Age!! Time?????

[vsmith]

As for me...42 years young, first trainset I can remember at 5 or 6 was this X-mas O gauge battery Euro set that was made in Czechoslovokia or some where, ran for a day then died, ended up playing Godzilla with it soon there after. Later got a O Marx set when I was 8 or 9, came with metal station and a siding switch and a good sized oval. I ran than one till the wheels fell off, literally, next was a Tyco HO set at 10 or 11 which I mounted to a 4x8 sheet of plywood, it got no further than that, and someehere in this time the grandparents got me a Lionel O gauge set. Later after a move I had to dump the 4x8 sheets and box the Lionel. Later at 16 I gave it a serious try and built a small 2 x 4 N gauge layout which a year later I later began converting to HOn30. It was about this time I had my first run in with the evil rivet counters who diss'ed my first attempt at kitbashing a narrow gauge loco, a minitrix 0-6-0 which ran like sheee-ooot (and I still have). I became a Lone Wolf modeler after that. After high school I shelved the trainstuff for college, girls, cars, etc, no time especially after getting into University, in an Impacted Major, where I was literally living under my workstation desk in my studio. During and after college, I continued to feed the addiction with the occasional issues of Short Line and Narrow Gauge Gazette. After marriage I tried again with HOn30 but lack of space shelved that again (still have most of that stuff too) and then we bought our house a few years ago with the idea of an HOn30 layout in the garage. But then something unexpected happened, I saw an LGB Stainz on clearance for $60 at a KB firesale. I didnt buy it but the thought that I COULD get G gauge items for HO prices DID register. I always liked G so a trip to Ebay soon netted an LGB Porter, which sold me completely on LS. Of course then the whole issue of no outdoor layout and starting the indoor layout began about then too...but then most of you already know that story....[8D][;)]

[Tom The Brat]

QUOTE: if you want to know what Portland weather is like, just stand in the shower for awhile

Remember "Man of the House" where they're going to see a rain dance? The boy says, "This is Seattle, what's the point?"

[Curmudgeon]

What're sunglasses?
What's sun?

Depends on when we take the photos, lads.

TOC

[Anonymous]

Marty, and Torby, too. TOC isn't necessarily nocturnal. When an older brother moved to Portland, he wrote home that if you want to know what Portland weather is like, just stand in the shower for awhile. And the Seattle area is no better. The sun don't shine when it's raining.

I'll bet TOC doesn't even own sunglasses, no need for them where he's at!

Art

[Anonymous]

Gosh, Marty you sure can get a thread going. Took the day off yesterday to help my wife get ready for her two week trip to Pittsburgh and drove her to the airport this AM and this thing is two pages long already yet.

Some week ends are bad but next weekend I am in CONTROL.

And RJ, I think you were not playing nice chiding Torby on his wooden trains Seventy years ago, I got a wood engine for Xmas (X is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ) and truly loved it, graduated to a wood pull train, and was trying to play with wind-ups at the tender year of 8. Trying cause I wasn't strong enough to wind the bloomin thing and my older brother, was always too busy (why frustrate kids so early in life?). Two years later LIONEL arrived. Hooray! No more winding. I figure I've been in to railroading for over 70 years!!!

I fell in love with large scale cause EVERYTHING is okay; absolute scale (sorta), scale of rolling stock at odds with scale of track, cutsey wootsey, inside, outside, track power, battery power, you name it, you can have it, it all belongs.

End of sermon.

Art

[Tom The Brat]

TOC is nocturnal[;)]

[Marty Cozad]

You know?? I was thinking about TOCs RR, I don't think i have ever seen a photo of it where the sun was shining. Most of the time it had just rained or the sun about to set.
I take it he sleeps in till noon everyday??
I was looking at Rick Browns photo of his mallet that he just posted and that got me thinking.[;)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: David just closes his eyes and relishes the sound of my metal wheels running on metal rails and joints.

I know how he feels.A 65 year old electric motor whining away does it for me!

[Tom The Brat]

Somehow, my stuffy model railroader friends have quit talking about G not being for serious modelers[;)] William would sit for hours at the shop and gaze at that Mallet! David just closes his eyes and relishes the sound of my metal wheels running on metal rails and joints.

