Something occurred to me today so I checked the member list, eight years ago today a dozen of us signed up to this new forum. It was an odd wee place called ngaugeforum started by some bloke called Tank :o and we were the only members
Shortly after, and for some inexplicable reason, I offered to help out and, without wanting to appear smug, between us we laid the foundation of what you see before you now, Chris doing much of the technical work, and me being the ever sensitive, whip cracking loony you need to keep folks in check from time to time.
We ran a raffle, by begging companies for donations, espousing that we were the next big thing in railway forums, Chris sold his first born and bank raids were considered. Somehow he managed to keep it running, Mrs Tank was unimpressed at having to shop at Aldi instead of Waitrose ;)
In time, others joined us as the forum grew, and the guys n gals behind the scenes grew, like the members the volunteers have come and gone over the years but all have contributed in their own ways, many financially, some with humour and some with simply wonderful modelling, yet through the years of evolution it has gone through it has never lost that sense of (to steal an Ozzie phrase) mateship, it has always felt like the friendliest model railway club you could imagine.
We have never had to ban many, though we did have some interesting times behind the scenes getting rid of a couple :confused2: ;D and sadly we have lost several wonderful characters over the years all of whom have given greatly to the forum.
I try to recall the conversations Chris and I had in those early days, I doubt either of us considered that the forum would even still be here so many years later, never mind the fact that it continues to grow and attracts new members, it has gone from strength to strength, accomplished so much and continues to be the 'go to' place for n gauge modelers from across the world.
Happy anniversary ngaugeforum :beers:
Just wanted to add a little edit in here, to thank @Tank (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=2) for the concept in the first place and for allowing me to play a small part in the forum, also to all mods over the years especially @Newportnobby (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=264) and @scotsoft (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=461) for their valuable time and support not only to me but to the forum in general
Eight years!!
Well, as the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun!
Thanks for that post, Lawrence. :beers:
George
Happy 8th Birthday!
:NGF:
Well spoken, Lawrence. :claphappy:
QuoteWell, as the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun!
I thought the saying woz
Time flies by when you're a driver of a train
Speeding out of Trumpton with a cargo of cocaine
well done!!
I checked my registration date and I' 7 years 7 months (with a brief hiatus). Thanks to all the Admins and contributors for their tireless efforts!
Quote from: themadhippy on November 21, 2018, 11:03:04 PM
QuoteWell, as the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun!
I thought the saying woz
Time flies by when you're a driver of a train
Speeding out of Trumpton with a cargo of cocaine
I've seen them play that live a few times. Always good!
BTDTGTTS - unfortunately my wife didn't like me wearing it and threw it out years ago!
Only 8 years? That surprises me. I registered on May 25 2011 so my 7.5 year anniversary is this Sunday and my layout is still hardly built. At this rate I'll be at least 108 when it's finished (probably by someone else).
Well done though guys, this is by far the best forum around and I'm sure it always will be. As long as you don't kick me out.
:NGF:
Never a better emoji to use. 8 years of much unthankful hard work put in by so many people dedicated to the success of N gauge as a whole, their own layouts but most importantly for US this MAGNIFICENT FORUM.
I seem to ask the hardest questions in the world that certain search engines can't answer yet within a few minutes someone here has answered it and with some much depth it really is fantastic.
Huge thanks must go to Tank, Lawrence, Chris and the original few but also to the mods like NewportNobby, Bealman and all the others that spend their time patrolling this and with huge inputs to lots of topics.
So :thankyousign: for the previous 8 years and here's to an infinite number to come :beers:
Thank you Craig
I hopped on this particular train a bit less than 4 years ago and I'm glad I did. This is only my second go at a forum - the other was the Model Rail Forum which didn't have enough N scale stuff to entice me to continue.
I live on the other side of the world from most of you lot, but the wonders of the internet allow me to communicate with everyone without regard to distance. That is pretty amazing in itself. The forum showcases the modelling skills of gifted modellers, but does much more than that. It provides a venue for the exchange of ideas and tips as well as the presentation of the vision of all and sundry of what constitutes a model railway. Even though most people are not modelling my region, country, or time, I like it all. Over time, I have built character profiles in my head of the regular contributors as I suspect most of us do. We have gentlemen/gentlewomen as well as some who are a bit more inclined to testiness. No worries, it is all pretty cool.
I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to the originators of the NGF such as Tank and to those who keep the whole show on the road on a day to day basis. It is a job very well done.
Webbo
Good heavens, it's been well over 4 years since my first post (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=426.msg242149#msg242149) :goggleeyes: I remember the forum kept cropping up in my searches for N gauge related info (I knew nothing at the time) so thought I'd sign up.
It's the only model railway related forum I've stuck with constantly, keep up the good work!
:NGF: :NGaugersRule:
I've been a member for 7.5 years and thoroughly enjoy it.
It is the only forum of which I'm a member and it has been invaluable over the years plus I've made so many friends and aquaintances.
Long may it continue.
Blimey, apparently I joined in October 2011 but didn't realise that the Forum was so young then.
Congratulations to everyone who has helped us all.
