Do youtubers contribute positively to railway modelling?

[wombatofludham]

12 hours ago, PatB said:

That's not to mention the potential for cross-fertilisation of ideas. Military modellers, RCers, electronics buffs, slotcar enthusiasts, plastic kit builders, dolls-house creators, photography experts, etc. all have tips, techniques and pointers that can be useful in railway modelling, and I'm sure at least some of us are able to reciprocate. That sort of potential breadth of interaction just isn't going to happen in most clubs. 

 

 

This is an important aspect.  My brother is an accomplished sci-fi modeller and introduced me to a range of paints and weathering pigments he uses in sci-fi modelling I hadn't come across, and sent me links to YouTube videos of people demonstrating their use.  I've also watched videos on figure painting by WW2 modellers and adapted their techniques to my own figure painting.  In the olden days, pre internet, there's a good chance we would have been oblivious to these techniques.

In a way the wide ranging quality of these videos and presentations can actually be positive - yes, you will get the "Dutch Master" school of modellers who might put some people off with the sheer quality of their work, but the fact there are others who, let's be kind, exhibit a more Picasso abstract approach might just spur some into thinking "well I can do better than that". 

[D9020 Nimbus]

56 minutes ago, Steamport Southport said:

 

But. There are far better video reviews by the magazines than anything that Sam Strains is doing.

 

A rival magazine. But far better watching the running on this video than somebody running a model on his mum's carpet.

 

 

 

Or this.

 

 

And these. A bit more amateurish in presentation, but still more far informative than anything done by Sam.

 

 

 

 

Yet, those videos are getting a fraction of the views. Why?

 

 

 

Jason

I've no idea. But Sam's Trains does at least let me see how slowly the item can run, and how smooth it is when doing so. The HM videos don't generally do that, and magazine reviews tend to be a bit vague about it too. The rest of his material, I can ignore. That said, he was to be seen recently shunting wagons on track that wasn't on the floor — perhaps he's changing…

[westernviscount]

3 hours ago, Legend said:

I’d say probably one of the biggest things in model railways  and increasing its popularity .

 

You are most definitely right about this. 

[john new]

A range from excellent through to really awful (Sam's Trains for example). What I find most beneficial are the how to take a loco to pieces videos as modern stock has so many hidden clips and bits watching a step through before doing it yourself helps in avoiding bending something you hadn't seen. Also many of the how to's are good too,

 

People have mentioned reviews - most of them for me, whether in a magazine or on-line, are a waste of space however knowledgeable the reviewer. The reason they are covering prototypes I am never likely to buy/not my scale etc., etc.;  however, I don't mean editors should not run them as there will be interest groups relevant to every item (and sometimes, obviously, I am one of them).

Edited June 6, 2021 by john new
Clarity

[Railpassion]

YouTube is a good thing. It helps to see other modellers at all levels and some layouts are an inspiration. I've spent many an hour on dark winter days watching layout videos especially as I can now put them on my TV. 

 

One of the earliest channels I watched was @Jenny Emily and found I was looking back every few days to see what was running in and out of the shed. With YouTube you can share your layout the joys and tribulations.

 

 

[westernviscount]

59 minutes ago, wombatofludham said:

In a way the wide ranging quality of these videos and presentations can actually be positive - yes, you will get the "Dutch Master" school of modellers who might put some people off with the sheer quality of their work, but the fact there are others who, let's be kind, exhibit a more Picasso abstract approach might just spur some into thinking "well I can do better than that". 

 

I like this analogy wombat. Personally I would say the vast majority of modelling youtubers are of the jack vetriano, middle of the road kind of art though.

 

But anyway, I would say it is the higher standard of modelling, achieved by skill instead of chequebook that is more likely to inspire. I thought the bog standard "how I turned a plunger into a ticket office" is more likely to switch someone off but it seems I am wrong. 