[Anonymous]

Age...40
I spent all my younger (in fact All) years growing up with real trains/trams/buses/trolleybuses/traction engines/steamrollers and vintage lorries due to the fact that most of my formulative years were spent at a transport museum.Holiday times were spent touring Europe spending time at other museums or just riding and exploring various routes.I've always helped with the smaller scales from my earliest memory (a corner of a layout where no damage can be done) but largescale from when I was 10 years old.LGB I'm afraid.I've always had a model railway but it's only been in the past few years that the family has kept me tame enough to decide to build G scale things.It's too easy to buy things.Plus I cannot buy the things I want to run.Everything is built with the children in mind and I tend not to get too concerned about scale issues.As I've said before,If it makes you so uptight about little electric/steam models in the garden (or inside) you have a choice.Get a life or go and play with some real ones.
Funnily enough,it's the same in real life.Go to a museum and ask if the vehicle is the correct colour.It's all relative[:D]
I remember some modeller trying to find the correct cream paint.In the real world the trams were painted with whatever colour was closest at the time in the local paint shop.Undeterred,he tried to find out what shades were in the shop at that time (very sad.)

[John Busby]

Hi Brian
I think they are just jealous.
Because we can actually enjoy our trains and friends.
Even burn our fingers on locomotives that go choo choo for real if we so choose.
Who said our scale was not for serious modeling HERECY burn em at the stake.[}:)]
I have seen some models that would put the small scale's to shame.

That's the serious bit over time to go back to friends and fun mode[:D]
and if we are not in it for fun we are in it for the wrong reason.
Hmm I wonder is it that we remember what fun is that irks them[:D]
regards John

[Gary Crawley]

QUOTE: Originally posted by John Busby

Hi
Well being over 42 ( 46) I should now have the answer to life the
universe and everything and I don't[:(]
I got my first train set a Tri-Ang OO scale pick up goods set when I was four as you can imagine I don't still have it.
I do still have a load of OO scale stuff all packed in boxes.
I had a brief encounter with "N" TOO SMALL then back to OO.
Ten Years ago now got my first LGB set.
Started building in the garden about three years or is it four ago..
I am going to do it MY WAY!![:D] "Yes dear I will build the town your way"[:(]
Never mind if I ever get the line out into the back yard I can do it my way[:D]
Who cares how else can you get sunshine your favorite cool drink and trains all at the same time[:D]
It also seems to be the only size of trains the whole family seem to get involved with and every one have fun along with friends and a BBQ now that really has to be worth something.[:D]
regards John

Hey John I'm 52 and I to received a Triang set for my birthday at 12, still have it and it still runs.

I also have some Triang rolling stock with "Made in Australia" on it, guess it could be pretty rare.

You are right, since I have become a Garden Raiway builder everybody loves my trains, it must have something to do with the fact that if it's outside it must be real, not a toy.

Even my 11 year old Play Station loving grandson loves helping me with the construction, more power to us OLD people.

All the best
Gary

[John Busby]

Hi
Well being over 42 ( 46) I should now have the answer to life the
universe and everything and I don't[:(]
I got my first train set a Tri-Ang OO scale pick up goods set when I was four as you can imagine I don't still have it.
I do still have a load of OO scale stuff all packed in boxes.
I had a brief encounter with "N" TOO SMALL then back to OO.
Ten Years ago now got my first LGB set.
Started building in the garden about three years or is it four ago..
I am going to do it MY WAY!![:D] "Yes dear I will build the town your way"[:(]
Never mind if I ever get the line out into the back yard I can do it my way[:D]
Who cares how else can you get sunshine your favorite cool drink and trains all at the same time[:D]
It also seems to be the only size of trains the whole family seem to get involved with and every one have fun along with friends and a BBQ now that really has to be worth something.[:D]
regards John

[Curmudgeon]

You don't know how close you are.
I have a 21-stud Flatmotor to swap into the new Bachmann railtruck, just to (deleted )everybody.....

I am going to rig a smoke unit to the radiator cap to let folks think it's boiling.......

