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What do you do outside this hobby?

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Posted by twhite on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 2:49 PM

Well, right now I'm a music teacher that keeps thinking about retirement, but it ain't gonna happen.  I work with the choirs at a boy's Catholic High School (after retiring as a choir director 4 years ago at a GIRL'S Catholic High School!).  I'm also a Music Minister at my local Parish, so even my weekends are filled up.  Which, unfortunately, doesn't give me the time for the MR that I'd like to have (it was too darned hot this summer to go out into the garage much).   My other hobby is collecting Classic Films of the 'thirties, 'forties and 'fifties (especially westerns and historical epics).  Oh yes, I'm also an Ancient History buff--especially when it comes to Romans vs. Barbarians (I'm always rooting for the Barbarians).  Tongue [:P]

Tom

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Posted by jbloch on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 2:59 PM

I'm an internal medicine physician in a medical group that specializes in pre and postoperative (surgical) patients--the hours being long enough that spending the time I'd like in this hobby has been a challenge.  Wife of 17 years and 15 year-old daughter, and rotten 7 year-old Cocker Spaniel take up a lot of time too (sorry no pics yet).  Enjoy movies, and believe it or not, am an avid fan of our sorry hockey team here, the Columbus Blue Jackets, so I'm jealous of you Islanders fans, etc.  Just wait 'til we make the playoffs--our fans will go crazy (in whatever decade that happensBig Smile [:D])

Jim 

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Posted by bogp40 on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 3:14 PM

 yougottawanta wrote:
Hi Bob ! My son is now in Boston Mass. and he is in College currently studing to be in the ministry. In words of wisdom you could pass along ? Which Faith do you serve in ? 

Go to church every Sunday and leave the girls alone...... Ya Right. I don't think you should worry about him, you did your job raising him and now it's his turn to make his life.

What college is he going to?   BTW, I am Methodist.

Modeling B&O- Chessie  Bob K.  www.ssmrc.org

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Posted by mersenne6 on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 4:17 PM

 

   Applied mathematician working in biomedical engineering. Other interests reading, hiking, and photography.

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Posted by Printer on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 4:26 PM
I AM a Printer. With over 30 years in the trade, In business for myself for 27 years.
Together with the same Girl for 28 years, (Married for 26 years) with 3 children (23, 21, 19) and 2 Grandchildren (4 years & 9 mos).

My doctor has ordered me to stop working because of the solvents, sprays and paper dust. I recently was diagnosed with Emphysema (COPD) with 40% lung function remaining and 10 days after that news, suffered a Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction).

Even IF I stop printing, I'm Still a Printer. It's not what I do, it's what I Am. So at this moment I'm in limbo as to just what I do outside of the Hobby. I'm just trying to recover at this time.

It's unfortunate that my children didn't want anything to do with the shop until just now. The girls married and became stay at home Moms while my son wanted the ease of a weekly paycheck and a job that he could just leave at work when he clocked out.

Before my medical problems, I enjoyed Motorcycling (1972 H-D), Shooting (Skeet/Trap), Fishing (not catching), Evenings outdoors with the wife watching the sky, but most of all I LOVED Printing.

Now everything is in such a state of flux that I am not sure just what tomorrow will bring.
Head Robber Baron of the Cache & Carrie Railroad *everything I own fell off a train*
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Posted by zeis96 on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 4:34 PM
 UP2CSX wrote:

LOL. You must still be a young guy. I liked chasing the bad guys when I was in my 20's but that got old after a while, especially in LA, where they would shoot at you. Shock [:O] How long have you been on the job? I guess you must be working two smaller departments while waiting to get on with the Big City. Smile [:)] Good luck, I hope you're at the top of the eligibility list.

 

I'll be 30 in December but I've only been a police officer for 3 years now. I always planned on starting small and getting my feet wet and then going to a bigger dept. Plus, one of my best friends got hired by SPD last year and he loves it. I couldn't imagine working in the major cities!

hi

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Posted by camarokid on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 4:48 PM

  I make Vise Grips and have for 42 years.  I also play golf and fish. I see that someone else's wife also enjoys M&M stuff.  If my wife sold half of hers she would still have a room full.

Ain't it great!!!

Archie

Ain't it great!!!
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Posted by TheK4Kid on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:47 PM

 I am a truck driver ,have been for 32 years, presently off work due to a broken left foot, which is healing up.

I love to fly and am a private pilot, own and fly a 1946 Ercoupe. I love to help restore vintage airplanes and fly them. Presently helping to restore a very famous airplane, called "Little Mulligan". Owned and flown by Harold Nueman of Kansas.
"Little Mulligan" is the grandaddy of the famous Mister Mulligan racer that won both the Bendix cros-country from LA to Clevalnd Ohio and Thompson Trophy race in Cleveland Ohio , and later led to the famous line of Howard aircraft built in Chicago Illinois.

