The Future
The Future
I have heard from 1 or 2 groups that they do not see where GL5 is heading in the future, This can only be decided by YOU the membership, We have asked at each AGM if there is anything you the members want us to look into or do [where possible ] but you havent put any suggestions forward. So we had thought we were doing as the membership wanted, So i ask you to let us know what you want from YOUR GL5 .
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Richard Phillips
- Fat Controller
- Posts: 178
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2009 6:14 pm
Re: The Future
I suppose I'm content because I meet up with the majority of the GL5 once or twice a year (usually at Gilling) and at other events. For other new members that don't attend the main rallies then the GL5 is something of a mystery as to what it does and why.
I'm not sure we're a typical "club", more of a loose collective of like-minded individuals, but talking to members that turn up on the club stand at Bristol I keep hearing "We haven't heard from the GL5 in months" - so there is an expectation of communication. The flip side of this is of course that *someone* has to generate and process that communication, so a bit of a double-edged sword.
Maybe a letter to all members that asks for suggestions? If you hear nothing back then it can be assumed to be either general apathy or that members are content. Sadly, this board isn't actively used enough to spread a general message to the majority of the club members.
Does the GL5 need to "head" anywhere? Perhaps a "modern" "diesel scene"? For me personally I'd really like to see recommendations coming out of GL5 about siding provision - the thing that really makes GL5 mainline operation tick is the ability to hold stock which is not what the majority of club tracks have - therefore large events are confined to a few tracks only.
There was talk at one point of if a club could provide a point spur then we might be able to produce some sections of track to form up a yard meaning that the GL5 collective could hold events at other clubs. There is a strong body of supporters around Gilling, but I feel it's less so further South. My club ESSMEE is actively pursuing a marshalling yard and I'd be pleased to see this kind of development given a boost so that other clubs might consider it. If the GL5 is to prosper (in my opinion) the show that is so popular at Gilling has to been seen elsewhere.
Certainly I've seen more suppliers come into the rolling stock kit market, so there is growing enthusiasm out there, I just think we need to get people together more often, perhaps not on the scale of the mainline rallies, but in local groups.
I'm not sure we're a typical "club", more of a loose collective of like-minded individuals, but talking to members that turn up on the club stand at Bristol I keep hearing "We haven't heard from the GL5 in months" - so there is an expectation of communication. The flip side of this is of course that *someone* has to generate and process that communication, so a bit of a double-edged sword.
Maybe a letter to all members that asks for suggestions? If you hear nothing back then it can be assumed to be either general apathy or that members are content. Sadly, this board isn't actively used enough to spread a general message to the majority of the club members.
Does the GL5 need to "head" anywhere? Perhaps a "modern" "diesel scene"? For me personally I'd really like to see recommendations coming out of GL5 about siding provision - the thing that really makes GL5 mainline operation tick is the ability to hold stock which is not what the majority of club tracks have - therefore large events are confined to a few tracks only.
There was talk at one point of if a club could provide a point spur then we might be able to produce some sections of track to form up a yard meaning that the GL5 collective could hold events at other clubs. There is a strong body of supporters around Gilling, but I feel it's less so further South. My club ESSMEE is actively pursuing a marshalling yard and I'd be pleased to see this kind of development given a boost so that other clubs might consider it. If the GL5 is to prosper (in my opinion) the show that is so popular at Gilling has to been seen elsewhere.
Certainly I've seen more suppliers come into the rolling stock kit market, so there is growing enthusiasm out there, I just think we need to get people together more often, perhaps not on the scale of the mainline rallies, but in local groups.
Re: The Future
It may be worth considering opening these forums to the general public. At the moment it is a requirement that you are a GL5 member before you can join. Like most clubs 80 percent of members never want to say much on a forum, and a lot of interest lies outside the club and this forum.
Quiet often a public forum leads to more members and more questions being asked. It may not produce massive interest but it should generate more content. This will increase workload for myself as an admin but if it becomes too much I will seek volunteers to moderate here.
