There should not be bullying in this community. This hobby is not about bullying, it's about having fun. Pray for these people & pray for this to stop.
THANK YOU for doing this. We lost our 16 yr old cousin last year to this. I have been a big brother for a decade, and spend lots of time mentoring young men and it is sadly common. I recently seen it on a FB railfan page and let the bully know how I felt. He was very smart to not go to the last train show I was at. The messed up thing was the bully was in his 30's and the kid just turned 16. The petty name calling and insults get out of hand. Lot of it is a result of jealousy. And yes, at 44, I have seen how time works against people. The kid who made my life miserable in school is in and out of jail. Another one is missing teeth and looks like a crack head. Life is like a book, but you have to stick around to read the last chapter.
I mentor young adults as well. I am so sick of hearing “they just need to get thicker skin!” No, the bullies need to STOP being bullies!! Another sad part is, bullies breed bullies!
I had several bullies in school. I got fed up one day and stood up to them. One I stood up to on the bus and threatened to fight him and he backed down. Another one I waited in a class room and when he came in I punched him in the head when he wasn't ready and another one I called in sick and went to school and I took a hammer to his car in the school parking lot during the day. They all stopped bullying me afterwards. Don't do what I did because now you can get arrested and expelled but DO stand up for yourself and they WILL back down!
You can't do this today, but I get your point in it's context. I got picked on a lot as I was frail, a wuss and into sci-fi and trains. I was crazy goofy-looking at the time, too. Looking back, I get why it happened in that context, which allowed me to get rid of that 'baggage'. In high school, one day I'd had enough. I introduced a bully to a concrete block. Several times. This was in an era where the police didn't come looking for you and the parents accepted that 'boy will be boys'. I then made it clear when he came back for more that if he did it again, he'd get MUCH worse. And I meant it. I later heard someone tell someone that they shouldn't try to mess with me as I might kill someone someday. But you can't do this today without being taken downtown in cuffs. I feel horrible for kids today who have the internet and no way to take on these jerks like we could if we manned up.
When I was i school i was made fun of for my love of rail fanning & modeling. Now I took my love of trains and made it into a successful career with Norfolk Southern
I want to share this with you and your viewers, I was a Bully when I was a Teenage to one particular boy. I would make his life a living hell when ever he came into the school yard. One day he was playing stickball and he had a stick ball bat that he bought I ripped it out of his hands and busted it up, sent home crying. I am proud of this, not at all. Years later I found him on Face Book and sought him out, he would not communicate with me or even acknowledge me, I had to get a mutual friend to set up a meeting. Finally we met and after 30 years I apologized and took ownership for my behavior, not only to him ,but to his parents as well. Words can hurt, but they also heal I also bought him a a green stick ball bat to replace the one that I destroyed, later after our meeting we went to the school yard and play a game of pitching in, it's a Brooklyn thing. What James says here is true, it's affect can be harmful.even life threatening. I was coward,I was scared, I had my own family issue and what I did was wrong. if you are bully do not wait 30years, because you may not get that chance, Stop now and make amends, make a difference.
Thanks James, I hear you loud and clear. I was 98 lbs in school and 5'4". Liked and drove a Rambler and built plastic models. I even worked for AMC at one point so as you see , I have experience. It is pretty sad but I made it with some great friends and today I could care less. Love yourself and Love what you do. Fun is good, Sad is bad. Mike
BNSF-3001 wear that bnsf shirt I have a New York City subway t shirt with the map on it and I wear it all the time it’s a great conversation starter people made fun of my shirt but were the same ones asking questions about my shirt and I tell them where all the subway lines go what routes go where that’s just how people are they want everybody to play video games and do what everyone else do I’m different and always have been wear that bnsf shirt and say fuck everybody that’s your shirt and you shouldn’t be scared to wear it !!
I am huge fan of your videos. I must say that this video should be given an Oscar. Do you realize that you may potentially save lives with this video? Please keep up the good work. I love the layout with the ufo. I don't work with HO gauge. I work with American Flyer S gauge but I do appreciate the realism HO has to offer. Thanks again
Larry Convoy kids in my school call me annoying for talking about trains which i do allot but i don't call them annoying for talking about video games and superheros all the time im the only one in my school that rely loves trains but that's no need to be picked on and bullied people pick on every year and every day because i love model trains and real life trains i have ben studied trains since i was 4 years old and i have ben picked on from then to now and im 11 i pray that this stops and i hope that everyone that has viewed this comment doesn't get bullied for liking trains or doesn't get bullied period every on that his viewed my comment have a nice day take care happy model railroading
Hi James and trains lovers. It happens all over the world, here in my country Colombia is not a popular hobby and people some times think ThiS are toys and don't understand the real filosophy, but to be honest I don't care because I love this hobby and I think you have to do what makes you happy , obviusly without hurt anybody. Bullying have to be stopped everywhere, is affecting specially our childrens and teens causing damage to the personality. I like your channel, keep the good work and sorry for my bad english. Cheers from Colombia
Awesome, Bro! Thanks for stepping out of the box and providing this to everyone. My three best friends (the only ones I had) and I started the model railroad club at our high school. It became very popular, very fast. We were one of the biggest clubs on campus. I, myself, was "No. 1 on the C List" in popularity. Military bread. Never drank. Never did drugs. A good looking nerd, I suppose. I never cared nor took the time to find out. Anytime any of our club members were harassed for being an "MR", I took him or her with me to talk to the offender. That was the end of the harassment. At 33, and after my first 10 years in law enforcement, I became a police officer. I saw that humanity needed help. I was a "goody two-shoes" and "Sheriff Andy Taylor" to my colleagues. Personally, I took it as a compliment. As it turned out, I realized that those that had been bullied, or were bullies themselves in their youth, became police officers, or sought similar careers. I could only take it for 7 years and eventually returned to parks. I'm now medically retired and glad to be rid of those jerks, even in parks. Bullies and the bullied seem to just come together in a strange "good old boy" type of club of their own. I was curious to see what you had to say here, and what others had to reply with. We're a pretty strong group! Dorks? You bet! And darn proud of it!
I'm actually really glad you made this video. I've been bullied multiple times over liking trains. I'm happy there are people like you out there who understand and it gives me confidence when it comes to talking about trains and modeling.
James, you are truly a nice person, and thank you for making this very impressive video. At my local hobby shop they actually throw people out--paying customers--if they start criticizing anyone else. That shuts things down in a hurry, and is pretty impressive for a small business to do.
This is by far the best video you have ever made! I've learned one thing about high school, drama doesn't matter. I don't care what people think about me. I claim to be the only football player in the conference that's also a rail fan. I get crap for rail fanning and model railroading, but it's my hobby and they can deal with it. Again, this was an excellent video! Keep up the great work on our channel!
You're well known on TH-cam among model railroaders and I thank you for bringing this issue to light. It's a shame today's society can't let people be who they wanna be and like what they wanna like.
I hid my train passion from most people until I got into High School. Kids would pick on me because "It was kid-ish" to play with trains. I would say I like railroads or model trains and people always assume Thomas the Tank engine. Once I found TH-cam I found out there were a ton more people into the hobby besides myself and I stopped caring what others thought about my hobby. I then started to share it on TH-cam and from there I've made so many friends in the hobby, that and just getting out there. I hate when people pick on people for their hobby, or when people inside the community pick on others inside the group. Since really going into the hobby, I've discovered there is more bullies inside the hobby then outside of it. I have stopped really going onto other groups besides TH-cam because the bullying to others as got so bad inside the community. Where I work in a newspaper, it's amazing the stuff we find when searching people up on Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites. Watch what you post and how you treat others like you said James, because it can come back to bite you. But to sum it up, don't let others hate on you because of your hobby, you have a community here on TH-cam who will embrace you and if you really need someone to talk to, there are a ton of use like James and myself who are more than willing to talk to you.
I'm a new Jr. high student and am always teased and insulted for my passion. Your Right. They don't get the hobby and it's really funny, here I am studying to become a loco. prototype designer for G.E. or EMD, when they are worrying how many likes they likes they have on Facebook. thanks for the uplifting message.
I just don't tell my friends. They haven't found out yet and with a bit of luck they won't at all. The few people that do know really don't care and don't bully me about it.
One of the best videos I have see by any railfan. I was bullied a shit load when i was younger for loving trains a lot james. It was hard but I never had suicidal thoughts. Great video, glad to see someone standing up agains these bullies.
You hit a home run with this op-ed. I'm in my 60's now and have been in the hobby my entire life. I have seen bullying in the various online groups big time and have found that the older I get, the less likely I am to put up with BS, so I leave. It's nothing new. When I was younger, some of the hobbyists really treated me bad. There are some real jerks in both the hobby and railfan circles.
