Model Train Addiction

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
21

For some of us, the addiction has been lifelong. In my case, (and may be slightly off topic) my Mom has told me that at 4 I would want her to stop under a train overpass so I could hear the train as it went over. (Of course that street is the main street of our town.)

As another one that tells the addiction, I was doing a quick mental inventory on my engines and computed I have 8 GP20s, 3 SW7s, 1 SW1, 2 GP18s, 3 S-4s (as of tomorrow - new one will arrive in the mail), 2 F7s (1 A 1 B), 1 GP38-2, 1 GP35 (another one will be ordered next week) and 4 2-6-0 steamers.

22

After 60 years in the hobby I now fully understand what my Grandfather (a PRR engineer) meant by a misspent life… He had 42 years on the PRR when he retired.

I wouldn’t take back a minute I spent in the hobby since its been a lot of fun.

23

You forgot signals.

24

Okay. So it’s true. We’re all crazy. Maybe we should start posts with “Hello my name is ____ and I’m a model railroader.”

So I have yet to begin laying out the track. All my track orders have come in. I did create a simple oval to test the locomotive and learn about the controller.

So why haven’t I started in earnest? The sad truth is that I have done so many redesigns that I have now included adding addititional table space to the redesigns. First there was one additional table extension and now there is another.

After reading all your responses I’ve decided to postpone adding the additional table extensions. I will begin with the last design I had for which I placed my last track order. I will follow the advice of tomikawaTT:

“My suggestion is to make the first layout something that can be dismantled quickly with minimum damage to components. You WILL want to change things, or even go for a complete rebuild, as your knowledge increases and your interests evolve.”

My initial delay had to do with designing reverse loops to use with DCS. I think I have that resolved. My newest delays are due to my desire to have 2 reverse loops in the layout. I want each of them to have a 22 inch turnin

25

I doubt anybody here will help you get over your addiction,. We’re all enablers on this site.

26

No, it’s the drug you mainline! The only “gateway” I can think of, is that it will allow you to meet some of the nicest people in the world!

don’t fret about the track design “paralysis of analysis”, I worked on mine for over two years before I started benchwork!

One suggestion is to just build something small/temporary so you can learn benchwork, track laying, wiring, scenery, etc.

Good luck!

Tim

27

“So are model railroads a gateway to something else?”

Yeah, obsession with details, and learning the art of negotiation (or bribery) with your other half (although I dont have to deal with the latter). Follow Tomikawa’s advice. You wont go wrong.

28

In all truth? Its a bottomless money pit but,with a life time of enjoyment.

Of course there is other truths… One doesn’t need to fill a basement with a layout nor spend a lot of cash to enjoy this wonderful hobby…

Its a highly controllable addiction if one has the willpower to ask and truthfully answer “Do I really need that engine or car?” and “Do I really need a super size basement filling layout?”

There’s a lot of eye candy in the advertisements for models. Be weary.

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“Do I really need a super size basement filling layout?”

Absolutely NOT! All that track to clean and keep clean???

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My answer is always YES.

It’s not that I have too much stuff, I just have too little basement.

[(-D]

Paul

31

Welcome to the forum, Brendan. I’d have to side with everyone else; you’re doomed, but in a good way. [#welcome]

32

Try to control it as best you can, and most importantly: avoid impulse buying. Asking “Do I really need this?” will will proabably save you hundreds of dollars that would be spend on things you wouldn’t use.

As for your layout, the more time you spend on it in the designing stage, the more likely you will be happy with it when you finally get to build and use it.

33

Hello all,

I too thought I kicked my teenage dalliance.

Then, in March of 2014, I attended the Rocky Mountain Toy Train Show. I told my wife that I could handle it. I wouldn’t relapse, like in my vulnerable youth.

It started out small, a simple oval with a single DC cab. Then it happened…

The next thing I remembered was I found myself at the local home improvement center buying materials for a 4’x8’ table-top.

I assured my wife that it wouldn’t go beyond that.

Things got worse!

From DC I went to the hard stuff…DCC!!

Dual cab control with 16-control blocks wasn’t cutting it I needed more!!! “Controlling the tracks” wasn’t enough I needed to control the trains.

I couldn’t get enough motive power!!!

F-units; A & B, GP’s- -40’s, 38-2’s, 30’s. And oh the the switchers! I figured I was just hooked on diesel. Then it happened. One day I was looking, just looking, and I saw “it.”

An AGEIR 60-ton box cab with track cleaning attachments. I rationalized that I NEEDED a track cleaner. Then I saw the second one. I had to have it! Then the third. I knew I was spiraling out of control.

I convinced myself that I was OK because I wasn’t hooked on the heavy stuff; SD’s or articulates. I didn’t have a problem…or so I thought!

My wife questioned me on my PayPal account spending. I told her it was mountain bike parts or ski/snowboard equipment.

She believed the inital denials but then the purchases continued. A Doodle Bug, decoders, RTR cars, decal sets, paint…I couldn’t hide it anymore.

Then I dabbled in steam. After all I could “handle” diesel, I could surely “control” steam.

Oh, was I wrong! A 0-6-0 USRA with a Vanderbuilt tender soon followed.

Every time I hit the “Buy It Now” button I felt guilt but I couldn’t stop.

My latest backs

34

Welcome to the hobby!

Model railroading is a genetic predisposition.

I have no family or friends that have any interest whatsoever in this stuff, yet … it is so often on my mind.

Its got to be chromosomes and genes and stuff.

[:)]

35

Be very careful James, this kind of thing ends marriages.

I should know I seen it before with different hobbies, and situations.

36

Then there’s that extreme addiction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6z02tsHHEg

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[Y][Y][Y][Y][Y][Y][Y][Y]

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That was great!, Larry. [(-D][(-D][(-D]

Mike.

39

40

I have been going to the wrong train show!!!

[(-D] [(-D] [(-D] [(-D]

Paul