Quiet often a public forum leads to more members and more questions being asked. It may not produce massive interest but it should generate more content. This will increase workload for myself as an admin but if it becomes too much I will seek volunteers to moderate here.
Re: The Future
With reference to richards comments first , My aim was to send a copy of the post to each member with a comment slip hopefully before the AGM and hope i had some ideas to pass on then, Dave Harris when he was an area co ordinator said he tried to get members to get together in his area but drew a blank from members. As for the idea of a diesel section not a bad idea would you like to co ordinate it, And finally the subject of going to other clubs with some sidings,1 or 2 clubs did show interest in the idea and said the had a point off there main running circuit and an area we could possibly use as a yard, the idea of members having track sections and bringing them with them to a gathering has been brought up but seemed to fall on deaf ears we even designed a location/locking system to make assembly easy and standard, I must admit that the 1 exeption was GEOF MOORE and his pals who made some of the track used at sandown park exibition. And last of all to reply to admin s post yes it may be a good idea to open up the site to all but will you still be able to keep as a secure site following problems with hackers dumping adverts and alike on to the site.
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Ballan Baker
- Engine Driver
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 7:11 pm
Re: The Future
Alan says one or two groups are questioning the future. Would he like to name names or let these people speak up a AGM,s, as I suspect some one is trying to stir the mud. Lets be honest, 90% arecontent to let the few do the work, but this does not mean they think we are going in the wrong direction. Moving large sections of portable track around the country is expensive and time consuming,the weight if it being a big problem .I think it would not be a good idea to open the forum to non-members, as it would not give them any incentive to join GL5 and make matters worse..
Re: The Future
I thought you may like to see the thoughts of a new member, a view trough a fresh pair of eyes so to speak.
At the age of 30 I have never experienced the true atmosphere of the glorious days of steam and am really looking forward to the chance to drive my own steam loco at some of the events GL5 provide. GL5 provide myself and others the chance to know what it must have been like to work as an engine driver, and more in this famous era, bringing to reality what was once every child's dream. Whilst I can run at my local club every week if I like, you are offering a very unique experience.
I have found it a little daunting when I look and hear about things like the lamp codes, the preference for the correct overalls and some of the finer details most of which I have yet to learn. But these standards are all part of what makes it all such an event and makes it so different. I hope the future of GL5 can preserve this experience for more people like my self for years to come, that the number and variety of events will slowly grow to keep the intrest of all.
At the age of 30 I have never experienced the true atmosphere of the glorious days of steam and am really looking forward to the chance to drive my own steam loco at some of the events GL5 provide. GL5 provide myself and others the chance to know what it must have been like to work as an engine driver, and more in this famous era, bringing to reality what was once every child's dream. Whilst I can run at my local club every week if I like, you are offering a very unique experience.
I have found it a little daunting when I look and hear about things like the lamp codes, the preference for the correct overalls and some of the finer details most of which I have yet to learn. But these standards are all part of what makes it all such an event and makes it so different. I hope the future of GL5 can preserve this experience for more people like my self for years to come, that the number and variety of events will slowly grow to keep the intrest of all.
Re: The Future
I am in agreement with Ballan Baker .. don't open the forum to non-members; anyone can read today, but not post.
My own disappointment is the lack of postings on the forum. It feels like sometimes weeks go by without a posting. Is this because members are uncomfortable with using this?
Perhaps that could be a question for AGM attendees?
The forum could also be used for posting members adverts (sales/wants).
The 7.25" society does this and I sometimes find 5" gauge stuff out there.
The magazine is good and and have been lucky to pick up a whole pile of back issues.
Cheers
Gordon
My own disappointment is the lack of postings on the forum. It feels like sometimes weeks go by without a posting. Is this because members are uncomfortable with using this?
Perhaps that could be a question for AGM attendees?
The forum could also be used for posting members adverts (sales/wants).
The 7.25" society does this and I sometimes find 5" gauge stuff out there.