It's a long journey in my case but great to have the Fellowship of the riNg by my side.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY :claphappy:
Cheers for everything :beers: :beers: :beers:
I'm another one with 7½ years before the mast. Having inflicted nearly 30,000 posts on you poor people you'll be horrified to hear I have no plans to retire >:D
"June 10, 2011, 11:00:34 pm"
almost a newbie by your standards.
the only forum I am a member of, and I have never regretted joining.
'met' so many helpful and friendly people, who are always ready to support others.
I can't imagine not being able to log in here and get all the advice I need. Prior to joining just over two years ago I had struggled to find answers on the www to so many model rail queries, but within a very short time it was obvious that the NGF has within its ranks an inestimable number of folks who not only have superb knowledge and abilities on a whole range of subjects, but are most willing to help and assist those, like me, who struggle to make the dream layout they hold in their minds a reality.
So thank you Lawrence and Chris, and those other Forum pioneers, for, as weave has just said, everything.
And thanks too to all the Forum members who daily give freely of their time and knowledge.
:thumbsup: :beers: :thumbsup: :beers:
:NGF: - and long may it continue!
Hey Mick, I joined six days before you! :beers:
Quote from: Bealman on November 22, 2018, 10:36:30 AM
Hey Mick, I joined six days before you! :beers:
Does that mean officially I'm just a youngster and you're an old fart? :laugh3:
Wow, I've heard of 'rose-tinted spectacles' before, but way to go stretching reality.
:smiley-laughing:
Quote from: Newportnobby on November 22, 2018, 10:00:01 AM
I'm another one with 7½ years before the mast. Having inflicted nearly 30,000 posts on you poor people you'll be horrified to hear I have no plans to retire >:D
You'd be shot at dawn if you tried, Mick!
My stats say that I joined in Feb 2012 so that's almost 7 years with 4917 posts. A mere 1.9 per day.
Congrats and :thankyousign: to everyone involved!
Dave G
Hey Dave, don't forget you did a stint! :thumbsup:
So glad I found this place, loads of help and advice. Happy Birthday :NGaugeForum:
Well compared to some of you, I am a relative newbie, having only joined on 7th January 2015. (Did not realise until I checked :o) and at that time, my knowledge of N gauge was nil and I was just toying with the idea. All I can say is :thankyousign: to everyone involved in the forum, from Tank, to the Mod's, to the members - I have picked up some valuable knowledge thanks to you all. :beers:
7yrs anniversary in Jan 2109.
we have 6321 members at the momemnt - lets aim for 7000 in 2019! if everyone recruited a friend.....
Anyway many thanks to all the NGF progenitors - long may they rule!!
01/01/2013, nearly 6 years and still nowhere near finished, but, as they say, the journey is sometimes better than the destination. And dependant upon your travelling companions.
I am only on 2 forums, this and MERG, both have increased my knowledge base enormously, but this one is more of a laugh.
Well done everybody.
Alan
Quote from: port perran on November 22, 2018, 09:16:59 AM
I've been a member for 7.5 years and thoroughly enjoy it.
It is the only forum of which I'm a member and it has been invaluable over the years plus I've made so many friends and aquaintances.
Long may it continue.
Seconded! But I have just over a year of membership, Thank you @Ozymandias (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=3534) for introducing me to our splendid Forum.
Quote from: Newportnobby on November 22, 2018, 10:00:01 AM
I'm another one with 7½ years before the mast. Having inflicted nearly 30,000 posts on you poor people you'll be horrified to hear I have no plans to retire >:D
Thank goodness for that. Lang may yer lum reek!
John
Quote from: Newportnobby on November 22, 2018, 10:00:01 AM
you'll be horrified to hear I have no plans to retire >:D
Nah, we don't mind Mick :hmmm: ;)
:hellosign:
Happy 8th birthday from Italy.
Buon 8° compleanno! :)
Marco
Happy Birthday, NGF!
It's a great forum - peopled by friendly, knowledgeable and helpful folks.
:NGF:
Wow, happy 8th anniversary NGF- just checked and it's over 7 years since I signed up (doesn't time fly!)
I echo the thoughts of others; as an overseas transplant the forum acts as a virtual model railway club for me. So huge thanks to Tank and all current and past mods, volunteers and those that just post for making it such a great and friendly place to hang out.
Thanks for the reminder @Lawrence (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16) :) Thank you for your help over the years, and to the moderators past and present who have done a great job giving up their time in helping to keep this forum going. Also to the members who very kindly give the forum donations, which keep this place ticking over. I won't mention names, but there are a few members who give money each month, and some who give larger amounts when they can - so a special thank you for doing that.
I am always very touched by the kind comments from members. I'd never imagined that members would enjoy this forum so much, and would give praise to it. The idea of the forum came from there not being anywhere online dedicated to N gauge where members could write and place images of their models/layouts. It can be a hard place to run at times, mainly when members clash. I have only had to ban about 8 members in 8 years - which I think is an amazing achievement. Generally, this is a very friendly forum and I hope it always stays that way. I would like to put more time into the forum like I used to when I started it, but 3 children, full time employment, caring for my father, and now a Beaver Scout Leader.....! :scowl: :D
There are always improvements to be done! The forum is about to have a huge overhaul - although it will look the same to you. I'm paying for someone to put a lot of hours in to tidy up the coding that is used for the forum and making sure it's up to date. There will also be some tweaks that some members have asked to be done to improve usage.
