“I’m Not”

[ambluco]

I’m sitting here Sunday AM, out for coffee. The topic of hobbies has come up, as it usually does. Between me, my SO, and the rest of the group, there are quite a few different hobbies amongst us.

Why is model railroading the only hobby where you announce you aren’t getting something? On this forum and others in MRing, some reply during product announcements only to say they “aren’t going to buy one.” You’ve seen them - my wallet is safe, I’m not getting any, no sale for me.

Between my group sitting here now are 6 full on hobbies and another dozen part time hobbies. People can’t think of a case where a, say, new carabiner, is announced and others come in to say they aren’t going to buy it.

So, why is it so important in MR forums to state what you aren’t buying?

[riogrande]

"My wallet is safe" would have been a better title.

[Baikal]

Apr 14, 2024 5:53:12 GMT -8 ambluco said:

I’m sitting here Sunday AM, out for coffee. The topic of hobbies has come up, as it usually does. Between me, my SO, and the rest of the group, there are quite a few different hobbies amongst us.

Why is model railroading the only hobby where you announce you aren’t getting something? On this forum and others in MRing, some reply during product announcements only to say they “aren’t going to buy one.” You’ve seen them - my wallet is safe, I’m not getting any, no sale for me.

Between my group sitting here now are 6 full on hobbies and another dozen part time hobbies. People can’t think of a case where a, say, new carabiner, is announced and others come in to say they aren’t going to buy it.

So, why is it so important in MR forums to state what you aren’t buying?

Most people on forums are collectors by design or circumstance.  A passive way of enjoying model railiroading that for some is more akin to collecting Hummel figurines than it is to rock climbing.   For collectors who don't have layouts the most important decisions they make are- buy or don't buy item x.

I'd guess the people who are actively constructing or operating layouts are less inclined to talk about what they are not buying or even what they are buying.

[ncrc5315]

I suspect for some it is a way of saying to the manufacturer, "You didn't make something I want, I'm not spending money with you until you do", IMHO. The way I look at is, its their business, their money, and their risk, they can make whatever they want. I make my purchases based on two things, (1) does it fit what I plan to model, (2) is it unique, or different, (Alco C415). The one caveat to that is Scale Trains SD45X. While I have no interest in this locomotive, I ordered one, to help make it profitable for Scale Trains, in hopes the next one will be something I want, (Alco C855, hint, hint)

[Colin 't Hart]

Not all that long ago, back in the first decade of this millennium, it was possible -- almost normal -- to buy one of each new release that came out. Nowadays however that's just not feasible anymore, unless you have extremely deep pockets... that coupled with the extreme variety of offerings today means that we have to be selective in what we get.

[wp8thsub]

Our hobby has a vocal contingent of passive-aggressive types who seem to think such whining sends a message to the manufacturers. Not an announcement goes by without them dogpiling on the manufacturer, as if such proclamations will influence later production. For the rest of us it's like trying to be the adults watching the movie while the brats behind you won't stop mouthing off and kicking the seats.

I think there's a big difference between stating you won't purchase something due to poor quality, and the endless carping about why the model isn't what you personally asked for. Nobody cares that you didn't get a pony.

[prr 4467]

I was just visiting an older model railroader on Saturday, who has an extensive layout and collection, and he basically said he doesn't like or have time any longer for arguing with members of this and other forums, so he has just basically dropped out of the model train forums.

I've learned a few things myself...instead of focusing on what I don't want to buy, I focus on what is available that I can actually use, which these days is way more stuff than I could possibly ever afford to own. I pick and choose those items that work for me. After past griping about some BLI locos, I am now switching to all steam operations, and finding that the more recent BLI steamers perform great for me now.

It's an era I clearly never saw, so I enjoy learning more about it.

[edwardsutorik]

So you guys are complaining about people complaining?





Ed

[audrieasher]

Some people might use pre-orders as a way to communicate to manufacturers that they're holding off spending until a desired product is made. Personally, I believe it's up to the manufacturers to decide what they produce, where they invest, and the risks they take. When I make a purchase, I focus on two criteria: whether it aligns with my modeling plans and if it offers something unique or different, like an Alco C415. The exception to this rule is the Scale Trains SD45X. Even though it's not something I'm particularly interested in, I pre-ordered one to support Scale Trains financially, hoping it will encourage them to produce something more aligned with my preferences in the future, perhaps an Alco C855.

[lvrr325]

I think we're spoiled by the wide level of product available in this hobby now. There is so, soooo much stuff it can be overwhelming, and the only way to manage a reasonable spending level is to try to stick to a specific range or locale, whether it's modern era, steam era, transition, a year range, a specific week in 1974, or whether it's this road's main line, that branch line, narrow gauge, what have you. Even if you did narrow down to a specific week you can still fill a basement with equipment that was running then. Even if you limit to say a high quality level there's lots of choices.

So when you say your wallet is safe it's reinforcing commitment to that specific range. As opposed to just buying anything and everything that's cool - which there is nothing wrong with either, it's just liable to cost a lot more money.

And I agree it's probably also to signal to manufacturers "hey thanks but I need this other thing instead" -

[Colin 't Hart]

Apr 14, 2024 11:47:08 GMT -8 wp8thsub said:

I think there's a big difference between stating you won't purchase something due to poor quality, and the endless carping about why the model isn't what you personally asked for. Nobody cares that you didn't get a pony.

May 4, 2024 19:17:19 GMT -8 lvrr325 said:

we're spoiled by the wide level of product available in this hobby now.

<snip>

And I agree it's probably also to signal to manufacturers "hey thanks but I need this other thing instead" -

I'm tired of manufacturers putting out rehashes of available models while I still don't have my pony -- in my case a decent Evans double plug box car. There are three GP40s currently being developed while there is an existing GP40 model which isn't bad -- better than the currently available Evans double plug models at least.

And I'm not alone in wanting this particular pony.