As well as N, I also model railways in other gauges/scales :-[ (OO standard gauge and O16.5 narrow gauge) and have a number of modelling and prototype-related questions relating to these layouts which would probably be better asked on a general railway modelling forum rather than an N-specific one. Can anyone recommend a good one, particularly one friendly to new members/novice railway modellers? RMweb is the most obvious choice but, though I've found a lot of useful information in threads there, I've heard it isn't always the most friendly of forums (and some of the threads and posts there seem to bear this out!)
As well as here, I am also a member of the Model Rail Forum http://www.modelrailforum.com (http://www.modelrailforum.com) - always found it good and friendly, although not quite as good and friendly as here! :NGF:
This is where I started:
http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Forums (http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Forums)
Another one is http://yourmodelrailway.net/index.php (http://yourmodelrailway.net/index.php)
I must recommend www.rmweb.co.uk (http://www.rmweb.co.uk) I have both my layouts on there, one in N and the other a narrow gauge fantasy world. I find it a great mix of scales/gauges as well as threads covering prototype topics as well so ideal for sources adn asking advice/information about the prototype.
Which ever you choose, enjoy your model making!!
Simon
I started here: http://www.jnsforum.com/community/ (http://www.jnsforum.com/community/) because I was modelling japanese at the time.
Quote from: Chris on May 14, 2013, 06:44:37 PM
This is where I started:
http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Forums (http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Forums)
Me too until it went seriously downhill a few years ago, might have improved again by now though.
Paul
Thanks for the information, I'll check those sites out.
Quote from: Sprintex on May 14, 2013, 08:51:22 PM
Me too until it went seriously downhill a few years ago, might have improved again by now though.
It's now commercially backed which seems to mean it stays up most of the time and runs at a usable speed. Andy is still in charge but its now a real job.
I use it a bit but it's a bit weird in places. Anything non-flattering about certain established "heroes" of modelling gets censored which I find unpleasant. Must be like blogging in China 8)
Isn't that RMweb you're talking about EP?
My comment related to New Railway Modellers as mentioned by Chris ;)
Paul
Quote from: Sprintex on May 15, 2013, 08:29:09 PM
Isn't that RMweb you're talking about EP?
Duh yes. I'll go look where I left my brain.
Quote from: EtchedPixels on May 15, 2013, 07:32:57 PM
Must be like blogging in China 8)
That'll be 'brogging' then :D
Quote from: EtchedPixels on May 15, 2013, 07:32:57 PM
Quote from: Sprintex on May 14, 2013, 08:51:22 PM
Me too until it went seriously downhill a few years ago, might have improved again by now though.
It's now commercially backed which seems to mean it stays up most of the time and runs at a usable speed. Andy is still in charge but its now a real job.
I use it a bit but it's a bit weird in places. Anything non-flattering about certain established "heroes" of modelling gets censored which I find unpleasant. Must be like blogging in China 8)
I use it a bit but it's a bit wird in places. Anything non-flattering about certain established "heroes" of modelling gets censored which I find unpleasant.
I don't like RMweb as there does appear to be selective moderating...
There is a a current topic on Andy Y's site in which two (admittedly competent) structural modellers are involved in what appears to be a public willy waving thread.
If they weren't 'famous names' (sic) would he be so courtesy???
BrBlue if you model OO gauge.. it's blue heaven. a nice bunch of folk, and easy going. and some good modelling too
My advice it join a whole load of them and if you can find one that suits you stick with it, I have found some couldn't care less what you are modelling, some are downright rude, some are full of head strong know alls and some are very clicky, for me the only forum worth being on is the :NGaugeForum: at least people here are friendly and helpful without exerting authority or getting stroppy :NGF:
Quote from: E Pinniger on May 14, 2013, 06:22:22 PMCan anyone recommend a good one, particularly one friendly to new members/novice railway modellers? RMweb is the most obvious choice but, though I've found a lot of useful information in threads there, I've heard it isn't always the most friendly of forums (and some of the threads and posts there seem to bear this out!)
RMWeb is certainly the biggest and most active British based forum, but undeniably does bring out the best and the worst of some characters. I have been a member since the early days and it's character has changed over time. It has become more professional in some ways, but has lost some of the early pioneering spirit. There is a lot of extremely useful content if you are prepared to make the effort to find it and ignore the chaff...
Quote from: longbridge on May 17, 2013, 08:59:29 PMMy advice it join a whole load of them and if you can find one that suits you stick with it
I would certainly second that - What suits one person may not appeal to all others... I'd suggest you also look at one of the narrow gauge specific forums for your 0-16.5 interests.