[bman36]

Hey Guys,
At 39 I guess I'm the youngin' here. Not sure about where you all live...but the majority of Model RR's I met here in the "Peg kept me out of any club. WEIRD! After discovering our "not for the serious model rr" trains about four years ago I have finally come to know normal hobbyists. Large Scale comments make me laugh. To which I love to reply "I used to do your scale, but I grew out of it." Nasty? Yes. Necessary? Yes. What is it with these people who think what we do is like being from another planet??? I still consider us to be the "Hot Rodders" of model railroading. We take a good thing and improve where the manufacturer left off. I'm talkin' rip it apart and create. Put on what it never had (cause our line spec calls for it), weight it out for performance, chop,channel, slam, re-power, use a drive from another manufacturer (EEEE GAD!!!) then repaint the whole deal in a colour it never came in. BLASPHEMY! They cry. We just smile and say "Anyone can be a model RR...but it takes a real man to do Large Scale." Hee hee...I love teasing. Later eh...Brian.

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Torby

Marty, you have such a way with words.

It was a wooden train at my second Christmas. I was about 18 months[:D]

Torby,

We didn't really count the wooden stuff or the wind-up variety. [;)]

I need to dig out some old pictures, have two large boxes in the garage. labeled "pictures and letters, to be sorted one day". [;)]

[Curmudgeon]

they didn't let you have sharp metal thingies in the asylum......wood or stuffed.....

[Tom The Brat]

Marty, you have such a way with words.

It was a wooden train at my second Christmas. I was about 18 months[:D]

[Curmudgeon]

I always have said, if I shave my beard, lose 50 pounds, and drive a Chevrolet, even the FBI couldn't find me.....

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Curmudgeon

Ya know, one of these days I'm gonna hafta show up incognito at Marty's just to spew epithets that drive him crazy......I'll get the bride to run the camcorder......

Dave [:D][:)][:D]

Make sure the bride has you on the tape at the very start. You in incognito will call for a special caption on the tape: "Guess who this is?"
And every exclamation could be subtitled "TOC", "TOC"! Would have to make sure the tape wouldn't get into the wrong hands (i.e. QL) otherwise the acronym guessing would start again. Either that or it's a reference to a defective clock that never sounds "TIC" (The irascible curmudgeon) hehehehe

[Curmudgeon]

Ya know, one of these days I'm gonna hafta show up incognito at Marty's just to spew epithets that drive him crazy......I'll get the bride to run the camcorder......

[Anonymous]

Marty,
Hate to hear your having a weekend like ya are. I can honestly say you will never hear me say that when I come to visit your place. Even when this thing I have eventually puts me in a chair, I will crawl if I have to just to enjoy your layout.[bow] (I think they're just jealous[(-D][:-^]) My [2c] it's just the way our society has become. Most have to realize the world does not revolve around them no matter how important they think they are or tell other people they are. What it really comes down to is how do you want to be remembered when you aren't in the picture.

No matter how the few over there judge everybody, there is still one final judgment for all of us.
We have met only once but talked several times. I hope that you gathered what you see is what you get.

Man, That hurt my brain just think'n it up Ouch.[swg][#dots]

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Marty Cozad

I shared it here because if i share it on another site folks will take it wrong. Many folks take stuff way to personal.
And others never grow up, they just get older.[;)][:(]
.........................................................
Sorry, its just one of those weekends.
[:I][:(]

Marty,[:)]

Don't worry! Sooner or later it all gets sorted out!
Of course they take it so personal, because they identify with their railway and/or the manufacturer of their choice in the first person singular. I'm not kidding when I say "too fundamental".
However since we have a choice of different fora it isn't a problem, you make your choice and go with it.

Every once in a while "Idler" and Co. get a reminder. Sorting out the "twelve hour rule" and getting a handle on the bulging "1st Class" are just the latest hicups.
I still remember a certain upgrade when lots of people couldn't access the "new and improved", since running the new version in parallel for BETA testing was just a "crazy idea". Mention that or the other tech issues and the temp would be rising very rapidly. After all it meant getting out of "idle" mode. [;)][:D][:D]

PS BTW there is a Swiss summary about the good old days, it dates back at least 50 years......... goes something like this: "Oh, the good old days! When oxen had even larger heads and the air was easier to breath!"[;)][:)][}:)][:D][:D]
I leave it open to interpretation![;)][}:)][}:)]

[Curmudgeon]

Hand them binoculars, Marty.

