Is railway modelling green and healthy?

3334 Views 34 Replies 14 Participants Last post by Brian Considine, Mar 23, 2007

Gary

Discussion Starter · Feb 28, 2007

With Prince Charles having a bit of a downer on McDonalds and lots of talk of carbon emissions right now its time for Model Rail Forum to have its own debate on green and healthy issues.

Is railway modelling a green pastime?

Is is healthy for you?

On the green side it has to be said that from a recycling point of view it is probably one of the top pastimes. You can model a whole layout from the contents of the refuse sac. And old models last forever and are constantly recycled on eBay and elsewhere. On the other hand the amount of metal and plastic and packaging utilised in ready to run new model production probably has the effect of making it ungreen overall if you only buy new models.

On the healthy side you do have to stretch and twist and cut and lift and run up and down stairs if you have a loft layout and it does take your mind off food and other digestive perils so it clearly it is better to be a railway modeller than not if you are seeking a healthy lifestyle. On the other hand it is all too easy to slump in your chair and watch your trains pass by if there is no ongoing project and your doctor might be alarmed at this practice.

As it is clearly in the interests of any hobby to promote its greeness and health giving properties could any of you provide examples of what you have done that you consider either to be a green or healthy practice.

Having to rush over to the end of a layout every 30 seconds to sort out Hornby Pullman coaches that keep derailing might be an example of excercise as you need to be nimble. And using the polystyrene packaging of your latest electrical goods to create an embankment would be an example of being green.

Really what we are looking for are the best examples of being green and burning calories that you can provide.

Happy modelling
Gary

See less See more

Save

1 - 7 of 35 Posts

Gary

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 1, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

The last post reminds me that Dapol use recycled plastic for their kits. Don't know about their ready to run models and I may be right or wrong on this but Dapol have won a green award I believe from some organisation or other.

I wonder if Airfix use recycled plastic?

I have a feeling that recycled plastic is too soft for ready to run models however no doubt there is somebody somewhere in the world working on technology and chemistry to harden up recycled plastic.

Happy modelling
Gary

Save

Gary

Discussion Starter · #16 · Mar 17, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

QUOTE I have to admit, Channel 4's programme the other week, concerning the great global warming con-trick certainly opened my eyes to reality, confirming some of my deeply-held, but closely-guarded suspicions over those issues which currently have such an adverse effect over our daily lives.

I now relise how very much we all have the wool pulled over our eyes by those who use moral blackmail to achieve political aims.

I watched that programme too the other night as my host insisted that I watch the recording of it that was made.

Interesting wasn't it.

Basically there is a realisation that this topic does not actually matter and by far the greatest influence on the changing temperatures of the earth since records began is the sun! Logic that seems to have been entirely overlooked by those involved in the con-trick.

How can it be explained by the eco lot that the earth was actually a lot warmer in medieval times with vineyards all over the north of England and beyond. And that average global temperatures fell during a period of heavy global industrialisation. It can be explained by how active the sun is and there are clear corrolations.

As has already been mentioned the reason for going "green" and turn things off is to keep your energy bills down. There is no other reason.

Happy modelling
Gary

See less See more

Save

Gary

Discussion Starter · #22 · Mar 17, 2007

For those who wish to learn more of the alledged con-trick here is a link to the programme website. There is a forum for discussion of the programme where things are very heated. The forum there may be a better place to offer up any views on this subject not directly linked to model railways.

The Great Global Warming Swindle

Happy modelling
Gary

Save

Gary

Discussion Starter · #26 · Mar 19, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

I had this same rant with the manager in the Co-op which has recently extended its opening hours. Co-op make a big thing about using renewable energy and promotes this fact in all its stores. However at 9:30pm with just one checkout open and one customer (me) in the store all the lighting and heating was on!

24 hour store opening and Sunday opening is actually crazy in a "green" world!

Model railway hobby stores with their 9-5 opening hours and traditional style of shopkeeping and Sunday closing are being very green and should be supported by all those who purport to be green.

Happy modelling
Gary

See less See more

Save

Gary

Discussion Starter · #29 · Mar 20, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

Maybe good old Gordo would reduce VAT on hobby activities that are considered green such as railway modelling where lots of waste gets recycled and recycled plastics and materials can be used in production. Gordo could give the public the incentive to become railway modellers and manufacturers the incentive to recycle materials and enable lower priced models to be offered as a result of the big rebates given!

Hornby and Bachmann could build their own wind farms next to their premises given a positive result to planning applications!

Happy modelling
Gary

Save

Gary

Discussion Starter · #31 · Mar 21, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

Trix offered a train set in the 1940's that had a hand wound generator and the faster you turned the generator the faster the train went.

Maybe Hornby should now offer the same?

And link it to the wife's or partner's exercise bike?

How would this affect DCC with its need for constant voltage?

You would have a very fit wife or partner!

Thinking about it DCC is not as green as DC as with DC the power is off when trains are stopped.

Thought provoking stuff!

Happy modelling
Gary

See less See more

Save

1 - 7 of 35 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month