Thank you Dawn, his was a wonderful video. I am a 74 year old male that has been in this hobby since the age of eight. It has been male dominated throughout most, maybe all of that time but why? I think it is wonderful to see the creativeness of women and girls making a noticeable impact finally. I would say to anyone, male or female at any age, "If any aspect of the hobby interests you then please don't be shy, get involved, you will be welcomed."
Love this! My dad has zero interest in model railways, it was really my mum who encouraged me childhood interest in the hobby and to get back into railway modelling in recent years - she has her own layout and really lovely collection of stock. She, in turn, got her interest in full-sized railways from my grandmother. When I went to Warley, it wasn't with my dad, but with my mum and sister. I'd love to see railway modelling be a less male-dominated hobby so this video is hugely encouraging. Just in case it helps anyone, I came back to railway modelling as a hopelessly impractical DIY disaster - you don't need to go into the hobby with the skills already honed; railway modelling is an amazing way to learn skills you never thought you could, and find creative solutions to problems that might help you in other areas of your life outside of modelling. It really is a superhobby with so many facets and something for everyone, the more people who get to experience the joy it brings, the better. Thanks, Dawn, for making this video!
I love this... you're right. You don't have to be a perfect modeller, it's all about enjoyment. That's what hobbies are ultimately, right? Something we do for fun - otherwise it's work. Good for your mum - she sounds brilliant.
I have found that the people within the hobby are as diverse as the hobby itself. Dare I say this that women tend to be more creative, the amount of exhibitions I have attended on both sides of the layout, the ladies tend to be more. Interested in the detail, the scenery, building, cameos etc. The men tend to want to see things running prototypical or not. I would hate to think of any animosity amongst modellers. All should be made welcome regardless. Great video by the way.
My 8 year old daughter likes dads trains and has even helped with some scenery in the past. Took her to a local show where there was a layout kids could run. Couldn't get her off it! Encouragement is all thats needed. This wonderful hobby of ours can teach you so much. Art, woodwork, electronics, maths, geometry, history... ...the, list is probably endless. And all learnt while having lots of fun. - whats not to like?
As a guy in the USA, I love to see that there is so much interest by women in model railways. In the US, it and the classic car hobby always seemed the exclusive realm of men. Myself, I enjoy the company of women, and happy to share a common interest. I find it impressive that so many women are interested in model railroads in the UK, whereas in the US, I have seen few if any women involved in such activities. Thank you, Dawn!
Great video. This old 70 year old bloke is happy to see more women enter this hobby. Remember the following: 1, Rule 1 its your model railway run it and design it the way you want. 2, The only stupid question is the one that is never asked and 3, Learning never stops! All these apply to men & women alike. Bill from California
@@modelrailwayquest My wife & I are native Californians and live about 90 miles east of San Francisco in the northern San Joaquin Valley. Weather is fine with temps 70F or 21.1C partly cloudy. We had a very wet Jan, Feb and early March. Should mostly be sunny and dry for awhile. All ready our gardens are blooming with trees and plants. We call our place, Orchard Cottage. Bill & Janet.
love the idea of more women in the hobby. As said, women still have a large impact in our children's lives so good for both diversity and continued growth and interest in the hobby!
I love meeting women who are interested in Model Railroading. It's the ultimate craft hobby because it's so multifaceted. You have an outlet for any skill you have and may learn new skills along the way. In the video some of the women talked about learning about the hobby. When I started in 1971 I didn't know an EMD F7 from a 4-6-2. Men in the hobby weren't born with a train gene. Like any hobby or activity, you naturally learn as you go. Model railroading, railways to you in the UK. Can be time machines, you can create any time period or Magic land, But, just enjoy the ride above all.
Great video. As an owner of a Hobby shop I have seen a lot more women come into the store. Some are just helping their husbands with scenery, some getting ivolved with their kids and others just wanting to get into the hobby. I think it helps that when they come into the store a woman is running the shop and they feel a bit more comfortable. At first, guys were skeptical of a woman owning the shop but now after realizing the passion I have for the hobby they come in and chat all the time. When I hear that the hobby isn't as popular I have to laugh as I have seen so many new people enter the hobby young, old, men and women. Vegas has a great community of railroaders that are very supportive of each other. Thanks for an awesome video highlighting some of the very talented women in this hobby.
Hi! Lovely to see you here and meet another fellow lady modeller. I know several women who run model shops and clubs here in the UK and are doing a brilliant job! We'll come to Vegas one day and say Hi!
Well done, magic 😊 My 30 year old son has cerebral palsy and has joined in with my model railway hobby, however because of his limited physical ability I always take over! 😕 This is going to change! We had a RUclips channel but it was very boring, full of electronic stuff by me! He is starting his own RUclips channel building a model railway from the perspective of a disabled person and maybe this will add another dimension of richness to the hobby. Thanks for your inspirational video. 😊
Great topic, Dawn. It's heart-warming to see women becoming more visible in the hobby. I was sad to see at the beginning that there seemed to be some glass-ceiling effect similar to women in the workplace but the positive and encouraging end to the vid was great. The more the merrier!
The part where the lady said she always liked trains but grew up at a time where "girls didn't play with trains" hit home. My mom, God rest her soul, grew up at the same time, so she tried to get us kids interested. I'm the youngest, and it worked. I'm also the only male. My wife is also interested, so it's women who are responsible for my railroading. It's nice to see more and more women and girls getting involved.
Great video. These days I'd be surprised any chap would try to belittle any female who's into trains or modelling, be a pratt if they do. Any one can try anything and no one should be judging anyone. I'd love my family (wife, daughter and son) to be interested in my hobbies but none of them have any interest whatsoever in trains, motorbikes or guitars. Everyone's different, so we should welcome everyone into this hobby. All the best Paul 😊❤👍🖖
This is a great channel, I have been watching because I do model railway and other scale modeling, gaming, etc. and you just have quality fun content that is a bit exotic for me to be honest, being US based. You have had some interesting UK/Europe perspective .. that was what got me to stop in initially and then since I've enjoyed pretty much everything you've done!! I will also say that I happen to have 4.. yes .. 4 .. lovely daughters who I have long been trying to lure into enjoying beloved hobbies with me. Keep on keeping on. Diversity is the key to vibrancy and sustainability and it just makes everything better. Your content is very professional and enjoyable, please keep it up! Thank you!!
Hello Dawn - I Totally loved this feature and all that you have covered. As a male dominated hobby and this is only because the lack of enthusiasm from many females in the past, I have to say this has always been something we all have asked for over many years to share more and more of this amazing hobby diversely. It's so brilliant to hear and start seeing this increase of more talented ladies beginning enjoying of what we all love about model railways.. Keep up all you do and Thank you bringing the model railway hobby to life in the new world.. All the very best Garry
Well done, Dawn, for championing for women in railway modelling , let's get more involved. It's got to be good for the hobby it's no different to getting children (boys and girls) involved. I do like Rachel's Hops Choice layout, I can remember enjoying seeing it evolve as Rachel built it, and she does like to involve her children as well. Great video again... Cheers James 🙂👍
Diversity is a positive development. Women bring a different perspective to the hobby, often being able to see the "wood through the trees", when us men obsess over minute details, often females see the big picture and get us back on track. Clubs can be cliquey, but this should not be on the basis of gender. It's a breath of fresh air to visit my local model shop, Great Eastern Model Railways, where the ladies are just as knowledgeable and more helpful than many male model shop proprietors. And finally, you personally are blazing a trail for women via your high quality output.
Thank you so much for launching this new drive Dawn, it's long overdue. Newcomers to the hobby need not feel 'overwhelmed' that there's too much to take in as any new skill or interest takes time to get into. Anyone can learn new skills regardless of their background or gender. I belong to a 16mm live steam group in Merstham, Surrey and we welcome any new members. My best wishes to you and I hope that we meet someday, Dudley 😊 es 16mm ng modellers
I go to a train club that is currently all men, and you get mentioned quite alot suprisingly; as most our members watch youtube and at least 4-5 of them (including me) are subbed to you and really enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work Dawn you have taught me quite a few techniques so far and I know you will teach me more still.
Dawn, thanks so much for creating this channel because model railroading has done a horrible job of reaching out to females, and the younger generations also. Appreciate all your efforts...
Great video Dawn. My hobby is model railways and I also volunteer at a Heritage Railway. I’m delighted that even “real” railways are beginning to attract more and more ladies, we already have one female steam locomotive driver with another in training. I’ve found that females can come up with clever new ideas and better ways of doing things on a lot of occasions, leaving you thinking ‘why didn’t I think of that?” Long may our hobby prosper, and the more females the better.
Totally agree that women bring a different perspective to the hobby. As a retired wedding photographer my wife brought so much to the table, as a woman she saw things I didn’t see. We need more of you in the hobby, also check out iirc Vivienne Thompson from the Railway Modeller in the 1960s a superb modeller as good if not better than anything sale that the men were doing.
Thank you for this video and thank you for those who participated, the hobby would definitely benefit from more women getting more involved. No-one should dictate how and what you model, by all means offer help and advice but don't discourage. Also I like Michelle's idea of putting Star Wars figures that match the scale of the layout, it adds more interest and fun. I'd like to exhibit an N gauge layout with 1/144 Gundam models as they're close enough in scale.
