And I can't understand why. I only purchased 18 rolling stock in 11 days. That's ok though, I've bought what I think I need. Also picked up a Weller soldering station and a lb roll of solder and 3 buildings. I had to promise I'm done ( for now..heh ). I have 4 Engines, so that's good for now. Now to just finish building the bench work ( only need to build the lift up bridge ). Ordered a little track and some track nippers from an online dealer. Once it gets here, I can complete the outside mainline ( without cork for now ), so I can test out all the rolling stock I bought.
Sounds like the hot water is up around your neck, pull the plug and let it drain down a bit!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
I welcomed my wife's involvement in the hobby right from the start. She has done a good deal of the scenery and there is quite a bit of tedious work that she has done that I'm glad I didn't have to be saddled with. (I built four Walthers Hulett Unloaders, there's 64 wheel halves on each one. She clipped and cleaned up all 256 of them! Not to mention painting scores of my little people!)
Everyone's situation is different but for us, we take an interest in our respective hobbies. Thus she understands why I absolutely cannot live without yet another model RR purchase.
Good luck, Ed
In my marriage, the discretionary part of my pension, such as it is, is a SHARED resource. I never order train stuff unless I get her agreement first. That way, we keep comms open and trust, and she feels included in the disbursement of those precious few dollars each month.
It sounds like you and your partner (important word there, IMO) ought to have a frank talk about how the two of you are going to keep a secure and progressive future together. Right now, she's babysitting you a bit.
selector It sounds like you and your partner (important word there, IMO) ought to have a frank talk about how the two of you are going to keep a secure and progressive future together. Right now, she's babysitting you a bit.
Naw, post was a bit tounge in cheek.
gmpullman I welcomed my wife's involvement in the hobby right from the start. She has done a good deal of the scenery and there is quite a bit of tedious work that she has done that I'm glad I didn't have to be saddled with. (I built four Walthers Hulett Unloaders, there's 64 wheel halves on each one. She clipped and cleaned up all 256 of them! Not to mention painting scores of my little people!) Everyone's situation is different but for us, we take an interest in our respective hobbies. Thus she understands why I absolutely cannot live without yet another model RR purchase. Good luck, Ed
My wife has helped me build the benchwork, I couldn't have done it without her. And she MADE me buy the last 2 peices of rolling stock. I wasnt worried about cabooses, she said you've GOT to have cabooses! So I ordered 2 for her. I'm hoping she gets interested in the hobby more. It would be great to have her in there giving me a hand with it.
My wife doesn't question me on my modelling purchases and I don't question her on clothing, shoes, hair styling whatever. She takes an interest in my hobby, although she is not involved, and I take an interest in her new clothes etc. NO, I don't wear them! She likes to see me happy and I like to see her happy. We trust each other to stay within reasonable limits. Works just fine.
OH, she bought me my first HO train stuff.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critter and I take an interest in her new clothes etc. NO, I don't wear them! Dave
and I take an interest in her new clothes etc. NO, I don't wear them!
Sure, Ok Dave...we believe ya!
JiminMichigan:
If I make a significant hobby purchase i give my wife the same $ amount for her hobbies. She's appreciates it and it keeps me in check.
I too am sure the OP's remarks were firmly tongue in cheek.
Nonetheless I know of at least three seemingly solid marriages destroyed by model trains.
Dave Nelson
JimInMichigan And I can't understand why. I only purchased 18 rolling stock in 11 days. That's ok though, I've bought what I think I need. Also picked up a Weller soldering station and a lb roll of solder and 3 buildings. I had to promise I'm done ( for now..heh ). I have 4 Engines, so that's good for now. Now to just finish building the bench work ( only need to build the lift up bridge ). Ordered a little track and some track nippers from an online dealer. Once it gets here, I can complete the outside mainline ( without cork for now ), so I can test out all the rolling stock I bought.
Another excellent reason I remain a bachelor..Being a bachelor there's only three people I answer up to when it comes to spending my dineros and they are me,myself and I.No others need apply.
Besides there's not many women folk my age available other then the bossy grumpy old hags nobody in their right cotton picking minds would want...
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
One day my wife went over to my small layout and started counting engines. She then went to the display cabinet and continued. She got into the low 40s but never saw the duplicate Stewarts, Atlas and Kato's I had squirreled away "just in case".
She did it out of curiosity but it made me stop and think. Realistically, my Scottrade account was a much better place to put the money.
So, I stopped buying and started detailing what I had. Plows, winter hatches, beacons, LEDs, etc, went on all the engines. Some of the old Atlas's got new can motors.
Trains, while lots of fun are actually a poor investment. Spending wisely can be just as rewarding as going on a feeding frenzy in the long run.
Something to think about.......... .
Jim
Soo Line fanOne day my wife went over to my small layout and started counting engines. She then went to the display cabinet and continued. She got into the low 40s but never saw the duplicate Stewarts, Atlas and Kato's I had squirreled away "just in case". She did it out of curiosity but it made me stop and think. Realistically, my Scottrade account was a much better place to put the money.