+jlwii2000 When I was a young man I went to collage to be a fireman, The other kids where already voulenteer firefighters. I was very excited and tried to join the in group at first they where all nice and great. then thinggs started to happen I would get out of class find trash thrown in my car window or my car had been peed on or they would all out smoking I would get out my smoke and walk up to socialse they would all put theirs out and go away. We had a discussion on cancer in medic class and I said any tissue that is irreated over a period of time can turn into cancer. A kid who was in class says or just pissed off and makes a dirty look at me. Another time I bumped into a kid he turns around and is like I will knock you out if you touch me again. A week or 2 later I go to join my local voulenteer fire dept. they deny me, I thought ok it;s a mistake im a EMT and trained so I apply again so the firedept cheif calls me hey Ill put you on come up tommarw at noon, but I aint gonna listen to your mouth. you smart off ima tell you to shut up and ur the fuck off the fire dept. I was shocked im very timmed and quiet so i go and not a soul is there. I then find out they hired 4 preppy kids from my highschool class. I was devestaed I had to drop out of firecollage and was turned into a complete outcast. Would this be a form of bullying?
Well said, my friend.... I was the victim of bullying when I attended High School all those years ago... It got so bad, that I ended up dropping out school at the age of 16. Thankfully, I realised I needed to continue with some type of further education, so I became a bookworm at my local library. All is good for me these days. As to why people bully, well I guess it's for a variety of inept reasons.... be it a plesurable pastime for them or done as some type of peer group entertainment etc...what ever the reason, it has no merit what so ever. Every time I hear cases of it now, my blood boils... --------- Today, I am a 65 yo avid Model train operator and I love it... Yes, I get the, "Aren't you a bit old to be playing with trains?", comment, every now and then. My answer to that is... "I hope I never get that old!" Recently, a friend of mine on Facebook stated "I wish I was still a kid, so I could have model trains again"... my answer to him was... "The kid you once were, is still inside you.... sometimes you have to forget your age and let him out to play every now and then" Love your videos... keep them coming - Cheers
Im glad you letting this out---I dont like bullying and i was bullied when i was young. The kids that bullied me back then? Theyre dead or homeless or lame poor now, and some are alcoholics and pure drug addicts. At least, my addiction to trains is pure.
BNforever2009 • I can relate. In junior high/high school, many of the cutest cheerleaders were popular and snobbish with zero personality. (Not all of them! Some were very kind and sweet to me.) They looked down on regular girls like me. Years later, just about all of them got really fat, married 3 or 4 times, or became alcoholic ne'er-do-wells while I was a hair model for Jhirmack. Just saying!
hey James, i'm seventeen y/o n-scale, UP/SP modeler and as a kid in elementary and middle school i was questioned and harassed for liking trains. They would make fun of me and laugh at me just for my hobby. In middle school it got a little better, the "social classes" separated out and i was left alone. High school has been the best. i started playing in the marching band and found other "weird" people who accepted me. It was the greatest thing. I found some of me teachers are in the trains and some have talked to me about getting started with n scale. And you are right, those kids who are cool, they are the people who are drinking and so on. The people i see everyday getting taken out of school in handcuffs because they had drugs at school. That is when i noticed that i was better set than the rest of them. After i joined the Heartland N-trak Club and having a group of guys to talk to life has become nice. And i can say that i have never use nor will i sue drugs or or alcohol. i found its pointless. (i can buy more trains with the money and they will last me longer than a buzz with). if you have read this all thank you and thank you for understanding and bringing this forward because its real. this really happens and i try to stop it when ever i can. (i keep and eye on some of the freshmen, just make sure they are ok) Thanks, Shane
Hi Shane, it's cool you posted this. Could help others hearing from someone who's currently "in the trenches" and showing that things aren't always as bad as they may seem. But you're right, finding people to talk to, even the "weird" ones are better than keeping it all bottled up and eating away at you. Truth be known, a lot of times, it is the weird ones who are in fact the cool ones. I should know, I was one of the weird ones. :D Anyway, how's it been going at the club? I need to make it out there again one of these days.
IM T the Little Guy on the left. In the 7th grade I was 6FT 177 ILB. Buy the 9th grade I was 6"1 190 AND COULD DUNK A volleyball. My Entire life I was never a bully. I ended up 6'2 220 IN High School. Played QB. In Football. Played Baseball at OSU Full Ride. I now ride a Harley and play with Trains. Retired and growing my hair Long. I kicked the shat out bully's . i always have and to the day I die. Bully's are Men that are want a Bs and have no self desires. Or wants. Great video.
Great points in this video! And love all the rest of your vids. I'm just starting the N Scale hobby again (after 30yrs) and have learned a lot from your videos. Thanks for sharing all your time & knowledge. Much appreciated!
Great video James, I'm actually in my freshman year right now but I've never legitimately been bullied before. I'm in the place between popular, and non-popular, and that's a good place to be. People have joked about me and trains before, but it was NEVER serious. Having a lot of TRUE friends also helps. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for making this video. I stumbled across this video when I was going through your videos looking for ideas on designing a model railroad layout. I'll be sharing this on my FB page.
Hi. My name's Dave, and I'm a DORK!!! I'm a railfan, modeler, and a Trekkie. I'm also a veteran of the Canadian Forces, Military Police Branch. Bravo Zulu, James, well said brother.
One bully doesn't like this video. Good message, and the same with me, I have a lot of subscribers in their teens and some even younger, and the ones who I've really gotten to know, also know I will always have their backs. I don't tolerate bullying of anyone, no matter how old they are. I've had some say even within the modeling/rail fanning community, they get harassed which just blows my mind. Just last month, I had to tell off some fool in the hobby who would do nothing but bitch, moan, and complain on videos I'd post, even griping about crap I have zero control over. After I publicly spoke my mind, haven't heard a peep from him since. Bullies are small minded cowards. Stand up to them.
Thanks for posting this. I keep the hobby on the down-low at school, not many people know about it. I do it because people are going to think it's weird. Like you said, they don't understand. As for the bullying going on in the rail-fan community, it's pathetic. We are brothers and sisters, so treat each other like it. We can connect in a way that others cannot.
Keeping it "Down low" was my strategy too. Around age 12 or older, trains seem "uncool' and "immature" by other same aged peers. Not only do others outside the hobby just not understand the hobby. Problem is, its just seen was uncool. This is something the hobby itself can tackle to try to make it look cool and maybe appear as cool with all age groups. Terms like "Train Sets" and "Toy Trains/; and Thomas the tank being targeted at really small children really hurt the teenage demographic in this hobby--that is why in my opinion many teens who are in the hobby are almost embarrassed with it.
IDK i told someone at lunch the other day at school and someone said ''thats a waste of money why buy it'' AS THEY WASTE HOURS PLAYING FORTNITE ON THERE STUPID PC'S
TGSGAMER360 or buying expensive ass Jordan’s that lose value when they leave the store remember model trains can be bought and sold and traded also they gain value over time those that hate on us hobbist have no clue of or on the hobby itself
Well done for speaking so bravely. Sadly, in the U.K. bullying still happens to people of all ages and in all walks of life. I hope that eventually it will be stamped out, but I doubt it as it is seen even in our parliament. You only have to watch yesterdays Prime Ministers Question Time to see verbal bullying! I find model trains to be a creative way of relaxing and help me forget about bullying events in the past. Thank you for all your videos. James T.
I did not know whether to give a thumbs up or down on this issue up would mean im for it which I AM NOT and down means I am NOT FOR IT . but all I can say about it is I spent 43yrs. as an engineer on the CSX RAILROAD as a road engineer and my railfans made my day ,I absolutely loved them . If I was stopped somewhere and a railfan was there I would invite him up and even let him sit in my seat as I explain all the controls and let him take all the pictures he wanted of the cab I would even take his camera and take his picture in my seat . I hope the railfans would get along so they could get back to what is important to all of us and that is TRAINS !!!
You are a good man Sir. I mean that. I have enjoyed your reviews and your videos on building your various layouts. It is good to see what some would view as an intimidating man taking this issue in had. I've found that often the bullies are insecure people who build themselves up by putting others down. Sad. Keep up the good work, and thanks for your willingness to take your time to make these vids for us. God Bless!
Just stumbled on this vid. I'm 45 years old. I'm a model railroader, railfan, I play D&D every week, I play tabletop wargames, I 'm also a sports fan, play hockey and football I work out. I have never been in "a group" I was friends with everyone. If you don't play something or share a hobby ask someone to tell about their experiences in different hobbies. People are awesome, hobbies are awesome and who knows you may just find out you really like playing d&d or model railroading.
On a positive note, I have to give the Railfan and Railroading community allot of credit also. I have been lifting weights most of my life and have noticed that about all of the bodybuilding, powerlifting and fitness forums are just full of so called trolls and extremely immature people who seem to take delight in belittling the people who post You Tube videos. I have been to many train shows and love to hang out in the stores to converse with people who love all things trains. I must say I have meet some of the kindest people in the rail world compared to my original work weight training. So overall I find this hobby really fills my soul with happiness. I agree with jlwii2000 bullying is ridiculous but at least its not as bad as my other interest.
