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Location: Houston, Texas, United States

It ain't the years, It's the mileage. I was raised a military brat, and wanderlust still comes over me every 3 or 4 years. Still love to travel.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Model Railroad Layout Tour Rules of Etiquette

November is National Model railroad Month. Get out and see some Layouts. (This means you, Guppyman!) Get inspired and then build your own! Then we'll all come see yours as well!

I've had a lot of fun this fall with MR related stuff. Been in a lot of homes the last 2 weekends (with more to come!). And I've got a lot of photos to share. I just haven't decided on a format for these posts yet. Gimme a day or two...I managed to get a lot of nice pictures. Digital is a great thing. Same rule of thumb applies for digital as analog pictures, though. For me anyway, for every good shot it seems like I toss 5 or 6 bad ones. (Sometimes more!) I've probably taken over four hundred photographs. A fraction of which will be displayed here. The rest (Those worth keeping anyway) I'll have on Flickr with public access. That being said...

Based on what I've seen (and heard) I thought this would be timely. These rules are published right along with the 2005 Fall Holiday Layout Tour Information. My comments, if any, will be in Bold RED Text.

Read the rules! Know the rules! Share the rules! Be the rules!

Above all when touring other people's layout, be courteous and for god's sake use common sense! (Trying not to sound too preachy here, but...)

By simply following these rules you will enjoy our hobby more and (hopefully) the layout owners will continue to eagerly participate in future tours.

And now, here are those respectable rules of etiquette:

  1. Use common sense. Think before you act is, by far, the most important thing. It really is!
  2. Never pick up someone else’s model. Any model on the layout may have fragile details that could be damaged if mishandled. If you see a train derail or separate, notify the owner or someone operating the layout, as quickly as possible. They will either correct the situation or ask you to; then and only then you may do so. With advanced modeling techniques, you may not recognize the difference between a new model and an operating delicate antique or the difference between a store bought and someone’s “award winning” scratch built model. These things, by their very nature are fragile, don't touch unless asked to by the owner!
  3. Never lean on or over someone’s layout with or without scenery. When carrying children, do not to hold them over the layout, dangling feet can do more damage than a Texas tornado. Sometimes pointing to details on a layout does not allow you to “see” an approaching train, and just because one train has passed does not mean another one may not behind it. Also, leaning over the layouts can make you loose your balance.
  4. Don’t touch, scratch, feel, move anything, or reach over the layout. Loose articles of clothing or jewelry have been known to “catch” scenery and/or derail trains. If you lack self control, put your hands in your pockets or hold your hands behind your back. If you are really curious about anything, simply ask the host. The owner may be too polite to kill you on the spot, but I might not be!
  5. Never smoke in someone’s layout room or home. If the host or owner isn’t smoking, don’t ask for permission. Good rule of thumb - Just don't ask and don't do it (and I smoke)
  6. Don’t nit-pick.” Everyone is entitled to their own artistic creativity, even if it is not yours. Some may historically model a railroad and others may make up their own.
  7. Don’t be so quick to point out a “better way” of doing something. You may find it has been tried with failing or “less than satisfactory” results.
  8. Be tolerant of all scales and skills. If you can’t say something nice, well…Some owners could abide by this as well. I had a sketchy experience at one place...
  9. Do sign the host’s guest book.
  10. Respect the host’s property, both inside and outside of the home. Duh!
  11. Thank the host(s) when you leave, for allowing you into their homes.
  12. Don’t dominate the host’s time, while you are there. Other people may have questions or comments too. The same applies to the best viewing or photo spot, let everyone have a turn and enjoy the layout.
  13. Be patient. Many layouts will be crowded because everybody loves trains.
  14. Know these rules. If you are bringing someone with you that isn’t familiar with the rules of etiquette, take some time and go over them together. You will do everybody a real big favor.
  15. Have fun! We love our layouts and hope you will enjoy them as well. This is a wonderful hobby, meant to be shared, and it is intended to be lots of fun! If you ain't having fun, do everyone else a favor and STAY HOME!
  16. While visiting a model railroad layout, if you get an uncontrollable urge to “do something” besides build your own layout, refer to rule #1.

Of all the rules, the one thing not covered is photography. If you must video or photograph your tour experience, do so with hand held equipment only. Most of the layouts have narrow aisles, to accommodate more model railroad real estate (you know, for more trains and scenery). Maybe consider this idea; leave the camera at home and ask the owner about coming back another time to video or take pictures when it is less disruptive and fewer people interfering with those “good shots.” There has never been a recordable incident of an owner turning down such a request. I personally have never been turned down when asking if I could take a few pictures while on the tour. But again use Common Sense - If it is crowded - Wait.

I even had one guy ask if I wanted a shot of the owner with his Railroad(!) I said sure, but all we got in the shot(s) were his hands. Next year!

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