What is your typical stereotype of a model railroader? Let’s see… well… perhaps a retired white male introvert in his ’70s?

In other words, me?

As is the case with most stereotypes, there is actually a grain of truth to it. As is also the case with most stereotypes, there are plenty of exceptions. Among the modelers whose work I follow online are three of these exceptions: Carol Flavin, Kathy Millatt, and Lauren Osier.

Yes, all three of these are women. Yes, all three are white. Two of the three are (relatively) old, but one is in her mid 20s! All are foreigners (two from England, one from Iowa) — OK, I guess Iowans aren’t really foreigners. I have no idea which one(s) of them might be introverts, but I doubt that Lauren is. Anyway, here’s where you can find their work:

• Kathy Millatt can be found at https://www.kathymillatt.co.uk. She has been doing fine work with scenery and other related artistic endeavors for a couple of decades now.
• Carol Flavin (not to be confused with some others of that moniker) can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@CarolFlavinlocoladies. She is a jill of all trades in model railroading, designing and building complete layouts for various competitions and magazines.
• Lauren Osier, whose age is a stereotype-defying 26, describes herself an “archives-focused graduate student with a passion for railroads.” She calls herself The Female Foamer; IRL she is a full-time accounts payable specialist of all things. She can be found at https://www.tiktok.com/@thefemalefoamer/video/7627216833963199774.

Categories: Model Railroading