Foaming with the Homies

 I tried bringing a train to work a few years ago. I got some riddling like "what do you do, sit in the cellar and yell woo woo?"

I really laughed at a couple because they were funny. It never bothered me because I truly enjoy trains. Some guys came out later and admitted they like them too. I gave up on what people say a long time ago. Just have fun.

I don't wear train related clothing. I have one Strasburg RR Sweatshirt I break out maybe one day a year and wear it around the house. Other than that, no train related clothing.

 

I don't discuss my involvement with the hobby much. Everyone I work with, a few of my regular passengers at the (real) RR I run and close friends/family know about the hobby but I keep it off the radar. The ever so occasional joke or friendly jab and that is the way it is. 

Hi Joe,

 

When I first got into trains... back in 2004(I turned 50 that year) I never cared about what others though.

 

I mentioned that I wouldn't mind getting a Lionel train, at work one day; and one of my co-workers helped me find a Lionel dealer, via the internet; and off I went...

 

Rick

 

 

I keep it mostly to myself.  I don't wear any train-related clothing, and don't talk much about it unless I'm talking to another known train person... and even then I'm not as vocal about it as some are.  I got everything from weird looks to flat-out ridicule when I talked about trains at a younger age; now I just keep my mouth shut and it's all good.

I have no problem sharing my hobby with others. When a locomotive comes into the office, I usually open it up and sit in on the table in my office. The co-workers say it's like Christmas. I've discovered that many people who come to the EOC are also rail and/or model rail fans, including one of our sergeants and a now-retired deputy who handles security at the Cal Stewart Meet.

 

But when all else fails, I play the Bud Light parody video featuring a guy that looks a lot like forum member Cobra Bob.

 

Mike,

 

Your answer is why I started this thread. I've noticed that there seems to be a degree of insecurity/discomfort/embarrassment... whatever you want to call it, re: being a model train guy.

 

I guess because I don't really care what others think of my interests, that's why the uneasiness has not affected me. A friend of mine is quite into guns.  I used to be a gunslinger, years ago, but that's not my thing, anymore. Some people probably think that people who are into guns, are a little bit odd, too?

 

I don't think my friend would care what others think, about his hobby.

 

 

Rick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matt,

 

What line of work are you in?

 

Rick

I mention the hobby fairly often. Once in awhile I find a fan out there. Being from Pennsylvania most people know someone that is into it. The vast majority of people have no idea of the changes in the hobby. Most have no idea the the changes in what an engine can do compared to 25 years ago. My kids seem to mention it more than I do and it's fun to hear them try to explain how you can run many trains and the smoke and the sound and layout detail. My daughter who is 19 always has me run the layout when her friends are over, especially new ones. 

Personally, I talk about my train interest all the time.  I do not wear train related clothing but I never shy away from the conversation.  I find that many of the people who find out that I am involved with model railroading are quite interested or intrigued.  I also spend a lot of time with the horse/cowboy culture where I operate a working chuck wagon.  This is where I expected to catch a lot of grief about my model train interest but for the most part when the conversation comes up everyone has questions of interest and not negative comments.

 

But then again I am of the age where I don't let what other people think about my personal preferences bother me.  Now where did I put my glasses?  

If we get on the subject of my many hobbies, I say one is "playing with electric trains". The only hobby I have that gets people looking at me funny is "collecting 3-D photo slides that people took of their family during the 1950s" (I have over 4,000).

Everybody who knows me knows what I do for a living and what my hobby is (both are one and the same).  I'm at the age where I couldn't care less about what others may think of what I do or say, or how I spend my time and money.  I just try my best to be honest and civil in expressing my opinions about toy trains, the hobby, and most other things.

 

Most non-hobby people I meet are very interested in hearing bout my work and my hobby, or if they aren't interested they sure don't let me know.  About 30 minutes from now I have my semi-annual visit with my doctor, and I'm sure he'll be inquiring about the trains (his father is an avid HO modeler).

 

I don't often wear train-related clothing, but do have some train-related shirts, jackets, and caps, and I'll wear them when I feel like it or when the occasion warrants.

 

This is MY hobby and I have enjoyed it for many years.  What others may think of it doesn't bother me in the least bit.

 

At my wife's request, we  have trains on display in both our living room and family room.
I have no interest in wearing anything train related.

