Why do people join model railway clubs in 2017

[Horsetan]

....'We design, build, and exhibit layouts at exhibitions, which we have to do in order to finance the next layout. ....."

 

With that sentence, you've just hit on something I've wondered about for a while: of the club / exhibition layouts that are eventually retired, how many of them - or rather how much of them - get recycled, and what proportion goes off to landfill?

 

Would be interesting to find out how much "wastage" there is in the post-layout stage.

[The Johnster]

Good bit in our case.  Point motors got recycled but not much else, and boards, wiring, board fittings, and track were new for the new layouts.  We had a standard design of 2'x4' board with standard end fittings, but they were scrapped once the layout was finished with.  Some layouts were kept, and the one I was referring to may still exist, but I bet it still isn't wired properly and cannot be correctly operated...

[rockershovel]

I joined for various reasons... I enjoy the social side, particularly the chit-chat about 12"-1' scale from the retired railwaymen there. The test track is really useful and enjoyable, and I'm also learning track-laying which is quite absorbing.

 

The club is lucky enough to have a permanent club-room where club layouts under construction are set up long-term.

 

The DCC group within the club are a bit of a "closed shop" (the club as a whole takes little interest in DCC although a number of members have varying degrees of involvement).

 

I can live without the internal politics, but I'm really too far from the centre of things for that to be an issue.

[jjb1970]

 

One aspect not specifically mentioned - and probably a sub-set of option 2 - is the ability to run more scale length trains than you can at home.  How many have a King, an A4, A Duchesse etc who at home can at best run a 4 coach train (and probably only 3 coach).  The club layout may well give the option to hook up all of those coaches and run something closer to reality.

 

 

 

I think that is an important attraction for many who join a club. Many either do not have the space for a large layout big enough to run long trains, don't have the resources to build such a layout or any number of other reasons. A micro layout or small layout can be good fun but there will always be something missing if you do want to run full length trains over sweeping curves. I play trains on an 8 x 4 trainset at home and it is great fun but sometimes I would like to put a full rake of intercity coaches together and run it on a layout. That was probably the main reason I was in a club and it is probably the only reason I'd join a club again.

[The Johnster]

Some people model but do not have railways at home at all, and may join a club specifically to run their models somewhere.  But very few clubs have either the space for a permanent layout/test track or the desire to build a layout for other than exhibition purposes, or a level of agreement among the members over what form such a layout might take; indeed, not all clubs can actually erect and operate their exhibition layouts on their own premises.  Non modellers assume that, by default, a club has a layout to run trains on, presumably while members point at them in the way that local papers always picture them doing but which nobody has ever done for any reason other than posing for such a picture, but most of the time most clubs actually resemble a scruffy, noisy, and disordered carpenter's workshop smelling vaguely of Copydex in which some wiring is being installed through holes in wood for an unexplained purpose, in the middle of which somebody with mad eyebrows is working on some intricacy of a GNR somersault signal gantry in milled brass 2mm finescale and has been doing for the past 20 years; the presence of a layout or even a train is quite rare!  Conversation is usually impossible above the noise of power tools, and the air is dusty; I wouldn't expose my delicate models to any of it!

 

Clubs that meet in community centres or other multi-use buildings and have to get everything out and clear it away after them on club nights may not even have access to their equipment outside booked club hours, which brings in a whole nother level of logistics.

[PaulRhB]

but most of the time most clubs actually resemble a scruffy, noisy, and disordered carpenter's workshop smelling vaguely of Copydex in which some wiring is being installed through holes in wood for an unexplained purpose, in the middle of which somebody with mad eyebrows is working on some intricacy of a GNR somersault signal gantry in milled brass 2mm finescale and has been doing for the past 20 years; the presence of a layout or even a train is quite rare! Conversation is usually impossible above the noise of power tools, and the air is dusty; I wouldn't expose my delicate models to any of it!

.

This thread does make me question if the detractors have ever visited a selection of clubs or just assumed from one or their imagination

Our club has four layouts and a test track all stored in a side room rented from the church whose hall we use. One layout is set up around that room and the rest are on trollies. The test track is wheeled out, folded out and set up in a couple of minutes. Noisy construction is done in that side room with the doors shut.

If there are cliques you can always find like minded people and form your own. Our club currently has 009, O and OO layouts with a second OO one under construction. In the past we had a large US layout and N gauge one too. Over the thirty plus years I've been a member interests have ebbed and flowed and while two of the current layouts bear the same name they have been rebuilt from scratch from earlier attempts.