Very sorry to hear this, but glad im not alone. the first wife (who was actually the spawn of satan) had no problem with my hobbies. Now ive reunited with my high school sweetheart after 30 years.
Marriage has come up because we knew we were right for each other. And always were. Putting the mistakes of the past behind us we are trying to move on.
Problem is, now that im down to just one hobby (trains) even this is too much. I know I have an addiction to trains. Shes sees this. We both agree it is a problem. Her more than I. I also got the nod (more like a severe b**ching with frying pan) about Ebay and buying trains. Though our monetary funds are seperate.
Talking about it has produced no solution, rather the talks ended in arguements. And truthfully, for all that I love this woman, trains may be the end of us. Sure am gonna miss her! That probably sounds wrong though I just dont know what to do about it anymore. Ive slowed my buying down but feel a void that she cant fill.
Not really a problem I would talk about here but since the OP mentioned it, figured maybe discussing it with others having this problem would help. Im afraid it is down to the choice of her, or my lifelong passion.
Just curious, but how much more of an a$$ would I be to walk away peacefully from this relationship? Does it make me a loser to choose an inanimate object over a potential mate? there are more fish in the sea, but likewise there are more trains to buy.
What is so wrong with model trains that females just cant tolerate??
Help!
Hey guys,
Yep, winter hit WI., and I'm back inside. Outside "work" is done, and train time starts! Figuring this is as good as place as any to jump back in.
Wifey and I get along great with trains. My last two Kato's were bought by her at Milwaukee's Trainfest. This year, she bought a Ring Engineering FRED.
The show was great this year. Expanded into two buildings.
Mike.
My You Tube
OK, I was sneaky. I had my E Bay purches shipped to work. By the time I hit 300 rolling stock my wife was starting to wonder. I don't think she has ever seen all the stuff at the same time.
Been E Bay free for 6 years now! But, I live with in 2 miles of K-10 Model Trains. Ever bring a new engine home in a trash can? I have. I don't buy much any more, I think I have bought 2 engines in the last 2 years.
I all so made a print out of what engines I have and what they cost. When I am gone I don't want here selling my PCM Big Boy for $50.00.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
cudaken Ever bring a new engine home in a trash can? Cuda Ken
Ever bring a new engine home in a trash can?
If she had her way this is where all of mine would be!
It may be tongue in cheek, but:
many a marriage fell apart due to someone spending more than the other, and the other 'not getting a benefit to match"!
I am currrently into HO scale, but I am thinking of Z scale, due to a serious lack of space!
I also have some N scale stuff, and SO DOES MOH {My Other Half}!! I am SO fortnate that MOH is into Model trains as well!
MOH is into Nscale, and really likes the DeustcheBahn trains, as MOH spent every on other summer over there growing up. SO, MOH's loco picks are Extrememly expensive to import {$500+} a loco. SO when I buy a "cheapo" HO car or loco, It usually is OK. We DON't get many european RRstuff!
I DO try to give MOH something in return..like the 6 diamond 1.5 carat silver setting Cross MOH has a firm eye on, and no other cross will do! SO, guess what I am going to the MAll tomorrow to purchase???
Lets just say it is worth at least 3 Z scale locos, and 3 rr cars and track, OR a power pack, track, 2 locos and 3 rr cars and a caboose...OR a couple buildings, loco, power pack, track, a few RR cars, a caboose, etc.....you get the idea. ENOUGH TO get me STARTED quite nicely in Z...and I never have to sweat it or hide it or whatever you guys do to keep the other guessing at least!
I NEED to do that as some of the startup costs for Zscale can get up there....and all i have to do is point to the Cross, and say, "My trains match your necklace!"
Right now, especially with the necklace, MOH is AHEAD OF ME...as there is really $0.00 in the "hobby" budget, SO I will have some *fun* "making up to do for lost time" next summer!
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
cudaken OK, I was sneaky. I had my E Bay purches shipped to work. By the time I hit 300 rolling stock my wife was starting to wonder. I don't think she has ever seen all the stuff at the same time. Been E Bay free for 6 years now! But, I live with in 2 miles of K-10 Model Trains. Ever bring a new engine home in a trash can? I have. I don't buy much any more, I think I have bought 2 engines in the last 2 years. I all so made a print out of what engines I have and what they cost. When I am gone I don't want here selling my PCM Big Boy for $50.00. Cuda Ken
Do you have a layout to justify all this rolling stock?
Dean
30 years 1:1 Canadian Pacific.....now switching in HO
My at that time girlfriend, having determined that she was dealing with a model railroader, bought me my first brass model - a 'foobie' kit that built up into a nice little 2-6-4T of Japanese design with no acknowledged ancestors.
Later that year, having determined that I had a keeper, I conned her into marrying me.
That was in 1960. Locomotive and marriage are still running.
These days we have three steady streams of income. One is hers - no questions asked. One is mine, and also pays insurance and utility bills. The third is earmarked for mortgage, food and other household and vehicle expenses. Most months, all three show a positive balance.