When you get older, you really do realize that high school is just a blip in time, college and work are far more lasting experiences, all my friends (and the jerks) from high school *quickly* dispersed after graduation, but I am still friends with people I met in college, and that was 20+ years ago, so don't get freaked out by the jerks you may have in high school, they will go away eventually. So I do understand where this video is coming from. I consider myself lucky I have not encountered any really mean or angry persons in my hobbies, but then its something I didn't really advertise it growing up. Today I have a really funky whimsical G scale micro-layout I like to take to shows and every show so far has been alot of fun and almost everyone has liked it. I have to say all the people I have meet at shows, vendors and visitors, have all been great. That's including a National Narrow Gauge Convention, a crowd long notorious for being extra scale happy and poo pooing anything that isn't exactly prototype perfect, yet I had a great time at the convention. So I think there is alot more positive than negative going on inside the hobby.
That's true, and high school is part of life and growing up And stand up to the bullies as well, When I was super senor in high school, and please don't ask why, my friend who was a freshman was being bullied and he came to me. so I stood up to his bully and I told him that "if you ever bully my friend again", you'll be in trouble. So he stopped.
Lookin better and better, Thank you James , Bullying has no place in our lives and only cowards put others down for their passion or hobbies . No they don't understand and won't get it . I'm glad you are doing what you are doing ; keep it up you have my support 1000 % You say you are new to this hobby. But it's been in your heart forever...... chasryloco
thank you for your words and your inspiration for young kids This is a very serious issue here in Australia as it is all over the world. well said cheers
I am involved with teaching people to recognize when a relative or friend may be contemplating self harm and showing the students how to have the potential victim seek help. I wish to share your video with them because it is so positive in such an important subject.
As a senior in my high school we have to write a sort of disertation on a topic we choose. Bullying was a topic I chose. This was a nice thing to hear that a Model railroader. Its about time modelers took social positions rather than constantly arguing about whether MTH has better trains that Lionel.
This was a very heartwarming video. Even though I don’t get bullied. If I ever do, I now know there’s people that are like me, care about me and will understand my pain
Its so sad that people are so mean. I am 66 years old. I have loved trains and railroads since I was a wee tyke. Hell, it even led me to a career in railroading. I know there are many folks out there with various levels of abilities and skills. Enough said! I would only say, to any railfan, be respectful, be calm, do not, I repeat, do not think that you are smarter then a railroad employee. Nothing can start a tussle more than a civilian, trying to tell a railroader, what or how to do something.I was in the industry for over 36 years. Retired and enjoying life. I still railfan, probably more than I should. But, I still enjoy watching as technology changes and the industry remains a fascinating thing to watch and photograph. If someone has a problem with that, then get a life.Here's a couple of more names of people you wouldn't think enjoyed Trains:Frank Sinatra - Massive Lionel Freak. Just think of calling him out! Hah, enjoy your dinner with the fishes.Sam Posey - Former Race Car Driver - suffering from Parkinson's Disease - Fabulous Model Railroader.Hardly people you would bully!
This is probably my favorite video you have ever made just because someone finally stepped up and said it. I haven't been bullied by railfans but I've seen other bullied by them and it isn't right. Even as a young railfan I try to help the community out as much as I can and it makes me feel sick when I see or hear bullying going on. Thanks for the awesome video and I'll make sure to repost this.
Great video! Thanks for posting this and telling the repercussions that soon will be law for those who hide their jealousy and need to feel good about themselves for putting down others. I hope this vid spreads like wildfire.
Awesome video James, thanks for taking the time to make and post this video. You have a lot of young viewers out there that look up to you and if you can just save (1) young person from taking their life for being bullied then this was worth the effort. Thanks and God Bless You!
Good job on the video I remember being bullied in school. Here in florida there is a push to give bullies jail time and if they are a minor then the parents can be sent to jail also plus alow for civil suits thank for the video
I was just kicked off a Facebook page called Railroad Photography, for standing up to a bully. I didn't swear, I didn't start an argument, and yet I'm not on the page anymore, but the guys who we're bullying me and another guy, still are.
Thank you James for bringing to light this serious subject. I did not realize it was a problem in the railfan and model railroad community.As a teen I was bullied quite often. Fortunately I never succeeded in taking my life and have lived past the bullying. Thank you for speaking out.
Thanks James. I know in model railroading there are all different flavors, interests and skill levels. What fits one may not fit another, but we all share the common joy of the hobby, and it should always remain fun. Some of my most gratifying experiences were early on figuring out how to accomplish or make simple things work which I would consider rudimentary now. But everyone has a level and everyone should be encouraged no matter what, since that joy is what it is all about. When I was about 9 I had a old TYCO set, without help I couldn't figure out how to get that darn thing to work right. Years later I picked up some cheap, used and some broken DC stuff just to learn how it all worked. I was happy just to clean, repair or modify and to get relics to move and go around! Because I figured it out myself. I didn't care if it was accurate or detailed etc. Now I install DCC and electronics and have dropped some cash on some really nice, accurate and detailed microtrains stuff etc because I've made it to that point where I appreciate it. Shouldn't be a matter of showing off. But I never forget and always encourage those who are at other levels, especially new people to the hobby. You can see the glint in their eye that they are digging it, from a kid with Tomas to a 40 year old who buys their first brand new entry level Bachmann...and that's what it is all about. I thoroughly enjoyed all of your videos I've seen, even some early roll-by shots, because you never know where you might get the next great idea from. Thank you for the vids James.
Hi James, very well said. I spend 35 years as a High School shop teacher and the last five years the schools were taking action on this issue. Like teaching teachers how to handle and work with the bullies. and the student being bullied. The School District had excellent objectives for this problem in schools. It is working. Cheers from Michigan
I was Bullied and I have done the Bulling. I call it passing the Bucket, but I stopped for what you just said. Thank You! Bullied for having a disability doesn't feel good, but I don't what that gave me the right pass the Bucket onto another.
DJ of DJsTrains brought this to my attention the other day during the TH-cam Modelers Live show. Great video, great message. Glad you took the time to do this and reach out to the community, esp. the youth out there. Even if it's only one person you reach, that's a world of difference. Very well done sir!
I was bullied for years on a railfan art website for being a girl. If you look around, you'll find alot of that too. Even the live steam club that I belong to has people in it that have bullied me in the past. It needs to be fixed.
I was bullied in grade school, not so much in high school. By the time I reached 200 lbs, I was in my 30's and could bluff the worst bully out there. I like to use my logic to intimidate them now. Logic and big words, the weapon of the geeks.
Back in the late 70's (graduated in 1981) it wasn't called 'bullying'...not sure what it was called, but whatever it was, I got it a LOT...and not just verbal but physical as well. And, in front of teachers as well...they just laughed it off and went on. To this day, I deal with the thoughts and reminders of what those 'bullies' did way back then. However, I learned to just let it 'roll off my back' saying they aren't worth getting into trouble over...that mind-set back then, I believe, has helped me through the years and even today 'get through' all the bullying I've encountered...even right now by a guy at our church...yes, bullies are in every sect of the community...even churches! This was a great video and much needed...it's too bad, however, that it even needed to be done. Bullies in the rail-fan and model train world...what on earth is going on here?!?
I have to say, I use to get a lot of crap for liking trains, all the way through elementary school. Even in first grade!!! So I decided when I got to high school, I just wouldn't say anything. And I didn't. Until one day last year I had to do a presentation for speech class, answering the question "How?" for anything. I decided to do mine on "How Freight Trains Move America". And I have to say I was pretty scared. I didn't want to be bothered for the next three years about this. But I did it anyway. And believe it or not, most of my classmates respected it. I still try to keep it my hobby quiet, but if someone asks, I tell them. I guess the point I'm trying to make is: You can't let others control what you like because it isn't "cool". There's a point in time when you have to stand up for what you like, and not let anyone else change how you think.
James, you show and utilize knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Your viewers, young, middle-age and old will benefit from your wisdom. Thanks.
I am lucky in the fact I am home schooled, but the fact of railroaders bullying railroaders really surprises me. I will say, I generally in a situation like this would go to a local model train convention or something and just forget about them. I am lucky enough to be able to go to the White Creek ride-on railroad, but I am always glad to see people there who are into it. My point is, get a outlet, and use it. If someone doesn't like you, go somewhere else, or ignore them.
Excellent video I am a 50 years railfan a modeler and proud of it. I have been bullying in the past, but in the end its up to yourself to handle led. I rather invest in this hobbys than waist my time or hard earn money on superficial things just to fit in. Thanks for your work and keep making more videos.
I've been an above average athlete all my life in both football(soccer) and basketball, this has brought me a lot of trophies, medals and popularity. I'm now a graphic designer, artist/illustrator making decent dollars and of course I looooove model trains! I've been active in the hobby 8 years now and no thoughts of stopping. The remarks I get from most people, at first sight of my layout is, "you have too much time on your hands!" "how can anyone with a good job have time for this?" To be honest I am flattered by this, due entirely to the fact that that which seem to have taken a million years to do, to them, actually took a couple hours each evening. I would spend a hour our two listening to my fav music and using my God given talent to create my own little universe where I can loose myself in a constructive and totally harmless way. I don't reply to remarks like that or do I let it prevent me from sharing my labor of love with the people who do appreciate it. I use my layout to generate the awareness of the usefulness of Railroading. The younger folks know nothing about it trains and this is because the only industry here in Jamaica that relies on trains is the Bauxite industry. There are no commuter trains, oh yeah!... there is also the 'Rum Train', a tourist attraction on the island. It really saddens me when I hear of adults, more so, bullying a model train enthusiast or anyone else for that matter. I'm not here to speak of another person short comings, no one's perfect but the ones who get fulfillment from bullyism they really need professional help. For those who are being bullied you need to know that the love of trains and model trains is quite ok, as long as you do so within your means. Be confident in what you stand for, if you don't believe in yourself how can anyone believe in you! In regards to cyber bullying, it's is possible to ignore desperate attention getters ya know and rap with people who share in your passion. I do appreciate the fact that you took the time to address this topic jlwii2000! Much respect brother! Happy railroading ladies and gentlemen!