I  have a postwar Lionel gondola, wired to a short section of gargraves track, sitting on my desk at work. I use it to hold pencils and/or paper clips. Sometimes it holds candy. I also had a 394 beacon (aluminum version) and 50 gang car on a shelf in my workspace.

That gondola got a fellow in my office interested in Lionel trains. He purchased enough pieces on Ebay to put together a nice set.

 

I am not embarrased to talk about my hobby.
People seem to always ask whether I have a big setup with scenery and all. Since my interests lie elsewhere, I tell them I like to both collect and fix up trains that need some help, but only have a small unfinished layout.

The guys at work have named me Choo Choo Thill, or they call me Sheldon. We all at the station have nick names and differant hobbies.  They do however like to bring their kids over to watch the trains run on our layout.  After seeing the headline topic about Homies I thought this might help you with your friends. 

Most of the guys I work with are geeks, they love my trains, at Christmas they cant wait till I bring in some trains. I have to hide the Remote or they hog it up.

John 

IT Project Supervisor and former Malevolent Systems Administrator for the LA County Office of Emergency Management. The EOC is the LA County Emergency Operations Center.

Well, guys... I'm 32 and not married yet... so this isn't the time to run the risk of being laughed at by the ladies!  

Mike,

 

The right ladies won't laugh at all, but will encourage you. Remember those posts that appear here regularly with laments such as "my wife won't let me do this or my wife won't give me any room for a layout."!!!!  

 

-----

 

There's never been anything secret about my love for trains. If you stop over my house, ask to see some of the many trains that were sent my way from friends and acquaintances who heard about my passion and knew I'd appreciate and preserve them. 

 

Jim

I have never needed anyone else's approval to be a "model train guy" or any other kind of guy.  Your question seems to imply that you do.

 

 If someone famous(that you respect)...

 

There isn't anyone famous enough for me to let their opinions change my own personal preferences.

 

 

a good friend or some of your peers made a, specific, derogatory comment about the people who participate in this hobby, or about the hobby, in general... would that, in any way, affect your participation with the hobby?

 

Well, in the first place, "good friends" who'd make derogatory comments about my personal hobbies, likes or dislikes wouldn't be my good friends much longer.  That's not the way real friends treat each other.

 

Would you stop wearing your train outfit out in public?

 

My "train outfit?"  I'm not even sure what you mean.  Someone who wears full engineer's gear of hat, gloves, goggles and striped coveralls on the street is bound to attract attention, but I've never known anyone who does that.  Maybe your perception of how to be a well-dressed hobbyist is very different from mine.  If that's the case, more power to you.  But don't be too surprised if strangers stop and stare.

 

Would you conceal your involvement;

No.

 

Are you comfortable...

 

 Yes, I am.

 

The bottom line is, don't let the opinions of others dictate anything so personal as your choice of hobbies.  Save your worrying for things that are actually worth worrying about and enjoy life.

 

My friends know I like toy trains and trains in general. They like to see the layout when visiting. It's always interesting to me that Lionel is such a recognized brand.

I know I have an issue when I see some folks whose appearance or behavior at train shows or museums has been discussed in other threads and think to myself, "I sure hope I don't look / act like that..." 

If you're a very interesting or engaging personality, being a model railroad hobbyist just makes you that much more interesting and appealing to others.

Lots of good responses here..., but Balshis's was the funniest.

 

Bals...,

 

Some of the stuff in my initial post, on this thread, was meant to be humorous, i.e. the train "outfit" question. Every one of your dead serious responses brightened up my already humorous morning(see my soon to be posted new thread titled "Moron street").

 

Thanks for the responses boys; so far the deck's looking full.

 

 

Rick

I forgot to mention one thing:  I have quite a collection of RR-related neckties (toy train and prototype), and on the very rare occasion these days when I wear a coat and tie, I often choose one of those ties.  Most of them are somewhat understated and might be considered "conservative."

No one who has known me but just learns that I have a ‘train set’, has ever insinuated any sort of disdain. And I do refer to my layout as a train set, on purpose. Normally, these people would eventually visit me, and when they see the train set, they are awestruck.

 

On the other hand, if I just meet a stranger and the train conversation comes up, I let them know that I have a ‘train set’ in the basement. In my experience, their reaction has been no different than if I had told them that I compete in rifle and pistol matches.