I started when my husband wanted to put his old triang train set on a board (after being in storage for 40+ yrs. I have an engineering background and somehow this ended up my project. I soon realised the old steel rails would need to be replaced, once that was done I soon found that the flanges on old locos and rolling stock didn't work well on modern track. Long story short I ended up being the layout builder with no knowledge of the hobby. I don't try to model prototypical locations or situations, I freelance and I learn as I go. A Prototypical layout will be in the future. I have now delved into the world of DCC and use Roco Z21. I have hardwired DCC decoders into quite a few of our older locomotives. I have a fantastic local model railway shop and I receive all the support I could want. Dawn, thank you for your content
Great to meet you Kathleen - and inspired by your knowledge and experience. Please do consider joining my FB group - we'd love to have you join us there. facebook.com/groups/womenrailwaymodellers
I couldn’t find a helper to come with me when I took my layout to one show. Kathy, my wife offered to come,really enjoyed herself, and she is coming to 4 more shows this year. She has a good eye, and has helped me to improve my layout. She picks up things I hadn’t noticed.
Great to see a video on this subject. For me my partner, Carol, has really added something to 'my' hobby and she kindly presents with me at shows. She has designed the look of our silver outfits too for our sci-fi models. During the build she was good for me to bounce ideas off of. It is wonderful she shares this hobby with myself, and I am so glad she is being recognised herself now in this world. One other thing I'd say is that women tend to use the same materials to produce models in the Dolls House world, and there men are the rarity.
What a fantastic video!! You're absolutely right about the vastness of the untapped female market and the different perspective that it would bring. All of the ladies you've featured here are excellent role models, thank you for shining a light on them and I hope that exposure like this helps others follow their footsteps.
I harboured a secret desire for a train set ever since I was 6 or 7 when my brother got a little Tri-ang set. Many decades later while I was recovering from a heart attack in 2020, during the COVID lockdowns in Melbourne, I happened upon Oscar Paisley's RUclips channel and I was immediately entranced and transported back in time. This gave me something wonderful and I am now deep into the best hobby in the world with my own layout and ever expanding collection of Tri-ang. It's sad to say that it is still a bit of a secret passion and I don't tell many people because they think it's weird or incredibly boring. We know better, of course! Excellent video. 😊
We absolutely do know better PaulinesPastimes - you're right! If you're interested, would you like to join my FB for women railway modellers? Would love to have you in the group. facebook.com/groups/womenrailwaymodellers
@@modelrailwayquest It's lovely to be asked to join your group but I'm afraid I don't do social media. I did have a Facebook account but I closed it some time ago. I will certainly enjoy watching and catching up on your videos. 😊
Great video Dawn. Iv always loved trains and model railways. And since going to exhibitions with Laurie and the sci fi layouts, have found everyone to be so welcoming and interested in my participation in the hobby.
Hello Dawn, I have recently stumbled across your channel via Facebook and I am really enjoying your content 😀 We are so lucky to have, without a doubt, a fantastic hobby that absolutely everyone, male or female can enjoy. My young 12 year old daughter has been along with me for nearly 18 months working on our model railway RUclips channel, and although I wouldn't say she is "in-to trains", she does love getting creative. Our channel has been all about having fun with model railways and stepping outside of the box a little and Evie is loving being part of it. I would love to think that as she grows up she can take inspiration from you and other female modelers and continue in the hobby for many years to come. Many thanks for making this video, I am very sure Evie will watch it with me this week and be encouraged further to enjoy this hobby that we have discovered together. All the very best to you. Martin
When I attend a model railway exhibition with my layout I have found that women regardless of age have an excellent eye for detail asking "how did you do that etc including offering critical observations" Well Dawn, congratulations on being a champion for encouraging women, young and old to join this great hobby , as well as blowing the trumpet of those already leading the way. Yes they will and have bought a different set of dynamics with them but thats the breath of fresh air that will and does drive this hobby forward. So I salute you on this excellent video.
Fantastic video. Really refreshing to see these women having such a good time, even when talking to the grumpy looking old men (like me!) at train shows. Cool!😁
Learning something new every day, sharing with other people, and creating your own world are thoughts that resonate with me. My boyhood train set was modest but was my passion. Though mostly dormant till recently, that passion never went away. I was thrilled to see that passion in all the women in the video. After all, real railways are for everyone - women and girls as much as men and boys. So why not model railways too. Oh and by the way, like Zara, I’m bananas about banana wagons too!
Insightful and relevant - well done, Dawn. I'm old enough to recall patronising articles in Railway Modeller - A Word To The Ladies, for example, in the December 1957 issue... Later, in the 70s, Vivien Thompson did some good work in constructing a 00 gauge model of Eastbourne and other LBSCR buildings. The future's bright - the future's FEMALE!! - and I need to stop fretting about slightly unprototypical features that others actually don't care about...
This was a great video Dawn. Enjoyable to watch. It doesn't matter on age, race, sexuality or gender you are always welcome.... expect for trolls they can go away. It great to see women in the Rail Modelling hobby and it the same for the real railways as well.
I have been into trains and model railroads since I was a little kid, my mom used to work for Burlington Northern before the merger with Santa Fe. Right now I am slowly collecting and building up my collection of road power and rolling stock, but since I don't have the room to build a full layout I build dioramas to do photo shoots with my HO scale units... I also build display cases and do up scenery in them to display my locomotives.
It really is nice to see all people no matter your sex or colour or race getting involved. I have been exhibiting for many years, and my wife Sammie always gives me input and help on a layout and will also run the trains at shows, sometimes with very odd looks from some men. Keep up the good work, might see you at a show sometime
For me, my Dad taught me to take a Meccano piece to pieces and rebuild it, without diagram or instructions. All the girls we knew, were getting dressed up in party frocks by their mums unfortunately. [1950s] I Taught my Daughter every I knew, about trains and stuff. She is an Artist, and mum of 4.
I have a small-ish railway layout located on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. I would like to donate the railway with a couple of small locos and rolling stock to a busy mother or a girl who is interested. Please reply and let us see where it leads.
I'm so glad to see women in my age group finding the interest in the hobby as well! I hope here in Western Montana I can find some women who'd love to get involved here too!!!
The comment regarding building a miniature world of your own resonated with me. For whatever reason I have always been drawn to19th Century Britain, and dirty urban industries of steam, soot and coal dust, Perhaps its something to do with my ancestry, and love of engineering. I have just purchased a live steam engine (G gauge) so perhaps, in future, my garden will become the victim of my modest ambitions
My 14 year old daughter has taken over my childhood OO , i moved up to O gauge. I have been building 5 inch gauge live steam and my daughter got her first live steamer last year. I love it when the ladies , girls ger involved.
I went the other way. A man who got into fashion dolls as a form of modelling in 1:6 scale. The fashion doll world is dominated by women. I didn't stop liking trains, I still have my layout. It's great to see more women in model railways. I think we are lucky to be living in an era when it's become more acceptable to take up a hobby not associated with your gender. I agree that probably the best thing about model railways is that you are God to your little people. I will also add that as a hobby you are allowed to make whatever layout is in your brain and screw everybody else. Also, your layout can match your skill set and you can leave out or outsource the bits that are hard for you if you want to. I am fascinated by any kind of scale model of anything at any scale. The model railway layout is often the excuse to model something else that the trains go by, and the creativity on show is amazing.
I started railway modding in the 1960s, when there were was a barrier between men’s hobbies and women’s. Now, I’m 66, belong to a model railway club that has a contingent of new lady members who have learned to appreciate model railways from their sons.
What a great and, hopefully, empowering video. Well done! It was my Mum who got me interested in model railways when she took me to the Pendon Museum in Oxfordshire and then encouraged me to join the Abingdon Model Railway Club.
Another inspirational video Dawn👍 Think I’ll be repeating what someone else has already said. As a boy I wanted to be an engine driver. Not surprising as all my farther’s family come from Crewe! Having never worked on the railway myself, operating a model railway is almost the closest I’ll get. I did have a day firing and driving on the Mid Hants Railway and another on the Eastleigh Lakeside Railway. Can’t recommend it enough as it’s a great experience. To my mind, the more people enjoying the model railway hobby the better it is for all of us. We each in our own way bring different skills to the hobby, be it track laying, electronics, scenery, kit or scratch building and probably most importantly the decorative artwork. I also look at it this way, “it’s my railway and I’ll drive what I like”. Rivets are for holding things together, not for counting because you have nothing better to do with your time! So if you like what you’re doing, brilliant, carry on. There is no “just” doing the scenery. If it wasn’t for the scenery you’d end up with a piece of track on a bit of board, and how boring would that be? There again, if that’s what floats your boat, then so be it. We now live in a society of equal opportunities and there are some absolutely terrific layouts and models built by female modellers. The more that come into the hobby, the better it will become.