I do believe, as does Master HJ, of which forum thou speakest.
They just "idle" along.......

[Marty Cozad]

I shared it here because if i share it on another site folks will take it wrong. Many folks take stuff way to personal.
And others never grow up, they just get older.[;)][:(]

What does rude mean? its it in the culture we live in?
When i went to the ECLSTS I could hardly understand most folks who worked at fast food places and convenence stores, gas stations.

My all time best,,"rude" statment here was, God, you can't hardly ever see your train on this RR, do I really have to walk way over there???[V]

Sorry, its just one of those weekends.
[:I][:(]

[ttrigg]

Unlike you guys I am NOT old, just well seasoned! Got my first train for Christmas 1949. Been gliding down the rails since. (yes there were a few times when the trains were packed up, like when I went overseas to places where it was not practical.) Just recently moved outside. I have found the truth that is so easily espoused here that the GRR is easier to see, to work on, to play with, .............and so much more fun to sit on the patio and watch run around the back yard.

The smaller stuff has been relegated to footlockers in the garage, however the memories are still preserved. Memories of the "Trans Europa Express" traveling off into the distance getting smaller as it traveled out. (O to HO to N to Z and back) Memories of old friends still running their trains, and holding the cars and engines of friends now operating the big layout in heaven.

Age!! Time?? = over fifty years of wonderful memories, old friends, new friends, wonderful advances in the quality and craftsmanship of the trains we buy.

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Curmudgeon

53 years and slowly counting.
Still have the original Lionel 225E, restored my Dad's 262 for my Brother, did it all but "S".
Had LS for 20 years, outdoors for 13.
I guess that makes me.....an.........
Old
Curmudgeon

Hey Dave, [;)][:)]

That means we're even on the 53!

Of course neither one of us should start on the years of experience or the "experts" will start adding all those years and conclude that we must be at least 120 years old.[;)][}:)][}:)][:D][:D][:D]
(Ducking and waiting for the whistle of incoming "whatever")

[Curmudgeon]

53 years and slowly counting.
Still have the original Lionel 225E, restored my Dad's 262 for my Brother, did it all but "S".
Had LS for 20 years, outdoors for 13.
I guess that makes me.....an.........
Old
Curmudgeon

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Marty Cozad

Don't you just hate titles like this?[;)]
I was framing a basement with my son today and we,,I got to talking about the past.[:p]
I recieved my first 027 Marx train set at my first Christmas.
I "offically" called myself a model railroader at age 8 when I recieved my first HO set.
And got laughed at by kids at school.
I came out of the closet and anounnced that I was a "garden railroader" about 14 years ago.
And got laughed at by "model railroaders".
Thus I've been in this hobby about 38 years.[^]
The only time off was out of my control such as moving, dating ( out of my mind) etc.
This is a GREAT hobby to be in.

Now I don't care if any one laughs because they are the ones missing out.
If your lurking and thinking of getting into the hobby , just do it.
Whats holding you back?
[:(]
I'm just sad if anyone walks away with out tring it or blaming others for NOt being nice to them at a club meeting or show.

One last story.
In Jr high they had the BN exsplorer post for model railroading.
the head of ours was a collector of S scale . Some of the older "gentalmen" kinda made fun of us HO kids[V]

Later in 76 those guys came to our house for the Mid contenient NMRA convention layout tours.
I don't think they were laughing then.
Its your hobby, make it into what YOU want, no matter what some of "us" say[;)]

Marty, [;)][}:)][;)]

In a way you're "preaching to the converted", but it doesn't hurt.

Now, if you would like to reverse the "reformation" of toy trainers to model railroaders (regardless of scale) or promote "the road to Damascus" to the toy trainers, you got your work cut out!

OTOH it would be interesting to see what hymn book the toy trainers bring to the ecumenical "Garden Railway" service.[:D][:D][:D][:D]

As I mentioned elsewhere, there is a rumour that they're planning on tearing down the bridge to the 21st century. Apparently too many want to get back there.

Figured that fits nicely with the "Age and Time" title. [;)][:D][;)]