I'm in my sophomore year of college now and I was bullied heavily in high school, I hid the fact that I liked trains for the longest time until things got better and people started realizing how much I knew on the subject. Just a message to anyone in high school, it gets better! I never had a friend group in high school and only had a few close friends. Once I got to college (I go to a community college and commute) I have a ton of friends, found a girlfriend, have been on the deans list twice with a 3.70GPA over 3 semesters and have embraced my model railroading hobby to the best of my financial abilities. I'm much happier now than I have been in years, my life has gotten so much better and it will for everyone. in college people don't care about who you are or what you do, they usually just like the fact that you're a nice person. Bottom line: IT WILL ALWAYS GET BETTER!!!!
One thing a lot of folks overlook is that bullying doesn't even have to be verbal. If someone is bullied once and they can pin point a trouble source and that particular person gives them dirty looks or a quick shove in the hallway, something small like that; that instills fear within a child, even adults in some aspects. Don't let intimidation bring you down. Thanks for the video, lots of great info!
I was a football player in high school, I was one of the popular kids at all the parties, AND I collect o gauge. Sure I got made fun of a little but when people actually saw what I built they were in shock. Never be ashamed of a hobby. You're creating something from nothing.
I'm a sophomore in high school, I could care less what people think of me. I just remember that the kids that tease others are the ones that are going no where in life, and I realize that my hobby is trains, not drugs and alcohol like those low life's. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't wrong for liking trains or planes or cars or anything, if you enjoy it that's all that matters, not what others think about it :)
James. Bullies are everywhere. The Workplace, Congress, Universities and lower schools as well. Bullies become Bullies as they were Bullied. As we get older we learn to love and care for ourselves. Life is not meant to be fair it is meant to be lived.
ive been around model trains all of my life and im in 9th grade now but when i was in 4th and 5th grade people would always say oh well you like thomas then and i was always like no i don't and i would tell them in detail of what model trains are and stuff like that and they would always take it back to thomas and make fun about it to me. but now no one talks about it to me badly and i know other railfans and one of my teachers likes trains so i always show him how im doing on my 8x12ft ho and lionel layout. i have over 42 engines in ho and 3 of them are dcc, a up 6900 dd40ax, up 4443 0-6-0 steam loco, and a bnsf emd sd40-2 and looking to get more.
I was bulled by kids all the time i tried to fit in but then i got into Model Railroading and it helped me through school and showed me that people are different in there own way. So i have been do it for about 30 years and one day i went to train show at my school gym and i one of my class mates came up to my table that was getting into model railroad and they thought it was cool that i was in Model Railroading .
Could not have said it better. I am 100% on the same page as you are. Being involved with law at my age (in a good way) has showed me the consequences of bullying. Thank you for making this video!
James , I was bullied in jr and high school . No one in the schools would do anything about it . So I created cool by becoming a member of a rock band that played the hot music of the day . Then people wanted to be me and my fellow band members going so far as to dress like us . After school we the band got payed to party 6 nights a week and we were able to work with many recording artist . Randy
I remember I got beat up a lot. But I also learned to fight. I broke my left hand 3 times, 4 if you count the pins. etc. I used to find a different way home so the bullies couldn't catch up to me. They caught up to me one time, I beat one of them senseless, his buddies pulled us apart and I got away again, when the home owner who's property we were on showed up... When I got home I found out that my had was broken from fighting with the fellow I beat up, I know it's a long story.... Anyway my mom was so mad that she called the cops, they rounded up all the fellows who were party of the gang and had them brought up on charges... That was the end of the "gang", the parents found out and it was much easier back then to end things.....
I was Bullied in Florida in Elementary School and Middle School. I forgive those who bullied me. I'm happy that I moved to Georgia. A little bit bullied started again but I had the best Principle who was helping me. I had the best time of my life.
I got belittled and laughed at just last year in the uk a group had a go at me for saying I like a certain model railway. I am 54 and in a wheel chair the railway was not correct to any era and I said I liked this as it was a true train set. The 50 - 60 year olds around who we're mocking the railway then turned on me calling me all the names under the sun. Bullies take all forms especially the fanboy snobs. They disliked this model because it did not conform to there idea of a railway. Sick but it happens. James good for you for taking a stand as I did that day.
this is so true, one of the topics we had to choose for in my English class at college was a controversial topic and bullying was on of them. And also when I was in high school, I was bullied too, freshman year . but for the rest of high school I wasn't bullied anymore, when I transferred to my home high school full time. So thank you for bringing this up. Bullying really needs to stop.
being a dork is also being creative! if you model, rail fan, play D&D etc..your using some type of creative thinking. your excercising your mind and creating worlds that others can enjoy. it just amazes me that some people find they need to make fun of people who use games and modeling as an escape from reality for a bit to enjoy life alittle more specially after a stressful work week. to make fun of someone for doing something they love is just ridiculous! I have many hobbies and eventhough theres always a fear that someone will make jokes of what I do im proud of what I do and try to share my hobbies and always welcome and try to show why I love doing what I do to help them to understand why I do what I do. we are all kids at heart its just some people forget that. the real world can be tough but don't let people get you down because no matter what you do as a hobby, its your hobby and be proud of what you do!
Hi James very good video I hope people listen to what you are trying to say and this I am very sure you sure did a great job with this by putting the hole Bullying act out there, there is nothing worse then this bullying of other people!!! We have too let every one know I for one will pass this around!!! Thank You
Great Job! I work at a MEPS in NY and visit nearly 300 schools a year to assist high school students in their career choices. I always ask if they have a hobby and inform them about my model railroad hobby. They laugh at first which is a normal response, but once I tell them what skills you need and how potentially expense it can become, they begin to listen and ask questions. Its a great start to encourage our young to seek a hobby; whether its trains or playing sports. . Cesar
It gets especially bad when you get to the clubs and stuff. I'm mainly a G-scale guy but I've dabbled in HO-scale. I was in the process of building a little switching layout with the intent to expand it into a larger modular layout and found out that there was a club in Hendersonville, NC. I went down there to ask about joining and was basically told to fuck off. Why? Because I was "too young". It didn't matter that I was working on my own layout and had experience, they didn't want me because as far as they were concerned anyone under 40 is going to be irresponsible with the equipment. It didn't help that I mentioned that I was using MRC equipment for my DCC system, they immediately told me to either get a Digitrax Super Chief or quit the hobby entirely. I actually got so disheartened that I ended up scrapping the layout and putting my HO-scale equipment in storage. For what you'd think is a very relaxed hobby, the model railroading community is INCREDIBLY toxic.
There should not be bullying in this community. This hobby is not about bullying, it's about having fun. Pray for these people & pray for this to stop.
I’ve been doing that since I found out what bullying was.
Why can’t railfanning be fun why there bullies
THANK YOU for doing this. We lost our 16 yr old cousin last year to this. I have been a big brother for a decade, and spend lots of time mentoring young men and it is sadly common. I recently seen it on a FB railfan page and let the bully know how I felt. He was very smart to not go to the last train show I was at. The messed up thing was the bully was in his 30's and the kid just turned 16. The petty name calling and insults get out of hand. Lot of it is a result of jealousy. And yes, at 44, I have seen how time works against people. The kid who made my life miserable in school is in and out of jail. Another one is missing teeth and looks like a crack head. Life is like a book, but you have to stick around to read the last chapter.
That is very sad
I mentor young adults as well. I am so sick of hearing “they just need to get thicker skin!” No, the bullies need to STOP being bullies!!
Another sad part is, bullies breed bullies!
I had several bullies in school. I got fed up one day and stood up to them. One I stood up to on the bus and threatened to fight him and he backed down. Another one I waited in a class room and when he came in I punched him in the head when he wasn't ready and another one I called in sick and went to school and I took a hammer to his car in the school parking lot during the day. They all stopped bullying me afterwards. Don't do what I did because now you can get arrested and expelled but DO stand up for yourself and they WILL back down!
You can't do this today, but I get your point in it's context. I got picked on a lot as I was frail, a wuss and into sci-fi and trains. I was crazy goofy-looking at the time, too. Looking back, I get why it happened in that context, which allowed me to get rid of that 'baggage'. In high school, one day I'd had enough. I introduced a bully to a concrete block. Several times. This was in an era where the police didn't come looking for you and the parents accepted that 'boy will be boys'. I then made it clear when he came back for more that if he did it again, he'd get MUCH worse. And I meant it. I later heard someone tell someone that they shouldn't try to mess with me as I might kill someone someday. But you can't do this today without being taken downtown in cuffs. I feel horrible for kids today who have the internet and no way to take on these jerks like we could if we manned up.