Because ours is a Railway Society we also have film shows and talks but you find most of the modellers turn up for those and the non modellers just socialise on running nights, there is also now a dedicated extra night for layout construction so the full layouts off the trollies can be set up filling the main hall without squeezing everyone around the perimeter, but construction is not banned on the main club nights. There are a few groups who adjourn to the various local pubs after the club so not unusual for them to bump into each other again and take over a corner

Having moved away I rarely get to the club these days due to work but I'm still a member because my local club is much smaller and focused on just one layou tso if I have time I travel a little further for the variety or join a trip out as I did at Statfold Barn.

So a larger friendly club can accommodate lots of interests, overcome the dafter politics by people standing for the committee and concentrate on enjoying themselves.

It's easy to stump off and say it's not going your way and I didn't even try and get them to finance a layout for my niche interests but I did get a loop laid on the test track by asking

Clubs are great and I've formed great friendships and learnt a lot of techniques plus shared others. I look on the forum as an online club, it has the advantage of being accessible any time but not quite as sociable, hence why the members days are enjoyed so much by those who get there.

[Chris M]

Warley club has layouts up and running in N, OO, EM, O, 7mm finescale and G. It has layouts under construction in N, OO (3 of them), EM and O. We have a US HO layout being refurbed and many other layouts in store. The clubrooms are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights and quite often during the day, depending upon who is doing what. This is a far cry from some of the descriptions of clubs here. To be fair there are a small number of club members I try to avoid but there are many members who are great to chat with and share modelling knowledge.

Maybe it's about choosing the right club for you as there are a wide variety of what clubs are about.

 

Inside Warley clubrooms - the main floor

 

Running live steam on the G layout mezzanine floor

 

One of the N gauge layouts. This is usually available for members to run trains as are layouts in OO, O and G

[Zomboid]

Every group and club is different, and not all are right for everyone.

 

The one I gave up on was focussed on building and maintaining exhibition layouts. I don't know if they were that worried about operation of them, but it was said on some nights (with a degree of regret I must say) that they just about never got to set their layout up to play trains operate on a club night. I also found after joining that my modelling interest wasn't what I thought it was when I joined, and the motivation to help with a 1970s OO layout when what I wanted to do was American HO wasn't especially strong, particularly when I didn't feel like I was actually making a contribution. I wouldn't criticise them for that, because the group seems to be doing what the majority of its members want, and hopefully they're enjoying themselves doing it.

 

The one I'm involved with now is all about playing trains operating American HO layouts, which is exactly what I want from a club/group. So the fact that it's a bit over an hour away from my house isn't a particular problem.

 

Anyway, the point is that we're a diverse bunch, and that diversity is reflected in the number of clubs and groups that exist. Very few clubs are big enough to cater to all tastes.

[The Johnster]

This thread does make me question if the detractors have ever visited a selection of clubs or just assumed from one or their imagination

Our club has four layouts and a test track all stored in a side room rented from the church whose hall we use. One layout is set up around that room and the rest are on trollies. The test track is wheeled out, folded out and set up in a couple of minutes. Noisy construction is done in that side room with the doors shut.

If there are cliques you can always find like minded people and form your own. Our club currently has 009, O and OO layouts with a second OO one under construction. In the past we had a large US layout and N gauge one too. Over the thirty plus years I've been a member interests have ebbed and flowed and while two of the current layouts bear the same name they have been rebuilt from scratch from earlier attempts.

Because ours is a Railway Society we also have film shows and talks but you find most of the modellers turn up for those and the non modellers just socialise on running nights, there is also now a dedicated extra night for layout construction so the full layouts off the trollies can be set up filling the main hall without squeezing everyone around the perimeter, but construction is not banned on the main club nights. There are a few groups who adjourn to the various local pubs after the club so not unusual for them to bump into each other again and take over a corner

Having moved away I rarely get to the club these days due to work but I'm still a member because my local club is much smaller and focused on just one layou tso if I have time I travel a little further for the variety or join a trip out as I did at Statfold Barn.

So a larger friendly club can accommodate lots of interests, overcome the dafter politics by people standing for the committee and concentrate on enjoying themselves.

It's easy to stump off and say it's not going your way and I didn't even try and get them to finance a layout for my niche interests but I did get a loop laid on the test track by asking

Clubs are great and I've formed great friendships and learnt a lot of techniques plus shared others. I look on the forum as an online club, it has the advantage of being accessible any time but not quite as sociable, hence why the members days are enjoyed so much by those who get there.

