My condolences as well. I'm going through a lot of stresses right now, including my mother's passing and family situation changes (therefore having to tear down my railroad). Fortunately, I am the kind of person who tends to go find a project to do, or go for a bike ride or hike, those help a lot.
That said, there are those days when I just don't feel like doing s**t- even things I like to do. So I can sympathize.
Genesee Terminal, freelanced HO in Upstate NY ...hosting Loon Bay Transit Authority and CSX Intermodal. Interchange with CSX (CR)(NYC).
CP/D&H, N scale, somewhere on the Canadian Shield
Oldline1: I feel terrible for your loss. I have complete confidence that you'll regroup and move forward. Of course it takes time.
We ALL need a boost and MR provides that. I'm blessed to have a supportive wife and kids who want to the layout to operate. They give me space to work and know that "Rome wawn't built in a day."
Looking at old videos of layout is a great resource. Anyone want a boost? How about watching youtube videos about one of America's most iconic and memorable train lovers? He grew up in the mid-West, survived the Depression, and opened a small plaground in CA. Critics lambasted the place and said it was a disaster. He overcame even more adversity by NEVER stopping dreaming. This icon is of course Walt Disney! His company captures the American dream. Don't believe me? I'll pay our plane fare to take my kids there and see for yourselves. Now, go and build something. Have a magical day!
To the OP, codolenses regarding your loss. Allow time for mourning but also seek support and time to slowly get back in the game. Time does heal wounds, bit by bit.
It's one of those major life events and getting support can help you get through it. I went through a couple of events around 20 years ago when my first wife kicked me out of our home and I also was laid off of my job. Up until that point I was working on a layout, getting my feet wet in air brushing and doing a bit a "real modeling". After those two things happened I was forced to tear down the layout I was building, try to find a place to store my trains, moved into a tiny crackbox apartment and shortly after was in a car accident on Christmas eve resulting in a totaled car and a broken leg. I was forced by the ex through her lawyer to pay child support I could ill afford and after about 8 years filed for divorce to get some closure. Then the recession hit and I was laid off again and moved to Virginia to try to restart a new career in an area where there were actually jobs. It took about 12 or so years to finally start to get back on my feet financially after being drained by my greedy ex, who had far more money than I but went after what she felt entitled to get.
All of those events knocked the wind out of my model RR sails but I didn't give up on it totally. I am remarried, have a new life but even still, little time or motivation to do "real modeling" but I am working on a layout and a house that needs a lot of work. The hobby still takes back seat and gets little time alotted but is starting to take shape bit by bit.
To answer the question if I ever need a boost. Yes. It seems always an uphill battle to find significant time to do any work on trains. Since we moved into our current home it's been a constant list of remodeling and upgrade projects and my wife (who does support my hobby) is type A and has a long list of things she wants to do so yeah, up hill battle.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
oldline1While finally having a dream come true.......a dedicated building for my layout I have been in a deep slump since my wife passed away. I just don't have any urge to get going and working on the layout.
Hi oldline1,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your wife.
The hobby is supposed to be fun, so if you are not having fun then don't push yourself. You have just experienced a huge loss so of course it will take time for you to get your spirits back up. In the interim, don't punish yourself because you are taking some time to think things out, model railroad wise and perhaps with other more difficult issues.
I would offer a small caution based on my own experiences. That is to be aware of the possibility that you might be clinically depressed. I have suffered from severe clinical depression for my entire adult life. If you find that you are constantly sad and just don't want to do anything then speak to your family doctor. Modern medications can work wonders. They have for me.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
oldline1 While finally having a dream come true.......a dedicated building for my layout I have been in a deep slump since my wife passed away. I just don't have any urge to get going and working on the layout.
While finally having a dream come true.......a dedicated building for my layout I have been in a deep slump since my wife passed away. I just don't have any urge to get going and working on the layout.
I am certainly no grief counselor, but my advice would be to dive into your layout design and enjoy the fact that you have a dedicated building for your layout. It may be hard at first with fits and starts, but model railroading is great therapy for so many reasons.
Keep us posted on your progress and share your project with us through photos so can we vicariously go through this journey with you.
Rich
Alton Junction
oldline1 While finally having a dream come true.......a dedicated building for my layout I have been in a deep slump since my wife passed away. I just don't have any urge to get going and working on the layout. Yesterday I watched several DVD's on some of my favorite layouts. Starting with my #1 favorite, Bob Hayden's C&DR, followed by the Allegheny Midland, Allagash and the V&O. I think they are the best layouts and watching them got my juices flowing again. I went to the train room a couple hours and got familiar with the place again! They have me dreaming and driving some spikes. Sure wish some of the other great layouts had been committed to video for us. I'd love to see Irv Schultz's St. Claire Northern or the Bob Hegge masterpiece, The Crooked Mountain Lines and some others lost to us. oldline1
Yesterday I watched several DVD's on some of my favorite layouts. Starting with my #1 favorite, Bob Hayden's C&DR, followed by the Allegheny Midland, Allagash and the V&O. I think they are the best layouts and watching them got my juices flowing again. I went to the train room a couple hours and got familiar with the place again! They have me dreaming and driving some spikes.
Sure wish some of the other great layouts had been committed to video for us. I'd love to see Irv Schultz's St. Claire Northern or the Bob Hegge masterpiece, The Crooked Mountain Lines and some others lost to us.
oldline1
Sorry for your loss. No question such things can leave us feeling not so motivated in life.
The past two years have been very demanding for me, moving, selling the big historic house we restored and lived in for 25 years, wife having health issues, and few other family issues have kept me busy, and sometimes make it hard to relax and do what I want.
But this too will pass, and actually it is all getting resolved.
Glad to hear you found something to help you clear your head and get going.
I doubt videos would help me, I find most to be rather boring, not sure why?
Sometimes things are just about timing, they will happen when they are ready to happen.....
Sheldon
I need a Model Railroading boost every once in a while.
Honestly, coming up with something to post every week in Weekend Photo Fun really keeps me moving along.
-Kevin
Living the dream.