Earlier, model railroad items were the low face on the budgetary totem pole. Since I set that rule, there were no problems about enforcing it. I still managed to acquire everything I could want for my dream layout, currently under construction. Staying on a single workable theme made that a lot easier. I was never tempted to buy the latest and greatest simply because, "It's New!!" A few years later I paid a lot less when I took it off the discount and closeout shelf, but only if it might have appeared in Kiso country in 1964.
All the way through, self-discipline and honesty have always been the key.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - since 1960)
Never had a problem myself. I model in N Scale, but also model 1/35 Armor and 1/72 Aircraft. I just don't get carried away...I guess its kind of a self regulating thing that kicks in with me. Oh make no mistake, there are a LOT of N Scale items that I want...I could easily rack up the credit card or dent the bank account. Couple that with kits and aftermarket for my armor and aircraft interests and the dog house could be my usual place of residence. But my personal philosophy is if I miss out on something for my railroad or aircraft/armor hobbies then so-be-it. No tears here whatsoever. I focus on needs rather then wants (with household needs coming ahead of hobby needs). When I do splurge on a want I keep it resonable. She does the exact same thing for her interests. I don't feel denied anything and I am completely enjoying my hobbies...and not having any stress around the house (which to me increases said enjoyment). Heck, she wants to see what I have done to my layout or what my latest armor or aircraft project is. In return I ask her about her latest interests/additions. Works great.
But each to their own.
Happy modeling all!
Don.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that both engines have failed, and we will be stuck here for some time. The good news is that you decided to take the train and not fly."
Soo Line fan She got into the low 40s but never saw the duplicate Stewarts, Atlas and Kato's I had squirreled away "just in case". She did it out of curiosity but it made me stop and think. Realistically, my Scottrade account was a much better place to put the money.
She got into the low 40s but never saw the duplicate Stewarts, Atlas and Kato's I had squirreled away "just in case".
This is one of those things that tickles me. I mean, it's fine and all. It's your money, I don't care what you do with it.
My layout is a freelance railroad made up of an amalgam of three real regionals. Specificly, I am doing a section of the smallest of the three. The REAL one operating on those tracks only has a roster of about ten and only operates two trains at a time! I think I can get by with two GP40-2s when the local its inspired by makes due with a pair of GP11s (which represent half their GP fleet).
I guess I am fortunate, but I've never seen it that way.
My better half has no interest in any of my hobby - read modeling - interests.
I like it that way, honest. I really am a lone wolf modeler.
She never feels the need to "approve" my spending because I spend only my money & not any of hers. My wife still works & lives a very busy life. I don't think she has much time to be concerned about how much I spend on models. I don't think my model building is anywhere on her list of things to biatch about.
Dusty
dknelsonNonetheless I know of at least three seemingly solid marriages destroyed by model trains.
Dave. Is this bloke one of 'em???
First there was Jennie Rylance in 1965. Then Dee Harrington in ’71. Then, famously, there was Britt Ekland in ’75, Kelly Emberg in ’83, Rachel Hunter in 1990. And now there’s Penny Lancaster, the model and photographer with whom rock legend Rod Stewart has been living since 2007. Six of the 8 women Stewart has been with over the past 50 years have been models. But despite his track record, if you’ll pardon the pun, it’s not models he’s been collecting, but model… trains.
Ed
Wow, never thought my attempt at a funny post would have snowballed into an interesting discussion.
First, let me state, all of the rolling stock I bought were Bachmann Silver Series. I know that will make a lot of you cringe, but I did do some research online, and didnt find many complaints on the build or being problem cars. Most were due to them not being "proto" paint. And I dont mind molded ladders, ect. I like the fact they have metal wheels, brass axles, ect. Anywhays, I spent a total ( including shipping ) $218 for all 18 rolling stock. Thats just over $12 each on average. I didnt break the bank, thats for sure. And all were new NIB, sans 2 that were used, in new condition. All 4 Engines I have are Bachmann w/DCC ( one with sound ).
Who knows, maybe later I will get into the "proto" aspects. But for now, It works for me.
Michigan Jim:
Oh, chnage in topic:
I own 14 locos.
13 of them are Bachmann DCC OnBoards. Only one makes a little growling noise when I "start her up". Otherwise, I am VERY HAPPY with all of them. THe 2-8-2 steamer I bought was the most expensive at $140, the rest were all brand new and under $50 BRANd new, not to long ago. SOme are Spectrums, some are regular, etc.
My 50 pieces of rolling stock, run the gammot of brands...and prices, though I think the highest I paid was around $25. SInce I loosely model the B&O and incarnates, ANY ONE manufacturer will have some rolling stock appropriate and not-so-appropriate to the incarnates. SOme rolling stock was "souvenir" type of the 1:1 TOurist RR we visited who had it in HO scale. But they count, too.
Keep on having fun!
JimInMichigan
I saw the post for the humor that it was.
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
My wife and children have always come before trains - and always will. My wife has no problem with my having a hobby on that basis. In fact, she's the one who said when I was looking at a $500 locomotive: "we can afford it, go ahead". She also encourages me to buy Thomas the Tank stuff for our grandson, I'm actually the one who says maybe we have too much - 2 Thomas the Tank tables with more stuff than will fit on them.
Enjoy
Paul
One more train and your gonna get brained.