I like your strategies 😝😂 but good job, though I don’t think I’ll take ur route
When I was i school i was made fun of for my love of rail fanning & modeling. Now I took my love of trains and made it into a successful career with Norfolk Southern
That's the way it is for me minus being out of school.
That's my goal in life my friend
I want to share this with you and your viewers, I was a Bully when I was a Teenage to one particular boy. I would make his life a living hell when ever he came into the school yard. One day he was playing stickball and he had a stick ball bat that he bought I ripped it out of his hands and busted it up, sent home crying. I am proud of this, not at all. Years later I found him on Face Book and sought him out, he would not communicate with me or even acknowledge me, I had to get a mutual friend to set up a meeting. Finally we met and after 30 years I apologized and took ownership for my behavior, not only to him ,but to his parents as well.
Words can hurt, but they also heal I also bought him a a green stick ball bat to replace the one that I destroyed, later after our meeting we went to the school yard and play a game of pitching in, it's a Brooklyn thing.
What James says here is true, it's affect can be harmful.even life threatening. I was coward,I was scared, I had my own family issue and what I did was wrong. if you are bully do not wait 30years, because you may not get that chance, Stop now and make amends, make a difference.
very cool dude!! most bullys from back in the day are not man enough to do what u did. rock on bro!!!!!!!!
South Brooklyn RR WOW someones man enough to confess this AWESOME DUDE
Thank you for making things right.....your an awesome dude!!!!
Good story. Really nice of you not to be a coward and just apologize.
Thanks James, I hear you loud and clear. I was 98 lbs in school and 5'4". Liked and drove a Rambler and built plastic models. I even worked for AMC at one point so as you see , I have experience.
It is pretty sad but I made it with some great friends and today I could care less.
Love yourself and Love what you do. Fun is good, Sad is bad.
Mike
I'm often made fun of because I like trains and I'm even afraid to wear my bnsf tee shirt. Thanks James for shining the light on a very real problem.
AnotherFormOf CONVOY they shouldn’t. But they do. I used to get bullied for it, then I went to another school and kept it secret
BNSF-3001 wear that bnsf shirt I have a New York City subway t shirt with the map on it and I wear it all the time it’s a great conversation starter people made fun of my shirt but were the same ones asking questions about my shirt and I tell them where all the subway lines go what routes go where that’s just how people are they want everybody to play video games and do what everyone else do I’m different and always have been wear that bnsf shirt and say fuck everybody that’s your shirt and you shouldn’t be scared to wear it !!
Wear that shirt with pride man!!!
James thanks for posting. As a Judge I can truly appreciate your thoughts.
I am huge fan of your videos. I must say that this video should be given an Oscar. Do you realize that you may potentially save lives with this video? Please keep up the good work. I love the layout with the ufo.
I don't work with HO gauge.
I work with American Flyer S gauge but I do appreciate the realism HO has to offer. Thanks again
Outstanding ! This from a
retired disabled Vet. 71 years of age.
Thank you for your service to our Country.
People say I'm werid because I like trains..... I only say, "Well, you throw money on clothes and shoes"?
Historymaker2001 yea it just trains and I'm about to be in 7th grade and I still love trains
I'm 77 and have loved trains all my life.
Larry Convoy people call me retarded because i like trains
Larry Convoy kids in my school call me annoying for talking about trains which i do allot but i don't call them annoying for talking about video games and superheros all the time im the only one in my school that rely loves trains but that's no need to be picked on and bullied people pick on every year and every day because i love model trains and real life trains i have ben studied trains since i was 4 years old and i have ben picked on from then to now and im 11 i pray that this stops and i hope that everyone that has viewed this comment doesn't get bullied for liking trains or doesn't get bullied period every on that his viewed my comment have a nice day take care happy model railroading
Historymaker2001 thanks
Hi James and trains lovers. It happens all over the world, here in my country Colombia is not a popular hobby and people some times think ThiS are toys and don't understand the real filosophy, but to be honest I don't care because I love this hobby and I think you have to do what makes you happy , obviusly without hurt anybody. Bullying have to be stopped everywhere, is affecting specially our childrens and teens causing damage to the personality. I like your channel, keep the good work and sorry for my bad english. Cheers from Colombia
Awesome, Bro! Thanks for stepping out of the box and providing this to everyone. My three best friends (the only ones I had) and I started the model railroad club at our high school. It became very popular, very fast. We were one of the biggest clubs on campus. I, myself, was "No. 1 on the C List" in popularity. Military bread. Never drank. Never did drugs. A good looking nerd, I suppose. I never cared nor took the time to find out. Anytime any of our club members were harassed for being an "MR", I took him or her with me to talk to the offender. That was the end of the harassment. At 33, and after my first 10 years in law enforcement, I became a police officer. I saw that humanity needed help. I was a "goody two-shoes" and "Sheriff Andy Taylor" to my colleagues. Personally, I took it as a compliment. As it turned out, I realized that those that had been bullied, or were bullies themselves in their youth, became police officers, or sought similar careers. I could only take it for 7 years and eventually returned to parks. I'm now medically retired and glad to be rid of those jerks, even in parks. Bullies and the bullied seem to just come together in a strange "good old boy" type of club of their own. I was curious to see what you had to say here, and what others had to reply with. We're a pretty strong group! Dorks? You bet! And darn proud of it!
I'm actually really glad you made this video. I've been bullied multiple times over liking trains. I'm happy there are people like you out there who understand and it gives me confidence when it comes to talking about trains and modeling.
James, you are truly a nice person, and thank you for making this very impressive video. At my local hobby shop they actually throw people out--paying customers--if they start criticizing anyone else. That shuts things down in a hurry, and is pretty impressive for a small business to do.
This is by far the best video you have ever made! I've learned one thing about high school, drama doesn't matter. I don't care what people think about me. I claim to be the only football player in the conference that's also a rail fan. I get crap for rail fanning and model railroading, but it's my hobby and they can deal with it. Again, this was an excellent video! Keep up the great work on our channel!
you are awesome bud, keep it up. thanks to you I am getting back to model railroading after 30 years at the age of 44! You have helped immensely.
You're well known on TH-cam among model railroaders and I thank you for bringing this issue to light. It's a shame today's society can't let people be who they wanna be and like what they wanna like.
I hid my train passion from most people until I got into High School. Kids would pick on me because "It was kid-ish" to play with trains. I would say I like railroads or model trains and people always assume Thomas the Tank engine. Once I found TH-cam I found out there were a ton more people into the hobby besides myself and I stopped caring what others thought about my hobby. I then started to share it on TH-cam and from there I've made so many friends in the hobby, that and just getting out there. I hate when people pick on people for their hobby, or when people inside the community pick on others inside the group. Since really going into the hobby, I've discovered there is more bullies inside the hobby then outside of it. I have stopped really going onto other groups besides TH-cam because the bullying to others as got so bad inside the community. Where I work in a newspaper, it's amazing the stuff we find when searching people up on Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites. Watch what you post and how you treat others like you said James, because it can come back to bite you. But to sum it up, don't let others hate on you because of your hobby, you have a community here on TH-cam who will embrace you and if you really need someone to talk to, there are a ton of use like James and myself who are more than willing to talk to you.
I was just kinda open. I'm a bit of a curiosity but hey, at least there is 1 other. Joining a club really helped
Hey, don’t diss thomas. They can call me swear words all they want, but when thomas gets dissed we having trouble
I have a few similar experiences with the Thomas thing but other than that sometimes I wasn’t scared to show off what I liked
I'm a new Jr. high student and am always teased and insulted for my passion. Your Right. They don't get the hobby and it's really funny, here I am studying to become a loco. prototype designer for G.E. or EMD, when they are worrying how many likes they likes they have on Facebook. thanks for the uplifting message.
That happened to me but I just ignore it
Same
I just don't tell my friends. They haven't found out yet and with a bit of luck they won't at all. The few people that do know really don't care and don't bully me about it.
One of the best videos I have see by any railfan. I was bullied a shit load when i was younger for loving trains a lot james. It was hard but I never had suicidal thoughts. Great video, glad to see someone standing up agains these bullies.
You hit a home run with this op-ed. I'm in my 60's now and have been in the hobby my entire life. I have seen bullying in the various online groups big time and have found that the older I get, the less likely I am to put up with BS, so I leave. It's nothing new. When I was younger, some of the hobbyists really treated me bad. There are some real jerks in both the hobby and railfan circles.
James this is why I love you man! Like last time I'm going to make a video response and talk about this issue.
no problem and thanks!
+jlwii2000 When I was a young man I went to collage to be a fireman, The other kids where already voulenteer firefighters. I was very excited and tried to join the in group at first they where all nice and great. then thinggs started to happen I would get out of class find trash thrown in my car window or my car had been peed on or they would all out smoking I would get out my smoke and walk up to socialse they would all put theirs out and go away. We had a discussion on cancer in medic class and I said any tissue that is irreated over a period of time can turn into cancer. A kid who was in class says or just pissed off and makes a dirty look at me. Another time I bumped into a kid he turns around and is like I will knock you out if you touch me again. A week or 2 later I go to join my local voulenteer fire dept. they deny me, I thought ok it;s a mistake im a EMT and trained so I apply again so the firedept cheif calls me hey Ill put you on come up tommarw at noon, but I aint gonna listen to your mouth. you smart off ima tell you to shut up and ur the fuck off the fire dept. I was shocked im very timmed and quiet so i go and not a soul is there. I then find out they hired 4 preppy kids from my highschool class. I was devestaed I had to drop out of firecollage and was turned into a complete outcast. Would this be a form of bullying?
