I'm pondering going to a local club but unsure if to go. I'm not knowledgeable on railways really so I think I may be out of my depth I run what I like on my layout  no real area or era,I have no idea what rolling stock braking systems etc. go with what loco. But I do enjoy modelling and running trains but hopefully I can learn a little.
Is it worth joining a club will I be laughed out of the room.

Dave

I don't think so and you have a good chance of learning a lot from the expertise of the members. Its just like this forum really which is pretty much an online club.

Definitely worth going along to the club and joining in. Most clubs will allow you to go along for a few weeks before committing to joining. Don't worry that you are not an expert on train formations or anything else, many of us are not and run to Rule1. The advantage of joining a club is that there may be someone there who will know and will teach you just what you want to know, and you may well have something to contribute to the club as well.

No one will laugh at you or 'talk down' to you.

I joined a club a couple of years ago and am thoroughly enjoying it. There are members who are interested in 00 DCC and 00 analogue as well as N and all take an interest in each others layouts as well as discuss modelling methods etc.

I would say go along and test the water. Some folks have found the occasional club member to be a bit 'elitist' but until you try it, you won't know. If you come away feeling you've been looked down on in any way, shape or form, you can always say to yourself 'That's not the sort of club I'd want to be a member of anyway'

From my experience: Yes!

Granted I am in an "area group" of the n gauge society (may be worth looking for one of those near you also?) but apart from scale there is a huge variation in specific interest within the group.

We have the full range of era from pre-grouping right up to current railway, plus continental and US modelling.

I was persuaded to try out by some members (lerking on here, they know who they are!) simply as a result of having a go on a layout at a show. Since then I have visited other members houses to see their layouts, had a tour behind the scenes of the Avon Valley Railway and been an actual layout operator at exhibitions.

That last thing is a really brilliant way to spend a day and unless you build your own portable layout, club membership is probably the only way to experience it.

Above all I have met some fantastic people through it.

I really reccomend giving it a go 

Skyline2uk

Most Clubs and Groups will welcome a guest for a few weeks without insisting they must join.   However, I feel that joining a group of like minded people has more benefits than downsides.   Mostly, the guys already in the group have made all the mistakes a newcomer is about to make, and will probably be able to offer alternative way of doing things which you would otherwise not have considered (yes, even after modelling for some four decades, I am still surprised when I see or am told about alternatives and I think "Why didn`t I think of that years ago?")   Also newcomers often feel that they are not skilled or knowledgeable enough to `have a go` at Baseboards or Electric`ery.   After a few visits to a club or group, that misapprehension will soon disappear!    We all have to start somewhere.    If `elitism is a problem (and it can be) then try another Club or Group, but unless you are in the Club you can`t help to change this can you.

I went to my nearest MR club with a mate for the first time a couple of years ago, and we were met with hostility and rudeness.  I'm glad that everyone else has had a different experience!