Hello group,
Well, I hope my words may be an encouragement to all of you during this unfortunate turn of events.
I was invited personally by Pete, to join this group several months ago, while a member of another model railroading group. I love model railroading, particularly, but not limited to "O" scale. My model railroading time is most enjoyed during the winter months, but I also sell vintage "O" scale trains in my Gettysburg, PA., antique booth, so I'm am constantly devoted to the hobby.
As many of you know I am also active in Vintage Railroading; restoration and operation of hsitorical locomotives, rolling stock, and particullarly passenger coaches of a by-gone era, primarily the Steam Era.
I also love the history of railroading, especailly gathering all the information and photos that I can about Casey Jones, my railroading hero.
I said all of that to say this: I have found this group to be a friendly and caring group. I have received much from you, not only in reponse to my model railroading questions, but also from the close family-like ties (no pun intended) that are developed here.
My hope is that I have contributed something as well, to all of you.
All of my posts have been either model railroad or vintage railroad related, with the exception of a Civil War post, and the Memorial Day post to honor the fallen.
I have never posted in the "Politically Incorrect" discussion, and did not even bother to read it and several other of the discussions, as they did not interest me. I do agree with Pete, that something posted in fun, can get out of hand. I also agree with Doug in that he doesn't want to censure anyone's opinion in that discussion. It is certainly a can of worms, and I will vote to eliminate it. I'm not opposed to fun posts about everday life - that makes this group unique.
Some of you may know that I am the leader of an eBay discussion group as well. I won't mention it without permission. In my group we stay strictly to the subject, but have a little latitude for fun as well as some good clean jokes, related to the subject. In my group, I would not allow some of the discussions that are posted here, not becasue they are bad, but because they are not related to our focus. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy many of your off topic posts, and do think that you should continue them, as they are beneficial to the group. That's one of the reasons that I enjoy this group so much.
Reading the previous posts, I gather that the nucleus for this group, came out of another group, and things "clicked" from the start.
Lately, I have noticed references to "outsiders" who have caused concerns within the group. Reading some of the posts in the last couple of months has caused me concern also, in that they seemed to be going in a wrong direction. Pete addressed this on several occassions - rightfully so.
I guess my question is: Do I fit into this group? Am I one of the "outsiders"?
Like Dave, I have posted photos of actual trains. Do they fit in with the theme of the group? Do my 1:1 scale posts fit in? Do my actual railroad posts bother anyone? If so, I will say; Thanks for the time I had with all of you, and politely resign from the group.
I was sorry to see Bill, in Phoenix, leave the group. I believe he was a valuable asset to this group. I always enjoyed conversing with him. If my opinion is worth considering, I think he should be invited back.
I know that I am getting long winded, bloviating here, but I have no qualms with the leadership. Doug and Pete have always been courteous to me, and I hate to see a schism develop here.
I'm waiting for C J to provide some words of wisdom! :)
Marc has provided some good advice: Shake hands, hug and come back stronger from the experience.
Chappy
Not preaching, just offering words of encouragement. :)
P.S. If I'm still a member after posting this: I have some advice for Gene, about another live steam railroad to visit, meeting his criteria.
