Women in the model railway hobby - with Dawn Quest

There's a growing number of women getting interested in model railways - but women in the hobby are still in the minority. I wanted to find out what's stopping women getting more involved in railway modelling and spoke to some amazing women in both the hobby and industry, including the executive director of the most famous model railroad museum in the US, and the woman behind Bachmann's fabulous LNER Thompson Teaks.
A huge thank you to:
Michelle Kempema: Executive Director of the Colorado Model Railroad Museum
Lucy Dormont, Social media and marketing manager for the National Model Railroading Association.
Louise Oliver, Graphic designer at Bachmann Europe
Railway modellers par excellence: Maggie Gravett, Gilly North, Carol Flavin and Rachel Harris
And to Zara and Kath - an inspiration to young women railway modellers everywhere.
And a big hello to the lovely ladies in my Facebook group.
Visit our shop www.modelrailw...
Become a Member / @modelrailwayquest
Links:
=====
Women Railway Modellers FB group: / womenrailwaymodellers
Website: www.modelrailw...
Email: [e-mail]
Michelle runs a fantastic US-based FB group: Women in Model Railroading:
/ 769365970927091
NMRA: www.nmra.org/
NMRA British region: www.nmra.org/r...
Bachmann Europe: www.bachmann.c...
East Dorset N Gauge Group: www.edngg.co.uk/
West Sussex N Gauge MRC: www.wsng.co.uk/
The N Gauge Society: ://www.ngaugesociety.org/
The Double O Gauge Association: doubleogauge.com/
#modelrailwayquestgallery #bachmann #nmra #coloradomodelrailroadmuseum #locomotives #hornby #modelrail #OOgauge #modelmaking #ukmodelrailways ##womeninmodelrailroading #kathymillatt #maggiegravett #womenmodelrailroaders #womenrailfans #womenrailwaymodellers #LNER #thompsonteaks #HOgauge #ngauge #railroad #trains #dawnquest #ogauge #modelrailway #modeltrains #oogauge #modelrailwaylayouts #trainset #ogauge #buildalayout #modelrailwaybuildings #worldofrailways #goodstrain #uktrains #railway #railroad #trainfan #modelrailwayretailers #modelrailwayshops #modelshops #railwaymodellers #womenrailwaymodellers #modelrailwayshows #modelrailwayexhibitions #modelrailwayhobby #hobbies #modelrailwayquest

[@trainsontuesday]

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."

[@modelrailwayquest]

Thank you!

[@kellyparkstone3520]

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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

Exactly - all welcome. We all bring unique skills.

[@mooglesmodelrailways]

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?

[@modelrailwayquest]

Completely agree and wonderful that your daughter loves model railways!

[@janetlewis7145]

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]

Wise as always Bill - how's the weather in California? I miss my San Francisco days!

[@janetlewis7145]

@@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.

[@Demun1649]

@@janetlewis7145 My house is named after my company. Yer Wee Hoose. Guess what I did?

[@UBME2]

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!

[@amuseern]

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 KZbin channel but it was very boring, full of electronic stuff by me! He is starting his own KZbin 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. 😊

[@modelrailwayquest]

wow - that sounds like a brilliant idea - please send me details of his channel when it's launched.

[@amuseern]

Will do 😊

[@scottfw7169]

That is cool! Success and thousands of hours of enjoyment to him, and all y'all!

[@chaostrain1927]

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.

[@MojaveModelRailroad]

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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

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!

[@KN-yc8wu]

Great video Dawn; this message really needs to be on the national media!

[@modelrailwayquest]

There was an article in the Daily Express on Monday... I'll post it in the community. But, yes... working on it.

[@Michaelgoestofrance]

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!

[@lawrencejackson6113]

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!!

[@modelrailwayquest]

4 daughters! Lucky man :-) Yes, all about diversity. And thank you for the lovely feedback.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

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.

[@davidbamford4721]

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.

[@mattgriffin4176]

Fantastic video!! It’s an amazing hobby and should be able to be enjoyed by everyone, male or female.

