Model Railroading is FUN!!!

George,

  Congratulations on your well-deserved award. Also, Happy Birthday! 

Tom 

Hi George/G3750, Your positive posting underscores the celebration of life that model railroading is. It's very nice to read something so pleasant about a hobby, which, for many of us, began during a childhood which was filled with joy and wonder.

For me, model trains arrived in my heart when my father and mother put up our first Christmas layout. It totally dazzled me (and as a memory, still does!) Our home and my parents' careers were located in the Pittsburgh area, where real-life trains were omnipresent, back in the 40's and 50's, with some of them even cutting diagonally across the main thoroughfare in a town where we often went shopping, McKeesport, PA. I often stood just a very few feet away from them, at the railing you can see there, with my father holding me by the shoulders, as trains thundered into the National Tube U.S. Steel mill, and loved feeling my chest rumble because of their passing by.

I've heard it said that the people, events, and places we remember the most are the ones that affected us emotionally. Well, for me, that is totally true and exemplified by how I cherish having a layout in my home, now, as an adult, and how I always stop to enjoy real trains anytime I see a steam locomotive coming my way, and yes, even those thundering diesels, too!

My hobby of model trains is part of my celebration of life, which is constant.

Apparently, you and I agree. And I think we know there are a whole lot of other voices here on OGR that agree, too.

FrankM

Couldn't agree more !

Moonson posted:

Hi George/G3750, Your positive posting underscores the celebration of life that model railroading is. It's very nice to read something so pleasant about a hobby, which, for many of us, began during a childhood which was filled with joy and wonder.

For me, model trains arrived in my heart when my father and mother put up our first Christmas layout. It totally dazzled me (and as a memory, still does!) Our home and my parents' careers were located in the Pittsburgh area, where real-life trains were omnipresent, back in the 40's and 50's, with some of them even cutting diagonally across the main thoroughfare in a town where we often went shopping, McKeesport, PA. I often stood just a very few feet away from them, with my father holding me by the shoulders, as trains thundered into the National Tube U.S. Steel mill, and loved feeling my chest rumble because of their passing by.

I've heard it said that the people, events, and places we remember the most are the ones that affected us emotionally. Well, for me, that is totally true and exemplified by how I cherish having a layout in my home, now, as an adult, and how I always stop to enjoy anytime I see a steam locomotive coming my way, and yes, even those thundering diesels, too!

My hobby of model trains is part of my celebration of life, which is constant.

Apparently, you and I agree. And I think we know there are a whole lot of other voices here on OGR that agree.

FrankM

Ahh, McKeesport...I spent many a Summer there in the 1960's and 1970's. My grandfather worked at the National Tube mill. I had an aunt who lived in Wilmerding and that's where my mom and I stayed. To this day, I am convinced, due to my traveling west on the Pennsy, that's why I am a Pennsy nut...even though my father was a steam locomotive fireman on the New Haven. 

Sorry if this sounds more like a confessional... I should have mentioned in my first post, as far as what I see as fun in the hobby:

• I love my prewar Lionel switchers. I realize with the technology today, they may be an acquired taste. For me, they have all the detail I need in my life and the bell-ringing tenders remind me that they are still toys.
• I love the simple-ness of tinplate track
• I love books about real trains and the history behind them...especially the Triumph  series.
• I love books about toy trains, like those of Louis Hertz
• I like photography that I take of my trains and real trains and some old vintage stuff from others.
• Also, looking forward to building another layout between now and the next 4 years when I retire. 

Tom 

Likewise... words plain and simple, but very well spoken. Congrats on your award!

George

You've got it right, George.  And the next time you're under the layout in a wiring mess or have foliage stuck all over your hands, clothes, whatever from making trees or in your case doing the room and lumber prep work, remember the modification to the slogan that my friend invented.

Model railroading is fun... eventually.

George, Congratulations on the NMRA award and on your 64th birthday!!  64 is only a little more than two years away for me, and I have done some reflecting and looking forward as well.  Your list I copied below is an excellent one!!

• Counting my blessings;  I have a lot of them.
• Work on getting my trains to the point where I can share them and my enthusiasm with the kids, grand-kids, family members, and friends.
• Enjoy the social aspects of model railroading (clubs, friends, meets). Over the years this has become more and more important to me.  Nothing like getting together with some friends, drinking a few adult beverages, and running trains.
• Being grateful that I am here and enjoying this wonderful hobby.

