Are there any happy hobbyists left out there besides me?

Count me in as a HAPPY HOBBYIST!!!

I enjoy running and remodeling our layout. It's great mental health and my wife is happy because she has a husband spending time at home with our youngest ones-which gives her a break!!

Very Happy with my Lionel Trains. The reason is that I buy old Lionel not new and enjoy bringing them back to life.

 I am not giddy enough to be tranquilized. I am content..o.k. 

I caught up with this thread's continued testimony of happy campers versus the those darn complainers and it occurred to me, some days I am happy in the hobby..some days I am not. I am not in a perpetual state of happiness. I must seek immediate assistance.

I have found alcohol works well for that . . . 

I am happy and I also think this is the best of times to be in O gauge. I try to keep things positive here, probably 99% of the time. I think everyone has a complaint now and then, and can still be happy with the hobby overall. I am still overwhelmed by the selection of product available to us in O gauge and try to reflect that as often as I can. I also think the products are very nice, well made and of good quality. This includes all of the O gauge manufacturers, I have no real favorites, I like them all and have had good luck with all their products that I have. I think they do a good job with their products and really do try to improve them and really do want people to be satisfied.

 

I will admit I have been talking about the recent price increases in our trains from the recent catalogs, but it doesn't really make me any less happy with the hobby. I am very happy to be able to have what I do have, and not just talking about trains only, that's includes everything. Adjusting to the new pricing on trains is no different than when your property taxes, insurance, light bill or HOA dues go up. Everyone complains for a while, we all adjust, then life goes on as it was. Sorry if I have come off as being grumpy on the subject. Sure, it's a concern, but I am not angry about it, and just as happy as before.

  When I was working, I was able to acquire a substantial fleet of small motive power, and many cars as well.   My fleet consists primarily of switch engines-Lionel Docksiders, RMT Bangs and Beeps, Williams NW2s, K-line MP15s, and even some MTH SWs.   I don't want or need a Big Boy or a Challenger to satisfy me.   

 

   My rolling stock is primarily Williams and Industrial Rail acquired some time ago.  I've got some Atlas O Steam Era Classics and some MTH premier that I picked up at blowout prices.  

 

   Half the fun is scrounging and using some imagination.  Look at what's available, and consider the possiblities.    

I'm enjoying the hobby, or I would sell my trains and go do something else! I'm happy that we have the selection of good quality scale models that we have, and that we have modern electronics, smoke, etc. to make operating even more fun. These are good times to be in three-rail trains, if you can afford them. Not to mention that I have made some good friends through the hobby. 

 

That said, I am going to complain when a manufacturer/importer screws up, doesn't give the customer his money's worth, or pulls a fast one. When you are spending over a thousand dollars for a scale model locomotive, you have a reasonable expectation that it will look like the prototype, work properly and be painted correctly. That's not asking too much, IMHO. 

 

So yes, generally speaking, I'm happy. But I'm not going to sit in the corner with a silly grin on my face when somebody takes my money and doesn't return good value. 

 

Well for the most part I am happy! Miss working on the railroad, engineer for 37 1/2 years, but since retiring this past Dec. I am finally starting to relax.... Have been working on cleaning up the basement, getting things in proper order, rediscovering things I have purchased over the years, and have started to clean up the train room so I can actually run some trains again! It is giving me something to look forward to every day, so YES the hobby has given me something to smile about again...

 

Uncle Al

Originally Posted by L.I.TRAIN:

 

It was more of a contrarian attempt at humor. As in everybody else says there happy, I was curious what was going to happen if somebody said they aren't unhappy. Sort of like calling your bluff in poker.

 

But ... since it has been brought up ... if there is one thing I dislike about the current state of three rail O gauge trains, its the dichotomy of the control systems.  How I wish it was like other scales that use DCC, for better or for worse. I have a boat load of electrical and electronics already for just TMCC and I just don't want to deal with yet another batch of stuff and remotes. Several times I almost did the DCS plunge but chickened out. And yet I see so many beautiful used or new DCS engines going for sale, like South Shore Little Joe, or IC black GP38-2. Just so disheartening. DCS looks like a fine system, but I just don't want two control systems. And also how both MTH and Lionel won't let Atlas and other manufacturers into their respective systems.