 I also have flown a few other vintage airplanes, and had FUN DOING IT!!
I have flown a 1929 Ford Tri-motor from the right seat, and also flown from the left seat, a 1945 Boeing  built B-17 bomber!

BIG AIRPLANE, but it was fun to log about 1/3 of an hour in the left seat, during a 1  and 1/2 hour flight in it. 

Also have flown a 1948 Stinson 108  Station wagon, Cessna 150, Cessna 172, and a Grumman Tiger.

My neighbor lady has flown almost anything and everything with wings on it. She is a former World War Two WASP pilot, and still flies weekly at age 85!

She was featured in Tom Brokaws book, "The Greatest Generation" under her maiden name of Margaret Ray.

85 years old, about 50,000 hours of flight time!
And she has ridden MANY trains!

TheK4Kid 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted by UP2CSX on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 6:16 PM
 zeis96 wrote:

I'll be 30 in December but I've only been a police officer for 3 years now. I always planned on starting small and getting my feet wet and then going to a bigger dept. Plus, one of my best friends got hired by SPD last year and he loves it. I couldn't imagine working in the major cities!

So, if you have three years on the job, you've still got about another four years to go before the cynicism sets in. Smile [:)] Just kidding but you know what I mean. I spent six years with LASO and that was enough for me as a full-timer. This was in the late 60's/early 70's, an especially bad time to be a cop. It was much better when we moved to a smaller county in northern California and I was a reserve. Hardly anyone shooting at me and only 16 hours a month. Big Smile [:D] I discovered I really liked search and rescue and was actually good at it so that's what I spent most my time doing with the department. That was way more hours than the 2 required shifts a month but I did feel like I really did help some people, which feels better (most of the time) than locking people up. We need some good officers to replace all the old farts lke me that are retiring so I hope you get on with SPD.

I'm just blown away by the diversity of talent I've seen here. Even as a model railroader myself, I had a much different idea of what the average model railroader was like. I hope the Model Railroad magazine staff is reading this thread. I think it would make a great basis for an article.

Regards, Jim
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Posted by conrail92 on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:00 PM
Once again the diversity is growing, And you do all have amazing diversity.
"If you can dream it you can do it" Enzo Ferrari :)
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Posted by da_kraut on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:33 PM

Hello everybody,

I work as a master electrician during the day in the position of foreman working on many different projects.  When the day is done my interests gravitate towards the outdoors and railroads.  My horse is a wonderful Appaloosa which is very dear to me and we have a wonderful time together.  Also I enjoy hiking, roller blading, camping, reading and taking care of my rental properties.

Frank

"If you need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm."

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Posted by Great Western Rwy fan on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:43 PM
What!!! Theres other things to do besides Building and operating model trains??? Man I've been in the train room too long...Just kidding,Besides working mostly{I work for a concrete foundation company} I have My 1965 Chevy C10 fleetside project truck to work on.I travel alot with My gilfriend of 8 years.Fishing Camping.Movies and then of course theres way too much time being on the computer...lol
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:57 PM
Stuff other than model railroading? Hmm....... ummmmm........ I like it here, thinking about trains, dreaming about trains, looking at train photos, reading train books, and that's pretty much it!
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Posted by Boiler-man on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:09 PM

I over see work on coal fired power plant boilers as a construction project manager.

All so my wife, son and I are in the process of developing 5 of the most technically advanced ethanol plants with co-generation capability that will produce 100 M gal. and 49 MW of electrical power each in the Midwest.

Boilerman
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Posted by Robby P. on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:39 PM

Well I work 3rd a a distribution center for Dicks Sporting Goods.  Not a bad job, but I have my nights.  Other times I'm not at work or on my layout/weathering I like working in the yard.  Most of the neighbors try to keep up with each other.   Like the other day, The chief of police was cutting his grass, then I started to cut my grass, and then the neighbor started to cut his to.  My wife thought it was a comedy show. 

 

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

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Posted by Canondale61 on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 9:46 PM

Very diverse and interesting group. I am 45 run a paper machine in Maine, working 12 hour shifts. Have 3 kids (23,16,14) and will soon start the adoption process on a 18 month old baby girl (we ave been her foster parents since she was 6 weeks old). Wife and I have been doing theraputic foster care (kids with a serious health problem) for a little over 4 years. I like to fish, canoe, kayak, camp, and bike in the summer.  Lift weights and work with trains in the winter.

Kevin

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Posted by PA&ERR on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 10:19 PM

What do I do Outside the Hobby?

Hmmmm... Let's see...

http://www.undecided1955.spaces.live.com/

George

"And the sons of Pullman porters and the sons of engineers ride their father's magic carpet made of steel..."

