Allegheny2-6-6-6Thats all good advice but there is nothing more stressful then being out of work or in a bad work situation through no fault of your own. Been there done that. Had mine and 300 other guys jobs pulled out from under s because some bean counter said the company could save so much money by shipping operations over to India.
Lots of people have less than desirable situations through "no fault of your own", why does that make it any less his responsibility?
My best wishes go out to Ken and his friend in their personal search for better employment. If they lived near me, and I knew them, I would use my network of friends and business people to assist them if possible.
But I must agree with others here, he has more important things to worry about than trains. Model trains, on any level beyond the 4x8 basic starter, have always and will always be a luxury of the more affluent - this will never change dispite the constant price complaining by some.
I put the hobby on hold several times in 40 years to handle my responsibilities of home and family - that's life.
Back to the "no fault of your own" idea, that makes one sound helpless and not responsible for your own life. I don't buy any of that "the big mean corporation did this to me and I'm helpless" stuff. Or, the "I woke up in America today so someone owes me a job making $XXX".
You are only "intitled" to what you earn and what you can defend, everything else is a gift you recieve from God or your friends.
Again I wish this fellow and Ken the best, but allowing yourself to be a victum will get you no where.
I'm self employed, and business is slow right now, so what, no one owes me anything. I will always find a way to work hard and earn what I need and want. And, I saved and spent wisely when times where good, so I don't have unnecessary obligations now.
Things are slow but I just bought 3 new locos, admittedly inexpensive ones, but it just so happened they where what I wanted and where available at a good price, maybe because of the economy. That's how it works.
As a person who does not buy stuff I don't really need or want in the first place, I don't have much in the way of cast off's to offer.
Like other suggested, I thing Ken should just spend time with his friend. Maybe they can come up with a good business idea.
Sheldon
I could not agree more. I never had any EXTRA money for the hobby. If I had a few dollars left over AFTER paying bills and making sure I had gas in the tank to make the week to and from work than I could buy that car or loco that I wanted. Now the kids are moved out I can start a home layout, But the economy just kicked me in the butt again. So I just keep accumulating things to build the layout. Handlaid track done at the workbench and stockpiled ready to lay keeps my modeling mind going. There is a lot of us in the same boat as you and your friend. I made $15,000 less last year than the year before and that year was less than the year before that one. Add in all the cost of living increases like fuel, electric and health insurance unless your an exclusive member of some bargaining agreement your hurting like the rest of us not included in the bailouts. We have not had a pay raise in almost 4 years. Do the math and see how much is left after the bills are juggled. Do yourself and your friend a big favor and cut your credit cards up. I did mine years ago and it was a great feeling. Keep the debit card and pay cash for the things you need.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Thats all good advice but there is nothing more stressful then being out of work or in a bad work situation through no fault of your own. Been there done that. Had mine and 300 other guys jobs pulled out from under s because some bean counter said the company could save so much money by shipping operations over to India.
Well guess what they failed at it miserably and wind up costing the company more money then they saved.The company went down hill and was bought out eventually and guess who all got the axe the very next day. All the geniuses who told them how much money could be saved.
If you just read Ken's post I think he is doing an admirable thing by helping a friend get some stress relief for little or no cost. If he's lucky to put together enough track and equipment to get something started thats great, one can then get creative like many of us did when we were kids and build structures out of cardboard or make ground cover out of sawdust, home made trees etc. but f he starts ordering expensive trains and equipment then I think Ken would be first in line to be kicking him in the butt.
I don't think a fellow model railroader should be treated any differently because of his work situation, you choose to do something nice for a person just because you want to and not withhold judgment over them.
Ditto on the earlier comments. Financial priorities are something that appears to be lost of some people. If you're having financial difficulties or your budget is extremely tight go from check to check, the last thing you should be doing is spending whatever scarce funds you have on your hobby. Starting a new hobby is even worse considering the financial outlay needed at the beginning of the venture. From a personal financial perspective you should never go into debt to buy something for this hobby - no buying it on credit and paying for it over a few months. If you can't afford to pay cash for it now, then you CAN'T afford it period! If you can afford the monthly payments over time, then save up for it over time. You never know when a financial emergency will hit and you might need that money for something more important than trains. In which case you'll have it and can use it.
If his financial situation is as grave as you depict, trains (or any other hobby) are the last thing he needs to become involved with.
ndbprrAs an opposing view just to give you something to think about is this the right time for him to do that? If he is already stretched financially does stoking the train fever help him (right now)? Will it cause him to spend time on trains that might be better spent pounding the sidewalk for business or a new job? Just some considerations. Why not just have him over to run yours?
As an opposing view just to give you something to think about is this the right time for him to do that? If he is already stretched financially does stoking the train fever help him (right now)? Will it cause him to spend time on trains that might be better spent pounding the sidewalk for business or a new job? Just some considerations. Why not just have him over to run yours?
I agree 100% with ndbprr. I think it would be different if he was a poor inner city kid looking for help, but he's a grown adult with responsibilities. Hobby and Toys come AFTER Family and job.
Ken, shoot me an e mail Ruderunner1@aol.com...
Modeling the Cleveland and Pittsburgh during the PennCentral era starting on the Cleveland lakefront and ending in Mingo junction
Jeremy, fellow that works for the same company as me, found out I have model trains.Turns out he as wanted to do a model train set for years. But like most of us, other things took up his time and money. We have been talking a round a week or so, and he visited my photo bucket and the site and wants to get into the hobby.
But, there is a problem. Company we worked for is doing badly (we work commission) and he works in a slower store than I do for now. Plus, company has cut hours (lost $528.00 a month) and raised health insurances for a family with kids to $600.00 a month. His last check after taxes and health insurances take home was $162.00 for 2 WEEKS. Yes, both of us are looking for a better job.
One of the things that help take my mind of my problems are the trains. Gives me something to look forward to when I get home. Few years ago, I would have flipped the cost my self, but times are not good at Cuda Ken house either.
I have plenty of rolling stock I can spare, some foam, trees, buildings, some sectional sections of track, flex track, a few brass turn outs, spikes, joiners and plenty of books. I might even be able to put together a Athearn engine for Jeremy. He has a old table that could support a 4 X 8 puces of plywood.
What would help would be some sectional 22 and 18 turns, a engine that runs (not sure about the parts I have right now) and a DC power supply. Not looking for anything fancy. He has not had a train set for 25 years plus now, and it was a cheap Tyco.
Anything would help.
Thank you for your time, Cuda Ken
I hate Rust