The reason we're addicted to trains - according to Steve...

[Anonymous]

Bill

I at first wanted cured of this dreaded disease, I filed for Social Security Disabilities, but they looked at me funny, when I started to shake and make air brake release sounds, raising my hands to signal come forward and such they immediately signed the papers, but they were commital papers. I am typing this right now with my nose as the rather confining jacket they gave me it's hard to use my hands. I am now acting normal, but I think they may be onto me.

[Vampire]

My name is Bill, and I'm a train-a-holic... It started when I was a kid... I think it was something in the locomotive smoke from my Marx Big Rail Work Train... I've forgone alcohol, sex & drugs (but not rock & roll!) in pursuit of trains... Whenever we went on family vacations I always had to bug Mom & Dad to find me a hobby shop to peruse...

For awhile , I thought I was cured... the lure of high technology pulled me away from the tracks, both real and model, for many years. I even went as far as to sell off my entire collection from my youth [:O][:O][:O] (wish I'd kept the AHM/Rivarossi Heisler though... saved all summer to buy one at $78... most expensive loco I owned as a kid)...

Then the cravings began again... I turned the dining room of my first home into an office and began filling it with railroad items: pictures, lanterns, oil cans, etc. Soon I began building a pair of HO tracks, one above the other, running around the perimeter of the room. The first time I set up a loop of track on the kitchen floor to run my new Dash 9 and some Athearn intermodal cars I knew that was it... the fever was back!!

Things are even worse now. High technology has spread into the model train industry... The lure of sound equipped steam locomotives and the roar of a Lionel Veranda turbine is too great... I've remodeled my workshop to make room for a new 3-level train layout... I've gone on vacations and done nothing except visit train museums or ride/chase real trains... I joined the NMRA... went to my first convention in Cincinnati and met many fellow addicts... Now I'm making the final preparations in the workshop before train layout construction can begin.

So this is my sad story, fellow members. Oh who can save me from the monkey that Irv Athearn and those demons at QSI have wrought !!!! [:D][:D][:D][:P][:P][:P]

[Anonymous]

Ya I need a Lady to go Railfanning with..........

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the welcomes, fellas. Going along with what I wrote, there is a set of BN tracks that run about 1/2 mile from my home outside Des Moines. I hear the trains at various hours. Sometimes when I hear the horn blow, I just have to stop what I'm doing and get in my car or on my bicycle and watch it go through a nearby crossing. I always notice the sound of the train, especially at night when it is still (the romantic element again). I compose music and a few years ago I was commissioned to write a piece for the Boone, Iowa, Community Band. They have a steam train there called the Boone and Scenic Valley. The piece I wrote starts out like a train whistle: long, long, short, long. The band did a nice job on it and it was well received. My fascination with trains goes into many areas. At present the models are in boxes until my daughter moves out and the trains move in. Keep blowing your horn!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BMTRAINS

tsax9558[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
I think that speaks for itself

[#ditto]

[Anonymous]

tsax9558[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]
I think that speaks for itself

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tsax9558

I have watched trains most of my life, and I have tried to figure out what it is about them that I enjoy so much. The best I can do is offer these reasons: 1) They always follow the tracks no matter where they go (at least they're supposed to), along the river, through the city, wherever; 2) They pull enormous weight with their brute strength; 3) They travel all the time, day or night (romantic element); 4) There are so many kinds of cars and paint designs.

P.S. Pray for the victims of Katrina.

Welcome to the forum tsax9558. Please don't let members like me scare you off ([:p])...

Like you said. Prayers for the Katrina victims.

Tracklayer

[Anonymous]

I have watched trains most of my life, and I have tried to figure out what it is about them that I enjoy so much. The best I can do is offer these reasons: 1) They always follow the tracks no matter where they go (at least they're supposed to), along the river, through the city, wherever; 2) They pull enormous weight with their brute strength; 3) They travel all the time, day or night (romantic element); 4) There are so many kinds of cars and paint designs.

P.S. Pray for the victims of Katrina.

