If you’re more of a model
railroader, then that means
it’s the modeling part that
you find to be the most sat-
isfying. You may also enjoy
railfanning, but you’re gen-
erally more interested in
“standing trackside” watch-
ing your models roll by than
you are in trying to operate
realistically.
But if you’re more of a rail-
road modeler, then that
means you like simulat-
ing real railroad operation,
because you see yourself sit-
ting in the cab.
When you’re new in the
hobby, it helps to figure
out early on which of these
two you are, because that
will help you know how to
approach the hobby in the
most satisfying way.
How do you find out if you’re
more interested in the form
(modeling) or in the function
(operating)?
The best way is to give seri-
ous prototype operations a
try on some layouts. There’s no better way to find out some-
thing than getting some experience.
We recommend you try operating on several different layouts
before you make up your mind. The intensity of operation
varies from one end of the spectrum to the other.
A few layouts are super-serious, to the point that you better
follow the rules or (generally in jest) face the consequences.
A few other layouts are really laid back, focusing more on the
fun and fellowship overlaid with just enough prototype rules
to give a “railroady feel” to the session.
Most layout op sessions are somewhere in the middle. Go
check out operations to see if you’re more of a model rail-
roader or a railroad modeler.
What’s up with the Siskiyou Line?
Recently some folks have been asking Joe Fugate about
what’s going on with his Siskiyou Line, and whether or not
any updates are coming, if Joe’s planning any new videos, and
so on.
Joe was hosting monthly operating sessions on the Siskiyou
Line until MRH went monthly in 2011, at which point the
commitments of a monthly magazine overshadowed hosting
monthly op sessions on Joe’s layout.
But, take heart. MRH is getting to the point that Joe can
offload some of his weekly commitments and start get-
ting more free time to work on the layout. With the NMRA
National coming to Portland in 2015, that’s a good thing
because Joe wants to have the layout open for visits, as well
as host some operating sessions on his layout.
MRH staff notes - 4
