Favorite part of Model railroading

[alexweiihman]

I enjoy how you get to "wear many hats."  Your an operater operating the trains, an artist making the scenery, ect.

[dwiemer]

I do enjoy the "many hats" that the hobby brings.  I enjoy the mechanics of operation with regard to the engines (one reason I like steam more is the action of the drivers and rods), but the running of trains as a whole.  I enjoy the problem solving that is involved and the sense of accomplishment when the layout is done and the trains are operating smoothly (ok, I know I am dreaming here), but it is a goal to look forward to.  I would have to say that the part that I enjoy the most is the time that I get to spend with my family immersed in this hobby that allows us to put the rest of the world asside until we wish to join it again.  I look forward to sharing with my kids and educating them with the many lessons to be learned with it.  A second to the valuable family time, would have to be the good friendships that have developed and the sharing of the hobby that we have.  Everyone is welcome, race-unimportant, past history-unimportant, income-unimportant, amount of trains in your collection-unimportant, love of trains and the respect of others- Totally Important.

Dennis

[cnw1995]

I'm with you, Alex. It's hard to pick a favorite part for me because each part is individually so much fun. Right now that I am in a creative lull, I'm enjoying running...

[Jumijo]

All the wonderful people I've met through the hobby. This forum is another favorite of mine, as well as the time I get to spend with my children running trains.

Jim 

[traindaddy1]

One source of the money I spend on trains comes from my other hobby, 'Metal Detecting'. In that hobby, it is the "Thrill of the hunt". So too with Model Railroading. The 'thrill' is the on-going search for the perfect layout which, of course, is never found. There is always something that can be added, changed or improved. That being said, if I had to select just one part, I would have to say that it is the 'running of the trains' and the 'sharing of the hobby' with others. Thanks for asking.

[Roger Bielen]

In addition to the previously mentioned aspects I enjoy the problem solving/how to part of layout construction and trouble shooting that always seems to be needed just before someone is coming over to see the layout.  I especially enjoy designing and scratch building.  I guess its my past career as an engineer coming out in me.

[Anonymous]

I absolutely love this hobby.  I get so much enjoyment out of it that it is almost unfair.  I enjoy the 'hunt' as traindaddy1 mentioned, the seeking and searching for that one special engine or car or accessory.  The layout design (what I consider the architecture aspect of model railroading).  The construction: cutting wood, drilling holes, ratcheting bolts, shooting nails, driving screws, etc.  Then you get to the laying of track (first time you get a sense of what the finished product is going to look like).  At this point I try to start running trains as they would be run on the final layout.  This gives you the opportunity to find the flaws in the design and make any necessary pre-scenery modifications.  Then you begin the scenery.  This is where the anticipation really sets in, you are in the home stretch so to speak.  Then the layout is 'complete', but is it really ever complete?  I'll always be adding and removing buildings and accessories, many changing some scenes, etc.  And the 'hunt' never really goes away because you will always be looking for something new and exciting to add!

If your layout never changes, where is the fun in that?

[Sturgeon-Phish]

One of the beauties of the model railroading hobby is that you can take it in some many directions, and still be within the scope of the hobby.  Electrical, electronics, carpendry, painting sculpting, history, whatever you could imagine.  It also has the ability to get in as deep as you want.  I enjoy the repair and restoration aspect.  Taking a 40+ year old train or accesory and making it run like new is satisfyling and a testimony to quality of workmanship that made the United States great.

The layout is equally challenging and fun.  It is a great stress reliver.  After a long day of work or studies, I'll tell my wife I'm going for a smoke break, which means I'm running trains!

All work and no play is not a good thing.

Jim 

[laz 57]

I'm with YUZ GIZ, with loving the whole shooting match.  All aspects are fun from the problem solving to artistry to running of the trains.  This is all way to cool and always has you thinking of what would look cool.  Especially when you are out in everyday life and see something that is ordinary and you incorrperate it into your layout.  A great example of this is walking my dog the other day I looked at trees and saw these redish brown tips of a bush, sniped one and took it home spary painted it green now looks likwe a nice pine tree for the layout. Going to pick more of these.  As far as hats go I only have one my engineer hat.

laz57

[custom mike]

I enjoy exercising my creative side.  Scenery is my favorite.

[Joe Hohmann]

I enjoy exercising my creative side.  Scenery is my favorite.

Same here. I also enjoy being a member of a modular group, where we set up a huge layout at train shows and museums. It's rewarding to have thousands of people seeing our "work", and answering questions from some of them. Joe

[otftch]

I think it is the many aspects of this hobby that I like.There is really nothing that you cannot learn to do.You are the builder of your own little world.You can take it as far as you like or a little.Some things that I do probably seem strange to others but they work for me.At the same time I listen to others to add to my knowledge.My train layout is a combination of skills learned and advice taken ,or not taken, at the same time throughout the years.I do everything myself but have a lot of others to thank for the way it has evolved.I have been called an expert,a craftsman even a nut, but have enjoyed the trip.I read the posts on this forum and take in every word,not because everyone is more or less knowledgeable but because any new idea can work for me.This might seem a little selfish but it works for me.I hope it works for others here too.

                                                                                                  Ed

[Anonymous]

Scenery and detailing: Creative, challenging, and all-around fun!

It's also what adds a distinctive personality to any layout.

[RR Redneck]

I am 100% operator. It dont matter if it is the plywood pacific or a SUPER detailed layout. I enjoy running my trains thourghly above all else. In fact when I build my O guage shelf line, all I plan to put down at the moment is basic rudimentary scenery.