Is There Health Benefits from Model Railroading?

True words, Mike and Rod.

 

I was kind of reminded of this just last night when I visited Dennis Sirrine's garden railroad Christmas Open House. Here he is opening the largest private model railroad in the world to the public and someone sits their kid on the retaining wall where he proceeds to touch the Big Boy pulling a long consist as it passes making it derail. Fortunately, one of the operators just happened to be there and was able to stop the train before any damage was done, but I watched in horror as the engine literally bounced and then wobbled around the curve before it stopped. It just goes to show that no matter how much care you take or how magnanimous you are, this hobby can give you ulcers.

 

BTW, if you ever happen to visit Phoenix during one of the 3 weekends before Christmas, Dennis' layout has to be on your list of things to do.

Jerry - Other than my layout being in the garage I enjoy the exact same experience.  A feeling of inner peace.  I think it's a zen thang.

 

Pete

Thanks for all the great comments… Everyone!
Some stress and health factors I didn’t even consider when this subject crossed my mind.
With all things considered, and when everything is going right…You can’t beat this Hobby.

Thanks to all the Great Help on this forum I’m able to keep the stress level around 15%…

When I’m feeling that 15%,  just looking at some of the beautiful pictures/layouts posted on this forum will help soothe the Savage Beast in me. … 98% of the time.
Thanks Again…Everyone

K.C.

If you were to generalize, for most of us the answer is an emphatic yes. As others have said, for the few who get really stressed out over imperfections (happens in any hobby), you should find something else to do with your spare time.

 

The hobby to me is without a doubt good for mental health that translates into physical well being. The planning, the construction, and the pure enjoyment of running the trains does a world of good for me personally and I would guess for most of you.

 

The many hours I have spent in airports and on aircraft, I always had something to read constructively about our hobby. This by itself was a terrific stress reliever when you think about all of the flight delays and cancellations I have encountered. Many times on a flight the person sitting next to me would ask what I was reading (OGR magazines) or looking at and this brought about some very interesting conversations.

 

What a great hobby!

KC Jones,

    Get into Tin Plate, become a Stress free O Gauge train nut, it's an addictive way of life.

PCRR/Dave

Definitely a stress-buster. I turn on the layout and am transported away.