 

As for the cross-curricula links, yes, the military guys and plastic modellers I am sure have lots to offer. Scale-model medic being one. I went through a phase of watching lots of youtube, adam savage's tested for instance, but like all of them, the personality begins to creep more and more front and centre and the subject matter becomes more watered down. 

Edited June 6, 2021 by westernviscount

[AHW]

Sam’s Trains. 
 

Over 100,000 subscribers to the channel and 18,000 viewers in less than 24 hours for the last instalment. 
 

What that tells you is that he has consistently produced content that people want to watch. 
 

What it reminds me is that this hobby is a very very broad ‘church’ and that for every P4 specialist focused on reproduction of a prototype as an art form, there are dozens of enthusiasts watching Tornado rush round a small oval on a Hornby trakmat and enjoying the results.

 

So Sam has his place, and he is welcome to it, although it may not suit you or I. 

[westernviscount]

5 minutes ago, AHW said:

Sam’s Trains. 
 

Over 100,000 subscribers to the channel and 18,000 viewers in less than 24 hours for the last instalment. 
 

What that tells you is that he has consistently produced content that people want to watch. 
 

What it reminds me is that this hobby is a very very broad ‘church’ and that for every P4 specialist focused on reproduction of a prototype as an art form, there are dozens of enthusiasts watching Tornado rush round a small oval on a Hornby trakmat and enjoying the results.

 

So Sam has his place, and he is welcome to it, although it may not suit you or I. 

Good point. The crazy frog song spent 4 weeks at number 1 nearly 20 years ago and has half a billion views on youtube in one of its forms. I suspect I am just a snob. 

[e30ftw]

3 hours ago, Steamport Southport said:

 

But. There are far better video reviews by the magazines than anything that Sam Strains is doing.

 

A rival magazine. But far better watching the running on this video than somebody running a model on his mum's carpet.

 

 

 

Or this.

 

 

And these. A bit more amateurish in presentation, but still more far informative than anything done by Sam.

 

 

 

 

Yet, those videos are getting a fraction of the views. Why?

 

 

 

Jason

I completely agre with you, i can take or leave sams trains personaly il watch some of his stuff, but not all his content. i neither like or dislike him. I can see why people wouldnt like him but each to their own, he seems to be mentioned in this thread quite a lot and it just seems he is getting some harsh criticism.

 

However most people seem to know of him, is this his fault? or As has been mentioned the youtube algorithm seems to push his vids due to view count and likes on his vids. Are there better chanels for the "serious" modeler, 100% yes. Many have already been mention Chadwick, Everard Junction, Dean park , moldy raspberry etc

 

Even magazines like the Hornby Mag , have embraced the 21st centurty, with a subscription to online tutorials and vids being offered. The monthly show is always somthing i enjoy.

 

To say the hobby is in trouble or not being represented properley because sams trains is successful is a bit wide of the mark in my opinion (for what its worth).

 

Its a bit like a layout at a show, if a small oo gauge layout with unweatherd shiney silver set track and ready to plonk buildings with un realistic trains wizzing around tight curves and points at a scale 500mph isnt for you, move along and look at somthing that does appeal, there are lots of intrests and skills in this hobby, somthing for every one cliche.

 

 

[Chris M]

I can’t see that YouTube vids do any harm to the hobby. If you don’t like a particular genre then nobody is forcing you to watch it so no problem.

Personal view is that too many videos are far too stretched out. I hate unboxing vids so I don’t watch them but if sone like them then that’s fine. I think amateur loco reviews on YouTube only go to show how good the professionals in the magazines are. 
I post a few videos but I don’t know why. I think it’s just sharing some ideas and some fun really. I don’t care how many followers I have which is just as well because I haven’t got many.

[westernviscount]

Does anyone here or anyone know of anyone else who makes money from youtube? 

Edited June 6, 2021 by westernviscount

[Chris M]

I have a problem with those who view YouTube. I like to think of myself as a reasonably serious modeller (see June 2021 Railway Modeller) but my most popular YouTube video by a long way is this one.