 

I'd have to agree that there are clubs and clubs, facilities vary, and that what suits one person may be a nightmare to another, but my description of the chaotic noisy woodworking shop is, I promise, based on actual experience of reality, unheated in winter and unventilated in summer; only the lone figure with the siganl gantry is an imaginary embellishment.  Your railway society sounds a rather pleasant environment to spend time in!

[PaulRhB]

As they say "first impressions count" Our club has had its tensions but it has the advantage that being a general society rather than pure model club no one group can dominate so easily and despite one or two trying it's equally easy to maintain the status quo.

Clubs are great and have definite advantages for those in more urban areas where they can get together to build projects they otherwise couldn't consider. The net equally gives us a wider reach to see what else is out there and the only contact with like minded people got some.

I still get involved with mine and with the show through the net contact even when I can't physically get there. My current layouts also rely on those friends made through the club to show them so I'd never say the forums can totally replace a local club. The best of the forums have meets at shows or full members meets that move back towards the traditional club and those useful friendships

[Jamiel]

My reason for joining a club was to learn and get advice from more experienced modellers. I had returned to the hobby after 30 years, and needed to catch up on what was happening.

It also turned out to be an inspiration, seeing brass models made by Mike Edge, Nick, Alan, Barry O and others and the excellent weathering.

 

Sadly I moved away, but still feel affinity with the Leeds club, mostly through contact on RMweb, and always trying to get to the annual show. I keep promising to go over, and must make the effort soon.

[Psiborg]

I joined to meet people with similar interests that I could learn skills from and teach them the skills I know!  Also to contribute to building a layout that I don't have the space or funding to build personally.

 

 

Simon

[rockershovel]

One thing I certainly WOULDN'T recommend, is asking questions about DCC at a club. I tried that and the result was, well, about the same as asking on here - bewildering and contradictory "advice", most if it either so technical as to be incomprehensible, or particular groups or individuals defending choices which had no readily discernible logic.

[drduncan]

I'd like to add another reason for joining a club:

5. To get access to tools and equipment that you either can't afford or can't house yourself. E.g. A lathe or pillar drill etc, maybe even a laser cutter or 3D printer.

[drduncan]

Why join a club is perhaps the wrong question. Perhaps it should be why join the one you did? After all, there is often (but not always) a choice. In my area (say a 30 minute drive) I can think of 4 clubs, ranging from 'OO only' to 'pretty much anything', through ' finescale only'. So which one did I join and why?

 

I joined the finescale one...

Why? First and most important it had a web presence so it was identifiable as doing EM when I moved to the area.

And then in no real order of importance...

Second, it was the closest of the clubs that did EM.

Third, it had tools and equipment available to members that I needed but couldn't afford/house.

Fourth, it was friendly and welcoming.

Fifth, it gave me a chance to do things I couldn't do for space and time considerations at home/as a solo modeller.

 

One thing an established members told me when I pitched up (and still does to prospective members) is that 'we are a marmite club. You'll either love us or hate us.' He was abolsutely right, but you can go further; all clubs are marmite clubs as it is a very personal set of reasons for joining and we are not all the same. That said the attitude of just one person is enough to spoil the experience, as many of the posts above show. The lesson for club leaders is to pay attention to behaviours within the club, to break up cliques, and to ensure forceful characters (or even those with all the stock for the 'club' exhibition layout) do not overrule the interests and needs of others. Or you'll lose members.

[drduncan]

It's also true that the reasons for joining a club may not be the same as the reasons for staying a member!

[Bill_J]

I can find like-minded people; pointers, modelling hints and tips and much inspiration through RMWeb. I feel that I am slowly making friends - I am quite shy. So I consider this to be my "club".

 

My only experience at being the member of a model railway group - back in the seventies - was very positive to start with. I found the older members very willing to advise a young modeller. Very soon after I paid my first subscription, the atmosphere started to change, a few people with very specific ideas about what we should ALL be doing, began to dominate meetings this, together with my own personal life commitments saw me attending fewer and fewer meetings.

 

I have often considered since, joining a club or group - more for the social aspect than any other reason - but most evenings I don't get home until after 7:00 pm - by the time I've eaten, I don't really feel like putting on a smiley face and traipsing out to a humongous club room, where I would barely know anyone, or a smaller "political" group that want everything done "their way".

 

So I think I'll carry on like this for now... 

