I think its not a question of "build or not", if you would enjoy building a layout, and have the reasonable ability to do so - then go for it! And if your health suffers a derailment or you get called th the great roundhouse in the sky, in the great scheme of things - your time was well spent doing things you like.
I think its more of a question of "what to build." Ease of access, reach-ability, and no duckunders, would be priority items.
Jim
I am 75 and am self isolating due to the virus. It doesn't feel too much different from last month except SWMBO doesn't keep making me go out for shopping!
I have two hobbies - making scale plastic models and building US outline model railroads. I made my first 1/72nd aircraft at 13 yo and built my first model railroad at 11yo!
I have NO intention of stopping either hobby until they put me under.
Check out http://www.gmrblog.co.uk and http://www.gsmblog.co.uk.
Long Haired DavidA.K.A. David Penningtonmain man on the Sunset and North Eastern R.R.http://www.gmrblog.co.ukfrom the UK
Age is just a number.....This is an enjoyable hobby AND if you continue to ENJOY it, then plunge ahead and do it!!! Perhaps, a little slower than before but you have the luxury of TIME (younger people do not have that)....Full speed ahead but slow it down just a bit !!!! ENJOY!!
Love Rich's comment about the pyramid in back yard!!!
I'm 73 and last year started a 13'x36'. I'm keeping it simple with things like all tabletop with minimal scenery. I hope to have all the track down this year and then start some structures followed by a little more scenery.
Paul
I hope the OP decided to go for it!
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Hi subman
You may not be familier with it but Hornby's earlier ad campaign's said Hornby Trains for boys from 9 to 99.
So if you feel fit and healthy enough why not do what you enjoy.
Just remember when you reach the age of Ninety Nine you have to grow up and give up the toys
regards John
John BusbyJust remember when you reach the age of Ninety Nine you have to grow up and give up the toys
Nooo!
That is like being punished for growing old!
I'm 73 and last August tore down a layout and moved to a senior apt. Even though I have allot less space I decided to build another one. It is smaller, only 5x12 but I have track down and starting the scenery. It will have a 6 track yard and a few businesses for the trains to service.
So my advice is heck yea build another, it keeps you busy in many ways no matter the size.
Dave
This is so encouraging to read all th eposts from Senior Model Railroader ethusiasts. I am almost 74 and still trying to do some progress work on my model HO layout. Started a year ago and made soem goals by last Christmas and had a bit of llull during long winter and this C virus time. Slow going work on layout awith some lower back painn and aches but I keep chuggin along doing this and plannign for some gardening work outside too. Yes, by all means keep your dreams alive and work toward them. Better that we all keep busy ain this great hobby. Our local model railroad club has been closed since Mid March nwo but the guys are keeping in touch. thankfully my dear wife is supportive of the hobby and helps me out with ideas too. The grandkids are always asking about the progress and are big motivators to keep me going. thanks guys and gals.
Started 3 years ago at 65 with atlas 4by 8 dcc layout. Bonded with my grandson and loved doing it. Am now making my first freelance 4 by 16 layout. Great during Covid days!