 

 

 

[Erixtar1992]

2 hours ago, westernviscount said:

Does anyone here or anyone know of anyone else who makes money from youtube? 

you really need a LOT of watch time on your vids to make a decent amount.

as an example i make probs £60-£80ish each time i get paid on there, im just over 3.5k subs if that helps.

 

[rob D2]

Occasionally you find a diamond in a goat’s ass, as my American colleagues would say.

 

I often search “ br blue layouts “ and quite often find exhibition footage featuring them . That’s nice to watch .

 

I take issue with two areas 

- those who think they are so great at something they think we all need to see how they did it - a form of electronic vanity.

 

- those who proport to know “ stuff “ but don’t actually know much stuff , but it’s lapped up by the easily led ( the boy with the carpet trainset falls into this category ).

 

Generally I find YT better for more important stuff , like the 7 gunmen theory on the JFK hit...

 

 

Edited June 6, 2021 by rob D2

[newbryford]

4 hours ago, AHW said:

Sam’s Trains. 
 

Over 100,000 subscribers to the channel and 18,000 viewers in less than 24 hours for the last instalment. 
 

What that tells you is that he has consistently produced content that people want to watch. 
 

 

 

I compare this to how people watch motor racing to see a car crash..........

[D-A-T]

Apologies in advance if I’m repeating a previous entry having not had the chance to read all the entries.

 

But YouTube only needs one video to be priceless. In my case it has just been released as part of a Society Virtual Show. The video? Templot for the Totally Confused. It’s not perfect but it just made everything click and now I’m away! I can use it. I would have paid good money for the video and that’s a Yorkshireman saying that! And if a proportion of my EMGS subscription paid for any part of it then bravo. 

 

I had intended to sit with demonstrator at either the EM or S4 show last year to get to grips with it but they were obviously cancelled. 

Edited June 6, 2021 by D-A-T
Typo

[Dagworth]

1 hour ago, newbryford said:

 

I compare this to how people watch motor racing to see a car crash..........

In much the same vein, @Phil Bullock of this parish's most popular video is "When model railways go wrong" with over a million views!

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/d803albion/videos?view=0&sort=p&flow=grid

 

 

Andi

Edited June 6, 2021 by Dagworth

[westernviscount]

18 minutes ago, D-A-T said:

Apologies in advance if I’m repeating a previous entry having not had the chance to read all the entries.

 

But YouTube only needs one video to be priceless. In my case it has just been released as part of a Society Virtual Show. The video? Templot for the Totally Confused. It’s not perfect but it just made everything click and now I’m away! I can use it. I would have paid good money for the video and that’s a Yorkshireman saying that! And if a proportion of my EMGS subscription paid for any part of it then bravo. 

 

I had intended to sit with demonstrator at either the EM or S4 show last year to get to grips with it but they were obviously cancelled. 

 

Funny, as a resultnof this thread I thought I would look a little harder for good stuff and found this and Kier Hardy's stuff. 

[Clive Mortimore]

On 05/06/2021 at 13:31, newbryford said:

Influential videos - no.

Informative videos - yes.

Instructional videos - yes

 

Problem is, there's a very blurred line between the first two.

 

Hi Mick

 

Wot about the likes of me. The few videos I have done badly have been fun to do.

 

I am not trying to influence anyone, inform any one or instruct anyone. I just hope those who view them enjoy seeing my trains and layout.

 

As for viewing others videos, I don't do so that much. I can't recall being influenced by one, and some are informative. As for instructional ones, one of three things come to mind when I watch them. "I already do it like that". Or "I have found another way of achieving that". Or "Where am I?" when I wake up with YTREWQ on my forehead having fallen a sleep on my keyboard, because they were presented in such a boring way.

[Dagworth]

10 minutes ago, westernviscount said:

 

Funny, as a resultnof this thread I thought I would look a little harder for good stuff and found this and Kier Hardy's stuff. 

We need a topic of channels worth watching.