Well said Dawn. Thank you for another great video. I agree 100% that women bring a refreshing outlook to the hobby. My 3 year old grand daughter is showing an interest in my layout which I will encourage as she gets older and hopefully one day she will have one of her own, which she will design herself. As one of the girls on the video said, you can immerse yourself in your own little world when you have a railway layout.
Another great video Dawn. Modelling in all its forms is an art and can appeal to anyone and everyone, whatever level you engage with it. The only thing that puts people off is negative and condescending comments from those who believe they have some superior knowledge or understanding than the rest of us , a trait sadly well established in the arts for many years. A welcoming acceptance of other points of view and approach is the means to allow new people, especially women in to the hobby. I hope they succeed.
Well done in speaking about the hobby from our view, I myself have been at Ron Lines Model Railway shop since 2009 & a director for the last 10 years. I never set out to do this but my career path didnt work out. I grew up around my family, my best friend being my GWR loving Grandfather. I would spend hours in the loft with him building his layout with many out of scale dinosaurs roaming the fields alongside a Hall class. I came to Ron Lines as a favour for my grandads friend, doing the stock taking & he's never got rid of me since. It has had many hurdles & many innapropiate comments on why am I doing this? or I'm in a man's world. Thankfully I'm very stubborn & although it can be hurtful I've pushed through & made a nice little family within the railway community, whether that be in my store or on the exhibition circuit. The standards of railway modelling now are truly remarkable & no matter what gender you are it should never be met with walls & just embraced. I was always encouraged to be taught & have always been willing to give it ago, I've made many mistakes along the way but I've soon learnt to overcome them with the help of others knowledge.
Oh what a totally wonderful story! Keep it up, all you girls out there. Myself, a very "all thumbs" modeller, but so in love with all things trains, this video inspires me to encourage my granddaughter (only 1 year still) to help me out when she grows up. Thanks again, Dawn.
Geat video! I have to say during my 50 odd years in and out of the Hobby I have found a large obstical for women in the hobby are the reaction of other women. But with any luck more videos like this we can interest more women and children, I have found over the years that I felt a negative influance from other more experianced modelers..........."oh you should not run this with that" or "is that a GWR signal box in an LNER station" This sort of negativity affects all new modelers let alone women. Keep up the good work!
Great video Dawn. Inspirational for women railway enthusiasts as well as men. I get comments about "playing with trains..." so I can imagine some of the comments that women railway modellers will get. If it makes you happy, do it - it's your hobby and your model railway! Cheers, Ross
Good video ! It is most refreshing to see more women coming into the hobby.We have women aircraft pilots, train drivers and HGV drivers so why not model railway modellers ? In my experience from visiting model railway shops and shows I have found they are just as well informed as men. I visit my local model railway shop whenever possible especially to buy smaller items I need and the lady who runs it is very helpful and knows most things ! Also, I believe women tend to be creative when it comes to designing and building. By the way I am a 76 year old male, many years in the hobby now- 70 plus years.
I agree that model railways shouldn’t be a male dominated hobby. It was refreshing to listen to the women in your video and how they are keeping this hobby alive. Keep up finding this pioneering women Dawn x
Thank you for an excellent program, Dawn When I started my kit manufacturing business, I specifically had female model railroaders in mind. I have sold a number of my kits to ladies at our train expos.
Thank you, Dawn Found your website by accident I think what you are doing is great I am member of club here in Australia and there is only one female member who does not model but she is there to support her 2 sons who are very interested in model trains (they do not meet the age requirements required by our Club) the members do look after boys with help etc. John ( Down under)
Thanks John - fantastic to hear from you. I'm really keen to hear how the hobby in Australia/New Zealand differs to here in the UK. Great to hear there's a female member of your club - hopefully more to come? :-)
A fascinating video, Dawn, and a great encouragement to all female would-be modellers. Women are possibly more likely than men to allow creativity and free expression to shape what they build and less likely to fear censure from the ‘prototypical’ police! Your whole series is inspirational. Chris Moss
Hi Dawn. Thank you. I love the fact that women are now proving that they can embrace this fascinating hobby and disproving the notion that it’s only for ‘blokes’ like me! Your contributors to that video were so well chosen: articulate, passionate and totally persuasive. Your own ‘Brief Encounter’ layout shows just what can be achieved when the imagination is allowed to float free! Kindest regards. Chris
Brilliant Video, we actually saw you at the Shooters Hill, Shrewsbury House exhbit before Christmas 2023/ I'm sure it was you there, as we saw the Black and white Layout. Brilliant.
@@modelrailwayquest Great, will probably go to the woolwich one again. I have to say though one thing watching your video, as a bloke growing up though, some of us have also been through the whole" you must be a nerd" thing as well, and "you must have an anorak" ect, ect. Now though, I show friends of stuff I do,including women and they are like "Wow" one of my friends, she is getting into all of this now with her son, so glad to help them out as well. It's also good that cool people like Rod Stewart, Jools Holland, Pete Waterman ect are all into this. When I first got back into this, and went to my first model show, at Thamesmead, I couldnt believe how many people were interested.It was packed! I thought it was a dead hobby, gladly I was wrong! I do hope after watching your Video, more Girls/Women do take this up.
Dawn this is great after a return to exhibiting after a 5 year break I have noticed the interest from ladies which is refreshing, I am fortunate enough to have Great Eastern Models as one of my local model shops it is run by Anne and Helen who are sisters and it is a very nice shop to visit so you are preaching to the converted here keep up the good work love your videos Nick
In about 2011 my brother gave me some magazines & I was amazed by all the intricate details that were now available even in N gauge & made a mdf baseboard just to run on the top of my chest of drawers, then I realised i could used some spare space (in my one room flat!)beside my sofa & run trains further still behind my books on my bookcase too... this gradually into my N gauge layout. Later i got curious about DCC trains in OO gauge & when I moved to a house I had one long wall where I had nearly18 feet long!! .... An end to end DCC project began in OO both to incorporate my interest in London street scenes &the trains I used to commute to London in 80's. So now I have two differnet projects which my interest is probably mostly the streets & buildings & infrastructure, period posters, signs, & making little cameos with nods to my Gothic 80s in London, TV series, The Sweeney, The Proffessionals & inspector Morse's Maroon Jaguar are probably hiding somewhere in there with a few black cabs & red busses! Want to incorporate moving traffic & real streets sounds (some already recorded years ago when i knew of the redevelopment of London Bridge station - whcih broke my heart the loss of those dark tunnels of Weston street & Stainer street & the Loss of the Flat Iron building & also the original London Dungeon... They have gone sadly but dreams of a miniture Tooley street are in the planning & scourcing stage. Thanks for your channel it wonderful to see other women in the hobby. Not feeling quite so alone. :))
Hi Alycia - your layouts sound brilliant. If you're interested - please do come and join my FB group for women in railway modelling. It would be great to see you there. facebook.com/groups/womenrailwaymodellers
Well there are few well known female modellers. Earliest I have heard of was Geoffrey Keens wife who had her own O gauge railway separate to her husbands dating from the 20's or 30's. Doris Stokes worked alongside her husband. Vivian Thompson who wrote articles and books for Railway Modeller in the 70's. Shirley Rowe and Maggie Gravett who modelled right alongside their husbands. There was a model railway edition some years ago featuring all female modellers, including a very young Jenny Kirk who has her own RUclips channel. Here in Oz I know of three in my state (NSW) and one in Victoria all very accomplished commercial model builders. There is one girl in a nearby town and many years ago I heard how a very talented modeller visited the city headquarters of a nationwide club in Sydney for the first time. When it came time for the ladies auxiliary to go make the tea and coffee etc she was approached by the head lady to assist. She told her in no uncertain terms that she was a fully paid up member and would gladly help if the men did too. End of story :>) There is a well known modeller in the US in O gauge currently , Sarah Griessenböck.
Excellent episode, I was watching a Japanese Railway show on NHK and they mentioned that in Japan half the railway enthusiast are women. This might make for a interesting video for your channel. I am sure quite a few of them are into model railways as well as the history and promoting of railways in Japan.
This MRQ vid raises some interesting and pertinent issues. When people talk about 'the hobby', they often conflate the 2 issues of getting more people into the hobby (recruitment) and affordability. Recruitment of more women certainly addresses recruitment, but we need to ensure that women of all ages and backgrounds are attracted into the hobby, just as we need more males of all ages too! My wife is hobby minded and is keen on crochet, cross stitch and knitting, and is supportive of my hobby, and thinks model railways are great but is not interested herself. Its important though that the respective genders dont get pigeonholed into areas , like scenery. cheers Paul
@@modelrailwayquest Two different Ladies, Diane will be at the 16mm meeting this Saturday 16th March 2024 (09-00 to 16-00} at Higham Memorial Hall. 16mm and G1 trains will be running Visitors welcome. Regards JD.
Another interesting video, Dawn. "Only scenery": well, I wouldn't mind some of that abiltiy, because mine is non-existent! Interesting seeing Ms Gravett: that's my wife's maiden name. It's probably much easier to get into it in UK than it is in South Africa: more easily accessible, more hobby shops, etc. (not to mention our horrendous excnage rate!)
