After building my layout (which is mostly done), purchasing, weathering, etc. over the past few years, I have learned the following things about this hobby and myself.
This can be a VERY expensive hobby. I say “can be”, because it all really depends upon how deep you get into it.
I have learned/developed new modeling skills, and am certain that I could develop & refine many more. Again, it all depends upon how deep into the hobby I want to get.
I am the type of person who could get swallowed up very deep into this hobby.
I am also the type of person who is concerned about getting swallowed up too deep into something that is supposed to be done in someone’s spare time (part of the definition of a hobby), and that other important priorities in life are not neglected.
Considering items 1-4 above, I have reached the conclusion that I do not have the money, or the time, or the willingness to advance my modeling skills that far beyond what I have already done. So I have to learn to be content with being an “average” modeler that may slowly refine my skills over the years.
I’ve learned that the “virtual community” of on-line forums is very valuable for a hobby whose afficianados are spread so thinly across the continent and around the world. Without the Internet, we could never hope to share ideas, techniques and solutions with so many of our fellow modelers. The ‘niche markets’ for trains and accesories can be served very well by on-line stores, but at the same time it’s possible for a small businessman to maintain a brick-and-mortar LHS if he provides the special services that can’t be matched on on the Web.
And, I can go to work and sit at my computer all day checking out trains, and my boss doesn’t have the foggiest idea of what I’m doing at that keyboard.
I have learned how to cut a straight/square line in a piece of wood.[:p]
I can sneak expensive hobby materials into the basement without my wife knowing[;)]
I can resist negative influences of fumes produced from assorted glues used in layout construction[xx(]
I can make mountains out of molehills[:I]
I can solder two pieces of wire together [(-D]
I am NOT alone in my MRR obsession[bow]
I’ve learned that even things that I thought were impossible to do I can do if I stick to it and learn from my mistakes. I’ve also learned that accomplishing these things gives me a great deal of satisfaction!
Again, many thoughful replies, and I thank you for your valuable contributions.
It really is a demanding hobby, isn’t it? If it gets its hooks into you at all, it will cost you any of the following:
a) sleep (it had me awake in the wee hours thinking about the next item to make or fit into place)
b) money (well…duuuhhh.)
c) some good-will from your partner ( my wife was really very understanding and patient at first, but I could tell that I was “pressing her nerve” as time wore on)
d) fitness ( I have always been a runner and cyclist, but found myself neglecting that part of my daily routine hugely)
e) hunger pangs ( I went for hours without food due to my being consumed with what I was doing. Wife gave up calling me for meals . )
f) some self respect ( let me explain. I had always felt that I was able to be objective and in control, and I would shake my head when I read about addictive behaviour. Now that I have discovered how addictive building a railroad can be, in terms of self-indulgence, I find that I am less cocky about my ability to control myself. In a way, it was alarming for me due to the above five entries. I’m happy to say that I have slowed right down, and am now enjoying painting the insulators on telephone and telegraph poles. Whew!!)
About sixteen months ago my son-in-law and I decided to build a model railroad. I have been out of the hobby for about 30 years, and he has never done it. He suffers from a brain injury and I believe it is great for us to spend time together and do something creative. I am amazed at his limitless patience in doing boring repetative tasks, and he does them so well.
I resolved from the beginning to take a middle of the road and inexpensive route to the process, but have discovered that I really like the neat stuff. Hence I have been purchasing higher end rolling stock and we have two Atlas gold series locomotives on order. I hear the sound demonstrated and figured that I couldn’t do with good old Athearn.
I guess I have learned that Ben can do a lot more than I figured and that I remain one who likes the good stuff.