Atlas Forum Question

Is it just me or has that forum changed? There was a thread addressing the issue that I found very interesting. Seems most feel it has and to be honest I have noticed a change.

I usually post there, but lately I do not feel as comfortable as it once was. Someone mentioned that you really need to Be in the "in crowd" which I am not so maybe that is why it "feels" different.

I have not posted here much but am looking for a new "home". I am just enjoying a hobby and looking for a place that I can share, learn and discuss and with a fair activity level. Any comments on this board? I think it might be a good choice.

Is it just me or has that forum changed?

Don't want to start a war just looking for input.

Thanks,

 

Everyone that truly knows TrainBoard knows that people are Weclome at trainboard which is why you get a different "feeling" when your here compaired to other places.

 

Chad:

That forum has changed and it isn't positive. I'm happy to be a member of TrainBoard where the atmosphere is civil and you don't have to be "en garde" for missiles to be hurled at you .

That isn't tolerated on Trainboard. If you want a great atmosphere and learning experience, Trainboard is the place to be.

I'm in the process of change as well.

THis is my opinion FWIW.....

Stay cool and run steam......

 

Each forum has it's own personality, to a certain extent it's a matter of visiting around and seeing where you feel the most comfortable. And no doubt there is a bit of dynamic action that can cause a forum to change style over time, and a long layoff no doubt affects this also.

I was never a big poster at Atlas before the shutdown, but I also agree that the tone has changed. Not better, not worse, just different. I really like it here, and have found both a nice group of people and some great modeling advice.

I actually spend most of my time at the Model Railroader forum, but that's a totally different animal. It's not scale specific and has a very high newbie content. I like the interchange between the scales, and have found some good stuff there. And it gives me more chance to participate because there are more entry level questions that I feel comfortable answering.

But when I need good N scale specific info, I'm here. The quality of the answers and the meat in the threads is outstanding.

And I like the variety of the different forums, including the road specific ones, and the railfanning ones.

It's all a matter of personal taste, just like a lot of stuff in the hobby.

Yeah, this is a pretty good place, at least imho.

Regards

 

Thanks for the input. I am a bit torn because I have a sense of loyalty as most of my engines are Atlas, very much like the product and want to support their efforts.

A big part of this hobby for me is sharing either what I have accomplished as a first time layout builder or learning from those who have done it first. Before the shutdown the Atlas board gave me that but now it's well, as open as it once was. IMHO.

Okay enough of my complaints. Thanks for the ideas. Will most likely see all of you soon hear.

 

I have lurked around quite a few boards. I feel most comfortable here. It is slow somedays, others it is quite active. You don't get nearly as many heated debates as you get on others. You do get lots of information and different perspectives here.

Some are critical about all the "positive reinforcement" here. I am not here to tear someone or something down. I am here to learn and share experiences.

My son also posts here. This is one board I have no reservations about him participating.

If I had such a tool as "TrainBoard" when I was starting out.........................

 

Chad:

The weekend photo's ( similar to SNFF) are posted in the Inspection Pit starting on Saturday's


Stay cool and run steam.....

 

I agree with Ed. We signed up here about the same time, but I wondered in and out of several forums before settling down at Trainboard.

I've got nothing but good things to say about these boards. Can't wait to check in each morning to see what all the GMT+ folks have posted overnight (for me).

There are some superb modelers here, and I absolutely guarantee my work is better for having looked at all the pictures .

I may have to change my name to "Thread Killer" since it seems that once I post a reply, that's usually the end of the thread.

 

I found Trainboard first. Never looked further. Felt at home and got all of my quetions answered without feelling dumb. Sorta like home.

 

I started in the Trainboard Forum, but like Atlas for the post volume. I still visit here, but frankly, don't post either place as much. I know I contribute to the volume problem here, but its my NY resoltion to waste less time, and spend it other productive places.

I haven't noticed a change at Atlas, other than a few of the most flagrant flamers having been banned for the benefit of the rest of us. BTW, I once met a chap in a Florida LHS who got banned here for flaming, who went by the name Squirrelkins, or some such.

Anyway, I have no idea if I am in the in crowd at Atlas, here, or anywhere. I guess I would know it if I was, heh? It doesn't stop me from participating, as I suspect that most people feel there are large groups of modelers out there that know each other but not me! Given the international flavor on the forums, its unlikely that anyone knows everyone.

