I sitting here playing with the trains, installing decoders. Then I wondered what my true train goals are? I live with in 2 miles of one of the best HO layouts in the US, 61 X 80 foot with over a mile of track , so why make mine bigger?
Is it to have the most engines and rolling stock? At 52 engines and over 300 rolling stock, how many more do I need? From what I have read, I would need 500 engines and 2000 rolling stock to have a great collection.
Is it to have the most expense engines, well I have yet to get in to brass, but still have 2 $600.00 engines. At one point I swore I would never spend more than $65.00 for a engine! Then I found steam with sound, first one was $320.00, so the jump to $600.00 was, well can say not that bad?
This week I have spent $150.00 on decoders, but what is my goal?
So tonight I have set a goal, to pull 100 cars on my bench and 150 cars on K-10 Model Trains bench. I will add with not one engine!!![:)] It will test my ability to build good rolling stock and my track laying skills.
What are your goals and why? Being a Car Guy, I still measure accompanist by power and that = pulling power in the train world.
To finish my layout started in 1988, (well, that is done now), to create a feeling of the Santa Fe in Oklahoma (northern and western), and visitors tell me I have done that, and to have operating sessions for the enjoyment of the fellowship and the challenge, well have done that, so I guess my final goal is to add to, maintain and improve on what I already have as needed, a work in progress, and to keep living long enough to really enjoy the fruits, (also in progress).
I don’t know who said this first, but one of the wisest sayings I ever heard was this. Success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. I have a clear concept of where I want my layout to go and I am a long way from achieving that. But every time I complete a scene or add a new operational feature to my layout, I feel a great sense of accomplishment and that is what keeps me going. I don’t know what my layout will look like a year from now or 10 years from now, but the process of working towards fullfilling the vision is what it’s all about for me.
I’ve been in modelling for about 50 of my 60 years; both HO and R/C. I think for me my outward goals are to have a good running layout that looks well executed and is thoughtfully rendered. Inwardly I think I’ve always had a drive to be creative, inventive and curios about what I can fashion in miniature. Together these inward and outward traits form the basis for my goals in modelling.
To finish my current layout and write down and record all that I’ve learned so far. This way I’ll be better prepared for my next layout and it shouldn’t take me quite as long to complete. (Yea, right! [:-^])
To plan and build a layout in my new 14X25 space that captures at least the essence of the Q in Nebraska. Looks good, runs reliably, and offers some fun to 4 or 5 operators. The last part being the most important, sharing the hobby with close friends.
My only goal is to build something that I will be proud to show off. I’m not in any hurry as I really only model in the winter months. I figure I have at least 5 more years before my layout is finished. I really enjoy super detailing cars, loco’s and especially buildings and that will show on my layout when it’s done.
My main reason for my present layout is my grandson John. As I’ve said here before, he is my pride and joy, and anything that makes him happy and enables him to learn something I will do to my utmost ability.
I have several goals. Some long-term and ethereal, some more tangible. Here they are, generally:
To build out the next phase of the layout. I have a lot of temporary track that allows me to operate, but these involve a lot of compromises that get more and more frustrating each time I operate. Primarily I need to build out Elkins and the rest of the Thomas Sub so I can put my coal hoppers to better use, and get them out of the main freight yard.
To flesh out the freight car fleet a little more. Even though I’m currently tipping the scales at more than 300 pieces of rolling stock, I have a significant lack of gondola and tank cars. I probably need to add between 5 and 10 of each to get a more representative mix.
To host 4 ops sessions a year. I live in a relatively remote area, and it takes most of my crew about 2 hours to get here. But we all have fun, and the better the layout gets, the more I want to run it with a full complement of crew.
To build out Cumberland as the kind of busy urban scene that’s currently missing from the layout. It’s in the final design, and part of the next phase build out.
To continue to detail and photograph the layout so I have a good record of it. Nothing is forever, so take pictures!
To always be open to learning something new. It’s fine to say you want to do it your way, or to just have fun, but I’d rather not keep a bag over my head and keep running into walls just to say I did it my way… I love the challenge of trying to develop my skills, whether it’s weathering a freight car, installing a working signal, or figuring out a switching puzzle.
