Selling out (maybe)

[jonadel]

Houdy--
I was in your position about 16-20 years ago. Had more money invested in Lionel "stuff" than prudent. Common sense said that braces, trumpets, cletes, trombones, etc. should take priority. Sold all the good stuff and kept the plastic junk that we had given the boy's for Christmas. Fast forward 17 years: kids are out of college, just the two of us; more money, low interest home loan (nearly paid for) and a whole lot less responsibility. I started on the permanent layout about 5-6 years ago, GREAT FUN for the both of us, wonderful therapy for both of us as it allowed my wife to work on scenery and me the bench work, track plan, wiring, etc. Long story short, you are doing the right thing, toy's can wait in the wings--they will always be there.

Jon

[brianel027]

Jeff, just goes to show we all have differing takes on our problems and their possible solutions. I've been through what has possible been one of the toughest times in my life... out of work over 2 years and I had reached a point where I was ready to hang up, period. Really. All of a sudden in what I can only describe as an unbelivable onslaught, my doorbell was constantly ringing with good willed caring folks asking if I knew the Lord and was saved? This happens to everyone... it had happened before to me, but never like this... it was an onslaught. And too coincidental. It got me thinking, and my whole life has changed. Lots of other things happened too that have now become my testimony... things that were just too unbelivable to be just coincidents or accidents.

At that time there was a lot of encouagement too from folks here. We're all train guys but it showed me that many here are more than just train guys. And there are some believers here too.

Money is still tight, but at least now I'm getting by and slowly climbing out out the hole. I watch the news and see so many who have it so much worse than I do. So even though things have been hard, I have much to be thankful to God for: a roof over my head and food to eat. I can't imagine living in a dinky FEMA trailer for a year, but I know there are others who can't imagine being out of work for so long either.

Similar thoughts had entered my head about my trains. But I decided, even though it is just a hobby, it was well worth it for the diversion and relaxation it was and is. Besides, this hobby needs someone like me to keep speaking out for the non-scale budget traditional operators, beginners and folks with kids!! Fortunately my train tastes have always been simple and inexpensive. Even when I found I couldn't afford to buy, I could still scratchbuild, kitbash and make for myself.

I'm sure things will work out Jeff, but as I can personally attest to, things don't always go in a direction we think they will or should.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys, I am getting a lot of questions about the layout from potential bidders but I think the size of it may be a limiting factor.

Well thanks again and have fun!

[Dr. John]

Sounds like you have your priorities in order. It is a hobby, after all, and you can always return to it at a later time! And of course, you can still visit the forum - it's free!

[ChiefEagles]

Hope it works for you.  Welcome back anytime.

[thor]

Best of luck Jeff. Its a win-win situation. If you get the desired money it solves a problem and maybe later you get to start over which is often the best part. If you decide that you're not going to get what you want, you keep your trains which also cant be bad!   Either way I wish you the best.

[wrmcclellan]

Good luck Jeff. Many of us have really enjoyed what you accomplished with your layout.

[Anonymous]

Hey guys I just wanted to thank everyone here for all the help over the past few years. I have listed my entire layout on a certian auction site with the hopes of  taking care of some bills.
The reason my title is (maybe) is because if I don't get what I feel I need for it then I have a good reason to keep it
My hopes are to use my hobby time to generate more income and then sometime in the future build an even better layout!
Either way I will probably not be spending much time with the trains for a while.

So thanks again.

Jeff