 

Its not that I can't afford it, its like a work, where we have like five different brands of variable frequency drives for AC motors, and yes I am an electrical engineer with a penchant for details but good grief it is hard trying to remember how to set up each and every one, how to paw through the menus on them, sorry I just can't remember it all.

Yep, that hack was known to exist but it's location was TOP SECRET. If it wasn't for photos that the owner had allowed of the caboose, nobody would have believed it'd survived.

I've already donated to that cause. Can't wait to get back out that way someday, as my parents still own a home outside of Elizabethton...

Gotta be honest, I'm married to the most beautiful, smart and squared-away woman I've ever met, and we're about to get all dressed up and I'm taking her to a good Valentine's Day dinner, because she deserves it.

I married way out of my league, I think, but she doesn't see it that way at all.

I'm in my mid-40s, I have my health and enough money to do what I want, within reason.

I'm a VERY happy man, the rest is just gravy.

3 years ago I set up my first Christmas layout which is my only layout. I lay on the floor, my 3 yr old granddaughter next to me! I turned on the village lights and then the Christmas steamer. Her eyes got bigger and bigger as I blew the whistle and the smoke started to puff! As the train left the station I asked " Mckenna do you like the train?" In a soft breathless voice she said "I love it!" We lay there for half an hour and she just wanted me to run the train! As long as God and my dear wife allow me to stay in this hobby I will never forget that time and it has come to define what is important to me about this hobby and my involvement in it! Never forget the wonder of it all guys!

As I always say we are ALL BLESSED to be part of the greatest hobby in the world, I am grateful for all the memories past, present, and future

I'm always amazed at how angry some people seem to get over their hobbies: Whether it is watching football, collecting things, or playing with trains. I thought those were things to do to relax.

 While I admit I can not afford everything I want, I can certainly afford more than I need. I'm not as creative or talented as some folks, but I get things done and usually have fun doing it.

  My biggest complaint about my hobby? I can't get my kids and their friends out of my basement! I need them out of my way, so I can crank up my old vinyl and work on my railroad.

Ever since I took up this hobby (or vice versa ) in my teens more than 55 years ago, I don't think I ever thought to complain about anything.

 

What I had to work with was understood, and I proceeded from there. I never thought to dwell on what wasn't available or on the quality or price of what was. There were lots of things in life I couldn't afford so why should some trains be any different.

 

I just took what I had, used some imagination in building layouts, and had fun.

 

Challenges came from all sorts of places (and still do) and were there to be overcome. I just take them to be part of the hobby.

 

Nothing has changed for me here.

 

Jim

 

 

I keep my frustration at a low level by buying mostly post war trains and running conventional.  I have 125 022 switches, 20 AF prewar switches, and 30 711 (072) switches.  I know how to make the switches work perfectly.  I have 125 sections of 072 track, most of which was made in the early '30s.  I know how to make all this stuff work perfectly and so, even though it can be a lot of work to restore it to as-new operation, I really enjoy doing the restoration.  

 

I got my first Lionel train in 1950, sold most of my trains in 1955, but started buying trains in 1975 and have a large collection now.  I am an operator, not a collector, so trains that have had some use are what I usually buy, and I sometimes get them rather cheap.  Best price for cars I have ever had is $1 each for about 30 cars, mostly MPC.  But the cars run.

I’m happy in the hobby. Sure it has it's moments but it's worth it. I still run some of my Tyco stuff but I enjoy all trains regardless of size.
 I may only have old Marx and Lionel but I love them. Sure I would love to have a large layout like in Classic Toy Trains, but I’am content with my small one. As for what I call the fancy smoke and noise makers “the new stuff not Pre or Post War” I see them as yes they are nice and would love to have them. However, my layout would not permit me to run them and I don’t want the headache of having to fight to maintain the new stuff. I love the old stuff and I love this hobby.

Hobbies as a spare time activity should make you happy and the train hobby has done that for me. While a serious modeler, I don't take the hobby all that seriously. The hobby is about toys, a few antiques as conversation pieces and in my case an outlet for artistic work to be created and displayed.

 A while back I came to realize that life was a game. The more seriously I took things the harder the rules became. That's why I'm always laughing. Look at my picture. That's me laughing.

Dennis, now that was funny!