 

If they ask for any further details on the trains, but only if they ask, will I elaborate. I always tell them that they are 1:48 scale, and may also tell them that I used well over a hundred 2x4’s to make the train table, and have used over 6,000 feet of wire so far and have several more thousands to go.

 

At this point they either drop the subject and we talk about something else, or they may press for further details and even ask if they could someday visit me to see my ‘train set’. I they do come visit to see the trains, as has happened quite a few times, I have yet to see anyone who sees my train set for the first time not say something like “this is incredible”, or “I did not imagine . . .”

 

I don’t wear any trains hats or garments, but I surely let it be known that I have a train set in my basement whenever the opportunity arises.

 

I have always been proud of my trains, whether HO or O, and whether I was 6 or 66!

 

Alex

I don't wear train goods. I don't hide my train enthusiasm but I don't make a big deal out of it. I design and make retail window displays in NY City so especially around now in early holiday preparation and planning my model train based scenery skills are often called on. (Sometimes I can even sneak a train in......Shhh don't tell). Last year I was able to get a MTH /Lionel standard gauge girls set into a window at Rockefeller Center. If you saw the Rockettes and stood on 50th you saw it I'm sure.

If I'm doing something train related or going to a show or on a fan trip I usually will wear something train related - like a hat or a shirt.  When I'm running trains at my club's Christmas show I'll go all out, as the kids really like it.  If some one doesn't like it, too bad for them - I don't care.

 

BTW,  back in the 70's I worked for two real railroads, as engine crew and train crew.  All the guys still wore the traditional Kromer hats back then.

 

John

I AM A YOUNG 63 YEAR OLD KID , I NEVER HIDE MY HOBBY , I DON'T HAVE ANY TRAIN ATTIRE BUT I CONSIDER MYSELF AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE HOBBY . I TALK ABOUT IT , SHOW MY PROJECTS , AND DISPLAYED ITEMS IN MY BUSINESSES FOR MANY YEARS . IY NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME AT THE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER SEEN A MODEL TRAIN HERE IN THE SOUTH TEXAS AREA , I HAVE GIVEN MANY PEOPLE TOURS OF MY MODEST LAYOUT AND SEVERAL HAVE SINCE BOUGHT TRAINS AND ARE ENJOYING THE HOBBY. IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO SPREAD THE WORD.

I don't hide any of my hobbies and I stopped worrying about what people think about me when it dawned on me that there are billions of people in this world who don't think about me at all...ever.

 

Allan, Well said and that is my opinion as well. I do not care what others think about my hobby and I don't care which hobby others choose.

 

I have heard it said "that to worry about what others say about you is to give them power over your life."

 

And as a bonus, my beautiful fiance' loves my model train hobby. She even approves of me slowing down so I can catch the train at the local crossing

 Malcolm

 

Originally Posted by Allan Miller:

I've worked in industrial transportation for over 33 years now and my interest in railroading played a large part in the career path I chose.  I've never hidden my hobby interests from folks.  People who know me know that I collect and operate trains and that I also have a deep and abiding interest in the railroad industry and railroad history.  My interest in model railroading has led to meeting and talking with any number of interesting folks.

 

I won't say my memory is photographic, but I can usually retain things that interest me.  A number of years ago, I was attending the biggest transportation industry trade show, NITL/IANA/TIA Transcomp in Fort Lauderdale.  IANA's (Intermodal Association of North America) Silver Kingpin award winner that year was a gentleman by the name of John Gray, president of Rail Management Services, a company that manages railroad intermodal terminals under contract.  The name was familiar and, after mulling on it through lunch that day, I remembered that Mr. Gray was also an avid HO model railroader whose huge Union Pacific Sherman Hill layout was featured in MODEL RAILROADER's annual Great Train Layouts publication 10 or 15 years previous.  I happened to bump into Mr. Gray in a hallway of the convention center later that day and asked him if he still had his beautiful HO layout.  His face lit up and we ended up talking model trains for 30-40 minutes.

 

Curt

Nice try lads, acting as if you're completely normal; we all know there's another side, that other-room...

 

Some poor N scale guy, quivering in the dark, emboldened by your confidence responses, is going to leap out of his basement closet, wearing his N scale thong and puffing engineers cap; and  proudly declare to the world...

 

Take this post as a warning, N scale guy(s), DON'T DO IT!

