If it's a model of a train on a model of track, it's model railroading.

Rusty

I think it is all model railroading, but there are sub-groups from there with sometimes fuzzy descriptions and sometimes over-lapping interests.  

At one time  Hi-rail would have described someone with a goal of realism.  now it would be more 2-rail scale/3 rail scale that I think folks into exacting detail and realism use to describe them selves.   As for folks that just like to run trains on track and don't give a hoot for the scenery or if their trains look realistic, I think most folks around here group that into 'a toy train layout' or 'post/pre war style'  

The names may also change depending on scale/gauge that you're referring to.  'O' has a long history of being a more toy like product for folks that like to run the trains and do things with them, where as N or HO have typically been more about getting things to look realistic.  With better electronics in smaller scales, and better detail on larger scale, that has all started to bleed together now days.  

A good place to start might be to look at the descriptions for each of the main forums here on OGR. 

JGL

Edit:  Oh and for the last bit, when someone builds a fairly exact model of an actual, real site, say a switch yard or some such, it is called a diorama

Excellent info every one, thank you!  My question arose from my experiences finding a club that i might fit into.  As I have visited 3 model train groups / clubs around my  area and when I arrive to the layout, every one has turned out to have great scenery, and always operating like a real railroad, with operating instructions  and what  engine you'll run and what cars  to pick up  and drop off and where,  speeds allowed  and where they're allowed, etc.  all printed on cards, and I have  been told that  to complete the instructions, could take 4-6 hrs. or longer.   great fun I am certain for some, but not for me.

Its a BROAD definition !!!   so take it anywhere including: plays with trains, but a quote form Howard Zane , "As model railroaders we are more than someone that did not have the good sense to put the trains away after Christmas." Our hobby embraces -  collecting, social media, artist, developer, planner, carpenter, electrician, scenery and more.

enjoy the journey

Model Railroading is anything you want it to be.
Don't let anybody tell you anything different.

Model Railroading to me has always been the more scale oriented way of "playing with trains." It's a term for how you might phrase it to non-train nut people so as to avoid them getting the idea that you just play with trains. You are building models of trains and the structures and locations they serve.

Now that I no longer build/run scale models of trains and their surroundings, I am basically playing with/collecting old toy trains. To make that sound like more of an adult hobby I call it "collecting vintage O-gauge electric trains." Sounds a lot cooler that way. Like collecting vintage electric guitars and tube amps or vintage motorcycles/old school choppers.

That description of club operations above, like with the poster, is way too regimented for me, and one reason I chose to model a short line, where they run a couple of passenger or mixed trains a day and a freight out daily, getting there when it gets there, and back, when all pickups and drop offs have been made.....much more relaxed.  Right out of Beebe and Clegg's "Mixed Trains Daily".  However, "model railroading" encompasses anything you do with model trains, from running old Marx six inch on an oval on a bare board, to building highly detailed contest winning structures, or brass locomotives, that may sit on a shelf.   A "model railroader" may not own a piece of rolling stock nor a length of track, but are happy in some niche of the hobby.    There are a few in this hobby who just collect trains, in their boxes, and have no layout.   I do not doubt that they consider themselves "model railroaders".        

It sounds like the OP is referring to "prototypical operations". It's common to find this in large clubs or home layouts, primarily in HO scale. It's certainly not for everyone, but then again - watching toy trains run in circles for hours on end isn't for everyone either. I've been a member of a model railroad club (HO) that did monthly operations and I've also been in a round robin group of folks that did this on home layouts (HO and On30).

It's all model railroading, with a wide range of targeted realism.  The "toy train" guys are at one extreme of the range.  The other end is scale/prototype modelers.

3 time modeler posted:

Excellent info every one, thank you!  My question arose from my experiences finding a club that i might fit into.  As I have visited 3 model train groups / clubs around my  area and when I arrive to the layout, every one has turned out to have great scenery, and always operating like a real railroad, with operating instructions  and what  engine you'll run and what cars  to pick up  and drop off and where,  speeds allowed  and where they're allowed, etc.  all printed on cards, and I have  been told that  to complete the instructions, could take 4-6 hrs. or longer.   great fun I am certain for some, but not for me.

too bad you are not on the west coast.

in the model railroad museum there are 4 clubs and 5 layouts.  one layout is run with operating instructions like a real railroad.

the rest just run trains.

bigdodgetrain posted:

in the model railroad museum there are 4 clubs and 5 layouts.  one layout is run with operating instructions like a real railroad.

the rest just run trains.

 This would definitely be my preference for a club. Something for everyone.

"Model railroading" heads in the direction of acknowledging reality, to a greater or lesser degree.

Enjoying "toy trains" heads in the direction of fantasy, inaccuracy and childhood memories, and has only a loose connection with reality.

Don't let anyone tell you anything different.

I'm in the first group, but I'm a Hi-railer (accurate within the 3-rail setting), not a "3-rail scale" type.

I also have shiny MTH reproductions of a Lionel Standard Gauge 385 2-4-2 steamer and a #9E electric. 'Cause they're purty. 

Awesomeness!