Bob posted:

 

Model railroading is fun... eventually.

 

I'll try to remember that the next time I smack my head on the benchwork.

George

Moonson posted:

Hi George/G3750, Your positive posting underscores the celebration of life that model railroading is. It's very nice to read something so pleasant about a hobby, which, for many of us, began during a childhood which was filled with joy and wonder.

For me, model trains arrived in my heart when my father and mother put up our first Christmas layout. It totally dazzled me (and as a memory, still does!) Our home and my parents' careers were located in the Pittsburgh area, where real-life trains were omnipresent, back in the 40's and 50's, with some of them even cutting diagonally across the main thoroughfare in a town where we often went shopping, McKeesport, PA. I often stood just a very few feet away from them, at the railing you can see there, with my father holding me by the shoulders, as trains thundered into the National Tube U.S. Steel mill, and loved feeling my chest rumble because of their passing by.

I've heard it said that the people, events, and places we remember the most are the ones that affected us emotionally. Well, for me, that is totally true and exemplified by how I cherish having a layout in my home, now, as an adult, and how I always stop to enjoy real trains anytime I see a steam locomotive coming my way, and yes, even those thundering diesels, too!

My hobby of model trains is part of my celebration of life, which is constant.

Apparently, you and I agree. And I think we know there are a whole lot of other voices here on OGR that agree, too.

FrankM

Agree outlook toward any activity in which we engage is a matter of choice.  Mine is reflected in my moniker.  There are health and longevity consequences, too.

G3750 posted:

Bob posted:

 

Model railroading is fun... eventually.

 

I'll try to remember that the next time I smack my head on the benchwork.

   

George

 

I try to remember that when I am crawling around under the layout and forget, or misjudge, that here-n-there some screws tips made it to below the plywood and are lurking there waiting to impale my head, which they have become pretty good at.

FrankM

Moonson posted:

G3750 posted:

Bob posted:

 

Model railroading is fun... eventually.

 

I'll try to remember that the next time I smack my head on the benchwork.

   

George

 

I try to remember that when I am crawling around under the layout and forget, or misjudge, that here-n-there some screws tips made it to below the plywood and are lurking there waiting to impale my head, which they have become pretty good at.

FrankM

We can all relate to your above comment, Frank.

LOL, Arnold

I had drifted away from the hobby for a few years, and came back strong last December.  Back when I fell away I was contemplating going to HO.  I have grown up with Lionel trains and never had HO.  So I bought some HO and messed with a a little, and then for some reason just lost interest.  Looking back, I think the idea of taking it too seriously, scale fidelity, presumed need for more scale space, etc., ruined it for me.

There is an area on my layout that is underneath the main layout, and before, I never would have though of modeling under there because it would not be realistic, but now I am moving forward with ideas for a downtown under there, and the fact that it isn't realistic kind of makes me smile.  In my mind's eye, it is a place for the train to go, and my imagination plays a part, not only scale realism.

Also I must say that I take the forum with a grain of salt now.  As important as my hobby is to me, its still just toy trains in the grand scheme of things.  Fun play rather than work.  

the part i like the most is running trains and operating an empire and the ability to customize stuff and use imagination

all the color and action especially on the older or traditional 3 rail stuff

the older sound systems of the 80s and 90s

the postwar duck horns

and while lionchief is cool i still prefer transformers and control panels like back in the day

Are you sure? Judging by some people’s attitudes, I’d say Model Railroading is serious business 

Matt Makens posted:

Are you sure? Judging by some people’s attitudes, I’d say Model Railroading is serious business 

If your name happens to be Mike Wolf, Bob Weaver, Jerry Williams, or the guy who's initials were JLC. And their businesses are definitely my fun.

Trainman2 posted:

Matt Makens posted:

Are you sure? Judging by some people’s attitudes, I’d say Model Railroading is serious business 

If your name happens to be Mike Wolf, Bob Weaver, Jerry Williams, or the guy who's initials were JLC. And their businesses are definitely my fun.

I'll second that!

I grew up along the NEC during the waning days of Penn Central, and got to see GG1's, E44's, and E60's.

Today they're all gone, and I live on the banks of the Mississippi, but I get to show off my Williams scale GG1 to fellow modelers that didn't get to see the real thing, and aren't as fascinated by electric power. But then I  mention having seen the real things in action. Then the questions start. And then I tell them about the Hudson River tunnel, and the engine change at Harrisburg, and they get another perspective on railroading.