The magazine is good and and have been lucky to pick up a whole pile of back issues.
Cheers
Gordon
Re: The Future
I am quite content with GL5 the way it is.
For me I get to attend a variety of tracks and a good chance to "play trains" with like minded people. I enjoy learning from other members who make up this specialist club but that only happens each time get a chance to meet, whether its a rally or a working party. Working partys are good as they provide a chance of pay-back, to return something for the joy of having had an alternative to running around in circles on the mainstream club track.
Picking up on the communication item: The glue to this club is the magazine Turnout. The objective is to have four publication per year, ideally on a regular basis. However, I imagine it is no mean feat to edit and compile such a publication and it depends on the membership providing articles. Therefore, the only way forward is by hearing from the membership about what they have being doing/working on. This drives the delivery of the magazine which in turn generates interest and allows the membership to receive subsidiary information that holds the club together.
Everybody Get writing!
For me I get to attend a variety of tracks and a good chance to "play trains" with like minded people. I enjoy learning from other members who make up this specialist club but that only happens each time get a chance to meet, whether its a rally or a working party. Working partys are good as they provide a chance of pay-back, to return something for the joy of having had an alternative to running around in circles on the mainstream club track.
Picking up on the communication item: The glue to this club is the magazine Turnout. The objective is to have four publication per year, ideally on a regular basis. However, I imagine it is no mean feat to edit and compile such a publication and it depends on the membership providing articles. Therefore, the only way forward is by hearing from the membership about what they have being doing/working on. This drives the delivery of the magazine which in turn generates interest and allows the membership to receive subsidiary information that holds the club together.
Everybody Get writing!
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Dave Harris
- Engine Driver
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2005 11:27 pm
- Location: Frome
Re: The Future
I have just read the previous comments on the future direction of GL5.
I would say that to allow anyone to post comments on this site would be a backward step, it was instigated for members only and should remain that way, if for no other reason than to stop it being 'hijacked' by hackers etc.
Ballen is right in that any type of club/association usually ends up with 10% doing the work and 90% sitting back and only taking what they want from it. Life has in clubs has always been this way and I dont see it changing. If 'sleeping members' want to make comments about the way the association is run, lack of communication etc, then as long as the comments are constructive and not vindictive in nature i dont have a problem with an open disscusion as long as people can agree to disagree on subjects at times.
I also would suggest that the association always has been a 'loose' organisation, held together by 'Turnout', the Mainline rallies and latterly by the GL5 rallies as well. Individuals will attend which ever type of event suits them personally, and also these days finance is also becoming a greater factor in where and when people attend events.
The frequency of 'Turnout' having dropped does not help the communication problem, but if people are not prepared to contribute to the magazine there is little the editor can do about it. One thing which did start some years ago was the inclusion of Commitee Meeting notes so all the membership knew what was going on/proposed and this seems to have stopped in recent years for some reason? Only telling the membership what the commitee has decided at AGMs i personally feel is too little too late for such a scattered membership, and again only a relative few will attend AGMs for reasons of cost/distance etc.
I think we have to live with the realities of 'apathy' which is common amongst all clubs/societies and try to overcome it by better communication - maybe there is a need to stick to a more rigid timetable for the issue of 'Turnout' and accept that each issue will contain less pages but at least any activities/notices will be more current? Maybe if we keep the issues of 'Turnout' at the same size as now there is a need for an interim 'Newsletter' sheet to keep members 'up to-date' on what the 'top table' are thinking/what is actually going on? We can plead for members to contribute more, but maybe it needs a lead from the top?
The above is just my '5 pennithworth', for what it is worth and i would be interested in what other members think, maybe the committee should think about opening up the discussion in 'Turnout' by copying these website contributions into the next issue of 'Turnout', as not all GL5 members are members of this site and therefor maybe not aware of what is going on...at least they all see 'Turnout' ?