[@modelrailwayquest]

I agree.

[@jamfjord]

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!

[@modelrailwayquest]

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.

[@bobtheteddybear]

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.

[@bobtheteddybear]

Dawn, Kathy will be with me on Los Tanimals at Bluebell Railway Show 29/30 June

[@Madonsteamrailways]

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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

Brilliant!

[@JohnJohnson-xm2mu]

Well done dawn for encouraging you ladies in to this hobby,we need more of you to bring something different

[@modelrailwayquest]

Thank you!

[@DYLINGTONMODELRAILWAY]

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 🙂👍

[@PaulinesPastimes]

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 KZbin 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. 😊

[@modelrailwayquest]

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

[@PaulinesPastimes]

@@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. 😊

[@Calvertfilm]

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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

Carol is fantastic, I agree.

[@cheekytek]

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

[@modelrailwayquest]

Thanks Garry!

[@97SEMTEX]

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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

Thank you - and say Hi to your club members for me!

[@dh9033]

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

[@davidksuter8734]

Good to see and encouraging.

[@mjartpho]

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!

[@jeanette5457]

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

[@gmaneis]

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!😁

[@CarolOvenden]

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.

[@andywhite40]

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.

[@Phoenixknight79]

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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

Sounds fantastic - where can I find your photos?

[@tarnold7912]

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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

That's a lovely story. :-)

[@tarnold7912]

@@modelrailwayquest My Mum loved anything to do with trains and steam engines, including traction engines and took me to many events and shows.

[@going2thedogs]

Power to all you lady modellers out there. 👍

[@modelrailwayquest]

Hi there - lovely to see you in the comments. Will you be going to Ally Pally this weekend?

[@going2thedogs]

Hi Dawn, No have other plans (unfortunately). Looking forward to your video update thou! Enjoy.

[@andrewsgarage796]

Awesome Dawn, My wife loves coming to shows and buying stuff for the layout :)

[@modelrailwaybackshop]

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!!!

[@modelrailwayquest]

Lovely to connect here - and in the FB group! x

[@dawdawes]

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

[@alyciamarrison2916]

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. :))

[@modelrailwayquest]

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

[@Nearly-famous-painter1960]

I have a large HO scale model Railroad, and my 5 year old Granddaughter is very much involved with it!

[@eastcoastdcc]

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

[@hooliganrcracing8123]

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.

[@chrissharp5073]

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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

Thank you Chris.

[@RonlinesModelRailways]

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.

[@robertcomerford375]

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 KZbin 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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

Thank you - great to hear about other lady modellers. I love that story| :-)

[@StephenTurner-yn3co]

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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

I love that - good for her.

[@davehall37402]

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

[@scottfw7169]

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!

[@modelrailwayquest]

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

[@xray606]

Women shouldn’t feel bad about being criticized… Us guys are patronized by the rivet counter goofballs too. 😊

[@JohnDavies-cn3ro]

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.

[@JohnDavies-cn3ro]

My apologies, and a correction. Eastbourne was built by Vivien Thompson - my memory conflated her with Doreen Andrews, who ran the Torander Valley layout.

[@nicholasozorak2931]

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?

[@NickGoward]

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

[@modelrailwayquest]

I have heard great things about Anne and Helen.

[@NickGoward]

If you are in the area worth a visit perhaps you could interview them? I think they would be up for it

[@katelauraful]

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!!

[@modelrailwayquest]

Hi Kate - lovely to "meet you" and welcome aboard!

[@RonCooper-nl4pn]

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 👍🚂

[@leschapman3268]

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!

[@CAshleyMoss]

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

[@CAshleyMoss]

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

[@modelrailwayquest]

Thank you Chris!

[@WindmillJunction]

Great video Dawn, Lucie, my better half, helps with scenery, carloads etc etc- both retired and lovin it. Missed grumpy cameraman

[@modelrailwayquest]

He'll be back...!