Thank you all for your support! :NGF:
I agree with every word said!
This is the only forum I belong to and the only one I need. I joined the day I retired in 2013 and even though layout building is proceeding at a snail's pace I appreciate all the support I have been given and I hope some of my contributions have benefited others. Long may you continue and go from strength to strength.
:NGF:
Cheers,
Chris
Likewise it's a very well done from me too.
I am, comparatively, a newbie with only 5.6 years on board, but like many others the layout is making very slow progress, but the information gleaned along the way is saving many potential boo boos in the future.
One problem causing the slow progress with the layout is SWMBO, who keeps coming up with projects like loft conversions, not to mention decorating etc.
Anyway many thanks to all for the constant flow of advice and information.
Well done to the founders - this is part of my social club and I hope it goes on for at least another 30 years, that should see me in my box
Regards,
Alex
:thankyousign: Three and a half years since I joined. For me it is also the only forum I have stayed with. I don't post as much as I should but I can say that but for the kindness and support of those on the forum I would be modelling a OO shunting puzzle having thrown in the towel with N gauge
Thanks again to all on the friendliest and best Forum :NGaugersRule:
Well all I can say is thanks Tank and you guys for starting the best model railway forum on the planet bar none. This is a friendly place and there is so much information available for everyone. I have been a member for just over 6 years, it said 2015 when I first looked,which had me worried, but then it changed to Oct 2012 which is about right. I started looking through my profile knowing I had been on here longer than 3 years, must have been a glitch somewhere. Any way well done lads and long may it continue.
Quote from: lil chris on November 28, 2018, 09:58:04 PM
....must have been a glitch somewhere.
Yes, plenty of those on here at the moment! Hopefully to be sorted out by New Year.
Thanks everyone for your kind words and appreciation. :thumbsup:
I have gleaned much useful information from here, and hope I have likewise been able to advise or engender others in some small way. Other than two N gaugers local to me, also in their 60s, I don't really have much other modeller contact. Club's don't float my boat so this forum is really good for interaction with like minded people.
I joined at the Ridlesden meet up .I was feeling real down and depressed my best mate and our little dog had both passed away ,the weather was appalling so we didn't get many members so trade on the B H E stand was slow ,then this guy came over and asked if I was OK ,I told him why I was looking so miserable and he asked me if I actually had a layout in N Gauge I showed him some of my pictures and he said why didn't I join the Forum . I told him I hadn't got a clue how to or what the Forum was really about , without a word he took my Ipad and after a second he asked me what name I wanted to use and what password .
He then handed me the IPad and said there you go ,he showed me how to get into the Forum and the rest is History ,He now regrets joining me after all the rubbish I put on here ,.
That guy was TANK HIMSELF and I owe him a big :thankyousign: and he will never know how much he cheered me up ,I now consider that I have friends all over the world and it's helped me get over the loss of my best mate and our little dog .I have helped a few members and been helped by a lot of members .
I can honestly say the Forum has changed my life .
SO A REALLY BIG :thankyousign: TO TANK AND ALL THE MODERATORS AND ALL THE FRIENDS IVE MADE ,LONG MAY THE FORUM CONTINUE.
:NGaugersRule: :NGaugeForum:
Bob Tidbury joined on February 15 2014 at 2 oclock
I joined 8 years and one day ago...number 28 on the list. Interesting that there are a fair few really early members still active on here. Things have most certainly changed over the years. Well done to Tank for his foresight, and instead of just moaning about a lack of N gauge on the various fora knocking around, actually doing something about it.
I wonder what the longest-running thread is? My money is on Dapol Class 142 'Pacer' (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=2382.0) from October 2011, last update today.
Sept 2011 for me, blimey 7 years 2 moths of my drivel being posted on here.
Mind you it has encouraged me to up my game when it comes to modelling, as some of the members on here are fabulous modellers themselves, so for that I think the Forum has done it's job and continues to do so.
Well done @Tank (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=2), @Lawrence (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16) all the other founding members.
Cheers :beers: :beers:
Neal.
Quote from: railsquid on November 29, 2018, 11:36:57 AM
I wonder what the longest-running thread is? My money is on Dapol Class 142 'Pacer' (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=2382.0) from October 2011, last update today.
Just shows how long we've been waiting for the :censored: :censored: things :sleep: :sleep: :sleep:
Cheers
Neal.
:hellosign: HAPPY BIRTHDAY :NGaugeForum: Just to add my really sincere thanks to Tank for his foresight & all moderators past & present & all the amazing members for their imput :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thankyousign:
regards Derek.
Well that got me thinking, on looking up I find I joined in August 2011, although I'm not doing much modelling at the moment (Eye problem which hopefully is getting sorted) I pop in most days to see what everybody is up to. Over that time I've had a lot of help and encouragement and would like to thank all those involved with the forum for making it so enjoyable, long may it continue :NGaugersRule: