Idea for when you hit a wall in progress

[Anonymous]

I've been at a stuck state, working on my layout. I would go in look at it. Run a little, make some notes on the problems that needed addressed, and then do just about the same thing a few days later. Never making any progress. This morning I did something different that may get me out of the rut, it may not either, but I thought I would pass it on.

I seriously looked at what needs to be done before I can secure more track, get on w/ scenery etc. Then in each area I wrote out a post it note of what should be done, and pinned it in place with a straight pin at the site of the needed work. So now when I go in, it hits me right in the face, replace joiners here w/ insulated joiners , Add 2 New power feeds here, Smooth out transistion on siding, Add a straight before a double spur turnout so engine can back up to change route w/ out fouling the main, Etc. I'll let you know more if it really works, but it felt like a breakthrough. Dave

[cisco1]

Sounds like a good strategy. I always carry a small notebook to write down ideas in and have a cork board near the workbench with a to-do list that gets updated every few weeks. Without a little organization things can get pretty overwhelming![banghead]

[fiatfan]

I go through phases like that also. The post it notes are a great idea. Now, to cary it one step farther, the next time you go to your train room, pick one project and do it. Even if it's only to vacuum the dust of a construction area for example. Or tidy up another area,. Or just paint the trim on that building, etc., etc.

Just knock off one or two of these in an evening and you'll be surprised at how quickly to can make progress on that chore list.

Good luck!

Tom

[Anonymous]

I used to keep a notebook. The paperwork get too big. Now I keep a box labeled "First aid" for rolling stock. I dont have to worry about layout troubleshooting yet. But that day is coming. When it does, post it notes pinned to the trouble areas will do the trick.

Several times a year I step away from anything trains for a week or two.

[jwar]

Gads I hear Ya. I do the same thing and its either procrastination or to much lead in the posterior.

Im in the middle of a couple of projects and as you, at the stuck gate, sort to speak. One is that I have to finish some scenery that will be impossable to get at after I lay a 36 x 20 inch high bridge that comes off the top of a helix. Have a new scenery method I'm going to try called Geodedic foam scenery. The molds have absolutly beatiful detail. I guess the hold up is the river in this canyon as I havent perfected the right color yet., should look pretty trick if I ever get at it. This project seems over whelming at the moment and I know when I finaly get at it it will work out. O well maybeee tomorrow???
Take care and have a good day.