Getting ideas can be hazardous in this hobby.

Been there/done that. Go in for "A" but end up buying "B", "C", & "D" because some thought popped into my head and didn't quickly die from loneliness.

Once, I went into an LHS to pick up a relatively cheap ore car ($40.00) and left with an $800 locomotive (and the ore car).   Yes the affliction you mention is rampant throughout the hobby.  

Definitely.

And you know, this never gets old. In reality, it is one of the enjoyable parts of our hobby. Never be totally satisfied, always look to improve.

I don't guys. Guess I'm different. I am satisfied, at least with the trains, Yeah, when I go to a train shop, I sure can spend a lot of time dreaming and thinking - but I have some self-control, so I don't spend the same amount of money.

Maybe it helps having a smaller layout, so there's only certain items that I can run, or will look right on the layout. I'm not enamored with all the control technology, so that saves me money: conventional only.

I've read studies that show that children that are not pushed too hard and too soon to read, write, etc. hang on to their creativity and imaginations much longer. Many artistic personalities have backed this up. And this must be the case with me too.

To me, the "Magic of Lionel" is not necessarily technology. It's using your creativity and imagination. And I love seeing how people can take the same exact items I have on my layout (like Plasticville buildings for example), and do something completely different with them.

I've never been a "keeping up with the neighbors" kind of guy. If I was, I wouldn't be in the hobby. I don't care what's on the neighbor's layout, I care about what's on mine. And I like what's on mine.

A hobby should make you happy. If it doesn't make you happy, you don't need a new hobby - you need a change of perspective. Your attitude equals your gratitude.

Been there and done it. What's worse. I get Ideas from forum and start looking for what I want. Find it and then get the idea, oh that will work too, how much?

Doug   

Mr Train yard this is your twin brother Nick.I am never satisfied but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy my trains.I would build a layout to the planet Jupiter if I could.

Not seein' any hazard here.

Pete

Nick:  You better start buying lots of Lockons, you'll need a few.    Bob

I also have many more ideas than I ever get to, but I figure its better than not having enough.  Sometimes its tough, however, deciding which I won't pursue and which I will . . .  

Yep....first idea was New York City 1880-1910.

Then the Long Island Railroad 1960s.

Then, Western and Southern Railroads.

Then Pennsy Steam.

Thus, my layout is split up between all those era's and regions as best i could.

I have way more ideas than I have money or brain power to carry out. I sometimes get stuck or frustrated and then just move on to something else with the idea I will get back to it someday, which sometime I do, sometimes I don't. Age has helped this a lot, as I know my limits now and pretty much only attempt things I know I can accomplish. Guess there are some advantages to getting old.

While you are looking around in your LHS, do not make the mistake of telling the owner what you like. Next time you visit, what ever you told them will be looking you right in the eye as soon as you walk in the door. Then they will give you the items and relieve you of all your money! I've been taken by this method several times already. Think I did it again just last week. Will know for sure next Friday on my weekly visit.

You're spot on with this analogy.  I used to climb mountains, now if I can walk up my driveway from the mailbox without stopping and leaning against a tree halfway up, I count it as quite an accomplishment.  I have built cars, barns, house additions, furniture, and now for my next (and, perhaps last) project I will be building my benchwork for the new layout.

I have way more ideas than I can bring to reality, but I don't get them from trainstores, or shows; I get them from prototype railroad history books, and

I'll never live long enough to build all the stuff I have ideas for.

Someone needs to develop Viagra for life, then you could go on forever building all your stuff.   

Just cruising the "Buy-Sale" items on this forum is costly. Always something I need(?).

Brent

Cruising this forum is a downfall for me.  That turns into a conversation with GRJ and THAT turns into a full blown RMT Beep that cost way more than anyone should spend on a Beep.  But, that's the way it goes.  And, I LOVE my Beep!  GRJ lives way too close to my house!

I'm in the same boat. Had a fairly physically demanding job for almost 40 years, the reason I can't do all that anymore. Even had to pass on the bench work building, got Mianne instead, very nice, very fast and very easy and re-configurable if you change your mind. Now all I need is more of it. Puttering around with small electronic parts and trains is about all I can handle now. Getting back upstairs from the basement is a challenge some days.