+jlwii2000 hi my name is seth, I am one of your subscribers, I am in grade 6 and I get bullied in school because I like trains
Seth Greer I guess you just gotta specify what kind of train you like. =) they choo choo or the pound pound kind
+The new flyer fan 101 well those bullies are douchebags
Well said, my friend.... I was the victim of bullying when I attended High School all those years ago... It got so bad, that I ended up dropping out school at the age of 16. Thankfully, I realised I needed to continue with some type of further education, so I became a bookworm at my local library. All is good for me these days.
As to why people bully, well I guess it's for a variety of inept reasons.... be it a plesurable pastime for them or done as some type of peer group entertainment etc...what ever the reason, it has no merit what so ever. Every time I hear cases of it now, my blood boils...
---------
Today, I am a 65 yo avid Model train operator and I love it...
Yes, I get the, "Aren't you a bit old to be playing with trains?", comment, every now and then. My answer to that is... "I hope I never get that old!"
Recently, a friend of mine on Facebook stated "I wish I was still a kid, so I could have model trains again"... my answer to him was... "The kid you once were, is still inside you.... sometimes you have to forget your age and let him out to play every now and then"
Love your videos... keep them coming - Cheers
"We're all dorks"
Couldn't have put it better myself
Im glad you letting this out---I dont like bullying and i was bullied when i was young. The kids that bullied me back then? Theyre dead or homeless or lame poor now, and some are alcoholics and pure drug addicts. At least, my addiction to trains is pure.
BNforever2009 • I can relate. In junior high/high school, many of the cutest cheerleaders were popular and snobbish with zero personality. (Not all of them! Some were very kind and sweet to me.) They looked down on regular girls like me. Years later, just about all of them got really fat, married 3 or 4 times, or became alcoholic ne'er-do-wells while I was a hair model for Jhirmack. Just saying!
hey James, i'm seventeen y/o n-scale, UP/SP modeler and as a kid in elementary and middle school i was questioned and harassed for liking trains. They would make fun of me and laugh at me just for my hobby. In middle school it got a little better, the "social classes" separated out and i was left alone. High school has been the best. i started playing in the marching band and found other "weird" people who accepted me. It was the greatest thing. I found some of me teachers are in the trains and some have talked to me about getting started with n scale. And you are right, those kids who are cool, they are the people who are drinking and so on. The people i see everyday getting taken out of school in handcuffs because they had drugs at school. That is when i noticed that i was better set than the rest of them. After i joined the Heartland N-trak Club and having a group of guys to talk to life has become nice. And i can say that i have never use nor will i sue drugs or or alcohol. i found its pointless. (i can buy more trains with the money and they will last me longer than a buzz with). if you have read this all thank you and thank you for understanding and bringing this forward because its real. this really happens and i try to stop it when ever i can. (i keep and eye on some of the freshmen, just make sure they are ok)
Thanks,
Shane
Hi Shane, it's cool you posted this. Could help others hearing from someone who's currently "in the trenches" and showing that things aren't always as bad as they may seem. But you're right, finding people to talk to, even the "weird" ones are better than keeping it all bottled up and eating away at you. Truth be known, a lot of times, it is the weird ones who are in fact the cool ones. I should know, I was one of the weird ones. :D
Anyway, how's it been going at the club? I need to make it out there again one of these days.
I remember being bullied in primary school due to my obsession with trains :/
Well said, James..well said! Thanks for taking the time to talk about this.
Deryk
IM T the Little Guy on the left. In the 7th grade I was 6FT 177 ILB. Buy the 9th grade I was 6"1 190 AND COULD DUNK
A volleyball. My Entire life I was never a bully. I ended up 6'2 220 IN High School. Played QB. In Football.
Played Baseball at OSU Full Ride. I now ride a Harley and play with Trains. Retired and growing my hair Long.
I kicked the shat out bully's . i always have and to the day I die. Bully's are Men that are want a Bs and have no self
desires. Or wants. Great video.
Great points in this video! And love all the rest of your vids. I'm just starting the N Scale hobby again (after 30yrs) and have learned a lot from your videos. Thanks for sharing all your time & knowledge. Much appreciated!
I've enjoyed watching many of your videos, and you're a class act for putting this one out. Thank you.
Great video James, I'm actually in my freshman year right now but I've never legitimately been bullied before. I'm in the place between popular, and non-popular, and that's a good place to be. People have joked about me and trains before, but it was NEVER serious. Having a lot of TRUE friends also helps. Thanks for posting.
James, I see what your talking about. I see it ALL THE TIME. Good job standing up and speaking up for us.
Awesome James! This is so true! As a high school student, I understand what you are saying so much! Thanks!
Thank you for making this video. I stumbled across this video when I was going through your videos looking for ideas on designing a model railroad layout. I'll be sharing this on my FB page.
Bless you Sir! This is a work of peace and the highest of good. Thank you!
Hi. My name's Dave, and I'm a DORK!!! I'm a railfan, modeler, and a Trekkie. I'm also a veteran of the Canadian Forces, Military Police Branch. Bravo Zulu, James, well said brother.
One bully doesn't like this video.
Good message, and the same with me, I have a lot of subscribers in their teens and some even younger, and the ones who I've really gotten to know, also know I will always have their backs. I don't tolerate bullying of anyone, no matter how old they are. I've had some say even within the modeling/rail fanning community, they get harassed which just blows my mind. Just last month, I had to tell off some fool in the hobby who would do nothing but bitch, moan, and complain on videos I'd post, even griping about crap I have zero control over. After I publicly spoke my mind, haven't heard a peep from him since.
Bullies are small minded cowards. Stand up to them.
Thanks for posting this.
I keep the hobby on the down-low at school, not many people know about it. I do it because people are going to think it's weird. Like you said, they don't understand.
As for the bullying going on in the rail-fan community, it's pathetic. We are brothers and sisters, so treat each other like it. We can connect in a way that others cannot.
Keeping it "Down low" was my strategy too. Around age 12 or older, trains seem "uncool' and "immature" by other same aged peers. Not only do others outside the hobby just not understand the hobby. Problem is, its just seen was uncool. This is something the hobby itself can tackle to try to make it look cool and maybe appear as cool with all age groups. Terms like "Train Sets" and "Toy Trains/; and Thomas the tank being targeted at really small children really hurt the teenage demographic in this hobby--that is why in my opinion many teens who are in the hobby are almost embarrassed with it.
Why is it that the world we live in we have to hide modelrailroading from our "friends" in order to be normal ...
I'm 8
You are so true, that is what I do at school just to stay with the normal kids.
IDK i told someone at lunch the other day at school and someone said ''thats a waste of money why buy it'' AS THEY WASTE HOURS PLAYING FORTNITE ON THERE STUPID PC'S
TGSGAMER360 or buying expensive ass Jordan’s that lose value when they leave the store remember model trains can be bought and sold and traded also they gain value over time those that hate on us hobbist have no clue of or on the hobby itself
you are a truly decent man
Well done for speaking so bravely. Sadly, in the U.K. bullying still happens to people of all ages and in all walks of life. I hope that eventually it will be stamped out, but I doubt it as it is seen even in our parliament. You only have to watch yesterdays Prime Ministers Question Time to see verbal bullying! I find model trains to be a creative way of relaxing and help me forget about bullying events in the past.
Thank you for all your videos. James T.
U.K. Is famous for it's bullying.
I did not know whether to give a thumbs up or down on this issue up would mean im for it which I AM NOT and down means I am NOT FOR IT . but all I can say about it is I spent 43yrs. as an engineer on the CSX RAILROAD as a road engineer and my railfans made my day ,I absolutely loved them . If I was stopped somewhere and a railfan was there I would invite him up and even let him sit in my seat as I explain all the controls and let him take all the pictures he wanted of the cab I would even take his camera and take his picture in my seat . I hope the railfans would get along so they could get back to what is important to all of us and that is TRAINS !!!
You are a good man Sir. I mean that. I have enjoyed your reviews and your videos on building your various layouts. It is good to see what some would view as an intimidating man taking this issue in had. I've found that often the bullies are insecure people who build themselves up by putting others down. Sad. Keep up the good work, and thanks for your willingness to take your time to make these vids for us. God Bless!
Just stumbled on this vid. I'm 45 years old. I'm a model railroader, railfan, I play D&D every week, I play tabletop wargames, I 'm also a sports fan, play hockey and football I work out. I have never been in "a group" I was friends with everyone. If you don't play something or share a hobby ask someone to tell about their experiences in different hobbies. People are awesome, hobbies are awesome and who knows you may just find out you really like playing d&d or model railroading.
tbh idc about being popular i just want to get my work done with no trouble and have friends who are kind and supportive
Absolute truth in this video. Coming from being bullied when I was in school. I 100% relate to this message. Thank you for speaking truth.