 

 

Rick

I have never cared about what others have thought of my choice of hobbies (or other activities/choices), and I have never gone out of my way to "fly under the radar," either.  It says more about the people who try to ridicule you than their ridicule says about you, and it has the side benefit of showing you who your real friends are and who around you is truly worthy of your respect.

 

I have some train T-shirts and polo shirts that I wear in public whenever I feel like it, and in the case of one of my T-shirts with a tourist RR logo on it, I was once stopped by a fellow train enthusiast who wanted to know more about the tourist line (it was the Potomac Eagle out of Romney, WV).  To me, it is no different than wearing a Steelers T-shirt, or a beer-related T-shirt, or a 3 Stooges T-shirt.  I'm proud of all of my interests and gladly share with others who share similar interests.

 

Andy

Interesting question and some great responses. In a nutshell, no, I do not need people’s approval to decide how I like to spend my free-time and my money. Luckily, I have not had to defend my passion to this hobby to anyone but I do understand how peer pressure can shape one’s behavior.

 

Growing up all my friends knew me as the kid with the trains in the basement and were always eager to head down there to play with my (dad’s) trains whenever they came over. Of course, I got some ribbing at school but it was all in jest and I come from an area where giving or receiving a ribbing is just part of life. I would shoot jokes at my friends just as quickly as I got them and I still do to this day with my very close friends. Fast forward to today. I do not wear train related clothes nor advertise that I am a toy train buff but if the topic comes up with friends, co-workers, or acquaintances I eagerly reply that I am happily infected with the toy train bug and quickly show them links to the few videos I have on YouTube of my layout.  As I got back into the hobby last year to a very much larger degree I started posting pictures of my layout on Facebook. Many of my friends from the last 20 years who had no idea I was into trains (primarily my Air Force friends and colleagues) commented extremely positively on pictures of the completed layout - including some very positive comments from my female friends. But more importantly friends from many years ago – the ones mentioned at the top of this paragraph – all commented on how they remembered playing trains in my basement as a kid and that the pictures brought back such great memories.

 

As I get older the more I don’t care what other people think of me. But, it always wasn’t that easy.  I indeed remember being a teenager and always worrying about what someone else would think about what I wore, what I listened to, and with whom I hanged out. Adults at the time were always telling me so seemingly easily not to worry about what other people think or say of me. I now finally get it and live by those words today…and I tell my teenage sons the same advice (and of course they give me the “yea, right” look).  To take it a step further: as I get older the more respect I have for the individual who casts aside societal norms and is a true individual…one who holds no embarrassment nor apologizes over who or what they are. The more I see and respect that type of behavior the more I want to go get a bright orange Lionel T-shirt and an engineer cap (with one of those flashing LED crossing-gate pins!) and wear it everywhere. If anyone has a problem it is their problem, not mine in the least. I will wish them well and go home to play with my trains.  -Len

I started playing with trains at the age of 4, 39 years later and still play with trains.

 

my new license plate on my car has trains all over it, (Q4-1643).

 

I wear a few train t-shirts everyweek, have found train buds at work from wearing the t-shirts.

 

 

I mow the lawn buck naked with an Alaskan Railroad Cap...not sure if that would be considered an outfit...lol...often people will stop and stare...they must really like the cap 

I never wear hats, and if train shirts became available with button-down collars I'd consider buying one. However, I have odd tastes in dress...I wear Sperry Topsiders without socks every day of the year except for shoveling snow, weddings, funerals, and Ronald Reagan's birthday.

So yer the neighborhood entertainment are ya, Jeff. Weed eating must be the encore...

 

I'll have to get one of those Alaska hats. I cut my lawn.

 

Joe,

 

I've never heard of Sperry Topsider's; my pants don't have a name. They are pants, aren't they?

 

 

Rick

BTW guys,

 

What's more foamerish - personal cab shots or forum names referencing a railroad or a favorite locomotive? I'd say the cab shots! Basically, it screams "FOAMER".

 

AGAIN, JUST HAVING A WEE BIT OF FUN!

 

You're all completely healthy and normal.

 

 

Rick

You can always name them yourself. Something clever like OMAX, maybe, or VOX.

 

Give it a whirl.

I'm so comfortable with this train hobby, I'm even comfortable with not doing it at all ... and comfortable discussing that fact right here on this forum. As for discussing my involvement w/toy trains I do that only at "Gun, Knife & Ammo Shows" ... and no, I have never received so much as a sneer there.

Real men don't mock the hobbies of other men!