Big Bang's Sheldon is a model railroader???

It's this...

minus this...

In the story, Sheldon certainly likes real and model trains, but he does not have a layout. So at best, his character is an armchair model railroader.

In a more recent episode it showed Sheldon operating a HO scale small layout....round in fact, with scenery and buildings. He had gone to his room because he was sad and went to trains to feel better. That's not that bad of a story line.

And as for TV making all intelligent people, model railroaders included, strange or odd.....I accept that....I don't want to be like the remainder dumbed down folks. If I'm odd because I am artistic, creative and productive (like almost all I see post here) that's OK!! 

Of course! Fig Newtons minus Newton.

Thanks Mike. 

Only here would an O gauge train fit in someone's mouth.

Actually there are a few that have "G" gauge mouths. 

Larry

Guys and Gals,

Do not EVER be embarrassed to be a model railroader!!!! No matter what your gauge is! Hold your head high! This is a time honored hobby! Not a geeky thing! Great people like Jackie Gleason, Frank Sinatra, Tom Snyder and the list goes on and on have been in our hobby and those living continue to be! This hobby is more sure than others.

When others make fun, all of us should laugh and say that this hobby that we engage in on line, and with clubs and associations (who do great things by-the-way) is wholesome G rated entertainment meant to be enjoyed by everyone!

By mainstreaming it, we are refusing to be cowering! Where else can an intergenerational hobby go? Simply put everywhere! This hobby has something for everyone not just us!

It is high time that we got out of the darkness (of our basements) and into the light!

As for our portrayal (of our hobby)on main stream TV shows like The Big Bang Theory as it goes on character development will necessitate further plot stories and advertisers will clamor for Sheldon's O gauge table, don't worry!

For now be happy that we have some place to talk over our frustrations (thank you OGR)!

Mike Maurice

(a big thank you to Joshua Lionel Cohen) for making this hobby what it is!

Uh, that would be Joshua Lionel Cowen, not to be confused with George M. Cohen, writer of "You're a Grand Old Flag," Give My Regards to Broadway," "Over There," etc.

Thanks Vern!

Ahem! Joshua Lionel Cowen

I just point to the sky and say thank you Uncle Lionel!

Mike Maurice

As I understand it, his last name was originally Cohen, but legally changed it to Cowen sometime around 1910 or so.  So if you were referring to JLC up until then, then Mike's spelling of his last name would be correct.

Tonight's episode started with Sheldon's girlfriend telling him she was taking him on a  train trip 'pulled by a fully restored ALCOA locomotive'.  Do they not have anyone that knows trains on staff......I'm available if they feel the need!!!!

That might have been deliberate; Sheldon's girlfriend isn't a train nut like he is (like most spouses/girlfriends are in real life), and the mispronunciation was probably supposed to reflect that.

On the other hand, one would be inclined to think Sheldon, being the anally retentive person he is, would have been quick to correct her so perhaps not... 

It's a rerun of the Valentine's Day trip on what seems to be the NAPA Valley Wine Train episode from last year.

Bill

The character is always correcting people.....but his script is not always correct. He didn't flinch when she said ALCOA....so who knows...just funny. Sheldon also imitated the 'Amtrak Wolverine' in the episode by making a steam loco 'chug-chug' and whistle.....

Now that's Funny!

bazinga!!!!!!!!!   

To everyone out here (ooo Someone picker on me about liking toy trains) grab your boot straps pull them up and grow A set !!! I liked this saying from ? and don't remember the whole thing but I will try. The credit does not go to the critic. Or how the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit goes to the man who is in the arena who's face is covered with sweat, dirt, blood and tears!  DONT let anyone put you down because of something you are happy with as A hobby! You have the right to do whatever makes you happy. How dare someone tell you that model railroading is stupid or childish! All my life I have been told It better be 110% perfect or it's A 99% failure so I always try to do the best I can. The people on this web site deserve A big round of applause for the work they do. The pictures and words don't do there work justice. It is A shame that some people in this world have to put others down. Don't let it get to you keep your head up and be proud of what you have created. Sorry that I have ranted for so long but I hate when people get picked on! If I get kicked off this web site I understand but no one should be put down for what they love and I will say I love my trains. Everyone take care and keep doing what makes you happy. Choo Choo Kenny 

well, I don't know the where or when or the accuracy of this report, but my sagging memory recalls that someone asked him if he liked trains in real life and his answer was, "not a bit. They've made it part of my character on the show, but I am not interested in any way, shape or form in toy or real trains."

fred

If Fred's recollection is accurate, does it really matter whether or not actor Jim Parsons of "The Big Bang Theory" likes real or model trains in real life? Who cares?

What does matter is that his character, Sheldon Cooper, likes them and this adds some extra quirkiness to the show, while offering some exposure to the hobby.

Its to the benefit of the hobby that a popular show like this highlights toy trains. The public in general does not know all the fine points. But, they see model trains. Good.