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Posted by ArtOfRuin on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 10:22 PM
I I just finished getting my associate's degree and my certification in computer repair and am currently trying to get a new job to replace my agonizingly horrible retail job. I'm a big video gamer, and I also autocross my car. Autocross is a type of auto racing where you drive your car through a cone course and try to get the fastest time without knocking over any cones.
-Jonathan Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, Is just a freight train coming your way - "No Leaf Clover," Metallica
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Posted by conrail92 on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 11:03 PM
PA&ERR Some of your comics are pretty good, I also make comic strips in my free time, there different then your style mine is computer based, No hand drawing.
wwwjimmythetrucker.uni.cc  currently host isn't working try this www.jimmythetrucker.bravehost.com and it's not single blocks. I have no comics currently, season doesn't officialy start until this friday. But there is a preview area. That's another thing I wouldn't expect from modelers. We are amazing people :P
"If you can dream it you can do it" Enzo Ferrari :)
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Posted by cordon on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 11:46 PM

Smile [:)]

 jeffers_mz wrote:

A lot of interesting people here.

I am surprised by the number of musicians, construction types, and technical types, though, considering both the creative and technical aspects of our hobby, maybe I shouldn't be.

To the rocket scientists...either of you ever meet a gorgeous honey blond who designs AAM seeker heads and was married to a well known Indy car driver?

They still together?

Got her number?

Tell her the lightning guy says "hi".

 

;-)

 

The part about the Indy car driver really has me stumped.  I'll have to say, "No."

Whistling [:-^]

I'm so impressed with all of your inputs, and extremely pleased to meet you. Bow [bow]

Smile [:)]  Smile [:)]

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 11:55 PM

my MR hooby time is almost non-existant. i've been trying to make more time to mess w/ it. i guess i'm afraid to mess up, so i don't even start!

for the last 5 months i've been running my t-shirt screen printing business full time from home, before that, i did almost 10 years w/ my dad's sign shop.

i've got my 4th child due in november (i'm only 27!), so family occupies most of my time.

i have a 56 beetle that outruns vettes, a 61 buick station wagon that will have air ride suspesion and sit just a couple inches off the ground. cars are my main thing, but trains became a bigger part of life as my boys are getting older. i had a layout when i was 12, so they rekindled it for me. i watch the dallas stars and drag racing when i have free time. tv is a time-waster, but i like discovery channel stuff when i feel like it

 this is cool, very diverse!

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Posted by CNW 6000 on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 12:10 AM

I've worked as a Lifeguard for 12 years and a personal trainer for just over a year.  Just graduated college with BS in Exercise Science, but am applying for a position at the local PD as patrol officer.  Change of heart with two semesters to go-might as well finish!

Other things I do?  Triathlons, strength competitions (Bench Press, Leg Press, Squat), swimming, biking, hunting (bow/gun and small/big game), fishing (ice and other kinds too!), writing websites, mentoring youth, Boy Scouts, off-roading, SCUBA diving, rooting for the Eagles (Philly!)...and planning my wedding (next fall!).  Not much...lol!

Dan

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Posted by UP2CSX on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 12:39 AM

Another at least soon to be cop. I've noticed a disproportionate number of police officers and fire fighters who also like model railroads. Don't know what the connection is there. I also do SCUBA and noticed a lot of other folks do the same.

Funny story. I became a Field Training Officer (FTO) after four years with LASO so I was given new guys to watch over. I worked graves for a few months in a beat that was also where I lived. My trainee was also a model railroader so we'd sneak over to the house and have a little operating session at about 0400. Told dispatch we were out doing accident scene training. With my skills at that point, there was always at least one derailment so I wasn't really fibbing too much. Smile [:)] Ahh, the days before CAD and GPS. Now the dispatcher knows just where you are and how long you spend there. Takes all the fun out of it.    

Regards, Jim
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Posted by mj5890 on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 12:54 AM

Model RRing is a big part of my life, other things I do is work weekends and some weekdays and weekday nights as a carry out/cashier at a Home/Garden center near my house.  I also like to go out to our cabin and ride our go-cart and shoot trap, I also hunt.  I hope to someday be a locomotive engineer for BNSF out of La Crosse or Twin Cities.  I am also in the boy scouts but working weekends has limmited what campouts I can go on.