On a positive note, I have to give the Railfan and Railroading community allot of credit also. I have been lifting weights most of my life and have noticed that about all of the bodybuilding, powerlifting and fitness forums are just full of so called trolls and extremely immature people who seem to take delight in belittling the people who post You Tube videos. I have been to many train shows and love to hang out in the stores to converse with people who love all things trains. I must say I have meet some of the kindest people in the rail world compared to my original work weight training. So overall I find this hobby really fills my soul with happiness. I agree with jlwii2000 bullying is ridiculous but at least its not as bad as my other interest.
When you get older, you really do realize that high school is just a blip in time, college and work are far more lasting experiences, all my friends (and the jerks) from high school *quickly* dispersed after graduation, but I am still friends with people I met in college, and that was 20+ years ago, so don't get freaked out by the jerks you may have in high school, they will go away eventually. So I do understand where this video is coming from.
I consider myself lucky I have not encountered any really mean or angry persons in my hobbies, but then its something I didn't really advertise it growing up. Today I have a really funky whimsical G scale micro-layout I like to take to shows and every show so far has been alot of fun and almost everyone has liked it. I have to say all the people I have meet at shows, vendors and visitors, have all been great. That's including a National Narrow Gauge Convention, a crowd long notorious for being extra scale happy and poo pooing anything that isn't exactly prototype perfect, yet I had a great time at the convention. So I think there is alot more positive than negative going on inside the hobby.
That's true, and high school is part of life and growing up And stand up to the bullies as well, When I was super senor in high school, and please don't ask why, my friend who was a freshman was being bullied and he came to me. so I stood up to his bully and I told him that "if you ever bully my friend again", you'll be in trouble. So he stopped.
Lookin better and better, Thank you James , Bullying has no place in our lives and only cowards put others down for their passion or hobbies . No they don't understand and won't get it . I'm glad you are doing what you are doing ; keep it up you have my support 1000 % You say you are new to this hobby. But it's been in your heart forever...... chasryloco
thank you for your words and your inspiration for young kids This is a very serious issue here in Australia as it is all over the world.
well said cheers
I am involved with teaching people to recognize when a relative or friend may be contemplating self harm and showing the students how to have the potential victim seek help. I wish to share your video with them because it is so positive in such an important subject.
As a senior in my high school we have to write a sort of disertation on a topic we choose. Bullying was a topic I chose. This was a nice thing to hear that a Model railroader. Its about time modelers took social positions rather than constantly arguing about whether MTH has better trains that Lionel.
This was a very heartwarming video. Even though I don’t get bullied. If I ever do, I now know there’s people that are like me, care about me and will understand my pain
Its so sad that people are so mean. I am 66 years old. I have loved trains and railroads since I was a wee tyke. Hell, it even led me to a career in railroading. I know there are many folks out there with various levels of abilities and skills. Enough said! I would only say, to any railfan, be respectful, be calm, do not, I repeat, do not think that you are smarter then a railroad employee. Nothing can start a tussle more than a civilian, trying to tell a railroader, what or how to do something.I was in the industry for over 36 years. Retired and enjoying life. I still railfan, probably more than I should. But, I still enjoy watching as technology changes and the industry remains a fascinating thing to watch and photograph. If someone has a problem with that, then get a life.Here's a couple of more names of people you wouldn't think enjoyed Trains:Frank Sinatra - Massive Lionel Freak. Just think of calling him out! Hah, enjoy your dinner with the fishes.Sam Posey - Former Race Car Driver - suffering from Parkinson's Disease - Fabulous Model Railroader.Hardly people you would bully!
Them: "You play with choo-choo trains?"
Me: "They're scale models that cost more than you might think. What do you spend your money on?"
Them: devices and cloes that are going to be outdated in a year or sooner, and isn't a real 3d object...
Me: Lol nice one!
This is probably my favorite video you have ever made just because someone finally stepped up and said it. I haven't been bullied by railfans but I've seen other bullied by them and it isn't right. Even as a young railfan I try to help the community out as much as I can and it makes me feel sick when I see or hear bullying going on. Thanks for the awesome video and I'll make sure to repost this.
Great video! Thanks for posting this and telling the repercussions that soon will be law for those who hide their jealousy and need to feel good about themselves for putting down others. I hope this vid spreads like wildfire.
Awesome video James, thanks for taking the time to make and post this video. You have a lot of young viewers out there that look up to you and if you can just save (1) young person from taking their life for being bullied then this was worth the effort. Thanks and God Bless You!
Good job on the video I remember being bullied in school. Here in florida there is a push to give bullies jail time and if they are a minor then the parents can be sent to jail also plus alow for civil suits thank for the video
Very Well Said, Thanks for Sharing, Steve
This is a real real issue. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, I agree with your views and insight. Thanks for sharing.
I was just kicked off a Facebook page called Railroad Photography, for standing up to a bully. I didn't swear, I didn't start an argument, and yet I'm not on the page anymore, but the guys who we're bullying me and another guy, still are.
Thank you James for bringing to light this serious subject. I did not realize it was a problem in the railfan and model railroad community.As a teen I was bullied quite often. Fortunately I never succeeded in taking my life and have lived past the bullying. Thank you for speaking out.
Thanks James! Next time I see you, lunch is on me.
Thanks James. I know in model railroading there are all different flavors, interests and skill levels. What fits one may not fit another, but we all share the common joy of the hobby, and it should always remain fun. Some of my most gratifying experiences were early on figuring out how to accomplish or make simple things work which I would consider rudimentary now. But everyone has a level and everyone should be encouraged no matter what, since that joy is what it is all about. When I was about 9 I had a old TYCO set, without help I couldn't figure out how to get that darn thing to work right. Years later I picked up some cheap, used and some broken DC stuff just to learn how it all worked. I was happy just to clean, repair or modify and to get relics to move and go around! Because I figured it out myself. I didn't care if it was accurate or detailed etc. Now I install DCC and electronics and have dropped some cash on some really nice, accurate and detailed microtrains stuff etc because I've made it to that point where I appreciate it. Shouldn't be a matter of showing off. But I never forget and always encourage those who are at other levels, especially new people to the hobby. You can see the glint in their eye that they are digging it, from a kid with Tomas to a 40 year old who buys their first brand new entry level Bachmann...and that's what it is all about. I thoroughly enjoyed all of your videos I've seen, even some early roll-by shots, because you never know where you might get the next great idea from. Thank you for the vids James.
All of your videos are great I have really enjoyed them ,but this sends a serious message that needs to be heard Thank you and keep up the good work.
Hi James, very well said. I spend 35 years as a High School shop teacher and the last five years the schools were taking action on this issue. Like teaching teachers how to handle and work with the bullies. and the student being bullied. The School District had excellent objectives for this problem in schools. It is working.
Cheers from Michigan
I was Bullied and I have done the Bulling. I call it passing the Bucket, but I stopped for what you just said. Thank You! Bullied for having a disability doesn't feel good, but I don't what that gave me the right pass the Bucket onto another.
DJ of DJsTrains brought this to my attention the other day during the TH-cam Modelers Live show. Great video, great message. Glad you took the time to do this and reach out to the community, esp. the youth out there. Even if it's only one person you reach, that's a world of difference. Very well done sir!
I was bullied for years on a railfan art website for being a girl. If you look around, you'll find alot of that too. Even the live steam club that I belong to has people in it that have bullied me in the past. It needs to be fixed.
Does it still happen now?
I was bullied in grade school, not so much in high school. By the time I reached 200 lbs, I was in my 30's and could bluff the worst bully out there. I like to use my logic to intimidate them now. Logic and big words, the weapon of the geeks.
Back in the late 70's (graduated in 1981) it wasn't called 'bullying'...not sure what it was called, but whatever it was, I got it a LOT...and not just verbal but physical as well. And, in front of teachers as well...they just laughed it off and went on. To this day, I deal with the thoughts and reminders of what those 'bullies' did way back then. However, I learned to just let it 'roll off my back' saying they aren't worth getting into trouble over...that mind-set back then, I believe, has helped me through the years and even today 'get through' all the bullying I've encountered...even right now by a guy at our church...yes, bullies are in every sect of the community...even churches! This was a great video and much needed...it's too bad, however, that it even needed to be done. Bullies in the rail-fan and model train world...what on earth is going on here?!?
I have to say, I use to get a lot of crap for liking trains, all the way through elementary school. Even in first grade!!! So I decided when I got to high school, I just wouldn't say anything. And I didn't. Until one day last year I had to do a presentation for speech class, answering the question "How?" for anything. I decided to do mine on "How Freight Trains Move America". And I have to say I was pretty scared. I didn't want to be bothered for the next three years about this. But I did it anyway. And believe it or not, most of my classmates respected it. I still try to keep it my hobby quiet, but if someone asks, I tell them. I guess the point I'm trying to make is: You can't let others control what you like because it isn't "cool". There's a point in time when you have to stand up for what you like, and not let anyone else change how you think.