As I explained to my grandson, there are toy trains for little kids to play with then there are model trains that are a little more sophisticated for older kids and adults who might like them, and finally there are real scale models that are modelled after real trains.  Model trains can be big enough to really run by steam power and people can actually ride on them.  Actually you are a model railroader if you say you are.     Odd-d

Like you I like to run my trains.  I suppose I could say I like realistic operating since I have both dcs and tmcc systems.  I would definitely call myself a model railroader.  I am constantly working on scenery, but I fall far short in that area, compared to many on this forum.  While I work on scenery, trains are rolling!  I certainly envy those who can meticulously create realistic scenery, I call those types of folks masters.  I guess it really boils down to whatever you like.  But remember this...WE DO NOT PLAY WITH TRAINS, WE OPERATE THEM.  Collect and run them, thats what they are made for. 

If it ain't 1:1 scale AND generating revenue, it's a toy 

Although they may be few and far between now, there once were operating tinplate-style layouts running on timetables with minimal scenery and track layout, and some were clockwork operation too. 

If we want to have computer-generated switch-lists and some poor guy in a corner with a schedule despatching trains, that's fine for some. If you want to have an operating collection of 3-rail die-cast models in a semi-realistic setting, that's fine too. Any and all can be thrown into the mix, I think, despite attempts to categorize. A close look at N scale compared to O gauge doen't show a lot of difference to me. Oversize couplers, steamroller wheel flanges are all there. 

To each his own; check out this guy's layout - prototypical operation of antique toy trains. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cABd_BJfFBI  Pretty cool to watch:

Model Railroading is the running or collecting of the models of prototype railroads. It has multiple sub categories and definitions. There are those like myself that appreciate the artistic side, the realism that the hobby brings in miniature, those that like the collectible toy aspect and those that like to operate and hold fascination with the electrical/mechanical side workings. The social aspect is also an important part that must be added as friendships abound in this hobby.                                                                                  Like many of you, I really enjoy this hobby, find it relaxing, interesting and fun. On cold winter, snowy days its particularly nice to have this great indoor hobby. 

Firewood posted:

To each his own; check out this guy's layout - prototypical operation of antique toy trains. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cABd_BJfFBI  Pretty cool to watch

 

Fabulous!  What it's all about.

Pete

3 time modeler posted:

Excellent info every one, thank you!  My question arose from my experiences finding a club that i might fit into.  As I have visited 3 model train groups / clubs around my  area and when I arrive to the layout, every one has turned out to have great scenery, and always operating like a real railroad, with operating instructions  and what  engine you'll run and what cars  to pick up  and drop off and where,  speeds allowed  and where they're allowed, etc.  all printed on cards, and I have  been told that  to complete the instructions, could take 4-6 hrs. or longer.   great fun I am certain for some, but not for me.

Frankly, though not answering the poster's question, I'd have turned on my heel and exited, respecting the way they extend a welcome as well as respecting how I like to play with others.

FrankM.

palallin posted:

If it ain't 1:1 scale AND generating revenue, it's a toy 

Succinct wisdom.

Moonson posted:

palallin posted:

If it ain't 1:1 scale AND generating revenue, it's a toy 

Succinct wisdom.

Realism.

Pete

Texas Pete posted:

Moonson posted:

palallin posted:

If it ain't 1:1 scale AND generating revenue, it's a toy 

Succinct wisdom.

Realism.

Pete

The OP asked for a definition of model railroading.  you guys are just trolling the "toy train" vs "model trains" debate.

Save that for another (tired) thread.

Texas Pete posted:

Moonson posted:

palallin posted:

If it ain't 1:1 scale AND generating revenue, it's a toy 

Succinct wisdom.

Realism.

Pete

Now, ya' see, that right there is a clever man - realism, in its several manifestations on such a forum. Cool.

But, uh oh, we be a-driftin'. I'll shut-up my part in such shenanigans. Bad man, I.

P.S. "Save that for another(tired) thread," said Martin H. I'll bet that made the OP feel good. BTW, what have you contributed perky (non-tiring) recently, Mr. Martin H?

I think that everyone has their own definition of what defines "model Railroading" or of what being a model railroader actually is. That is evident in the responses posted thus far and in countless discussions of the subject in the past. I personally don't think it really matters how we define it. All that matters is, if you enjoy what you are doing with your hobby, then keep doing what you are doing and don't let anyone else tell you how to enjoy your hobby. I consider myself a model railroader even though I am not a stickler for prototype fidelity,  I don't weather my trains and I don't model any particular road accurately. There are many that would look down on me for that and that's okay. They don't buy my trains, they don't have a say in how I enjoy my hobby.

3 time modeler posted:

Been wondering for awhile,

Q. What is it called if a model railroader  wants to  just run trains around  the layout and not duplicate a  real / existing   / actual railroad?............ and is it still referred to as "model railroading"? 

F U N

I think we all fall under the category model railroaders.     I think there are subsets of the grouping including operators,  train-runners, collectors and builders.    I think we all fit one of those groupings too.    And then some of us are more interested in models of real prototypes rather than imaginery paint schemes.