This message needs to be shared far and wide! 🙂 Going to share this with one woman model railroader, or since she's Australian/English should that be woman railway modeler, I know & a potential railway modeler woman friend in India who has ancestors who worked for the railway. During the years I was married my wife was a model railroader & she was another one of those girls who would have liked a train set as a child but got the 'trains are for boys' line. We can fix that problem!
That's great - thank you Scott and completely agree - small steps in the right direction. Please do ask your women modeller friends if they would like to join my Women Railway Modellers FB group too! facebook.com/groups/womenrailwaymodellers
I think it's very cool that more women are interested in model railways. The many lonely guys who tend to inhabit the hobby, might end up meeting the gal of their dreams!
I don't think just woman get harsh comments on their layouts. I have had some rude comments because my railroad isn't modeled during a certain time period or based on an actual location. I don't let it bother me, it's what I wanted and I love it.
Fantastic story Dawn. I've seen a huge increase in female train drivers in my part of the world, I wonder if that will translate to model railroaders as well.
first time to your channel.I dont understand why guys would treat women like that.I know little to nothing about model railroading,and im a guy in fact a women could probably teach me more about it.I live in florida and thier is very few hobby shops here that have trains or train sets.Any how just wanted to say your channel is very informative.
100% with you on this point. I'm old enough to remember how in school boys did woodwork and girls did cooking! This stupid mentality is fading but not fast enough. I wonder if "Rivet counters" get in the way? You have to decide what era you want and get things correct. Limiting in that this is restrictive rather than creative. My main layout 13sqft is an imaginary little railway set in 1950, less limiting and a chance to be creative. I've written a brief history of the line and drawn the map! Making buildings, trees and planting grass was great fun. My next project will not be limiting. OK we now have "Steam punk" locos but I wouldn't dream of buying one. Think back to the work of Rowland Emmett: FUN! Imaginative, creative, artistic. A few ideas in my head, main one is that my new little layout will certainly be wacky but it won't be tacky! I think it's time to add a new dimension to the hobby that would appeal to all ages and both genders. One old bloke is on to it!
Ladies - your involvement goes back a lot further than you may realise. Back in the 1950's a lady named Doris Illife-Stokes was a familiar name in the Model Railway News magazine; wife of George I-F, a well known model making couple who produced some fine work. In the early 1970s another lady modeller, Doreen Thompson, was very well known, particularly for a splendid model of Eastbourne station as it was in 1910. Everything, including most of the rolling stock, was scratchbuilt to a very high standard. You'll find it chronicled in Railway Modeller, and she succeeded in winning their annual trophy for 'best layout'. (I'm speaking from memory on her surname - there was another Doreen - surname Andrews - who was also in the mags at the same time.) I've met a number of active lady modellers on the West Midlands show circuit in recent years - and I must say they have produced some of the most original, visually attractive layouts I've ever seen.
My apologies, and a correction. Eastbourne was built by Vivien Thompson - my memory conflated her with Doreen Andrews, who ran the Torander Valley layout.
When I greet anybody on Videos, livestreams and chats, my opening gambit is "Howdy folks". Gender neutral, all welcome. Then lets not forget Rule 1, It's your railway and if it's in your head... let it spill. Every technique and tool in the book is out there on social media and books/magazines for osmosis. Clubs are fine if that's your bag but just have fun...the magic word.
I like this video a lot. Perhaps there could be a follow-up with advice for men to ensure that they are providing a supportive environment for women? Pointing out helpful or harmful behaviors?
Great vid Dawn. I'm a bit of an anomaly to this hobby cause...as you can tell from my profile pic...I don't exactly look like your typical modeller lol so I've got a pretty good idea of what it's like being in a "minority" haha. I welcome as much women as possible to this hobby cause I'm sure they will bring something different and exciting which can only be a good thing. Life is too short to worry about what other people say or think of you. Ladies...please get involved!
My boyfriend loves model railway and I didn't really know much about the hobby until I met him! Now i definitely really want to have my own layout someday, if I can make it pink then I'll be living the dream! 🩷 Just subscribed to your channel for tips and more videos like this!!
I have three Granddaughter’s and at their request I have produced a pink one, a turquoise one and a purple one. Little 0-6-0s with their names on the sides. Plus an oval of track on a board with a controller, Let’s hope this could be the start of something good for the hobby. Regards from Ron 👍🚂
I guess I'm one of the "grumpy guys" seen at shows. But your contributor is right; behind the strained expression is one happy man. Creating my own world is what fuels my modelling and it is great to see how others portray their own fantasies or reproduction of a prototype scene.Only one of my three daughters shows any interest in the hobby and my eldest, as an eight year old, made her feelings clear when we were visiting Pendon Museum some years ago. She sat down on the floor next to the Vale scene and yelled "This is the most boring place in the Universe!"
In my own quite extensive experience of working with someone incredibly grumpy, I've found, the grumpier the exterior, the softer the interior! And... regarding your eldest... at least you can say you tried!! :-)
Forty one years ago about this week, I asked my daughter what she wanted for her fifth birthday, 'A train set!' was her very emphatic answer. I guffawed; she burst into great wailing and sobbing tears. My wife said to let her have what she wanted. I pulled the latest (1982 Hornby catalogue from my bedside cabinet (Oh, don't all modellers have catalogues in their bedside cabinets?) and told her to pick whatever she wanted. I instantly regretted that offer - she may have picked an expensive set. Not her, down-to-earth tomboy. She picked a clerestory coach and an open cab pannier. Instant order to Hattons and back the goods came well in time for her birthday. She was well chuffed and attended exhibitions with me and ran her own train on the club layout. Competitive swimming took her away from it at about age eleven then about age 16, young chap with a car, then later married (different chap) one son, two dogs, her own business (60 hours a week) and railways have lost their atrraction with all that goes on. I'm getting on now and I suggested I should start to sell off my railway stuff, she told me to leave it as is - you never know. So, welcome all comers I say but especially children. Oh, I don't think women have an exclusive on creativity. Your output is great Dawn and I've been in the game since 1955 - Hornby clockwork trainset!
I see no reason why a woman couldn't get involved in model railroading. In my opinion ,the hobby is for everyone/anyone. It's an enjoyable experience and gets a persons creative juices going and it's a great stress reliever in many ways, as it keeps a person occupied and concentrating on what's needed and not what stresses one out. Plus when finished, it's nice to sit back,relax and enjoy the fruits of one's labor and to enjoy what is built with family and friends. AND....a layout in truth is never truly finished, so there is always something to do or needs done, especially when new ideas pop up and changes can be made to make things more interesting.
Hi Dawn, a very interesting video. Yes all should be encouraged into the hobby. I feel that one aspect or certainly link that could bridge the link between male and female hobbyists is the trans community as over the last 5/10 years the hobby from my eyes has seen an increase from this side. Being transgender myself and also knowing a couple and speaking to more, we could well see the lines of division disappear. I feel that you didn't represent ourselves within your Q&A or maybe a follow up to this one to find out how we feel and if we can be the bridge/link. Thank you again.
Thank you Dawn, his was a wonderful video. I am a 74 year old male that has been in this hobby since the age of eight. It has been male dominated throughout most, maybe all of that time but why? I think it is wonderful to see the creativeness of women and girls making a noticeable impact finally.
I would say to anyone, male or female at any age, "If any aspect of the hobby interests you then please don't be shy, get involved, you will be welcomed."
Thank you!
Love this! My dad has zero interest in model railways, it was really my mum who encouraged me childhood interest in the hobby and to get back into railway modelling in recent years - she has her own layout and really lovely collection of stock. She, in turn, got her interest in full-sized railways from my grandmother. When I went to Warley, it wasn't with my dad, but with my mum and sister. I'd love to see railway modelling be a less male-dominated hobby so this video is hugely encouraging. Just in case it helps anyone, I came back to railway modelling as a hopelessly impractical DIY disaster - you don't need to go into the hobby with the skills already honed; railway modelling is an amazing way to learn skills you never thought you could, and find creative solutions to problems that might help you in other areas of your life outside of modelling. It really is a superhobby with so many facets and something for everyone, the more people who get to experience the joy it brings, the better. Thanks, Dawn, for making this video!
I love this... you're right. You don't have to be a perfect modeller, it's all about enjoyment. That's what hobbies are ultimately, right? Something we do for fun - otherwise it's work. Good for your mum - she sounds brilliant.
I have found that the people within the hobby are as diverse as the hobby itself.
Dare I say this that women tend to be more creative, the amount of exhibitions I have attended on both sides of the layout, the ladies tend to be more. Interested in the detail, the scenery, building, cameos etc. The men tend to want to see things running prototypical or not.
I would hate to think of any animosity amongst modellers. All should be made welcome regardless.
Great video by the way.
Exactly - all welcome. We all bring unique skills.
My 8 year old daughter likes dads trains and has even helped with some scenery in the past. Took her to a local show where there was a layout kids could run. Couldn't get her off it! Encouragement is all thats needed. This wonderful hobby of ours can teach you so much. Art, woodwork, electronics, maths, geometry, history...
...the, list is probably endless. And all learnt while having lots of fun. - whats not to like?
Completely agree and wonderful that your daughter loves model railways!