 

Andi

[martin_wynne]

25 minutes ago, D-A-T said:

But YouTube only needs one video to be priceless. In my case it has just been released as part of a Society Virtual Show. The video? Templot for the Totally Confused. It’s not perfect but it just made everything click and now I’m away! I can use it. I would have paid good money for the video and that’s a Yorkshireman saying that! And if a proportion of my EMGS subscription paid for any part of it then bravo.

 

Hi,

 

That video actually makes things quite a bit more involved than they need be.

 

For example, to enter a radius of 48 inches, you don't need to use the metric calculator and type in the value. Just put a letter i in front of the number to tell Templot you are entering inches. So you would enter i48. Templot does the rest.

 

There's a whole long sequence on creating a diamond ladder crossover, which can all be replaced by one single click. Just click tools > make ladder crossover on the menus and Templot does all that for you in one go.

 

Also, after making the transition curve, there are some automatic functions to extend or shorten it to fit the previous templates, you don't need to do it manually by eye.

 

At the end of the video there is a note about defeating the requirement for an internet connection. All completely pointless because for 3 years now Templot has not needed an internet connection in order to run.

 

It's great that folks make videos to help others with Templot, but if they would just let me have sight of them before posting, I can nearly always suggest ways to make it all easier.

 

cheers,

 

Martin.

[johndon]

7 minutes ago, martin_wynne said:

For example, to enter a radius of 48 inches, you don't need to use the metric calculator and type in the value. Just put a letter i in front of the number to tell Templot you are entering inches. So you would enter i48. Templot does the rest.

 

How did I not know that, I tend to just use the mouse to do the curve and keep an eye on the 'smallest radius now' figure in the information panel...

[Enterprisingwestern]

8 hours ago, Dagworth said:

We need a topic of channels worth watching.

 

Andi

 

That will be every channel then Andi, diff'rent strokes and all that!

 

Mike.

[CKPR]

I do like watching Japanese model making videos on Youtube as (a) the level of skill is amazing and (b) I have absolutely no idea what they are talking about.

[br2975]

YouTube railway modelling channels have their' "pros and cons" in the same way as magazines; .....their content, quality and presentation vary.

.

e.g.

Being both 'old' (65)  and British, I find the approach of 'some' presenters / influencers a tad 'puerile' - especially amongst some of our US cousins.

(The same way I cannot see the attraction of US 'sitcoms' such as 'Friends')

.

To this end, I switch off or move on, when some sickly sweet, 'influencer' starts speaking; and admit I may be missing some helpful modelling advice....but, I'll live.

( However,  I remain glued to such delights as 'Hornsey Broadway' or 'Canada Street' and Mr Klimoski )

.

We could move on to other 'social meeja' type platforms, such as 'Facebook' (cringe).

.

This is where I find most amusement / boredom / annoyance ( in equal measures ), in posts and threads, such as

.

"Look what postie brought me....." and we are presented with a photo of a  Heljan / Bachmann / Hornby model, still in its' box

or

"Here's my latest" - and we are gifted a poor quality photo of a bog standard Heljan / Bachmann / Hornby perched atop the  kitchen unit, with a dirty mug, microwave and a kettle as a backdrop

or

"Take a look at my HST collection" - and we are presented with a myriad of 4mm scale HST power cars, in every conceivable livery, laid out on the 'presenters' bed, contrasting with his duvet cover.

.

.

Is it me, but has personal research disappeared ? - as I gain the impression now that many fellow 'modellers' (term used loosely) are either unable or unwilling to conduct their own research, finding it easier, and more convenient, to post a simple (in more ways than one ) question on a social media platform.

.

How many times will I see a question such as

"Did a Brighton terrier last long enough to carry red stripe Railfreight livery ?"

Making one (well me at least) suspect that  "here's a modeller who has bought a model, totally alien to his/her/their modelling era, and is now looking to justify running it with all his/her/their other stock.

 

Am I too  old, and too far gone to change ?....................."asking for a friend" ?

.

Off to take a tablet now, then sit in a darkened room until 'Pop Master'

 

Edited June 7, 2021 by br2975