I would say that to allow anyone to post comments on this site would be a backward step, it was instigated for members only and should remain that way, if for no other reason than to stop it being 'hijacked' by hackers etc.
Ballen is right in that any type of club/association usually ends up with 10% doing the work and 90% sitting back and only taking what they want from it. Life has in clubs has always been this way and I dont see it changing. If 'sleeping members' want to make comments about the way the association is run, lack of communication etc, then as long as the comments are constructive and not vindictive in nature i dont have a problem with an open disscusion as long as people can agree to disagree on subjects at times.
I also would suggest that the association always has been a 'loose' organisation, held together by 'Turnout', the Mainline rallies and latterly by the GL5 rallies as well. Individuals will attend which ever type of event suits them personally, and also these days finance is also becoming a greater factor in where and when people attend events.
The frequency of 'Turnout' having dropped does not help the communication problem, but if people are not prepared to contribute to the magazine there is little the editor can do about it. One thing which did start some years ago was the inclusion of Commitee Meeting notes so all the membership knew what was going on/proposed and this seems to have stopped in recent years for some reason? Only telling the membership what the commitee has decided at AGMs i personally feel is too little too late for such a scattered membership, and again only a relative few will attend AGMs for reasons of cost/distance etc.
I think we have to live with the realities of 'apathy' which is common amongst all clubs/societies and try to overcome it by better communication - maybe there is a need to stick to a more rigid timetable for the issue of 'Turnout' and accept that each issue will contain less pages but at least any activities/notices will be more current? Maybe if we keep the issues of 'Turnout' at the same size as now there is a need for an interim 'Newsletter' sheet to keep members 'up to-date' on what the 'top table' are thinking/what is actually going on? We can plead for members to contribute more, but maybe it needs a lead from the top?
The above is just my '5 pennithworth', for what it is worth and i would be interested in what other members think, maybe the committee should think about opening up the discussion in 'Turnout' by copying these website contributions into the next issue of 'Turnout', as not all GL5 members are members of this site and therefor maybe not aware of what is going on...at least they all see 'Turnout' ?
Re: The Future
If we look at what we state we do from the Home page of this website it is possible to check that we are achieving the organization's objectives:
"The GL5 Association has an increasing and very active membership, who have a focused objective in terms of prototypical railway operation in ground level 5″ gauge."
Is our membership continuing to increase? If it is then we are heading in the right direction.
"We promote 5″ gauge 1 1/16 to 1 foot prototype modelling of main line railways in Britain, although our membership does include a large number of overseas subscribers."
I'm sure we do this in a number of ways and I see regular articles in the modelling press and our displays at exhibitions clearly advertise what we are about. Can we do more?
"We publish a magazine entitled “TURNOUT” which is circulated to GL5 members approximately quarterly, depending upon available material, and includes excellent and informative articles on members’ railways, constructional series and developments to promote our hobby, with an abundance of photographs of members’ modelling activities."
The magazine is always excellent. We just need to attract more articles. Some of the threads in this forum could easily make copy for 'Turnout', but little of it finds its way there. Can we ask what people would like to see in Turnout? I for one want construction articles on anything to do with railway stock, locos, signalling and trackwork. Photographs and discussion on prototype stock is always interesting and I like to see articles about members projects and clubs and individuals who are building railways.
"The GL5 Association holds an AGM each year when the officers are elected, and publishes the standards to which we all subscribe and operate."
Yes we do this but I don't think the Standards are anywhere near complete. What about turnouts? A few drawings of typical designs might help those building railways. I've seen questions on the layout of sidings that could be the subject of a standard. Signalling might warrant standards. All of this could help spread the GL5 message.
"We offer to members of GL5
• Scale standards for Wagons, Coaches, Locomotives and Track work." Yes to a point
"• Support and advice on all aspects of prototype railway operation in 5″ gauge." Yes - We have plenty of railway experience in the Association both model and full size. Could we direct the members to particular people for particular expertise through this website or Turnout?