As a guy in the USA, I love to see that there is so much interest by women in model railways. In the US, it and the classic car hobby always seemed the exclusive realm of men. Myself, I enjoy the company of women, and happy to share a common interest. I find it impressive that so many women are interested in model railroads in the UK, whereas in the US, I have seen few if any women involved in such activities. Thank you, Dawn!
Great video. This old 70 year old bloke is happy to see more women enter this hobby. Remember the following: 1, Rule 1 its your model railway run it and design it the way you want. 2, The only stupid question is the one that is never asked and 3, Learning never stops! All these apply to men & women alike. Bill from California
Wise as always Bill - how's the weather in California? I miss my San Francisco days!
@@modelrailwayquest My wife & I are native Californians and live about 90 miles east of San Francisco in the northern San Joaquin Valley. Weather is fine with temps 70F or 21.1C partly cloudy. We had a very wet Jan, Feb and early March. Should mostly be sunny and dry for awhile. All ready our gardens are blooming with trees and plants. We call our place, Orchard Cottage. Bill & Janet.
@@janetlewis7145 My house is named after my company.
Yer Wee Hoose. Guess what I did?
love the idea of more women in the hobby. As said, women still have a large impact in our children's lives so good for both diversity and continued growth and interest in the hobby!
I love meeting women who are interested in Model Railroading. It's the ultimate craft hobby because it's so multifaceted. You have an outlet for any skill you have and may learn new skills along the way.
In the video some of the women talked about learning about the hobby. When I started in 1971 I didn't know an EMD F7 from a 4-6-2. Men in the hobby weren't born with a train gene. Like any hobby or activity, you naturally learn as you go. Model railroading, railways to you in the UK. Can be time machines, you can create any time period or Magic land, But, just enjoy the ride above all.
Great video. As an owner of a Hobby shop I have seen a lot more women come into the store. Some are just helping their husbands with scenery, some getting ivolved with their kids and others just wanting to get into the hobby. I think it helps that when they come into the store a woman is running the shop and they feel a bit more comfortable. At first, guys were skeptical of a woman owning the shop but now after realizing the passion I have for the hobby they come in and chat all the time. When I hear that the hobby isn't as popular I have to laugh as I have seen so many new people enter the hobby young, old, men and women. Vegas has a great community of railroaders that are very supportive of each other. Thanks for an awesome video highlighting some of the very talented women in this hobby.
Hi! Lovely to see you here and meet another fellow lady modeller. I know several women who run model shops and clubs here in the UK and are doing a brilliant job! We'll come to Vegas one day and say Hi!
Well done, magic 😊 My 30 year old son has cerebral palsy and has joined in with my model railway hobby, however because of his limited physical ability I always take over! 😕 This is going to change! We had a RUclips channel but it was very boring, full of electronic stuff by me! He is starting his own RUclips channel building a model railway from the perspective of a disabled person and maybe this will add another dimension of richness to the hobby. Thanks for your inspirational video. 😊
wow - that sounds like a brilliant idea - please send me details of his channel when it's launched.
Will do 😊
That is cool! Success and thousands of hours of enjoyment to him, and all y'all!
Great topic, Dawn. It's heart-warming to see women becoming more visible in the hobby.
I was sad to see at the beginning that there seemed to be some glass-ceiling effect similar to women in the workplace but the positive and encouraging end to the vid was great. The more the merrier!
The part where the lady said she always liked trains but grew up at a time where "girls didn't play with trains" hit home. My mom, God rest her soul, grew up at the same time, so she tried to get us kids interested. I'm the youngest, and it worked. I'm also the only male. My wife is also interested, so it's women who are responsible for my railroading. It's nice to see more and more women and girls getting involved.
Great video Dawn; this message really needs to be on the national media!
There was an article in the Daily Express on Monday... I'll post it in the community. But, yes... working on it.
Great video.
These days I'd be surprised any chap would try to belittle any female who's into trains or modelling, be a pratt if they do. Any one can try anything and no one should be judging anyone. I'd love my family (wife, daughter and son) to be interested in my hobbies but none of them have any interest whatsoever in trains, motorbikes or guitars. Everyone's different, so we should welcome everyone into this hobby.
All the best Paul
😊❤👍🖖
This is a great channel, I have been watching because I do model railway and other scale modeling, gaming, etc. and you just have quality fun content that is a bit exotic for me to be honest, being US based. You have had some interesting UK/Europe perspective .. that was what got me to stop in initially and then since I've enjoyed pretty much everything you've done!! I will also say that I happen to have 4.. yes .. 4 .. lovely daughters who I have long been trying to lure into enjoying beloved hobbies with me. Keep on keeping on. Diversity is the key to vibrancy and sustainability and it just makes everything better. Your content is very professional and enjoyable, please keep it up! Thank you!!
4 daughters! Lucky man :-) Yes, all about diversity. And thank you for the lovely feedback.
Hello Dawn - I Totally loved this feature and all that you have covered. As a male dominated hobby and this is only because the lack of enthusiasm from many females in the past, I have to say this has always been something we all have asked for over many years to share more and more of this amazing hobby diversely. It's so brilliant to hear and start seeing this increase of more talented ladies beginning enjoying of what we all love about model railways..
Keep up all you do and Thank you bringing the model railway hobby to life in the new world..
All the very best Garry
Thanks Garry!
Well done, Dawn, for championing for women in railway modelling , let's get more involved. It's got to be good for the hobby it's no different to getting children (boys and girls) involved. I do like Rachel's Hops Choice layout, I can remember enjoying seeing it evolve as Rachel built it, and she does like to involve her children as well. Great video again... Cheers James 🙂👍
Fantastic video!! It’s an amazing hobby and should be able to be enjoyed by everyone, male or female.
I agree.
Diversity is a positive development. Women bring a different perspective to the hobby, often being able to see the "wood through the trees", when us men obsess over minute details, often females see the big picture and get us back on track.
Clubs can be cliquey, but this should not be on the basis of gender.
It's a breath of fresh air to visit my local model shop, Great Eastern Model Railways, where the ladies are just as knowledgeable and more helpful than many male model shop proprietors.
And finally, you personally are blazing a trail for women via your high quality output.
Thank you so much for launching this new drive Dawn, it's long overdue. Newcomers to the hobby need not feel 'overwhelmed' that there's too much to take in as any new skill or interest takes time to get into. Anyone can learn new skills regardless of their background or gender. I belong to a 16mm live steam group in Merstham, Surrey and we welcome any new members. My best wishes to you and I hope that we meet someday, Dudley 😊
es 16mm ng modellers
I go to a train club that is currently all men, and you get mentioned quite alot suprisingly; as most our members watch youtube and at least 4-5 of them (including me) are subbed to you and really enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work Dawn you have taught me quite a few techniques so far and I know you will teach me more still.
Thank you - and say Hi to your club members for me!
Dawn, thanks so much for creating this channel because model railroading has done a horrible job of reaching out to females, and the younger generations also. Appreciate all your efforts...
Thank you - that's very kind of you to say!
Great video Dawn.
My hobby is model railways and I also volunteer at a Heritage Railway. I’m delighted that even “real” railways are beginning to attract more and more ladies, we already have one female steam locomotive driver with another in training.
I’ve found that females can come up with clever new ideas and better ways of doing things on a lot of occasions, leaving you thinking ‘why didn’t I think of that?”
Long may our hobby prosper, and the more females the better.
Thanks Goldenoldie49
Totally agree that women bring a different perspective to the hobby. As a retired wedding photographer my wife brought so much to the table, as a woman she saw things I didn’t see. We need more of you in the hobby, also check out iirc Vivienne Thompson from the Railway Modeller in the 1960s a superb modeller as good if not better than anything sale that the men were doing.
Well done dawn for encouraging you ladies in to this hobby,we need more of you to bring something different
Thank you!
Thank you for this video and thank you for those who participated, the hobby would definitely benefit from more women getting more involved. No-one should dictate how and what you model, by all means offer help and advice but don't discourage.
Also I like Michelle's idea of putting Star Wars figures that match the scale of the layout, it adds more interest and fun. I'd like to exhibit an N gauge layout with 1/144 Gundam models as they're close enough in scale.
I started when my husband wanted to put his old triang train set on a board (after being in storage for 40+ yrs. I have an engineering background and somehow this ended up my project.
I soon realised the old steel rails would need to be replaced, once that was done I soon found that the flanges on old locos and rolling stock didn't work well on modern track.
Long story short I ended up being the layout builder with no knowledge of the hobby.
I don't try to model prototypical locations or situations, I freelance and I learn as I go. A Prototypical layout will be in the future.
I have now delved into the world of DCC and use Roco Z21. I have hardwired DCC decoders into quite a few of our older locomotives.
I have a fantastic local model railway shop and I receive all the support I could want.
Dawn, thank you for your content
Great to meet you Kathleen - and inspired by your knowledge and experience. Please do consider joining my FB group - we'd love to have you join us there. facebook.com/groups/womenrailwaymodellers
I couldn’t find a helper to come with me when I took my layout to one show. Kathy, my wife offered to come,really enjoyed herself, and she is coming to 4 more shows this year. She has a good eye, and has helped me to improve my layout. She picks up things I hadn’t noticed.