[@Demun1649]

You don't stop playing because you get old. You get old BECAUSE you stop playing.

[@ericpryer-f4v]

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!

[@martynfarmer6905]

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

[@modelrailwayquest]

Thanks Martyn.

[@chorlton4]

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

[@garymckinnon6903]

Greetings Dawn! First time I've seen this. I have a challenge for you. What do you know about a woman modeller named Vivien Thompson? In the late 1960's she published a book titled 'Period Railway Modelling - Buildings' which Peco Publications sold (in 1972) for 1.80 UK currency? In a book I do have, the late Guy Williams (who built the Brunel Timber viaduct model at Pendon) mentioned her models, which were mainly based on London, Brighton and South Coast structures. He spoke highly of her work. There is very little else I can find about her. Can you correct this oversight of history? Go Girl!😊

[@dizzydogz9939]

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!

[@modelrailwayquest]

I've been seeing some great layouts recently that are incredibly creative and go beyond what a traditional layout looks like. Great to see.

[@hotdogpilot6319]

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.

[@goforitpainting]

Really cool. 👍

[@robertstopford1016]

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!

[@phillipcollins9290]

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!)

[@Lithonion1]

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.

[@theOnly_Gatsby]

Really nice Dawn, thank you.

[@modelrailwayquest]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@scottfw7169]

Remember in 1970s in the US state of Georgia in my young teen years happening upon a large book from UK at the public library, think "Miniature and Model Railways" was its title & in that book was a woman I think named Viven Thompson who made gorgeous scratchbuilt stations and such. Cross reference that with my own Mom doing those stick and tissue rubber band powered airplanes & I see it as normal, logical, that there would be, should be, gals/girls/women enjoying the model railway hobby.

[@scottfw7169]

Found the book info - I had title backwards! 🤭 Model and Miniature Railways, by Patrick Whitehouse and John Adams (editors), Chartwell Books, 1976. It had, among plenty more, the Reverend Peter Denny's layout, it had Pendon Museum, it had the the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch. Y'all in the UK have a really cool history of model and miniature railways.

[@Cuthbert80]

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!

[@modelrailwayquest]

We need more people like you in the hobby - and well, life in general, Cuthbert! :-)

[@Cuthbert80]

@@modelrailwayquestyou are very kind, thank you so much! 😅 Keep shining your light Dawn and I hope this channel continues to grow rapidly! 😃

[@rcguy2175]

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.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Hi, most stuff is for sale online. Try 'Trainworld' out of NY.

[@MrDavil43]

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!"

[@modelrailwayquest]

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!! :-)

[@Madonsteamrailways]

I have been a railway modeller since the age of six. And that’s a whole and wonderful sixty years!! And by the way, are you coming to the London Festival of Railway Modelling?

[@modelrailwayquest]

Indeed I am! Come and say Hi if you see me!

[@philipbancroft]

I'm going to have to introduce my 4 year old granddaughter to you at the Sevenoaks Show. What with me having a OO layout and her dad having an N layout, she is ideally suited to being a female railway modeler.

[@modelrailwayquest]

I would love to meet her!

[@colinchapman5416]

How about model railway exhibitions letting women and girls in for free to encourage them through the door to have a look?

[@robertlawrence4561]

Have a chat with St Neots MRC I think you’ll be surprised at how many women who are members plus one of their members is also a director as Events Chair for The Gauge O Guild.

[@modelrailwayquest]

Thank you.

[@rogerevans425]

I am a P4 modeller, my wife models Dutch railways. We each have our own layouts, but have helped each other with building them. However my wife did change my view on how I model. I was originally, a so-called typical P4 modeller, wanting every single detail correct, but my wife pointed out to me that even when closely inspecting a layout you are viewing it from a minimum scale 40 ft away, so why try and include details that cannot be seen from 40 feet on the real thing? No doubt it has speeded up my modelling!

[@modelrailwayquest]

A very wise lady! :-)

[@pim1234]

19:00 'Lego was pretty new when I was a kid' LOL, I played with Lego and I am 63 ...

