I was sniffing around that auction site this morning. I noticed someone bid on one of those Reader's Digest SP junks on there. Some one with only 4 wins bid $14, I felt bad so I sent him an email. Normally I do not even bother and let the live and learn rule kick in. Well here is what I wrote. Just a point of information, that loco you bid on is JUNK... it does not run (dummy) and does not have movable couplers. Readers Digest gave these away a few years ago as a promo. Paul f Here is the response I received…. thanks for the heads up on the Sothern loco. I am new to this hobby and did not know that information. One point though, calling some one a dummy for something that they are just learning about is not right and on this type of forum it is uncalled for. Some one might get the wrong impression and think you were some kind of JERK! Probably not the type of rep you really were trying to convey to others, I'm sure. Well thanks again for the info and the problem has been resolved with the seller. So much for being a nice guy….
Hmmm. That sure proves he is a newbie! Although it could be fun to embarrass him. By e-mailing back, and letting him know the model railroad definition for "dummy." mg: Boxcab E50
lol.. you WERE refering to the locomotive wernt you? lol. That is kinda funny. But I would reply back to him explaining that it is the term and wasnt directed to him. Altho, now it might.. hehheh
I've been tempted to do this but "auction interference" always deterred me. On the other hand, I wish someone had emailed me when I was the "dummy" on a bid. Ben
Yeah, I can see how that guy took it the wrong way. The word 'Dummy' was placed at a precarious point in the sentance. At least it wasn't a 'Slug' unit...
Yeah, E-mail the dummy you jerk! Funny story! And when you email him, tell him what humping boxcars means too. RICK
hehe... OK, that was funny. and yes, you should reply and clarify your statement. He obviously appreciated your insight and the knowledge you provided. And he did not respond malicously or in an attacking format. Kudos to you for taking the initiative. It is these types of 'first experiences' that either hook a new modeler or send them running.
I would send him a polite e-mail to explain. As to "Dummy", I thought that was my name until I was registered at school and the teacher called me "Mark". My father had a mean streak.
I'm sorry, but this is hilarious. Hopefully you wrote back and straighten the 'dummy' out. Cheers, Jim CCRR
Make sure to invite him to trainboard. Of course someone delete this thread before hand. I'd hate to have a newb show up and find a thread like this about them. Oh boy, it is funny though.
Yeah, just send a reply saying that "The term 'dummy' refers to unpowered engines, if I wanted to insult you, I'd have used a******." Then again, maybe you should ignore this post. Bob in IDaho, who can give you all the pointers about opening mouth, inserting foot. (and more)
Probably referring to 'retarders' used in hump yard - http://www.nkmz.com/English/handling0601.html - and this is one type of car speed retarding system.