Dawn, Kathy will be with me on Los Tanimals at Bluebell Railway Show 29/30 June
Great to see a video on this subject. For me my partner, Carol, has really added something to 'my' hobby and she kindly presents with me at shows. She has designed the look of our silver outfits too for our sci-fi models. During the build she was good for me to bounce ideas off of. It is wonderful she shares this hobby with myself, and I am so glad she is being recognised herself now in this world. One other thing I'd say is that women tend to use the same materials to produce models in the Dolls House world, and there men are the rarity.
Carol is fantastic, I agree.
Good to see and encouraging.
"The Great Model Railway Challenge." Didn't know about this program until watching this video. Found it on RUclips. Thanks.👍
You're welcome!
What a fantastic video!! You're absolutely right about the vastness of the untapped female market and the different perspective that it would bring. All of the ladies you've featured here are excellent role models, thank you for shining a light on them and I hope that exposure like this helps others follow their footsteps.
I harboured a secret desire for a train set ever since I was 6 or 7 when my brother got a little Tri-ang set. Many decades later while I was recovering from a heart attack in 2020, during the COVID lockdowns in Melbourne, I happened upon Oscar Paisley's RUclips channel and I was immediately entranced and transported back in time. This gave me something wonderful and I am now deep into the best hobby in the world with my own layout and ever expanding collection of Tri-ang. It's sad to say that it is still a bit of a secret passion and I don't tell many people because they think it's weird or incredibly boring. We know better, of course! Excellent video. 😊
We absolutely do know better PaulinesPastimes - you're right! If you're interested, would you like to join my FB for women railway modellers? Would love to have you in the group. facebook.com/groups/womenrailwaymodellers
@@modelrailwayquest It's lovely to be asked to join your group but I'm afraid I don't do social media. I did have a Facebook account but I closed it some time ago. I will certainly enjoy watching and catching up on your videos. 😊
Great video Dawn. Iv always loved trains and model railways. And since going to exhibitions with Laurie and the sci fi layouts, have found everyone to be so welcoming and interested in my participation in the hobby.
Hello Dawn, I have recently stumbled across your channel via Facebook and I am really enjoying your content 😀 We are so lucky to have, without a doubt, a fantastic hobby that absolutely everyone, male or female can enjoy. My young 12 year old daughter has been along with me for nearly 18 months working on our model railway RUclips channel, and although I wouldn't say she is "in-to trains", she does love getting creative. Our channel has been all about having fun with model railways and stepping outside of the box a little and Evie is loving being part of it. I would love to think that as she grows up she can take inspiration from you and other female modelers and continue in the hobby for many years to come. Many thanks for making this video, I am very sure Evie will watch it with me this week and be encouraged further to enjoy this hobby that we have discovered together.
All the very best to you.
Martin
When I attend a model railway exhibition with my layout I have found that women regardless of age have an excellent eye for detail asking "how did you do that etc including offering critical observations" Well Dawn, congratulations on being a champion for encouraging women, young and old to join this great hobby , as well as blowing the trumpet of those already leading the way. Yes they will and have bought a different set of dynamics with them but thats the breath of fresh air that will and does drive this hobby forward. So I salute you on this excellent video.
Thank you Chris.
Awesome Dawn, My wife loves coming to shows and buying stuff for the layout :)
Fantastic video. Really refreshing to see these women having such a good time, even when talking to the grumpy looking old men (like me!) at train shows. Cool!😁
Learning something new every day, sharing with other people, and creating your own world are thoughts that resonate with me. My boyhood train set was modest but was my passion. Though mostly dormant till recently, that passion never went away. I was thrilled to see that passion in all the women in the video. After all, real railways are for everyone - women and girls as much as men and boys. So why not model railways too. Oh and by the way, like Zara, I’m bananas about banana wagons too!
Insightful and relevant - well done, Dawn. I'm old enough to recall patronising articles in Railway Modeller - A Word To The Ladies, for example, in the December 1957 issue... Later, in the 70s, Vivien Thompson did some good work in constructing a 00 gauge model of Eastbourne and other LBSCR buildings. The future's bright - the future's FEMALE!! - and I need to stop fretting about slightly unprototypical features that others actually don't care about...
This was a great video Dawn. Enjoyable to watch. It doesn't matter on age, race, sexuality or gender you are always welcome.... expect for trolls they can go away. It great to see women in the Rail Modelling hobby and it the same for the real railways as well.
I have been into trains and model railroads since I was a little kid, my mom used to work for Burlington Northern before the merger with Santa Fe. Right now I am slowly collecting and building up my collection of road power and rolling stock, but since I don't have the room to build a full layout I build dioramas to do photo shoots with my HO scale units... I also build display cases and do up scenery in them to display my locomotives.
Sounds fantastic - where can I find your photos?
It really is nice to see all people no matter your sex or colour or race getting involved. I have been exhibiting for many years, and my wife Sammie always gives me input and help on a layout and will also run the trains at shows, sometimes with very odd looks from some men. Keep up the good work, might see you at a show sometime
Power to all you lady modellers out there. 👍
Hi there - lovely to see you in the comments. Will you be going to Ally Pally this weekend?
Hi Dawn,
No have other plans (unfortunately). Looking forward to your video update thou! Enjoy.
For me, my Dad taught me to take a Meccano piece to pieces and rebuild it, without diagram or instructions. All the girls we knew, were getting dressed up in party frocks by their mums unfortunately. [1950s]
I Taught my Daughter every I knew, about trains and stuff. She is an Artist, and mum of 4.
I have a small-ish railway layout located on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. I would like to donate the railway with a couple of small locos and rolling stock to a busy mother or a girl who is interested. Please reply and let us see where it leads.
I'm so glad to see women in my age group finding the interest in the hobby as well! I hope here in Western Montana I can find some women who'd love to get involved here too!!!
Lovely to connect here - and in the FB group! x
The comment regarding building a miniature world of your own resonated with me. For whatever reason I have always been drawn to19th Century Britain, and dirty urban industries of steam, soot and coal dust, Perhaps its something to do with my ancestry, and love of engineering. I have just purchased a live steam engine (G gauge) so perhaps, in future, my garden will become the victim of my modest ambitions
My 14 year old daughter has taken over my childhood OO , i moved up to O gauge. I have been building 5 inch gauge live steam and my daughter got her first live steamer last year. I love it when the ladies , girls ger involved.
I went the other way. A man who got into fashion dolls as a form of modelling in 1:6 scale. The fashion doll world is dominated by women. I didn't stop liking trains, I still have my layout. It's great to see more women in model railways. I think we are lucky to be living in an era when it's become more acceptable to take up a hobby not associated with your gender. I agree that probably the best thing about model railways is that you are God to your little people. I will also add that as a hobby you are allowed to make whatever layout is in your brain and screw everybody else. Also, your layout can match your skill set and you can leave out or outsource the bits that are hard for you if you want to. I am fascinated by any kind of scale model of anything at any scale. The model railway layout is often the excuse to model something else that the trains go by, and the creativity on show is amazing.
I started railway modding in the 1960s, when there were was a barrier between men’s hobbies and women’s. Now, I’m 66, belong to a model railway club that has a contingent of new lady members who have learned to appreciate model railways from their sons.
Brilliant!
What a great and, hopefully, empowering video. Well done!
It was my Mum who got me interested in model railways when she took me to the Pendon Museum in Oxfordshire and then encouraged me to join the Abingdon Model Railway Club.
That's a lovely story. :-)
@@modelrailwayquest My Mum loved anything to do with trains and steam engines, including traction engines and took me to many events and shows.
nice to see more women coming into the hobby its not just for men we have yourself dawn and jenny kirk j loco and many more that are not on youtube
Another inspirational video Dawn👍
Think I’ll be repeating what someone else has already said.
As a boy I wanted to be an engine driver. Not surprising as all my farther’s family come from Crewe! Having never worked on the railway myself, operating a model railway is almost the closest I’ll get. I did have a day firing and driving on the Mid Hants Railway and another on the Eastleigh Lakeside Railway. Can’t recommend it enough as it’s a great experience.
To my mind, the more people enjoying the model railway hobby the better it is for all of us. We each in our own way bring different skills to the hobby, be it track laying, electronics, scenery, kit or scratch building and probably most importantly the decorative artwork.
I also look at it this way, “it’s my railway and I’ll drive what I like”. Rivets are for holding things together, not for counting because you have nothing better to do with your time! So if you like what you’re doing, brilliant, carry on.
There is no “just” doing the scenery. If it wasn’t for the scenery you’d end up with a piece of track on a bit of board, and how boring would that be? There again, if that’s what floats your boat, then so be it. We now live in a society of equal opportunities and there are some absolutely terrific layouts and models built by female modellers. The more that come into the hobby, the better it will become.
Well said Dawn. Thank you for another great video. I agree 100% that women bring a refreshing outlook to the hobby. My 3 year old grand daughter is showing an interest in my layout which I will encourage as she gets older and hopefully one day she will have one of her own, which she will design herself. As one of the girls on the video said, you can immerse yourself in your own little world when you have a railway layout.
