[:D]Grumpy Old Men

[Gary Crawley]

After reading Ian's responses in the "Promoting our hobby to the Young" I have to agree and understand where he is coming from.
In our country and I'm sure it's the same where ever you come from the population is aging very fast. (Baby Boomers)
When we all retire, some sooner than later, this is a great hobby to be in. (making new friends etc)
But as we get older (all of us) things become harder to do. (sitting on the ground laying track for an hour and I can't get up)
So to all of the Mature folk out their it would be nice to know how you overcome lifes little barriers.
And we must not forget our dissabled friends.
So we should endevour to also promote this hobby to these people.
The older generation has a wealth of knowledge to share.
Regards
Gary

[Curmudgeon]

When I started the CCRy two weeks ago, I planned it for operation, ease of maintenance, and handicap access.
It is between 1 and 5 feet in height.
All but one corner wheelchair accessible.
You can stand up and work on it.
I'd never put one on the ground.
TOC

[toenailridgesl]

Gary,
As a south Oz LSer with lousy knees, a dodgy ticker & considerably grumpy other bits.....
My Toenail Ridge Shortline is at its highest point 40inches above ground, the lowest point at ground level. All is accessible by anyone reasonable mobile, the major 60% by anyone on a gopher or a wheelchair.
The approx 45ft that is on ground level is a pain in the *** to maintain (especially as today I found one section of 5ft over 4mm out of gauge due to rust in the track spikes!#$%%$@$%^!!) & I am regretting that 8 years ago when I first laid the track that I didn't consider that one day I would become an old fart.
However, it's still fun & I love it!


PS, TOC, 2 weeks since you started the CCRy???? I have documented proof that it was in operation in the last century!

[jebouck]

My layout is 30" high. Anything lower would be a pain in the (well everywhere).
I can't see how a friend of mine who is 60, with a track at ground level can do it.
I can barely get up after putting a few cars on the track.
Am I a "grumpy old Man".
You betcha!
My fellow club members call me TOC Jr.[:p][:D][:p]
jb

[Anonymous]

Let's face it.Anything at ground level is a pain in the ***.,or knees.I have ground level and a 3 foot level outside.Guess where I do all my train stuff.It runs through the shed at worktop height,right across a large worktop.
When I expanded my railway my Dad said this would be the best way to do it.I argued at the time but I can now see his reasons for it.
Now,at the grand old age of 39,I have the perfect working height for putting things on and working on things.He,in his 70's,has a layout at ground level.
Listen and learn.
Troy

[Curmudgeon]

Phil- I've been told by "ex-spurts" that I A) don't have a railroad, B) even if I did it would be a loop of 1100, and C) haven't got a clue as to running and operating.
So, it's just easier to tell folks I've only been at this 2 weeks.
TOC

[powlee]

After a day in the garden, on my knees soldering rail joints, I am good for nothing. I use a thick cushion. I go into work next day less fit than some of my patients.
My knees were never the same after my runs in the London Marathon. Foolish days but enjoyable at the time.
The track is at ground level with a few places 1 ft high so I can check the trains. The shed sidings are at ground level but accessible( on one`s knees).
So Troy, the old fella had vision. But in order to get the railway built, I had to accomodate the other half of the family. Nothing too high, even a lift-out bridge to allow entry of grass maintenance appliances.
I am only 58 but with dodgy limbs, back, blood pressure, why do I persevere. But when the sun is shining and the trains are running, I know why I persevere.
All the best Ian P

PS I feel I started this thread when I shared my experience with our annual Model Railway Show and got `attacked` by my namesake from down under.[sigh]

[Anonymous]

"But in order to get the railway built, I had to accomodate the other half of the family. Nothing too high, even a lift-out bridge to allow entry of grass maintenance appliances."

One stipulation for the garden railway was that it never hindered the children playing.I've stuck with this religiously.Anything that cannot take a football at full force has no place in my garden.This is why I have few scale buildings,few flowers and a very fast cat!
Troy

[Anonymous]

Our layout is on 2 tiers and the upper level is 18 inches above the lower level and if in a wheel chair very easy to see. Both of the tiers are level with a long railroad bridge on a incline connecting both of the tiers. Children of all ages are able for the most part to sit on the landscape ties or the benches provided. Almost the complete train area is accessible from the out skirts of the train area. Yes we took up some of the track one time and reworked that area. Well worth the extra effort for others to look around at watch the trains operate.

[Anonymous]

I am not and never have been anti kids but all the same I think we could emphasise other age groups as well. I actually prefer the company of kids, large dogs and preferably large horses (in that order) to adult humans, of either gender. When we have a family turn out, which is about 4 times a year I am always with the kids and talking to them for this very reason. If there is a big dog or a horse around all the better, Alpaccas I can do without.

If you would like to appreciate your relationship with kids, consider this; on the 12 th January I have 4 grandkids arriving for a 2 week visit. Ok you think, well i love it but they are arriving on 3 different flights at two different airport some 90 kilometres apart and they are leaving in a similar manner.

All the best.

Ian the depression baby that grew up. (pre baby boom)

PS.
As I have said I have 11 of them and I number them and all the older ones know their number, arriving is :
2/)Casey 14 years
3) Courtney 11 years
5) Andrew 10 years
and
6) Taylah 10 years.

For different reasons we can do without 1 and 4 and the rest are too young yet but I shudder to think.