James, you show and utilize knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Your viewers, young, middle-age and old will benefit from your wisdom. Thanks.
No one would ever bully anyone if they realized that the one being bullied will probably grow up to be the bully's boss.
I am lucky in the fact I am home schooled, but the fact of railroaders bullying railroaders really surprises me. I will say, I generally in a situation like this would go to a local model train convention or something and just forget about them. I am lucky enough to be able to go to the White Creek ride-on railroad, but I am always glad to see people there who are into it. My point is, get a outlet, and use it. If someone doesn't like you, go somewhere else, or ignore them.
Excellent video I am a 50 years railfan a modeler and proud of it. I have been bullying in the past, but in the end its up to yourself to handle led. I rather invest in this hobbys than waist my time or hard earn money on superficial things just to fit in. Thanks for your work and keep making more videos.
And there i also a thing called "trolling" Where we all miss with eachother.
I've been an above average athlete all my life in both football(soccer) and basketball, this has brought me a lot of trophies, medals and popularity. I'm now a graphic designer, artist/illustrator making decent dollars and of course I looooove model trains! I've been active in the hobby 8 years now and no thoughts of stopping. The remarks I get from most people, at first sight of my layout is, "you have too much time on your hands!" "how can anyone with a good job have time for this?" To be honest I am flattered by this, due entirely to the fact that that which seem to have taken a million years to do, to them, actually took a couple hours each evening. I would spend a hour our two listening to my fav music and using my God given talent to create my own little universe where I can loose myself in a constructive and totally harmless way. I don't reply to remarks like that or do I let it prevent me from sharing my labor of love with the people who do appreciate it. I use my layout to generate the awareness of the usefulness of Railroading. The younger folks know nothing about it trains and this is because the only industry here in Jamaica that relies on trains is the Bauxite industry. There are no commuter trains, oh yeah!... there is also the 'Rum Train', a tourist attraction on the island.
It really saddens me when I hear of adults, more so, bullying a model train enthusiast or anyone else for that matter. I'm not here to speak of another person short comings, no one's perfect but the ones who get fulfillment from bullyism they really need professional help. For those who are being bullied you need to know that the love of trains and model trains is quite ok, as long as you do so within your means. Be confident in what you stand for, if you don't believe in yourself how can anyone believe in you! In regards to cyber bullying, it's is possible to ignore desperate attention getters ya know and rap with people who share in your passion.
I do appreciate the fact that you took the time to address this topic jlwii2000! Much respect brother!
Happy railroading ladies and gentlemen!
I'm in my sophomore year of college now and I was bullied heavily in high school, I hid the fact that I liked trains for the longest time until things got better and people started realizing how much I knew on the subject. Just a message to anyone in high school, it gets better! I never had a friend group in high school and only had a few close friends. Once I got to college (I go to a community college and commute) I have a ton of friends, found a girlfriend, have been on the deans list twice with a 3.70GPA over 3 semesters and have embraced my model railroading hobby to the best of my financial abilities. I'm much happier now than I have been in years, my life has gotten so much better and it will for everyone. in college people don't care about who you are or what you do, they usually just like the fact that you're a nice person. Bottom line: IT WILL ALWAYS GET BETTER!!!!
One thing a lot of folks overlook is that bullying doesn't even have to be verbal. If someone is bullied once and they can pin point a trouble source and that particular person gives them dirty looks or a quick shove in the hallway, something small like that; that instills fear within a child, even adults in some aspects. Don't let intimidation bring you down. Thanks for the video, lots of great info!
Good vid!
I was a football player in high school, I was one of the popular kids at all the parties, AND I collect o gauge. Sure I got made fun of a little but when people actually saw what I built they were in shock. Never be ashamed of a hobby. You're creating something from nothing.
I'm a sophomore in high school, I could care less what people think of me. I just remember that the kids that tease others are the ones that are going no where in life, and I realize that my hobby is trains, not drugs and alcohol like those low life's. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't wrong for liking trains or planes or cars or anything, if you enjoy it that's all that matters, not what others think about it :)
James. Bullies are everywhere. The Workplace, Congress, Universities and lower schools as well. Bullies become Bullies as they were Bullied. As we get older we learn to love and care for ourselves. Life is not meant to be fair it is meant to be lived.
ive been around model trains all of my life and im in 9th grade now but when i was in 4th and 5th grade people would always say oh well you like thomas then and i was always like no i don't and i would tell them in detail of what model trains are and stuff like that and they would always take it back to thomas and make fun about it to me. but now no one talks about it to me badly and i know other railfans and one of my teachers likes trains so i always show him how im doing on my 8x12ft ho and lionel layout. i have over 42 engines in ho and 3 of them are dcc, a up 6900 dd40ax, up 4443 0-6-0 steam loco, and a bnsf emd sd40-2 and looking to get more.
I was bulled by kids all the time i tried to fit in but then i got into Model Railroading and it helped me through school and showed me that people are different in there own way. So i have been do it for about 30 years and one day i went to train show at my school gym and i one of my class mates came up to my table that was getting into model railroad and they thought it was cool that i was in Model Railroading .
Good job 100% correct I'm 61 I don't think kid's will ever change I pray they do
Could not have said it better. I am 100% on the same page as you are. Being involved with law at my age (in a good way) has showed me the consequences of bullying. Thank you for making this video!
James , I was bullied in jr and high school . No one in the schools would do anything about it . So I created cool by becoming a member of a rock band that played the hot music of the day . Then people wanted to be me and my fellow band members going so far as to dress like us . After school we the band got payed to party 6 nights a week and we were able to work with many recording artist . Randy
I remember I got beat up a lot. But I also learned to fight. I broke my left hand 3 times, 4 if you count the pins. etc.
I used to find a different way home so the bullies couldn't catch up to me. They caught up to me one time, I beat one of them senseless, his buddies pulled us apart and I got away again, when the home owner who's property we were on showed up... When I got home I found out that my had was broken from fighting with the fellow I beat up, I know it's a long story.... Anyway my mom was so mad that she called the cops, they rounded up all the fellows who were party of the gang and had them brought up on charges... That was the end of the "gang", the parents found out and it was much easier back then to end things.....
I was Bullied in Florida in Elementary School and Middle School. I forgive those who bullied me. I'm happy that I moved to Georgia. A little bit bullied started again but I had the best Principle who was helping me. I had the best time of my life.
I got belittled and laughed at just last year in the uk a group had a go at me for saying I like a certain model railway. I am 54 and in a wheel chair the railway was not correct to any era and I said I liked this as it was a true train set. The 50 - 60 year olds around who we're mocking the railway then turned on me calling me all the names under the sun. Bullies take all forms especially the fanboy snobs. They disliked this model because it did not conform to there idea of a railway. Sick but it happens. James good for you for taking a stand as I did that day.
good example of a parent good job God bless
this is so true, one of the topics we had to choose for in my English class at college was a controversial topic and bullying was on of them. And also when I was in high school, I was bullied too, freshman year . but for the rest of high school I wasn't bullied anymore, when I transferred to my home high school full time. So thank you for bringing this up. Bullying really needs to stop.
being a dork is also being creative! if you model, rail fan, play D&D etc..your using some type of creative thinking. your excercising your mind and creating worlds that others can enjoy. it just amazes me that some people find they need to make fun of people who use games and modeling as an escape from reality for a bit to enjoy life alittle more specially after a stressful work week. to make fun of someone for doing something they love is just ridiculous! I have many hobbies and eventhough theres always a fear that someone will make jokes of what I do im proud of what I do and try to share my hobbies and always welcome and try to show why I love doing what I do to help them to understand why I do what I do. we are all kids at heart its just some people forget that. the real world can be tough but don't let people get you down because no matter what you do as a hobby, its your hobby and be proud of what you do!
Hi James very good video I hope people listen to what you are trying to say and this I am very sure you sure did a great job with this by putting the hole Bullying act out there, there is nothing worse then this bullying of other people!!! We have too let every one know I for one will pass this around!!! Thank You
Great Job! I work at a MEPS in NY and visit nearly 300 schools a year to assist high school students in their career choices. I always ask if they have a hobby and inform them about my model railroad hobby. They laugh at first which is a normal response, but once I tell them what skills you need and how potentially expense it can become, they begin to listen and ask questions. Its a great start to encourage our young to seek a hobby; whether its trains or playing sports.
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Cesar
It gets especially bad when you get to the clubs and stuff. I'm mainly a G-scale guy but I've dabbled in HO-scale. I was in the process of building a little switching layout with the intent to expand it into a larger modular layout and found out that there was a club in Hendersonville, NC. I went down there to ask about joining and was basically told to fuck off. Why? Because I was "too young". It didn't matter that I was working on my own layout and had experience, they didn't want me because as far as they were concerned anyone under 40 is going to be irresponsible with the equipment. It didn't help that I mentioned that I was using MRC equipment for my DCC system, they immediately told me to either get a Digitrax Super Chief or quit the hobby entirely. I actually got so disheartened that I ended up scrapping the layout and putting my HO-scale equipment in storage.
For what you'd think is a very relaxed hobby, the model railroading community is INCREDIBLY toxic.