I love that - good for her.
Another great video Dawn. Modelling in all its forms is an art and can appeal to anyone and everyone, whatever level you engage with it.
The only thing that puts people off is negative and condescending comments from those who believe they have some superior knowledge or understanding than the rest of us , a trait sadly well established in the arts for many years.
A welcoming acceptance of other points of view and approach is the means to allow new people, especially women in to the hobby.
I hope they succeed.
Indeed! Well put
Well done in speaking about the hobby from our view, I myself have been at Ron Lines Model Railway shop since 2009 & a director for the last 10 years. I never set out to do this but my career path didnt work out. I grew up around my family, my best friend being my GWR loving Grandfather. I would spend hours in the loft with him building his layout with many out of scale dinosaurs roaming the fields alongside a Hall class. I came to Ron Lines as a favour for my grandads friend, doing the stock taking & he's never got rid of me since. It has had many hurdles & many innapropiate comments on why am I doing this? or I'm in a man's world. Thankfully I'm very stubborn & although it can be hurtful I've pushed through & made a nice little family within the railway community, whether that be in my store or on the exhibition circuit. The standards of railway modelling now are truly remarkable & no matter what gender you are it should never be met with walls & just embraced. I was always encouraged to be taught & have always been willing to give it ago, I've made many mistakes along the way but I've soon learnt to overcome them with the help of others knowledge.
Good to see women doing the hobby
Oh what a totally wonderful story! Keep it up, all you girls out there. Myself, a very "all thumbs" modeller, but so in love with all things trains, this video inspires me to encourage my granddaughter (only 1 year still) to help me out when she grows up. Thanks again, Dawn.
Yes, they're so interested in anything at that age, and I think all they need is some encouragement to stick with it.
Geat video! I have to say during my 50 odd years in and out of the Hobby I have found a large obstical for women in the hobby are the reaction of other women. But with any luck more videos like this we can interest more women and children, I have found over the years that I felt a negative influance from other more experianced modelers..........."oh you should not run this with that" or "is that a GWR signal box in an LNER station" This sort of negativity affects all new modelers let alone women. Keep up the good work!
Great video Dawn. Inspirational for women railway enthusiasts as well as men. I get comments about "playing with trains..." so I can imagine some of the comments that women railway modellers will get. If it makes you happy, do it - it's your hobby and your model railway! Cheers, Ross
Good video ! It is most refreshing to see more women coming into the hobby.We have women aircraft pilots, train drivers and HGV drivers so why not model railway modellers ? In my experience from visiting model railway shops and shows I have found they are just as well informed as men. I visit my local model railway shop whenever possible especially to buy smaller items I need and the lady who runs it is very helpful and knows most things ! Also, I believe women tend to be creative when it comes to designing and building. By the way I am a 76 year old male, many years in the hobby now- 70 plus years.
Thanks Geoff!
I agree that model railways shouldn’t be a male dominated hobby. It was refreshing to listen to the women in your video and how they are keeping this hobby alive. Keep up finding this pioneering women Dawn x
Thanks Martyn.
great stuff dawn,this man thinks its great women are coming into the model railway hobby,, best wishes,nice one..............jpj
Thanks John!
Thank you for an excellent program, Dawn
When I started my kit manufacturing business, I specifically had female model railroaders in mind. I have sold a number of my kits to ladies at our train expos.
Hi Alan - do you have a website?
Thank you, Dawn Found your website by accident I think what you are doing is great I am member of club here in Australia and there is only one female member who does not model but she is there to support her 2 sons who are very interested in model trains (they do not meet the age requirements required by our Club) the members do look after boys with help etc. John ( Down under)
Thanks John - fantastic to hear from you. I'm really keen to hear how the hobby in Australia/New Zealand differs to here in the UK. Great to hear there's a female member of your club - hopefully more to come? :-)
A fascinating video, Dawn, and a great encouragement to all female would-be modellers. Women are possibly more likely than men to allow creativity and free expression to shape what they build and less likely to fear censure from the ‘prototypical’ police! Your whole series is inspirational. Chris Moss
Hi Dawn. Thank you. I love the fact that women are now proving that they can embrace this fascinating hobby and disproving the notion that it’s only for ‘blokes’ like me! Your contributors to that video were so well chosen: articulate, passionate and totally persuasive. Your own ‘Brief Encounter’ layout shows just what can be achieved when the imagination is allowed to float free! Kindest regards. Chris
Thank you Chris!
Brilliant Video, we actually saw you at the Shooters Hill, Shrewsbury House exhbit before Christmas 2023/ I'm sure it was you there, as we saw the Black and white Layout. Brilliant.
Thank you. I have another show in Sevenoaks in July and back in Woolwich again at Christmas.
@@modelrailwayquest Great, will probably go to the woolwich one again. I have to say though one thing watching your video, as a bloke growing up though, some of us have also been through the whole" you must be a nerd" thing as well, and "you must have an anorak" ect, ect. Now though, I show friends of stuff I do,including women and they are like "Wow" one of my friends, she is getting into all of this now with her son, so glad to help them out as well. It's also good that cool people like Rod Stewart, Jools Holland, Pete Waterman ect are all into this. When I first got back into this, and went to my first model show, at Thamesmead, I couldnt believe how many people were interested.It was packed! I thought it was a dead hobby, gladly I was wrong! I do hope after watching your Video, more Girls/Women do take this up.
Thank you, Dawn. This was so lovely and refreshing to watch.
Thank you :-)
I have a large HO scale model Railroad, and my 5 year old Granddaughter is very much involved with it!
Dawn this is great after a return to exhibiting after a 5 year break I have noticed the interest from ladies which is refreshing, I am fortunate enough to have Great Eastern Models as one of my local model shops it is run by Anne and Helen who are sisters and it is a very nice shop to visit so you are preaching to the converted here keep up the good work love your videos Nick
I have heard great things about Anne and Helen.
If you are in the area worth a visit perhaps you could interview them? I think they would be up for it
In about 2011 my brother gave me some magazines & I was amazed by all the intricate details that were now available even in N gauge & made a mdf baseboard just to run on the top of my chest of drawers, then I realised i could used some spare space (in my one room flat!)beside my sofa & run trains further still behind my books on my bookcase too... this gradually into my N gauge layout. Later i got curious about DCC trains in OO gauge & when I moved to a house I had one long wall where I had nearly18 feet long!! .... An end to end DCC project began in OO both to incorporate my interest in London street scenes &the trains I used to commute to London in 80's. So now I have two differnet projects which my interest is probably mostly the streets & buildings & infrastructure, period posters, signs, & making little cameos with nods to my Gothic 80s in London, TV series, The Sweeney, The Proffessionals & inspector Morse's Maroon Jaguar are probably hiding somewhere in there with a few black cabs & red busses! Want to incorporate moving traffic & real streets sounds (some already recorded years ago when i knew of the redevelopment of London Bridge station - whcih broke my heart the loss of those dark tunnels of Weston street & Stainer street & the Loss of the Flat Iron building & also the original London Dungeon... They have gone sadly but dreams of a miniture Tooley street are in the planning & scourcing stage. Thanks for your channel it wonderful to see other women in the hobby. Not feeling quite so alone. :))
Hi Alycia - your layouts sound brilliant. If you're interested - please do come and join my FB group for women in railway modelling. It would be great to see you there. facebook.com/groups/womenrailwaymodellers
Great video Dawn,
Lucie, my better half, helps with scenery, carloads etc etc- both retired and lovin it.
Missed grumpy cameraman
He'll be back...!
A great video Dawn. Wargaming has a similar minority of women in the hobby.
As a male I come for the scenery and notice the trains :)
Well there are few well known female modellers. Earliest I have heard of was Geoffrey Keens wife who had her own O gauge railway separate to her husbands dating from the 20's or 30's. Doris Stokes worked alongside her husband. Vivian Thompson who wrote articles and books for Railway Modeller in the 70's. Shirley Rowe and Maggie Gravett who modelled right alongside their husbands. There was a model railway edition some years ago featuring all female modellers, including a very young Jenny Kirk who has her own RUclips channel. Here in Oz I know of three in my state (NSW) and one in Victoria all very accomplished commercial model builders. There is one girl in a nearby town and many years ago I heard how a very talented modeller visited the city headquarters of a nationwide club in Sydney for the first time. When it came time for the ladies auxiliary to go make the tea and coffee etc she was approached by the head lady to assist. She told her in no uncertain terms that she was a fully paid up member and would gladly help if the men did too. End of story :>)
There is a well known modeller in the US in O gauge currently , Sarah Griessenböck.
Thank you - great to hear about other lady modellers. I love that story| :-)
Excellent episode, I was watching a Japanese Railway show on NHK and they mentioned that in Japan half the railway enthusiast are women. This might make for a interesting video for your channel. I am sure quite a few of them are into model railways as well as the history and promoting of railways in Japan.
I love Japanese railways! Definitely with a programme - maybe I can persuade Grumpy to go on a road trip.