[Anonymous]

hmmm
Some more of this and I'll be...
[:D]

[Anonymous]

Well not many of us would have a layout around us if the big one happens, having the shelter being used for the layout, well...

[Tracklayer]

I don't have a basement, but I do have a bomb shelter. It's 12' X 12' X 7' high. I'd thought about building a layout in it, but can't seem to get over the fear of the possibility of WW III happening and not having any place to run to. It took me four years to build, cost about $40,000.00 and is stocked with everything two people would need to live comfortably for a year including food, fresh water and weapons that I refresh every few months.

Tracklayer

[Anonymous]

Nope your friend is just a miser. Have you priced rehab clinics lately, or how about getting a DUI attorney? Now thats some wasted cash. In my younger years (ie..20s) I was a freakin party animal. Im lucky to have enough brain cells to connect the *** rail joiners. HA! I just bought a new loco and my wife even helps me paint the son of a gun! Now thats money well spent. When mommas happy, EVERYONE is happy! Also, I am lucky to be expecting a little one in feb. I hope this will be a better role model than a six pack and some lines! ya know>

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tracklayer

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tracklayer

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

Whew! Just got back from the LHS, strangely I always feel better after spending some $$$ on Hobby stuff. There were a couple of other hobbyists in the shop too. One was named Jim something or other. Anything new around here since I was gone?? LOL

Uhhh. No!. Just the same old things about trains, layouts, DCC advice and all that jazz...
So what goodies did you buy at the hobby shop?.

Tracklayer

Just a bunch of WS scenicing flocking, bushes, and undergrowth stuff. Working full time to get the "Icehouse and Mountain" diarama into the layout before the painter arrives to seal the basemant walls and hopefully stop the water leaking in.... Twenty years ago when it was painted, I didn't mind crawling around on my hands and knees for a few hours scaping and painting. Old age seems to be approaching...... I should have some new photos to post next weekend for the Photo Fun thread. My sister (the artist!) came over today to take several photos of the layout to "show a friend". I shudder to think what she has in mind for Christmas.... LOL

Good luck to you on everything.

I don't have a basement, but I do have a bomb shelter. It's 12' X 12' X 7' high. I'd thought about building a layout in it, but can't seem to get over the fear of the possibility of WW III happening and not having any place to run to. It took me four years to build, cost about $40,000.00 and is stocked with everything two people would need to live comfortably for a year including food, fresh water and weapons that I refresh every few months.

Tracklayer

Well... You would have something to do if WWIII happens [%-)]

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tracklayer

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

Whew! Just got back from the LHS, strangely I always feel better after spending some $$$ on Hobby stuff. There were a couple of other hobbyists in the shop too. One was named Jim something or other. Anything new around here since I was gone?? LOL

Uhhh. No!. Just the same old things about trains, layouts, DCC advice and all that jazz...
So what goodies did you buy at the hobby shop?.

Tracklayer

Just a bunch of WS scenicing flocking, bushes, and undergrowth stuff. Working full time to get the "Icehouse and Mountain" diarama into the layout before the painter arrives to seal the basemant walls and hopefully stop the water leaking in.... Twenty years ago when it was painted, I didn't mind crawling around on my hands and knees for a few hours scaping and painting. Old age seems to be approaching...... I should have some new photos to post next weekend for the Photo Fun thread. My sister (the artist!) came over today to take several photos of the layout to "show a friend". I shudder to think what she has in mind for Christmas.... LOL

Good luck to you on everything.

I don't have a basement, but I do have a bomb shelter. It's 12' X 12' X 7' high. I'd thought about building a layout in it, but can't seem to get over the fear of the possibility of WW III happening and not having any place to run to. It took me four years to build, cost about $40,000.00 and is stocked with everything two people would need to live comfortably for a year including food, fresh water and weapons that I refresh every few months.

Tracklayer

[DrummingTrainfan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tracklayer

QUOTE: Originally posted by DrummingTrainfan

I also think it goes through the mice when we visit this forum...when I first started going to this one i did a detail-my-locos-athon. At least in this addiction we have something to show for our $$ besides lung cancer.