"• Rolling stock projects for members from kits (currently 6 wheel tank wagons)." Yes - this seems to be a growing activity, but it needs to be invited and reported through the website and Turnout.
"• Invitations to visit clubs and private 5″ ground level railways." Yes this is regularly reported
"• Technical assistance in design and construction of ground level layouts." As the second bullet point.
"• Promotion of trade or private supplies of castings and materials to scale standards." Yes in Turnout
"• Regional meetings of members for talks and discussions on selected topics, arranged by area co-ordinators." Do we do this? I've not seen one advertised or reported
"• Invitations to GL5 rallies." Yes and very welcome they are.
So from the above I can see that we are ticking most of the boxes.
I also see from looking at club websites that more are building facilities that will accommodate the GL5 experience. Twenty years ago most people would have laughed at the idea of running scale trains, but GL5 have proved in a relatively short time that it is possible and that the railway enthusiast model engineers want to do it. Bear in mind that 50 years ago model engineers were struggling to build reliable model locomotives that actually ran let alone close scale models that could haul passengers, so I don't think GL5 has done too badly in its development to date. As time goes on we will be able to run rallies for specific time periods in our railway's history because the amount and variety of stock is constantly increasing and railways will be available with a signalling to go with different eras. I don't know how many different types of vehicle were used on the railway, but I'd bet that we've only scratched the surface with the models that have been built to date.
As a builder of scale models I applaud GL5 for giving me a place to operate them in a proper context and escape from the fair ground. Given the enthusiasm to keep pressing on with what we do , we will keep progressing.
If there are groups that are worried about the future then it is for them to advise the Association of their concerns. Saying they don't know where we are heading is not enough - they must tell us what they think should be the next objective. Only then can the officers formulate a strategy.
Opening the forum to non members would be a disaster. Those who remember our first forum will be aware of the (for want of a better word) rubbish that appeared on it leading eventually to its demise. Everyone can see the forum. Let those who want to contribute join GL5.
Eddie
"The GL5 Association has an increasing and very active membership, who have a focused objective in terms of prototypical railway operation in ground level 5″ gauge."
Is our membership continuing to increase? If it is then we are heading in the right direction.
"We promote 5″ gauge 1 1/16 to 1 foot prototype modelling of main line railways in Britain, although our membership does include a large number of overseas subscribers."
I'm sure we do this in a number of ways and I see regular articles in the modelling press and our displays at exhibitions clearly advertise what we are about. Can we do more?
"We publish a magazine entitled “TURNOUT” which is circulated to GL5 members approximately quarterly, depending upon available material, and includes excellent and informative articles on members’ railways, constructional series and developments to promote our hobby, with an abundance of photographs of members’ modelling activities."
The magazine is always excellent. We just need to attract more articles. Some of the threads in this forum could easily make copy for 'Turnout', but little of it finds its way there. Can we ask what people would like to see in Turnout? I for one want construction articles on anything to do with railway stock, locos, signalling and trackwork. Photographs and discussion on prototype stock is always interesting and I like to see articles about members projects and clubs and individuals who are building railways.
"The GL5 Association holds an AGM each year when the officers are elected, and publishes the standards to which we all subscribe and operate."
Yes we do this but I don't think the Standards are anywhere near complete. What about turnouts? A few drawings of typical designs might help those building railways. I've seen questions on the layout of sidings that could be the subject of a standard. Signalling might warrant standards. All of this could help spread the GL5 message.
"We offer to members of GL5
• Scale standards for Wagons, Coaches, Locomotives and Track work." Yes to a point
"• Support and advice on all aspects of prototype railway operation in 5″ gauge." Yes - We have plenty of railway experience in the Association both model and full size. Could we direct the members to particular people for particular expertise through this website or Turnout?
"• Rolling stock projects for members from kits (currently 6 wheel tank wagons)." Yes - this seems to be a growing activity, but it needs to be invited and reported through the website and Turnout.
"• Invitations to visit clubs and private 5″ ground level railways." Yes this is regularly reported
"• Technical assistance in design and construction of ground level layouts." As the second bullet point.