Joe

1 BNSF 2 Amtrak 3 UP 4 everybody else I try really hard not to have to try hard at anything hard at all because that would be hard I never recommend my recommendations
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Posted by Bapou on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 8:59 AM
Also I  started archery yesterday, it's really fun. Big Smile [:D]
Go NJT, NJ Transit, New Jersey Transit. Whatever you call it its good. See my pictures and videos here: http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff20/Bapouthetrainman/
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Posted by BLinny7 on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 10:03 AM
Wow great thread ...Now that I have time on my hands I have been trying to design my Model Railroad (medically retired from the Military since 2000) it is slow with all my health issues and Honey do's but I get alot of great information from this site thanks guys
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Posted by steinjr on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 10:13 AM
 Lillen wrote:

I used to be long distance runner. I got home from work, as a mailman who ran and biked all day and then run an additional 7 miles, each day, even in blizzards even though I had to walk then. My other passions have included and still do, Astronomy(I have a nice Meade telescope), war gaming, and of course history, which I'm now divulging my self further in as I'm getting my education ready to become a teacher. The last year it's been trains. I have probably read 200 books about American trains the last year even though I study two educations at once and work part time as a truck driver for the post office.

Magnus

 Well, can't say that I recognize myself in the running part - I do play land hockey at a team at work once in a while to get a little exercise, but I clearly fall in the category "more enthusiasm than skill", and I would probably die somewhere on the second mile if I tried running 7 miles after work these days - having taken on a somewhat more rotund shape than I used to have prior to marriage.

 But the other things Magnus mentions I can relate to. I did a few astronomy classes at the U, and have been a fan of pretty much anything related space exploration since I was a small kid in the late 60s and early 70s. I have been devouring Science Fiction and science fact books ever since I learned to read.

 I also love history - I read a lot of history, especially military history. Probably comes from growing up as a military brat - my dad retired some years ago after 30 years in the Norwegian army. I did consider making a go for an army career myself, and I also considered going for a career teaching history, but got interested in computers during my army service year, and went for a master's in computer science instead.

 I've also done a fair bit of (board) wargaming, but not the last 10 years or so - getting married and getting two kids have pretty much put paid to spending half the night gaming.

 Workwise I do troubleshooting on IT system problems for a MIS (Management of IT systems) company. Which is to say - most of my work time is spent trying to get people to communicate clearly with each other to remove misunderstandings, and to get agreement on how to do fix problems or change stuff. Work is sometimes pretty aggravating, but never dull Smile [:)]

 Smile (I do),
 Stein

 

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Posted by GAPPLEG on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 10:37 AM
 zeis96 wrote:
 UP2CSX wrote:

LOL. You must still be a young guy. I liked chasing the bad guys when I was in my 20's but that got old after a while, especially in LA, where they would shoot at you. Shock [:O] How long have you been on the job? I guess you must be working two smaller departments while waiting to get on with the Big City. Smile [:)] Good luck, I hope you're at the top of the eligibility list.

 

I'll be 30 in December but I've only been a police officer for 3 years now. I always planned on starting small and getting my feet wet and then going to a bigger dept. Plus, one of my best friends got hired by SPD last year and he loves it. I couldn't imagine working in the major cities!

I was born in Springfield , many years ago, 1947 to be exact. Grew up on South Grand, Grandmother lived on Bunn ct. near Bunn park of course. Been back a few times for family funerals. Town has really grown out toward the west and south.

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Posted by jeffers_mz on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 10:48 AM
 cordon wrote:

Smile [:)]

 jeffers_mz wrote:

A lot of interesting people here.

I am surprised by the number of musicians, construction types, and technical types, though, considering both the creative and technical aspects of our hobby, maybe I shouldn't be.

To the rocket scientists...either of you ever meet a gorgeous honey blond who designs AAM seeker heads and was married to a well known Indy car driver?

They still together?

Got her number?

Tell her the lightning guy says "hi".

 

;-)

 

The part about the Indy car driver really has me stumped.  I'll have to say, "No."

Whistling [:-^]

I'm so impressed with all of your inputs, and extremely pleased to meet you. Bow [bow]

Smile [:)]  Smile [:)]

The lady was travelling and we ended up having a long technical discussion. Because of her background, she was able to isolate and ask a 64 dollar question which was the heart of a (privately) classified system I was working on at the time and which business security prevented me from answering. Her asking was a signal that she understood exactly what was going on and intended to clue me that she understood and agreed with the physics involved, in short, a whole conversation in one six word sentence.

Between that kind of intelligence, the way she carried herself, and the business she was in, there could have been a real future there, except she was already married, to a guy who drove Indy cars. Not your average driver, one more involved in design and engineering from a mathematical standpoint.

Many technical fields are close-knit, and a lady like this would probably not be forgotten by many who met her, even once, even more-so on account of who her husband was. When two steely-eyed missile men popped up here in the forum I decided it was worth the chance, nothing to lose, right?

Pleased to meet you too.

 

So....whatcha whistlin'?

 

:-)

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Posted by conrail92 on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 2:17 PM

Wow great thread ...Now that I have time on my hands I have been trying to design my Model Railroad (medically retired from the Military since 2000) it is slow with all my health issues and Honey do's but I get alot of great information from this site thanks guys

That is what this site is all about. Good luck with it and keep us posted.

"If you can dream it you can do it" Enzo Ferrari :)

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