Are you referring to the legal cigarettes or the illegal ones ?... (He's probably going to say both...)

Tracklayer

You're a good mind reader...

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by DrummingTrainfan

I also think it goes through the mice when we visit this forum...when I first started going to this one i did a detail-my-locos-athon. At least in this addiction we have something to show for our $$ besides lung cancer.

Are you referring to the legal cigarettes or the illegal ones ?... (He's probably going to say both...)

Tracklayer

[DrummingTrainfan]

I also think it goes through the mice when we visit this forum...when I first started going to this one i did a detail-my-locos-athon. At least in this addiction we have something to show for our $$ besides lung cancer.

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tracklayer

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

Whew! Just got back from the LHS, strangely I always feel better after spending some $$$ on Hobby stuff. There were a couple of other hobbyists in the shop too. One was named Jim something or other. Anything new around here since I was gone?? LOL

Uhhh. No!. Just the same old things about trains, layouts, DCC advice and all that jazz...
So what goodies did you buy at the hobby shop?.

Tracklayer

Just a bunch of WS scenicing flocking, bushes, and undergrowth stuff. Working full time to get the "Icehouse and Mountain" diarama into the layout before the painter arrives to seal the basemant walls and hopefully stop the water leaking in.... Twenty years ago when it was painted, I didn't mind crawling around on my hands and knees for a few hours scaping and painting. Old age seems to be approaching...... I should have some new photos to post next weekend for the Photo Fun thread. My sister (the artist!) came over today to take several photos of the layout to "show a friend". I shudder to think what she has in mind for Christmas.... LOL

[espeefoamer]

Hmmmm. That explains everything! I've always said "I can't take drugs. If I did,I would'nt have any money left for trains"![:)][:D][8D][:p]

[egmurphy]

QUOTE: David: I am wondering if there is a support group I can join?

Yeah, you're talking to us. We're here for you. Anytime you need support to continue with your addiction just post.

Ed

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Railroading_Brit

I've yet to hear of model railroaders resorting to muggings to feed their habit...

Apparently you've never seen my criminal record... ([;)])

Tracklayer

[Anonymous]

I will come clean, I have been keeping the change from my girlfriend when I go to the store for groceries, I have been taking a coupe of quarters from the kids piggybank and I am currently embezzeling money from work to meet my train habit. I am wondering if there is a support group I can join?

[Anonymous]

Maybe it's addictive, but the side affects don't seem to be as bad as other substances. Also I've yet to hear of model railroaders resorting to muggings to feed their habit...

I though Hoffa was living with Elvis in a bus on the Moon? (old Brit tabloid "silly season" story)

[brothaslide]

Jimmy Hoffa is on the same island with Bruce Lee, Elvis, Jim Morrison, Tupak, and Biggie Smalls waiting for the right time to return.

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

Whew! Just got back from the LHS, strangely I always feel better after spending some $$$ on Hobby stuff. There were a couple of other hobbyists in the shop too. One was named Jim something or other. Anything new around here since I was gone?? LOL

Uhhh. No!. Just the same old things about trains, layouts, DCC advice and all that jazz...
So what goodies did you buy at the hobby shop?.

Tracklayer

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage

I don't have time to write...I'm off the hobby store.

Tom

See, see. Steve was right. It's those addictive chemicals. Fight it tstage, fight it!...

Tracklayer ([:p])

[howmus]

Whew! Just got back from the LHS, strangely I always feel better after spending some $$$ on Hobby stuff. There were a couple of other hobbyists in the shop too. One was named Jim something or other. Anything new around here since I was gone?? LOL

[tstage]

I don't have time to write...I'm off the hobby store.

Tom

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Javern

I figured Hoffa "faked" his abduction, took a wad of money and is working on a layout somewhere in seclusion

Javern... Shhhh!. That's supposed to be a secret... [;)]

Tracklayer