Skip to main content

As a long time member, going on 20 years now, I would just like to take a few minutes to thank the OGR forum.  Members, Sponsors, and the OGR Magazine Staff that keep it going.  The last few months have been tough on a lot of people but coming here and being able to leave most of that behind has been a blessing.  While we couldn't ignore it all together because it does impact our hobby and the train shows and meets, for the most part the administrators have done a good job of keeping the conversation relevant when they needed to be and at the same time keeping the drama from getting out of hand the best they can.

I don't want to take for granted the time it takes to operate the forum.  From Rich dealing with the latest CrowdStack whims that cause the forum to act strangely to the moderators that keep us focused on trains.  The work behind the scenes which most of us don't pay attention to must be very time consuming and difficult at times given the large amount of post and threads that are active.  If you are not already a good way to say thanks is to get a subscription.

To the Forum Sponsors that keep this forum going.  They support OGR so we have this wonderful place to talk trains without us spending a dime, although a sponsor click would be a nice way of saying thanks.  These sponsors actively participate on the forum with great deals and product information.  I encourage you to click the links above when you need something once in a while to say thanks.  Without these folks we might find Alan Arnold doing a PBS type pledge spot on late night TV.  LOL!  We also have the manufacturers participating as well to answer questions and keep us up to date on their products as well.  I'm not aware of any other forum that can boast about the participation of all of these folks.

Last but not least the forum membership.  While we have a wide range of personalities, there is no better place on the interwebs to get the great information and discussion when it comes to O Gauge trains.  The knowledge base here is second to none and everyone is willing to toss an idea when someone has a problem.  People here jump at the chance to help and show some us some of the most amazing layouts, tutorials, and projects.  The forum has some real train folks that are willing to share real information for those who want to be as prototypical as possible  and teach us all a thing or two about real trains.  I'm not aware of any other forum that can boast about the participation of all of these folks.

I don't want to get long winded so I'll end with this, the OGR forum has done a lot for me over the years and especially the last 6 months.  While it is not always "Sunshine and Lollipops",  I want to thank everyone for keeping this little part of our world as normal as possible and for the escape from the daily grind.  To all of you keep it up!

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

MartyE, words well spoken, we are truly blessed to have this great OGR Forum to learn from others with similar interests in this wonderful hobby. It’s the best way to communicate with our friends, dealer sponsors, people in the know, it’s been a real life saver during this pandemic. Rich Melvin, Alan Arnold, and All the folks at OGR have made this hobby so much more fun. Thanks Marty. 

MartyE, very well said. This forum gives us the opportunity to have somewhere to go to get away from all the trouble that is around us now. A great group of people to associate with and share this great hobby. Thank you OGR, Forum sponsors and all the people who make this forum what it is today. An Oasis in a desert where you can sit back, kick off your shoes and enjoy meeting new friends and the wealth of information given freely here......................Paul 2

Marty, well said once again. Coming on here really relieves the stress of my work day. Seeing all sorts of stuff go on here and there really tickles me pink most of the time. The best part of popping on here is that we all have had issues, questions or something that baffles us, and we get the best advice from those that have been there, read about it, or just know way too darn much. I may not comment on every single post my eyes come across, but a good portion of the time I have nothing I can add to it. Sometimes it is best to read and learn, than to chime in with, "Oh, okay". I love seeing upgrades, modifications and we'll just about everything. Gotta just love trains and be thankful for being lucky to be here.

Well said, MartyE. Well said.

I've been here a long time. I've been in/out of 3-rail a couple times. Back in the fold now, and I intend to keep any/all my 3-rail stuff I will be acquiring.

Over the couple decades I've hung out here, I have learned that OGR's forums have some of the best participants going. Also, the mods appear to make a sincere effort to be even-handed in their moderation. (Lands me, we must be like trying to heard cats sometimes!)

In all, I'm very thankful for OGR's forums and for all of you that participate.

Hm. Do I feel a group hug coming on?

Andre

I've been here only a year now (July 17 join date) but I agree with everything MartyE said. This forum is a great place to "hang out" and the OGR mag is, and has always been, a great read. I've been a subscriber since he old O Scale Railroading title days.

I've been a moderator on other newsgroups and know how tough that job is. The moderators, OGR Staff and owners of this forum do an absolutely fantastic job, so seamless that one would almost never notice that they are working so hard. Should they ever feel that they need some help, I'm there for them.

As respects to my fellow posters, I really feel like I've made a lot of friends here - thank you all

Last edited by Lionelski

Agree with above sentiments.  Lots of helpful, kind, thoughtful people and great information.  Free.  Did I mention free? (although I do subscribe). 

I know there are reasons to debate moderation issues (there are at least three forums that formed in direct response to related unhappiness), but it's impossible to argue with success.  And when you don't pay the rent, you don't get to argue about how the property is maintained. Seriously. 

Although I've certainly gone walkabout in posts occasionally, I'm fine with my posts being deleted if deemed unrelated to the thread or counterproductive to the overall goals of the forum/owners.  Remind yourself that these folks are in business to do some good, but also need to survive as a company.  That means being concerned about how advertisers are going to feel about unreasonable or hostile comments.  There is no free speech in the private sector.

Marty, what a great thread!

August 3 will mark 20 years from when I have joined the OGR Forum.  Where has the time gone?

This place remains the premier site for O Gauge information. I cannot imagine where I would be today with out the fun, the knowledge and the comradery that I have garnered from this group.  I hold the OGR management in the highest respect for providing this place for all of us to interact. I only can hope that I have imparted a little knowledge.  I have certainly gained  much more knowledge from others than I can even imagine.

Before the OGR Forum, I was a "lone wolf" O Gauger. I could never say that I had train friends all over the country that I may see only once or twice a year, but talk to them almost daily.  Now, I do not hesitate to say that.

My heartfelt thanks and respect go out to Rich, Alan, Allan, Ed and Jim.

Thank you sponsors for your continued support.

Lastly, thank you present and past members of the Forum.  Your willingness to share knowledge and information has made the Forum the great place it is.  

Peter

MartyE:

Thanks for starting this thread!

Like others above, I also agree 100% with all that you said!!

I'm going on 18 years membership here on the OGR Forum.

I also want to thank you for your participation over the years as well. I always make sure to read your posts with great interest.

Best regards,

Stan

Last edited by stangtrain

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×