacturedgoods, military, containers, trailers, mixed, otherLayout Size – special display, club (large, medium or small),personal (large, medium or small), demonstration, module,micro, otherLayout Style – island, around-the-walls, modular, multi-level,hidden stagingLayout Features – continuous run, point-to-point, majorengine facility, major passenger yard, major passenger terminal,major freight yard, multiple and smaller yards, realistic switchingoperations, steep grade, empties-in/loads-out operation,Fellowship – conventions, shows, clinics, meets, round-robin,Internet, lone-wolf, otherControl – central tower, multi-cabs, walk-around, AC, DC,DCC, battery, radio, computer, electronics, signals, sound, lightingeffects, night operations, otherKit Assembly – locomotive, passenger, freight, maintenance,structure, figure, animal, vehicle, machine, ship, boat, superdetailing,custom finishing, custom lettering, otherModifying Equipment – trucks, couplers, super-details, motorupgrade, lights, interior detail,Other – computer simulation, recreate childhood memories,tribute to a family railroader, photography, scratchbuilding, moreThere might be some overlap, and I might have left out someobvious points, but there is enough here to give the modelerwho wants to become a real model railroader lots of choicesto ponder. In the next issue of O Scale Trains Magazine, I willinclude all of my choices in the order of their importance to me.I’ll also be pleased to include any that are sent in to me by any“real” model railroaders or anyone who is preparing to becomea real model railroader. Remember, this is only my opinion andmy interpretation of a real model railroader. Your views mightbe different.Happy trains to you until we meet again.uARMSTRONG TOOL & SUPPLYSMALL TORCH with5 tips and hose. Use thetorch most used by jewelersto perform precisesoldering jobs. You canuse Oxy-Acetylene,Propane, MAPP or naturalGas. Regular: $139SALE: $99. Please add$7.95 for shipping.We accept Mastercardand Visa.▲For other modeling tools, check our website: www.armstrongtool.comArmstrong Tool & Supply Co, 31541 W Eight Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152800-446-9694 • FAX 248-474-2505 • armstools@hotmail.comMar/Apr ’07 - O Scale Trains • 41