"• Promotion of trade or private supplies of castings and materials to scale standards." Yes in Turnout
"• Regional meetings of members for talks and discussions on selected topics, arranged by area co-ordinators." Do we do this? I've not seen one advertised or reported
"• Invitations to GL5 rallies." Yes and very welcome they are.
So from the above I can see that we are ticking most of the boxes.
I also see from looking at club websites that more are building facilities that will accommodate the GL5 experience. Twenty years ago most people would have laughed at the idea of running scale trains, but GL5 have proved in a relatively short time that it is possible and that the railway enthusiast model engineers want to do it. Bear in mind that 50 years ago model engineers were struggling to build reliable model locomotives that actually ran let alone close scale models that could haul passengers, so I don't think GL5 has done too badly in its development to date. As time goes on we will be able to run rallies for specific time periods in our railway's history because the amount and variety of stock is constantly increasing and railways will be available with a signalling to go with different eras. I don't know how many different types of vehicle were used on the railway, but I'd bet that we've only scratched the surface with the models that have been built to date.
As a builder of scale models I applaud GL5 for giving me a place to operate them in a proper context and escape from the fair ground. Given the enthusiasm to keep pressing on with what we do , we will keep progressing.
If there are groups that are worried about the future then it is for them to advise the Association of their concerns. Saying they don't know where we are heading is not enough - they must tell us what they think should be the next objective. Only then can the officers formulate a strategy.
Opening the forum to non members would be a disaster. Those who remember our first forum will be aware of the (for want of a better word) rubbish that appeared on it leading eventually to its demise. Everyone can see the forum. Let those who want to contribute join GL5.
Eddie
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tornado60163
- Engine Driver
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Tue Oct 05, 2010 6:13 pm
Re: The Future
i think a good idea may be to involve some of the junior members more. For example signal training as it is only really adults that get to do signalling. Also Yard training. That is a few of my ideas
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Dave Harris
- Engine Driver
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2005 11:27 pm
- Location: Frome
Re: The Future
I would agree with Eddy's comments above.
However the point about area meetings is a difficult one. As a former area coordinator I was suprised when this activity was added to a coordinators 'cv' without asking first. The reality was that for the area i volunteered for it was the best part of 200 miles from end to end, sparsely populated by GL5 members with no real 'centre' of activity so organising and holding 'regional meetings' would have been difficult to say the least. If one looks at the 'coordinators' list then apart from the one county coordinator all have big regions and would have similar problems.
We need to communicate better, either by more information and more frequent information in 'Turnout', or maybe as i said above issuing newsletters/flyers in between the issues of 'Turnout', and any 'complaints' should be put in print in 'Turnout' for all to see and comment on, but please not on this open website for reasons already stated.
However the point about area meetings is a difficult one. As a former area coordinator I was suprised when this activity was added to a coordinators 'cv' without asking first. The reality was that for the area i volunteered for it was the best part of 200 miles from end to end, sparsely populated by GL5 members with no real 'centre' of activity so organising and holding 'regional meetings' would have been difficult to say the least. If one looks at the 'coordinators' list then apart from the one county coordinator all have big regions and would have similar problems.
We need to communicate better, either by more information and more frequent information in 'Turnout', or maybe as i said above issuing newsletters/flyers in between the issues of 'Turnout', and any 'complaints' should be put in print in 'Turnout' for all to see and comment on, but please not on this open website for reasons already stated.
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BrianRobins
- No rank
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:44 am
Re: The Future
As another recent convert to the world of bigger trains (I collect Wrenn 00) I cant help feeling that things are no worse for GL5 than they are for any other special interest group or hobby, many of which seem hell-bent on their own destruction.
I used to belong to a Koi club and a specialist sports car club, both of which tore themselves apart, fighting to promote marginal interest aspects of the hobbies.
It was truly sad to see and totally unnecessary. Neither club survives today.
