The Zone

For me, it makes no difference whether you are operating conventional or otherwise, the sound and the trains going around the layout are relaxing and that is one of the big reasons this hobby is so therapeutic. Takes some of the normal stress of day to day activities away.

So I think we all get into the zone.

YUP,  usually around midnight on nights i cant sleep..  After 1/2 hour,  im mellowed enough, and can go to sleep.

At one show I was the only member inside our modular layout. A couple were outside the "donut" and talking to show attendees. I had one of my German E44 electrics on each loop. Even though it's HO 3 rail AC, each one of these little bricks weighs nearly a pound. I rested my head on the benchwork, and closed my eyes. I could feel them running through vibrations in the layout. Building and waning as they passed me.

A member then entered the layout, and asked me how I knew my trains were still running. I told them I could feel them run through my skull. It was very relaxing.