Matt Makens posted:

Are you sure? Judging by some people’s attitudes, I’d say Model Railroading is serious business 

Yes, we are very serious about having fun!

LOL

Good one, Arnold!!!

Great job, George!

Peter

well this looks fun don't you think

https://youtu.be/Mx_djJv9G1g

You're right, Cody!  That video was a lot of fun!!  

Thank you all for the kind words.

George

G3750 posted:

Yes, the title does happen to be the slogan of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) but it also happens to be true.  And there are many ways to have fun in this hobby.

I, for one, had an absolutely fantastic April!  Early in the month, the 2-Rail Scale Show took place in Strasburg, PA.  This hidden gem typically is the source for a lot of cool things for both 2 and 3 railers.  Unique structure kits, detail parts, and even the occasional 3-rail locomotive can be found!

Of course in mid-late April, the TCA Eastern Division held its iconic meet at York.  As far as I'm concerned, this is one of the two highlights of the year.  I always enjoy getting together with 10,000 or so of my closest friends and tramping around the York Fairgrounds in search of bargains.  This is always a blast.

This past weekend, NMRA Mid-Central Region Division 2 (Pittsburgh area) held their annual Model Railroad Jamboree.  I’ve written about this event previously.  For $25 you get to attend 6 clinics (12 to choose from), a continental breakfast, lunch, access to a huge raffle, display room, and model contests.  It’s easily the best value in model railroading.  On a personal note, I received my NMRA Achievement Award for Model Railroad Author.

I turned 64 this month.  In reflecting on that and on some of the carping on the forum lately, I have made the personal decision to focus on:

• Counting my blessings;  I have a lot of them.
• Work on getting my trains to the point where I can share them and my enthusiasm with the kids, grand-kids, family members, and friends.
• Enjoy the social aspects of model railroading (clubs, friends, meets). Over the years this has become more and more important to me.  Nothing like getting together with some friends, drinking a few adult beverages, and running trains.
• Being grateful that I am here and enjoying this wonderful hobby.

 

Best wishes, everyone.  And let's keep it interesante. 

George

CONGRATULATIONS to you Sir!  Well deserved.

I've been in this hobby continuously for over 40 years starting at age 6 with my first electric train set (HO) and have always enjoyed this hobby in one form or another.  I've modeled, collected and operated in N, HO and O.  I have found there is no wrong way to enjoy the hobby.  When other life issues have forced me to put the hobby aside for a brief period, I always come back to it.  I have lots of other hobbies, but this one is the one that will always be with me.  Over the last 9 years I've been blessed to consult to the industry which is my childhood dream come true.  

My TCA membership has taught me the abundance of trains available over the years and the history of our hobby.  More important than the trains is the stories that come with certain cars or sets.  Even more important than the stories is the fellowship I have enjoyed with many on this forum and through my various train clubs.  This hobby is where most of my true friends are. 

Certainly not everything has been perfect, but so what?  This is a wonderful hobby and we all need to be reminded of that constantly.   

Several voices here responded to my reply to George/G3750 by sending me "Likes," and they are much appreciated, though I hadn't really imagined any feedback on what I said. Your Likes were a nice surprise:

Thank You, Arnold D. Cribari; Putnam Division; Southern Mike; Lou N; gandydancer1950; Mark Boyce; George/G3750; trainroomgary; MELGAR; WhatShouldIBuyNext; Gerry; brainsilvermustang; M. Mitchell Marmel; luvindemtrains. 

Frank, You are most welcome!!  Besides having a very good talent for building a convincing model railroad scene, you have a wonderful talent at writing that you can put into the written word just the thoughts that I am not quite able to put into words.  In addition, your comments also expand my thinking into ways I hadn't thought of.  It is often pure joy to read what you have written.  Finally, you genuinely appreciate each person who makes the small effort to click on that Like Reply spot.  It is people like you who make this Forum such a special place!!

MarK Boyce, Reading what you have said above is very enjoyable for me. Thank you. I especially appreciate your approval because you yourself are such a positive and pleasant voice among us here on the OGR Forum. I have felt for quite some time, now, that you would be one of the people meeting in-person and getting to know further would be especially nice. Thanks again.

FrankM

Thank you, Frank!  I certainly would like to meet you sometime as well!