I'm sure some of you are familiar with my tag line "The greatest service you can provide the hobby is to pass on what you've learned."
My thought [that didn't die from loneliness] was that a forum could be added as a repository for ideas that many forum members have shared. Many suggestions are applicable to multiple scales, 2-rail and 3-rail. I'm not talking about track laying, wiring, and control systems, but the odd quirky things that make life easier both in modeling and building.
One I remember from almost 30 years ago was when I was on the original O Scale Yahoo Mail group and a member had an issue keeping the chassis affixed to the old Weaver ACF Center Flow Hoppers. I suggested cementing small wooden blocks on the inside of the body, drilling small holes and screwing the chassis in place. Back then I was the "3-railer in residence" as it was a 2-rail group, but I was being mentored by other members and the suggestion was well received. I learned most of what I know from those guys, many of whom have since passed away.
I don't want all of the forum knowledge that's out there to be lost. I'm thinking that there would only be a few threads in the forum, but I think they'd be an important resource for those who follow. Some topics I though of from the top of my head include:
- Structures (material suggestions, sources, bonding/building techniques, etc.)
- Benchwork (material suggestions for various applications, weight saving, etc.)
- Detailing techniques (go beyond just changing trucks and couplers)
- Mentors' advice
- Advice for those starting out (planning for the long term, etc.)