I will be eternally grateful to Brent for all the time and help he gives me by enabling me to follow my interest in 5" live steam running and the fact I can use his track in an informal exchange for my help keeping it maintained, is a symbiotic relationship that in the real sense benefits us both.
I have also met a whole bunch of great guys at his rallies and working days, who have all been more than willing to share their knowledge with me and help out where they can, I hope I have in return been able to provide some help to them where I am able to from my own "specialist" subjects. Thank, you know who you are !
Before this starts to sound like a mutual admiration society, I will add that horrible three letter word:-
BUT !
Sometimes we all forget that knowledge is only of value if it is shared and not used as a badge of importance or worse of all, a weapon.
We sometimes forget that what we have learnt years ago and take for granted, is knowledge yet to be gained by others.
It can only be for the better if sometimes the died-in-the wool enthusiasts, stop, think and realise we are not all experts and some guidance is needed at times.
Equally a "newby" should not feel he is asking a stupid question if something simple has alluded him or he has made a genuine error through lack of knowledge or understanding.
I have twice been derided in the worse possible way by angry signalmen because I have inadvertently passed a signal. Nobody crashed or burnt but I was left feeling embarrassed and lucky I was allowed to continue running. Fortunately because I dont sufferer fools gladly, I wasn't put off, but some might be.
I have a friend who used to edit one of the original DIY magazines in the 60s, and She said that the "buying life expectancy" of a reader was about 2 years then She would start again with articles on how to screw the lid of a jam jar to the bottom of a shelf to make a handy storage system, for the next batch of readers.
Perhaps we need to write beginners articles for the magazine and those who think they know it all just need to skip those pages.
I look around at rallies and running days and with the a couple of exceptions, never see any youngsters "playing trains" By youngsters I dont mean people just younger than retirement age, I mean teens or even younger.
Now thats sad, I cant believe that any Boy (or Girl) cant get excited about a steam train. In fact I will go further and say, I know they do, as I have seen youngsters from a school in Cambridge, at Brents, thoroughly enjoying running Brents Locos and driving my Gresley to the point where I had to drag them off screaming and shouting because my dinner was about to be in the Dog and I was running out of coal.
Do we appear to the X-box generation as a bunch of old fogies, probably, because a lot of the time we behave like a bunch of old fogies.
I know there is a perceived problem about mixing kids and hot, moving things and everyone is scared of Lawyers hiding behind every bush waiting to pounce.
But the reality is, this is not so. How do kids get on at skate parks and BMX tracks where injury is far more likely with these risk based pursuits.
If we want our hobby to survive and your skills and knowledge to be worth anything, you need to engage with the young and create new enthusiasts for the future or all your trains are going to end up in the 5" Barry scrap-yard when you pop your safety valves.
Clubs and organisations need to lose or minimise the anally retentive attitude caused by committees for everything from running days to car parking and just get on with playing trains. (or boats, planes, clocks or whatever turns you on)
A lot of us who are retired, no doubt longed for the time to play when we were stuck on the hamster wheel, now we have the time to play we want to turn it into work ! I dont get it !
It is easy to make excuses for not getting involved but apparently easier to castigate those who do and try to perpetuate the hobby.
It is meant to be fun, so like life, dont take it to seriously, you will never get out alive anyway.
I used to belong to a Koi club and a specialist sports car club, both of which tore themselves apart, fighting to promote marginal interest aspects of the hobbies.
It was truly sad to see and totally unnecessary. Neither club survives today.
I will be eternally grateful to Brent for all the time and help he gives me by enabling me to follow my interest in 5" live steam running and the fact I can use his track in an informal exchange for my help keeping it maintained, is a symbiotic relationship that in the real sense benefits us both.
I have also met a whole bunch of great guys at his rallies and working days, who have all been more than willing to share their knowledge with me and help out where they can, I hope I have in return been able to provide some help to them where I am able to from my own "specialist" subjects. Thank, you know who you are !
