previous title: "suggested reorganization for the Brotherhood of the Crappy Basement Layout"
but I have withdrawn my suggestions because the BOTCBL is protective of their exclusive turf.
"Brotherhood of the Crappy Basement Layout"
I understand the general gist of that title. It's a semi-humorous reference to the many home layouts that are less than prize-winning quality. Unfortunately it has undertones of being apologetic and self-denigrating.
Also, basements are not necessarily a typical place for a home layout in modern times. Basements are more common to certain regions of the country, and perhaps more common to older houses.
Brotherhood of Working Mens Model Railroads
"Brotherhood" might sound sexist and politically incorrect, but the fact is that the hobby is 99.44% men. Brotherhood is traditional phraseology from the earlier days of the Unions and I wanted to carry over some of the old tradition.
On second thought, maybe we should move beyond the Brotherhood term to avoid any cause for criticism.
Peoples Society of Model Railroad Enthusiasts
What we need is a category for model railroads representing the mainstream of average hobbyists who build practical layouts for their own entertainment with their available skills and finances. These are the 99% of all layouts which do not appear in the hobby magazines. The magazines would have you believe that the only "good" layout is a prissy-perfect fully-scenicked prize-winning layout of museum quality with a six-figure budget. That's just not fairly representing the real world of model railroading, except for daydreamers and armchair modelers.
Unfortunately the mainstream hobby magazines have enabled a class struggle between a minority "elitist" faction of modelers who are regularly featured in the press, while the real-world accomplishments of mainstream modelers goes largely ignored. It's time for the working men (and women, if any) to unite and claim their rightful place as an overwhelming majority deserving recognition.
[is it coincidental that I just finished reading "The Russian Revolution?"]
Personally, I have very satisfying model railroads which mostly fulfill my modelling ambitions. In the case of my O-gauge railroading, I have layouts with substantial track mileage to run a variety of different trains. My methods of construction are conducive to modification and revision, an important facet to maintaining my interest in the hobby with a limited budget. I don't have a "permanent" O-gauge layout with conventional scenery because they are generally impossible to move if the need arises. I feel under-represented and marginalized ...
Additional input welcome. Viva la revolution!