This MRQ vid raises some interesting and pertinent issues. When people talk about 'the hobby', they often conflate the 2 issues of getting more people into the hobby (recruitment) and affordability. Recruitment of more women certainly addresses recruitment, but we need to ensure that women of all ages and backgrounds are attracted into the hobby, just as we need more males of all ages too! My wife is hobby minded and is keen on crochet, cross stitch and knitting, and is supportive of my hobby, and thinks model railways are great but is not interested herself. Its important though that the respective genders dont get pigeonholed into areas , like scenery. cheers Paul
Hello Dawn, in Kent ,the Gravesend Railway Enthusiast,s Society and the 16 mm Association,Kent Group both have a Lady Chairman.
That's right - I have had the pleasure of meeting her and have been trying to get some time to interview her.
@@modelrailwayquest Two different Ladies, Diane will be at the 16mm meeting this Saturday 16th March 2024 (09-00 to 16-00} at Higham Memorial Hall. 16mm and G1 trains will be running
Visitors welcome. Regards JD.
Another interesting video, Dawn. "Only scenery": well, I wouldn't mind some of that abiltiy, because mine is non-existent! Interesting seeing Ms Gravett: that's my wife's maiden name. It's probably much easier to get into it in UK than it is in South Africa: more easily accessible, more hobby shops, etc. (not to mention our horrendous excnage rate!)
This message needs to be shared far and wide! 🙂 Going to share this with one woman model railroader, or since she's Australian/English should that be woman railway modeler, I know & a potential railway modeler woman friend in India who has ancestors who worked for the railway. During the years I was married my wife was a model railroader & she was another one of those girls who would have liked a train set as a child but got the 'trains are for boys' line. We can fix that problem!
That's great - thank you Scott and completely agree - small steps in the right direction. Please do ask your women modeller friends if they would like to join my Women Railway Modellers FB group too! facebook.com/groups/womenrailwaymodellers
Wow, you produce a lot of vids ! Great !
Thanks.
Women shouldn’t feel bad about being criticized… Us guys are patronized by the rivet counter goofballs too. 😊
I think it's great that women are getting to model railways
Really cool. 👍
I think it's very cool that more women are interested in model railways. The many lonely guys who tend to inhabit the hobby, might end up meeting the gal of their dreams!
Really nice Dawn, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
I don't think just woman get harsh comments on their layouts. I have had some rude comments because my railroad isn't modeled during a certain time period or based on an actual location. I don't let it bother me, it's what I wanted and I love it.
Fantastic story Dawn. I've seen a huge increase in female train drivers in my part of the world, I wonder if that will translate to model railroaders as well.
I have as well!
first time to your channel.I dont understand why guys would treat women like that.I know little to nothing about model railroading,and im a guy in fact a women could probably teach me more about it.I live in florida and thier is very few hobby shops here that have trains or train sets.Any how just wanted to say your channel is very informative.
Hi, most stuff is for sale online. Try 'Trainworld' out of NY.
100% with you on this point. I'm old enough to remember how in school boys did woodwork and girls did cooking! This stupid mentality is fading but not fast enough. I wonder if "Rivet counters" get in the way? You have to decide what era you want and get things correct. Limiting in that this is restrictive rather than creative. My main layout 13sqft is an imaginary little railway set in 1950, less limiting and a chance to be creative. I've written a brief history of the line and drawn the map! Making buildings, trees and planting grass was great fun.
My next project will not be limiting. OK we now have "Steam punk" locos but I wouldn't dream of buying one. Think back to the work of Rowland Emmett: FUN! Imaginative, creative, artistic. A few ideas in my head, main one is that my new little layout will certainly be wacky but it won't be tacky! I think it's time to add a new dimension to the hobby that would appeal to all ages and both genders. One old bloke is on to it!
I've been seeing some great layouts recently that are incredibly creative and go beyond what a traditional layout looks like. Great to see.
Ladies - your involvement goes back a lot further than you may realise. Back in the 1950's a lady named Doris Illife-Stokes was a familiar name in the Model Railway News magazine; wife of George I-F, a well known model making couple who produced some fine work.
In the early 1970s another lady modeller, Doreen Thompson, was very well known, particularly for a splendid model of Eastbourne station as it was in 1910. Everything, including most of the rolling stock, was scratchbuilt to a very high standard. You'll find it chronicled in Railway Modeller, and she succeeded in winning their annual trophy for 'best layout'. (I'm speaking from memory on her surname - there was another Doreen - surname Andrews - who was also in the mags at the same time.)
I've met a number of active lady modellers on the West Midlands show circuit in recent years - and I must say they have produced some of the most original, visually attractive layouts I've ever seen.
My apologies, and a correction. Eastbourne was built by Vivien Thompson - my memory conflated her with Doreen Andrews, who ran the Torander Valley layout.
You don't stop playing because you get old. You get old BECAUSE you stop playing.
Great video
Thanks!
When I greet anybody on Videos, livestreams and chats, my opening gambit is "Howdy folks". Gender neutral, all welcome. Then lets not forget Rule 1, It's your railway and if it's in your head... let it spill. Every technique and tool in the book is out there on social media and books/magazines for osmosis. Clubs are fine if that's your bag but just have fun...the magic word.
I like this video a lot. Perhaps there could be a follow-up with advice for men to ensure that they are providing a supportive environment for women? Pointing out helpful or harmful behaviors?
Great vid Dawn. I'm a bit of an anomaly to this hobby cause...as you can tell from my profile pic...I don't exactly look like your typical modeller lol so I've got a pretty good idea of what it's like being in a "minority" haha. I welcome as much women as possible to this hobby cause I'm sure they will bring something different and exciting which can only be a good thing. Life is too short to worry about what other people say or think of you. Ladies...please get involved!
We need more people like you in the hobby - and well, life in general, Cuthbert! :-)
@@modelrailwayquestyou are very kind, thank you so much! 😅 Keep shining your light Dawn and I hope this channel continues to grow rapidly! 😃
My boyfriend loves model railway and I didn't really know much about the hobby until I met him! Now i definitely really want to have my own layout someday, if I can make it pink then I'll be living the dream! 🩷 Just subscribed to your channel for tips and more videos like this!!
Hi Kate - lovely to "meet you" and welcome aboard!
I have three Granddaughter’s and at their request I have produced a pink one, a turquoise one and a purple one. Little 0-6-0s with their names on the sides. Plus an oval of track on a board with a controller, Let’s hope this could be the start of something good for the hobby.
Regards from Ron 👍🚂
I guess I'm one of the "grumpy guys" seen at shows. But your contributor is right; behind the strained expression is one happy man. Creating my own world is what fuels my modelling and it is great to see how others portray their own fantasies or reproduction of a prototype scene.Only one of my three daughters shows any interest in the hobby and my eldest, as an eight year old, made her feelings clear when we were visiting Pendon Museum some years ago. She sat down on the floor next to the Vale scene and yelled "This is the most boring place in the Universe!"
In my own quite extensive experience of working with someone incredibly grumpy, I've found, the grumpier the exterior, the softer the interior! And... regarding your eldest... at least you can say you tried!! :-)
Forty one years ago about this week, I asked my daughter what she wanted for her fifth birthday, 'A train set!' was her very emphatic answer. I guffawed; she burst into great wailing and sobbing tears. My wife said to let her have what she wanted. I pulled the latest (1982 Hornby catalogue from my bedside cabinet (Oh, don't all modellers have catalogues in their bedside cabinets?) and told her to pick whatever she wanted. I instantly regretted that offer - she may have picked an expensive set. Not her, down-to-earth tomboy. She picked a clerestory coach and an open cab pannier. Instant order to Hattons and back the goods came well in time for her birthday. She was well chuffed and attended exhibitions with me and ran her own train on the club layout. Competitive swimming took her away from it at about age eleven then about age 16, young chap with a car, then later married (different chap) one son, two dogs, her own business (60 hours a week) and railways have lost their atrraction with all that goes on. I'm getting on now and I suggested I should start to sell off my railway stuff, she told me to leave it as is - you never know. So, welcome all comers I say but especially children. Oh, I don't think women have an exclusive on creativity. Your output is great Dawn and I've been in the game since 1955 - Hornby clockwork trainset!
I see no reason why a woman couldn't get involved in model railroading. In my opinion ,the hobby is for everyone/anyone. It's an enjoyable experience and gets a persons creative juices going and it's a great stress reliever in many ways, as it keeps a person occupied and concentrating on what's needed and not what stresses one out. Plus when finished, it's nice to sit back,relax and enjoy the fruits of one's labor and to enjoy what is built with family and friends. AND....a layout in truth is never truly finished, so there is always something to do or needs done, especially when new ideas pop up and changes can be made to make things more interesting.
Hi Dawn, a very interesting video. Yes all should be encouraged into the hobby. I feel that one aspect or certainly link that could bridge the link between male and female hobbyists is the trans community as over the last 5/10 years the hobby from my eyes has seen an increase from this side. Being transgender myself and also knowing a couple and speaking to more, we could well see the lines of division disappear. I feel that you didn't represent ourselves within your Q&A or maybe a follow up to this one to find out how we feel and if we can be the bridge/link. Thank you again.
You make a good point. More to come!