Self realization about the hobby...

I get my creative Fix out of re-designing my layout every year (A seasonal approach).  There is a certain satisfaction I get with with knowing that the planning stage is longer than the actual running phase and allows for much more fantasizing, and the tear down even faster.  Don't want a permanent layout whatsoever.  Accessories fit whatever the theme may be and often get a rest from year to year.  Same for Loco's.  

More recently the size is diminishing... at least until my wife retires 5 years from now and I get control of the Office/bonus room.  But that hasn't taken any from the fun. Sometimes downsizing is a good thing as it requires less effort putting up and tearing down.  Really depends on how busy we are with other things, especially travel.

I've been following this thread and all I can say is WOW! 

Let me just say first of all that I can quit any time. 

OK, ok, this hobby does feed my OCD, but I enjoy it. 

Seriously, when my interest in trains was first re-ignited, I went into major acquisition mode.  I bought a lot of stuff I thought I would need.  I had no plan, no objectives, and my purchases reflected that.  As time went by and my objectives came into better focus, my buying activities dropped off significantly.  My goal became to better model the area and prototype locomotives and rolling stock.  As a result, I became much more selective.  I have shed a fair amount of the "stuff" I accumulated, freeing up money and space.

I find that my enjoyment of the hobby increases the more I share it with friends, modeling organizations, and on forums. 

My recommendations?

1) Sharpen your focus on what you want to model and follow that vision

2) Don't worry about the size of the layout - do a good job with the available space

3) Enjoy the friends you've met in the hobby

4) Share your hobby with some young folks - the look in their eyes is worth it!

George

tackindy, I for one feel your comments were in bad taste. People were being serious about this topic and your final comment is totally out of line IMHO.

Sorry Popsrr, I was just being light hearted and that last line was in jest, certainly not what I think of you guys!  I'm truly sorry if I offended anyone.  

THE ANSWER: the person with 100 engines is 100 times happier than the person with one engine. So the person with 200 engines is 200 times happier than the person with one engine

Now what is the QUESTION?

Mike,

I've used one of Allan's strategies. I model one road name, (Long Island). There are lots of other road names with great looking engines and rolling stock, but I stick to my one road name. I will be modeling 1955, but I confess, I have bought Long Island motive power outside of that era. I've also followed what many on the forum have said about the type of layout, as far as loops, point to point, and so on. Luckily, I have a decent space, and am in the process of building a point to loop. The idea being that it will require active participation on my part and will hopefully hold my interest longer. Not that there is anything wrong with other types of layouts, but I felt this was right for me. I enjoy the process of building the layout itself, and when the building is over, my goal is to operate my layout like a miniature transportation system. I've tried to very carefully consider much of the great advice on the Forum. I hope that comes out in my layout. I felt the same as you have a various points. I think that's normal. My acquisition period was brief, as I shifted my focus to building. Hopefully, you can start making more concrete plans for your new space. And just know that you are not alone. Best of luck.

Andy

Fortunately I never bought just because I could, but focused instead on what I liked.  Now in retirement with funds not so plentiful, I enjoy the fruits of those labors and just enjoy what I now have time to run and enjoy. 

I've been in and out of model trains since receiving my first Lionel set in 1954.  It seem that when ever I lost interest for any length of time, just walking by a store window with trains displayed I would get that old feeling again.  I do not regret any aspect of my time with trains at all.  But I have learned that taking a break isn't a bad thing at all. 

There are so many good thoughts and recommendations on this thread, stated by members who share your position.  I don't think it matters what interest's a person has, the tendency is to get bigger, get more and get better.  You have just got to do what you feel is best for you. 

TEX

Steve