I do not have to hid my purchases of trains she told me it is your money and I can spend it anyway you want. I am thinking about an American Flyer 336 Northern that is in like new condition currently. I said something the other night about it and I got the above reply along with it is your decision to make.
These posts make me laugh. I don’t hide or get anything past my wife. I’m a big boy now and I can manage money, take care of my family, and buy the trains I can afford. What is so darn hard about that? If the house needs something I decide that I won’t buy a train and get the item for the house.
Maybe you need a big hat to hide them under! It works for Scott![:D] As for me it’s right through the front door. When I neglect my obligations only then can she try to tell me different. BTW this policy goes both ways.
[#ditto] Also it would be an insult for either one of US. There are more important issues.
Emotions sure complicate matters, don’t they? Residual guilt for whatever you’ve spent on your new purchase versus excitement and anticipation about opening the box and looking it over. I’m not in a season of life where I can spend ‘a lot’ on the hobby so I’m extra careful about how I budget for new items since I’m in charge of the bills - right now I am musing about a line maintenance car I saw in an antiques shop last week… and another Corgi trolley. With three kids, the arrival of any UPS or mailed package is a big deal - ‘oh, it’s another box for dad’ - so there’s no secrets here.
I have an acquaintence in another season of life who maintains a P.O. Box just for these circumstances.
I’m beginning to wonder if the original question wasn’t asked in jest. Perhaps people are taking the question a bit too seriously?
Dep
I’ll usually point up to the sky and say “look at the dead bird”, then run down stairs with my package before she sees it. Then, when I come back upstairs, I smack her on the fanny and tell her she should know that dead birds don’t fly!
Jim
[#ditto] here too.
What’s funny is this past weekend I went to a train show. There was a locomotive I wanted on sale, but I passed on it. When I was telling my wife about the show, she said you should have bought it, you’ll be kicking yourself later. So-o-o we went back and I bought it.
She has her hobbies and I have mine, we both cut back the spending when we need to. Works great.
Enjoy
Paul
I find N scale very easy to sneak in the house.
If I was earning Marty’s salary, I would not have to worry about blowing the family budget on trains.
HA! I like that one!!! [tup] [(-D]
Dep
I don’t have to hide any purchases from my wife. In fact, I base my train budget on my “stash” money. It’s a tupperware container on the counter in the kitchen where we place all our daily pocket change. Once it’s full, I take it to the bank and use the money at the next train show.
Of course, if I HAVE to have something and my stash won’t cover it, I’m always able to cover the additional cost (within reason)
Jim, I’m disgusted that you seem to copy my tricks of the trade, time and time again! Get your own bird! [(-D] LOL…another top ten posting and the year has just started.
My wife supports it, just from a matter of practicality. When I’m spending time and money on trains, she knows I’m not spending it on booze and other women. Most women I know have that attitude towards men’s hobbies. She tells her mom, frequently, that if I’m not home, she knows I’m either at work, at one of the local hobby shops, or the hardware store.
If we were having trouble paying the bills, that would be another issue, of course. Since I tend to buy inexpensive stuff a few times a year, she has no problem with it. I probably spend about the same amount on trains as she spends on home decorating-type stuff.
Never even came into my mind. 35+ years and counting. The way I see it: This is ‘only’ a hobby and as a hobby, it should be enjoyed and shared. If you can’t share with your spouse, then who? (Don’t answer that-just kidding)
I m not married because Im only 13 but when my dad and I get a new train we sneak it past my mom by bringing it piece by peice in the house
I don’t even bother.
My wife and I have personal spending accounts separate from the main household finances. An equal amount is deposited to each account each month, automatically. She spends hers on golf, sewing materials and QVC purchases (mostly kitchen gear far in excess of any reasonable requirement - but it’s her hobby and her money.) I spend mine on trains, layout building materials; and tickets and travel to sporting events. I don’t audit hers, and she doesn’t audit mine.
As far as hiding - no way! I had to prove that I needed the entire 2-car garage.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Besides, [#ditto]
I buy her anything she wants …Tim
hmmm As the wife I can tell you that when I first got into hosta gardening about five years ago that men simply do not understand the concept of spending 50-100 bucks on a plant. I figured if I could get it planted before the fun police gets home and it took a couple days for him to notice it then I could always say “that’s been there” Now he doesn’t even bother to ask how much that weed was anymore. Maybe it works the same with trains. You know the old don’t ask, don’t tell policy. Besides if all else fails it IS his train I’m spending it on.
Lisa
Dude, whats the deal, you are only 13 and you come up with this question. Or maybe your dad put you up to it? LOL [:D]
No it was me but when i get married these will help me out
Alex,
If you are real into trains before you marry, find yourself a woman that is supportive like the lucky dogs that replied in this thread, and chances are you won’t have to deal with the fine arts of deception. In my case, I go seriously into trains after I got married, and as Lionroar has pointed out, dealing with ultimatums can have serious consequences. How? You really can lose half your empire!
Good Luck Kid[:)]
Stack