Before this starts to sound like a mutual admiration society, I will add that horrible three letter word:-
BUT !
Sometimes we all forget that knowledge is only of value if it is shared and not used as a badge of importance or worse of all, a weapon.
We sometimes forget that what we have learnt years ago and take for granted, is knowledge yet to be gained by others.
It can only be for the better if sometimes the died-in-the wool enthusiasts, stop, think and realise we are not all experts and some guidance is needed at times.
Equally a "newby" should not feel he is asking a stupid question if something simple has alluded him or he has made a genuine error through lack of knowledge or understanding.
I have twice been derided in the worse possible way by angry signalmen because I have inadvertently passed a signal. Nobody crashed or burnt but I was left feeling embarrassed and lucky I was allowed to continue running. Fortunately because I dont sufferer fools gladly, I wasn't put off, but some might be.
I have a friend who used to edit one of the original DIY magazines in the 60s, and She said that the "buying life expectancy" of a reader was about 2 years then She would start again with articles on how to screw the lid of a jam jar to the bottom of a shelf to make a handy storage system, for the next batch of readers.
Perhaps we need to write beginners articles for the magazine and those who think they know it all just need to skip those pages.
I look around at rallies and running days and with the a couple of exceptions, never see any youngsters "playing trains" By youngsters I dont mean people just younger than retirement age, I mean teens or even younger.
Now thats sad, I cant believe that any Boy (or Girl) cant get excited about a steam train. In fact I will go further and say, I know they do, as I have seen youngsters from a school in Cambridge, at Brents, thoroughly enjoying running Brents Locos and driving my Gresley to the point where I had to drag them off screaming and shouting because my dinner was about to be in the Dog and I was running out of coal.
Do we appear to the X-box generation as a bunch of old fogies, probably, because a lot of the time we behave like a bunch of old fogies.
I know there is a perceived problem about mixing kids and hot, moving things and everyone is scared of Lawyers hiding behind every bush waiting to pounce.
But the reality is, this is not so. How do kids get on at skate parks and BMX tracks where injury is far more likely with these risk based pursuits.
If we want our hobby to survive and your skills and knowledge to be worth anything, you need to engage with the young and create new enthusiasts for the future or all your trains are going to end up in the 5" Barry scrap-yard when you pop your safety valves.
Clubs and organisations need to lose or minimise the anally retentive attitude caused by committees for everything from running days to car parking and just get on with playing trains. (or boats, planes, clocks or whatever turns you on)
A lot of us who are retired, no doubt longed for the time to play when we were stuck on the hamster wheel, now we have the time to play we want to turn it into work ! I dont get it !
It is easy to make excuses for not getting involved but apparently easier to castigate those who do and try to perpetuate the hobby.
It is meant to be fun, so like life, dont take it to seriously, you will never get out alive anyway.
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Ballan Baker
- Engine Driver
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 7:11 pm
Re: The Future
The future is bright, from what has been said on this subject. Just why some one had to contact the chairman and let him complain beats me. Why not put it on here ,or the agm what is felt by a member. B
Brian has a point, yes newcomers have a lot to learn, and the more they mix with experienced members, the more they should learn. As for myself I have found many older members, such as many now departed , as well some still with us have been very generous with their knoledge, and been very paitent if you are prepared to listen.This society is going along the way that is meant to go with many members doing their thing but times are hard as they say and not every member can afford to go zooming around to every track that has an open day. Lets enjoy this approaching steaming season ,and get on with being big boys with big toys. Regards Ballan.
Brian has a point, yes newcomers have a lot to learn, and the more they mix with experienced members, the more they should learn. As for myself I have found many older members, such as many now departed , as well some still with us have been very generous with their knoledge, and been very paitent if you are prepared to listen.This society is going along the way that is meant to go with many members doing their thing but times are hard as they say and not every member can afford to go zooming around to every track that has an open day. Lets enjoy this approaching steaming season ,and get on with being big boys with big toys. Regards Ballan.