Today I’ll discuss an issue I’ve experienced recently, and the dangers of posting on social media, including websites. The issue is criticism. Recently I’ve stopped posting on several model railroad pages on a well known social media forum, and have also stopped posting on one particular model railroad website. The reason?

The reason is criticism or snide comments. I’m going to be frank here. There’s an old saying about comparing an anatomical part of the body with opinions, and it holds true. I just don’t understand snide comments and criticism from people that do not know me, have never met me, have never seen my layout, and who surely haven’t helped build my layout.

I have to back up and first state that I have had very FEW critical comments or rude comments, but even several people whom I’ve known for years have been guilty of these comments. Perhaps some people are naturally critical of others. Perhaps some people are simply jealous of others work, or perhaps jealous of someone being published. Perhaps some are just simply snobbish.

Whatever the reason, one shouldn’t have to be a “master modeler”. One shouldn’t have to build a triple deck 40 x 60 foot layout to be acknowledged. I think I’ve covered this area before, so I won’t elaborate further. I’ll just state again that one can have as much fun and enjoyment planning, building, and operating a 4 x 8, a 2 x 10 shelf layout, or similar layout as they can a 40 x 60 foot layout.

In summing up this post, the important thing I have to state is this: I am proud of my work, whether in weathering locomotives or rolling stock. I’m proud of my scenery work, and an eye for details. I’m proud of my track planning ability, and of my track work. I’m extremely happy with the results of my handiwork on my entire layout, and proud of my layout, the way it runs and the way it looks. Is it an exact replica of a prototype area? No, it is not, but I’m pleased, and when it comes down to it, that’s all that matters…..