[@bramelsheretan]

There's an old saying, "it's your layout, run and model what you want' I've seen several fantasy layouts, including dystopian and LOTR. All the comments the ladies make also applies to many men. The iindustry is movving on, albeit slowly, I personally think that 009 and N scale will overtake the mainstay of the scales. I'm modelling OO, but now wish I'd changed to N

[@GrahamWalters]

We need more single women in the model railway hobby so that blokes like me an meet women with the same interest!

[@HarryCrabb-j9q]

I totally agree, if I could get a girlfriend I could give up playing with trains in my bedroom and have a real life!

[@patrickabraham5208]

bravo les filles👍

[@blairgowrieforestrailwayan2786]

I tried to get my daughters into the model railway, but unfortunately, they dont seem interested. How ever ther was a very breef moment as can be seen when I had my first train running on the railway. It is a fact that there isn't a railway near our home, and what railways there are generally filthy and un inspiring

[@rcguy2175]

i also wanted to say the hobby shops ive gone in at thier train department are run mostly by men.Women have a right to be in the hobby as much as men.

[@chet328]

I will welcome them like milk with my cereal. GO GIRLS !!!

[@shauniles3840]

Wow great to see woman into modal trains you all can give me help with my layout any time I wish you all best in a hobbies that is good for all ages and sexes enjoy to gether

[@shakeyhandsshedmodelrailwa2494]

fantastic video of real lady modellers , found it very interesting ,, there's some very real issues i find i'll mention no names but stopped watching one ladies channel fast as the content or lack of nearly sent me to sleep and seems to be mostly promoting products etc yet has astronomical subscribers ,, now here's where i start to have issues , because they are females in a male environment they could get attention by just sawing a plank of wood and 500 more subscribers if they wear revealing clothes ,( another channel ) ,, whilst other channels struggle to pull in very few subscribers for very informative content .. i subscribed to your channel not because you are female but because you have a very informative channel with an outstandingly unusual layout with top quality content and no plugs for the ubique H word

[@davidbamford4721]

I have spoken to ladies who find that there is no great difference between doll’s houses and modelling the scenery (and the railway, of course) of a railway.

[@AllensTrains]

My analytics show most viewers of Model Railway videos are male. When Frank Hornby invented Meccano, and subsequently Hornby Dublo, he had in mind an educational toy for boys. The Rev'd W. Awdry also says that the maleness of the railways was a reality of a boys world. He said he had no objection to female engines, and under the Bachmann marque, these have been introduced. I think for your next project you might make a layout featuring these female engines. Have fun.

[@pauljonnson1181]

But what put people off has been said the cost

[@modelrailwayquest]

Often that's the case, sadly.

[@manofthehour6856]

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!

[@DungeWoodRailway]

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 😊❤👍🖖

[@crorivpro]

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.

[@stephendavies6949]

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.

[@marrrtin]

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.

[@AtreiusLux]

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.

[@ianjeffery6744]

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...

[@simontrainsmodelrailway]

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.

[@anitasuejones4793]

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.

[@modelrailwayquest]

You make a good point. More to come!

[@shedmouthjunction]

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 KZbin 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

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Just asking Louise from Bachmann, is modelling the Volks Electric Railway in Brighton ever going to be made?

[@louiseoliver22]

Thank you for your question. I couldn't really say even if I wanted to I'm afraid, but you are more than welcome to email Bachmann with your suggestions and or questions. We catalogue all the comments/ suggestions we get from shows and emails, so you never know what could happen in future.

[@Japan-in-N]

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.

[@WWIIREBEL]

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.

[@johndenbury4697]

Hello Dawn, in Kent ,the Gravesend Railway Enthusiast,s Society and the 16 mm Association,Kent Group both have a Lady Chairman.

[@modelrailwayquest]

That's right - I have had the pleasure of meeting her and have been trying to get some time to interview her.

[@johndenbury4697]

@@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.