 

Jim

Thanks much for starting this thread, Captain.  Very refreshing and nice to see a real counterpoint to the chronic complainers, whiners and cranks on this forum that just don't know when to let go.

 

Speaks volumes.

Alien abductions??

You're lucky! It's usually my friends who end up in strange places!!

I have gotten a few packages of miscellaneous assorted animals on ebay. After my grand kids have been here I find animals and all kinds of stuff in the freight cars.

 

In general I am happy with my train hobby and when I find something that does not make me happy I either avoid it or fix it so I am happy again. It is all about choices and right now there are so many choices which is a Very good thing.

I think that my avatar somewhat answers this post. Yes, I am a happy O-gauge railroader, and I try to follow these simple rules:

1. Do not complain unless I have a constructive solution;

2. Have a positive attitude;

3. If I have nothing nice or constructive to say, I zip my lips;

4. I forgive those who trespass against me.

I am happy with the trains I have and get immense pleasure when I go downstairs to my trainroom, which I have just finished painting the walls and put the trains back up, and am now contemplating putting up a new layout.  Life is good.

Jeff,

I've never been one to moan, groan or complain about this wonderful hobby. Even though my primary interest is Standard Gauge. I do dabble in O-Gauge as well. What I do complain about are those who do nothing but get in the way. Yes, those who do nothing but try to prevent others from enjoying their trains.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Great thread, Jeff!  You make so many good points.  It has prompted me to take a step back and realize that I sometimes get caught up in the the more "negative" stuff. 

But overall, I love this great hobby...and there is so much to be positive about!  I suppose if I didn't feel that way, I probably wouldn't be building a train room to finally have some space to run and display all the stuff I've been buying and stockpiling for more years than I can count.

My only real complaint should be that all the snow we've been getting up here in MA (about 4 feet on the ground right now and more falling today!) is really slowing down the progress on that new train room.  That stinks!

P.S.  My wife will tell you that we're really adding a new "great room" to the house and it just happens to have a basement.  Obviously I see it the other way around!

Wow, Joe that is a lot of snow! I hope it all melts soon so you can get your basement with a family room above done.

As to the subject of this post - I love this hobby! I grew up running trains with my dad and now get to run trains with my son and daughter, doesn't get any better. Plus all of the wonderful scale equipment is an added bonus.

No problems here. I'm very fortunate to have a large layout (53' x 40'). My only regret is that I wish it were bigger.

I find that a healthy dose of sour mash and puffing steamers make me happy all over.

LOL!!!

 

Great Thread!!!

 

I hope it runs a while!!

 

I really enjoy what others post. It's good to stop and reflect on what a great hobby we have and how much fun and joy it gives us and those around us.

I have posted before how this hobby helped my then kindergarden son who was having a reading problem. 

With his interest in Trains and working with me on our layout etc he now at 5th grade reads at an advanced 7th grader!!! Teachers are always amazed when I tell them what we did because they think my wife and I sent him to private tutors and special schools!!!

 

I look at it as a lot of $$$ I saved and can put it into the hobby!!!!!

I have mth first railking steamers a Erie and a C&O berkshires.I will never forget having a 25 car train.Every boxcar I had at the time.The berkshire pulled it as if there was nothing to it.I have bought a lot more trains since then.I decide not to get another locomotive this year.Instead I have 2 ps2 railking mohawk repaired.And I am happy with what I have.I have 2 locosound steamers that will pull a long train and kick out some big time smoke.Yea I have times when this hobby made me mad.But things will happen like that from time to time.

 

 

I am a happy O Gauger! Hmmm that sounds a tad strange!

 

Truth be told I am happy with my layout and what I have for rolling stock. I am looking to add a few pieces, here and there.

 

Work has been insane the last few months. That coupled with all the other daily pain in the butt issues. I have found that the layout has become a refuge for me for a few minutes to a few hours. It restores me to sanity! So, yeah I am happy!

 

 

I would be happy with that size! That's a nice layout, I'm not sure that my basement is even that large? One side is around 40' and the other is a little longer, not sure it's over 50' though? My wife has a bunch of Christmas stuff she collects that takes up about half the basement space. I get the rest, but somehow my half seems to be the smallest part, I got the stairway, HVAC and water heater too, hmmm...I may have been hoodwinked here?