Why I'll never finish a layout.

[jacon12]

'Cause I keep buying Trains! I just started this hobby this year and already I've bought 4 locomotives. I started with a Kato dc that I later converted to dcc. Then it was a P2K GP-9. Then a BLI Class A 2-6-6-4. And today I go and get into the passenger business with a P2K E6 A/B. Of the 3 brands I think I like P2Ks the best. But I digress
How do I ever get anything done on the layout if I keep doing this? I do have some track laid so I can break the latest two in and that'll keep me tied up for a while. Surely there is a way.
Hide the locos
Hide the checkbook
Anyone know where I can get a nice set of passenger cars, preferably Southern Railways but generic will do?
Jarrell

[jwmurrayjr]

Just remember BUYING STUFF is our culture's alternative to DOING SOMETHING.[:p]

"Just do it!"[:0]

[jacon12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jwmurrayjr

Just remember BUYING STUFF is our culture's alternative to DOING SOMETHING.[:p]

"Just do it!"[:0]

I'm creating jobs, Jim. I'm helping the economy. I think.. [;)]
JaRRell [:D]

[NZRMac]

I know the feeling Jarrell, I'd love to do more on my wee layout but ebay and the internet keep tempting me to buy more trains, I've maxd out the credit card!![:D][:D]

If I'm not careful it will be a [B)] from my mrs!!

Ken

[selector]

Hmmm. Don't know what to say to you.

You could make a pact, with She as a witness and overseer, that you don't get to run any of your two new locos until you have a completely laid track, all graded, bedded, and soldered. Then you get to run one of them...only one. Then, you don't get to run the other until all of your scenery is mostly done ('mostly' a joint agreement). Getting structures and other stuff down will eventually happen.

[orsonroy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jacon12

'Cause I keep buying Trains! I just started this hobby this year and already I've bought 4 locomotives. I started with a Kato dc that I later converted to dcc. Then it was a P2K GP-9. Then a BLI Class A 2-6-6-4. And today I go and get into the passenger business with a P2K E6 A/B. Of the 3 brands I think I like P2Ks the best. But I digress
How do I ever get anything done on the layout if I keep doing this? I do have some track laid so I can break the latest two in and that'll keep me tied up for a while. Surely there is a way.
Hide the locos
Hide the checkbook
Anyone know where I can get a nice set of passenger cars, preferably Southern Railways but generic will do?
Jarrell

I found that the best way to cure this problem was to concentrate on one prototype for one specific timeframe. Once you know what you "need", and stick with it, your spending slacks off considerably. I've also started scratchbuilding a lot, meaning that most of my buying is for nothing more than Evergreen styrene and Tichy windows. Oh, having a kid REALLY helps curb your spending!

As for the Southern passenger cars, Bachmann makes a nice set of generic heavyweights lettered for the Southern, and Walthers, Branchline and IHC all make various cars too.

[dwRavenstar]

JaRRel, (great idea, those RR's [8D])

As I recall my History it wasn't until Mr. Ford developed an effective assembly production line and unindated the country with affordable vehicles that any steps were taken to improve the state of the highways in this country.

I've seen the progress pictures and think you're doing a great job with your layout. Keep buying locos, box cars, flats, passenger liners and whatever else you can find. In time; reference the example of Mr. H. Ford; you'll either scotch the layout plan and turn your talents to building display shelves or you'll need something more interesting than bare plywood and foam to watch your collection roll through and it will become your focus.

There is no right nor wrong way to enjoy this hobby. Personally, I don't worry about the time aspect as it's always "Right now" and that's when everything will get done. But, right now [:I] I have an idea for a bit of scenery that will bring the South end of my shelf layout closer to completion that I have to get started. That's the good thing about my 4X4, 12 hour a day schedule at work..... I have FOUR days at a time to work on the layout!!!

Keep up the great work and don't worry about the clock. Maybe you could hang a "Right Now!" sign under it and always be right on time with your modelling efforts. [^]

Dave
(dwRavenstar)

[davekelly]

Never finishing a layout is, in my opinion, the great thing about this hobby. There is always something to do! And unlike other things (you know those silly things call job etc) no one cares if progress is not happening - as long as you're having fun!!

[jacon12]

I think you're ALL right. Not finishing just may be the key. I used to read about people ripping apart finished and beautiful layouts and starting over. I couldn't understand that then but now I do. Thanks for the tip on the Bachmann coaches, I'll start saving money... again.
JaRRell [^]

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jacon12

QUOTE: Originally posted by jwmurrayjr

Just remember BUYING STUFF is our culture's alternative to DOING SOMETHING.[:p]

"Just do it!"[:0]

I'm creating jobs, Jim. I'm helping the economy. I think.. [;)]
JaRRell [:D]

Jarrell, don't kid yourself, the jobs you are creating are in China. But I digress. Eventually you will feel an overwelming urge to RUN all of your purchases. That urge is like a swift kick in the butt. Next time you go to the hobby store, say to yourself, "I MUST BUY SWITCHES".

Seriously, don't worry about it. You said yourself you are just starting out. It's kind of like a starving guy walking into an all you can eat buffet. Eventually you will get full.

[camarokid]

Jarrell: The time will come when all the lights burn brightly in your brain and you will explode with the realization that "This is what want, this is what I need, this is how I get it and this is how I will build it." This small enlightenment took me all of 30 years to discover. Now I know what I want and need and will build it this coming winter. Hopefully I will not have to tear it down again. It won't be the size of my present layout, but it will be so much more managable and that I firmly believe is the key to all good and great layouts. Have fun discovering this bit of wisdom the next time you visit your LHS. Ain't it great!!
Archie