So, enjoy here and at Atlas, and make yourself welcome by jumping in with two (polite) feet. I think you'll be welcome anywhere.

 

I at one time called Atlas my Home.... But after the last LOOOOOONG VACATION I have made this my only Home

 

Sitchad,
Hope you decide you like it here. It is a great place where you can get great info. Though I've been into trains awhile and am a moderator, I can still ask "beginner" questions without hassle and get lotsa cool answers. You should see some I've asked recently about identifying the difference between a GP40 and a GP40-2 as well as others.

Yes some days can be slow but lately we've been busier than ever with more active members and more active topics than ever before. N-scale is very active here but alot of us cross post in many other forums. Just takes members willing to start a thread and we got plenty who'll jump in.

Anyhow, please (if we havn't seen them yet)share some pics of your layout and your modeling. We'd all love to see it!

 

I agree completely.

 

Atlas forum likes talking about locos and cars, and layout discussion seems to happen less often. Lots of sucking up to Atlas there too. When someone posts a layout it gets a great response, but it still feels cold in there for some reason. It's about equipment and nagging Atlas to make some loco.

Trainboard is nicer in my opinion. People are happier, probably because more of them build layouts or modules. Constructive feedback is everywhere, and it feels warmer.

Spend more time at Trainboard. Your layout is excellent, and I know at least one trainboard member who would like you to post some more pics of it. Your participation here would be valuable.

Just one guys opinion.

 

Hey Chad, as you've proabably figured out, change happens everywhere. Here too.

Every forum has its own "personality." Those who like forum X's personality, gravitate there. Those who don't, settle elsewhere. It's pretty obvious (and to be expected) that the guys here feel more at home here because they like this forum better. Ask someone at The Railwire and they'll say the same about that forum. None is all good or all bad. In fact, more than a few people post on many forums.

In the end you'll probably post everywhere, but end up feeling more welcome, more at home, more of a kindred spirit, so to speak, with one of the forums. Although you have to determine what's the best for for you, we hope it's here.

As you'll see for yourself, we are either modelers, train enthusiasts, or both. We probably cover a wider spectrum of interests, and therefore have many forums. I don't think anyone has done a count, but we probably have more folks from other countries than the other forums.

As for N scale modeling, which is what you do, we encourage each other in our endeavors by sharing problems, solutions, challenges, etc. Twice a year we have our "Layout Party" to help us all get off our butts and work on our layouts. (You, by the way, are doing a great job even without that! How's your Cajon Pass coming along? We'd like to see more pictures.) Other than the N scale forum, we have a Layout Discussion Forum, a multi-scale modeling forum called The Inspection Pit to talk over modeling stuff that's not necessarily unique to N scale, and a Yellow Forum for buying an selling stuff. (Oh by the way, it's OK to refer to eBay and auctions here ).

You probably won't find as much trolling or "light chat" here. Again, it's a case of preferences. But you will find some serious modelers here, in N scale too. If you have any doubts, check out this thread:

http://www.trainboard.com/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/9/t/005101.html

(You may already have, but just in case...)

You'll probably recognize a few names from the old Atlas forum. Especially some SP guys! Hopefully you'll see the same spirit of encouragement, sharing knowledge and inspiring each other to (a) do better what we do and (b) spread a little fun around while we do it!

So... post a few pictures of your progress with that Cajon Pass section!

 

This is a kinder gentler forum.This is more like family over here. People try to understand each others perspective more. Welcome to laid back, slower, happy train land.

 

I've only posted once since Atlas reopened the forum. I like it much better here!

 

I moved almost completely over to this forum because its gentler, or more civil, attitude.
Even a German N-scale forum which I visit frequently turned gradually into a more aggressive bashing of model makers and also co-modellers.
Let us work together to keep this forum civil as it is now.

Thank you to all who contribute to this forum,
Christoph

 

Some forums give you the feeling of not being wanted.... Trainboard is soooo different..

Trainboard is like a second home.... and if your PC goes down for a week or Two people actually miss you...

Other forums are full of wise guys who like to throw insults and make you feel insecure... Not a chance on Trainboard.. The Moderators would quickly see to that and rectify it immediately.....

The one thing I have found Trainboard to have in huge amounts is respect.. Not something that is common these days but it is great to see that it still exists here...