(23 Nov 2015, 2:22 pm)Charles41 wrote Welcome to the forum.
I got back into buses as a hobby earlier this year. I used to be interested in them from age 13-18. I'm 41 years old now, have a long term partner and a good permanent job. I also care for my elderly father.
There's a number of reasons I got back into buses as a hobby, here goes:
1. The hobby motivates me to visit new places and meet new people. In the past few months I have travelled all over to North East of England to many places I had not been to since I was a child.
2. It takes my mind off problems I may be having and gives me something interesting to think about.
3. There are a wide variety of operators and vehicles. I cover as many as possible ranging from owner drivers with a single minibus through to the large groups such as Go-Ahead, Arriva and Stagecoach.
4. Operators, vehicles, liveries and services are always changing so there are always new things to see and explore.
5. The hobby is relatively cheap and does not take up too much of my time. I'm therefore able to maintain a balance between work, family, friends and other hobbies.
6. The fellow bus enthusiasts I have met have mainly been friendly, good natured people. Many operators have also been friendly and genuinely pleased that people take an interest in their businesses and their work. I've only had one run on when a guy at Easington wasn't happy that I took a photo of his minibus which was parked by the side of a road.
7. The hobby is a positive one that makes me feel good. To explain further there's no rivalry, fighting, killing or hatred.
8. I enjoy attending rallies to see the vintage vehicles. Many of these remind me of my happy childhood.
9. The hobby is one that is open to anyone of any age, race, sex or religion. There are no barriers to entry. Its good to see so many youngsters and young adults at rallies as it shows the enthusiast scene has a good future.
10. I feel there is no peer pressure and no need to be part of clique. Basically I can travel where I want and spot when I want in my own time. I do understand though that younger enthusiasts may feel a degree of peer pressure and may wish to fit in.
I hope this is of some use to you.
Does anyone have any thoughts?
Charles
My interest came about when travelling on public transport as a kid. Of course it was a lot cheaper then!
On passing my driving test aged 18, I lost interest in the 'riding' side of things and lost track with regard to the fleet aspect too.
Despite working within the transport sector...
I wanted to drive everywhere and that was my priority.
Apart from trains, I wasn't bothered for a long period of time - until I rode (bizarrely if you read my posts), a Solar. Specifically one of the 52 reg batch Washington had.
Of course, an odd working turning up was always a positive, regardless of the route.
I think it was a combination of being able to drive, family commitments and some of the dross (in my opinion) the manufacturers were producing, that led to the lack of interest.
The role I am in now, gives me the opportunity to ride transport and get paid for it - across the UK.
The developments within social media and the internet, have made this a lot easier than in years gone by.
With regard to the points you make, I agree with the majority of points.
Apart from 7, but that ties in with some of the points you have raised in 10.
I feel there is bitchiness and an element of competition, which isn't a problem - unless you feel as though you have to integrate yourself into a clique or group of some sort.
I also think some revel in the element of power that clique or group may bring.