More thoughts of MINE follow. YMMV!
A HUGE part of this argument/discussion relates to semantics. The term various individuals (myself included) have attempted to define have many meanings to many people. These words have been in wide and varied usage for many, many years, and no matter what definition one tries to hang on them, others will disagree.
To me, the term 'model' implies a miniature of a prototype. There HAS to be a specific prototype. The model may be as precise and accurate as possible (not very), or be merely indicative (usually), but it has to represent it's prototype. This would also apply to purely 'virtual' (electronic/computer) modeling. The 'model' may be of some specific apparatus (rolling stock, structures, etc.), or some specific location (track arrangements, scenery, etc.), or both.
The term 'railroad' seems to have two related meanings. It can refer to a system of rails upon which trains run (the physical 'plant'), or to a business operation based on that physical plant. The latter is where 'operation' in the 'model railroad' sense appears. I think this is where a BIG part of the disagreement occurs. Some of us model the physical plant of the railroad, others attempt to duplicate the business operations (as well as, or instead of).
**I** consider the first to be 'modeling' ... the second is NOT 'modeling'. It is some form of simulation. In this context, it's a form of game. The game may include the use of models (but does not need to, as in board games or computer simulations). I find nothing at all wrong with such simulations. If you enjoy 'gaming' (or playing) with your models in some realistic (or not) way, that's just FINE! We nearly all do this to some degree, unless we just leave the models sitting on the shelf, or in boxes. Some, the 'collectors' even enjoy that aspect of the hobby. As long as they enjoy the models, I'd consider them 'model railroaders', even if they never RUN anything (aside from 'dealers', who are businessmen trying to make money from the sale of the models, but with having NO interest in them otherwise ... these are NOT 'model railroaders'.)The term 'layout' (in the current context) is perhaps the least arguable. It's pretty vague by nature. It means some structure, track, and supporting services (electrical, etc.) upon which to run miniature trains ('model' or not). The layout itself may, or may not, be a model.
Dan Mitchell ==========
snipped-for-privacy@thep>