 

Regards to all

[David Bigcheeseplant]

Until someone else said one of the benifits of the R&D MRC is the use of a laser cutter, something I could not find space for at home or jutify a cost if it was just for me.

 

We also have nights out as a club for a meal as well when we can all chat and relax away from the clubroom.

[Colin_McLeod]

I joined the Ulster Model Railway Club as a junior member in 1968 mainly to enjoy running trains on the large permanent layout then under construction. Once joined the club opened up a host of new friends and learning of modelling skills. I look back with pleasure at those early days. I stayed a member for 35 years and never officially left but drifted away when my career caused a move 250 miles away.

 

 

"Why would I join a club in 2017?"

 

I would not join any club that would have me as a member.

[Legend]

I can find like-minded people; pointers, modelling hints and tips and much inspiration through RMWeb. I feel that I am slowly making friends - I am quite shy. So I consider this to be my "club".

 

My only experience at being the member of a model railway group - back in the seventies - was very positive to start with. I found the older members very willing to advise a young modeller. Very soon after I paid my first subscription, the atmosphere started to change, a few people with very specific ideas about what we should ALL be doing, began to dominate meetings this, together with my own personal life commitments saw me attending fewer and fewer meetings.

 

I have often considered since, joining a club or group - more for the social aspect than any other reason - but most evenings I don't get home until after 7:00 pm - by the time I've eaten, I don't really feel like putting on a smiley face and traipsing out to a humongous club room, where I would barely know anyone, or a smaller "political" group that want everything done "their way".

 

So I think I'll carry on like this for now... 

 

Regards to all

 

That's kind of my position too.   I have never been a member of a club but I have thought about joining one not too far away. I feel like I know them because I see them in exhibitions regularly and they are a very friendly bunch. I feel if I joined I would pick up skills that would enable me to do better at home.  However I am away for work very often, so I doubt Id get there too often. Wouldn't that be an issue if you are working on a layout for exhibition?   Then there is the exhibition thing. I like wondering round exhibitions at leisure, when I see the members of the club they are stuck behind their own layout exhibiting and seem only to get a few stolen minutes to go round the rest of the exhibition.   But the 7 O'clock thing is a biggie . Once in and fed, can I be bothered going back out again......................I know I'm getting old!     I too regard RMWeb as my club

[chris p bacon]

Why join a club is perhaps the wrong question. Perhaps it should be why join the one you did?

 

It's 200 yards from my house.

I'd like to add another reason for joining a club:

5. To get access to tools and equipment that you either can't afford or can't house yourself. E.g. A lathe or pillar drill etc, maybe even a laser cutter or 3D printer.

 

Our club will be joining that one.....we've got a hammer....on loan..

[jcm@gwr]

I've been thinking about adding a reply on this thread

for a while now, but I haven't got the time right now, or

I'll be late getting to the club!

[TEAMYAKIMA]

As the person who originally started this thread please allow me to make some observations ...............

 

My original thinking was based on what clubs should offer in 2017 in order to attract new members. Whilst I am not in any way speaking on behalf of the club I belong to I do speak as a long time member who wishes to see the club be a success and attract new members.

 

So really my question was ' What should clubs be offering in 2017 in order to attract new members?'

 

For example, my club has a fantastic, historically accurate, 7mm layout that uses state of the art techniques and which has received plaudits from around the world (from RMwebbers) and yet....

 

despite being a friendly bunch of people

despite having a layout that can protypically run a wide range of stock from various railway companies

despite having a very open approach to running almost anything on club nights - Stirling Single to Class 60 !

despite having a pro-active recruitment policy of open days and taking the layout out and about in the local community

 

the sad fact is that they have not recruited any new members for about 6/7 years.

 

I have heard two theories why that is

 

1. The group sets too high a standard - it's intimidating - too daunting to a 'beginner'.

2. The layout (that has been about 11 years in planning/building) is just too ambitious - too daunting to an outsider

 

Now PLEASE NOTE - I am not personally putting forward any of those theories they are just ideas I've heard when speaking to people - both members and non-members when discussing this issue.

[Zomboid]

Are you getting new people through the doors on club nights?

If they're not coming in you have one issue, if they're coming in and not sticking then it's something else.

[rockershovel]

I'm a great joiner of clubs, because I live a quite fragmented life involving a lot of travel. I like being able to walk into a defined environment with a defined purpose for a sometimes, limited period of time, and get the benefit of that.

 

I can quite see that this isn't a general case, though.