Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Things that get in the way of spending beaucoup bucks on trains.

8977 views
70 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,670 posts
Posted by rrebell on Sunday, June 27, 2010 11:50 PM

The thing about rental property is that it pays off in the long run!

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Ontario
  • 737 posts
Posted by da_kraut on Sunday, June 27, 2010 7:06 PM

 Hi,

I know the feeling.  My car died three months ago, replaced it with another used vehicle.  I also own rental property, two tenants moved out at the same time, one bought a house, the other got kicked out.  The person that got evicted left a horrible mess, had to replace three laminate floors, one carpet, clean the walls, ceiling, repaint, patch walls and doors.  Filled a 13 yard dumpster from the items from that apartment.  Then of course there is the usual maintenance from the buildings and ever increasing utility and tax bills.  

It certainly makes it hard sometimes to keep everything paid up, maintained and also find funds and time for the hobby.

Frank

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,670 posts
Posted by rrebell on Sunday, June 27, 2010 11:00 AM

Just curious, ancestry is from there.

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • From: Fountain, Colorado
  • 65 posts
Posted by grenadier1943 on Sunday, June 27, 2010 10:33 AM

rrbell,

Not in Poland.  Will be in the Czech Republic but living about 12 miles from the Polish border.  My wife is from there and I really like the slower pace of life.  Will give me more time to spend with the kids and attempt to build my model railroad layout.  There are some model railroaders that live in the area.  Every Christmas they have a layout set up in the town hall.  It's mostly Czech or German model trains. 

Mike Kingsbury

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Memphis
  • 931 posts
Posted by PASMITH on Sunday, June 27, 2010 9:44 AM
rrebell

Why poland?

Maybe because like me, after all the beer you start to see blue steam locomotives? Peter Smith, Memphis
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,670 posts
Posted by rrebell on Sunday, June 27, 2010 12:54 AM

Why poland?

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • From: Fountain, Colorado
  • 65 posts
Posted by grenadier1943 on Saturday, June 26, 2010 7:56 PM

Mark,

Praha is a great town with great BEER!!  I'll be living about a 2 hour drive northeast on the Polish border.  They also have great beer.  It's even cheaper there than in Praha.  My brother in law is already planning a walk in the mountains with stops at ALL the little pubs.  Hope my liver survives.

Mike Kingsbury

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Memphis
  • 931 posts
Posted by PASMITH on Saturday, June 26, 2010 7:20 PM
It's a reservoir. It kept our town green for years. Peter Smith, Memphis
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Saturday, June 26, 2010 7:14 PM

 Nice digs Peter. I wish I had a lake. (Or is it the ocean) But I spent that part on trains.Laugh

 

                                                           Brent

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Big Blackfoot River
  • 2,788 posts
Posted by Geared Steam on Saturday, June 26, 2010 7:03 PM

grenadier1943
6.  Dropping my retirement paperwork after 24 years in the Army.... PRICELESS!!!

 

Congrats Mike Thumbs UpThumbs Up

Thats gotta feel good.

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein

http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Memphis
  • 931 posts
Posted by PASMITH on Saturday, June 26, 2010 6:58 PM
These weather events seem to keep happening. My home town in Northern NJ will never be the same as a result of a recent such event. Peter Smith, Memphis
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Martinez, CA
  • 5,440 posts
Posted by markpierce on Saturday, June 26, 2010 6:57 PM

grenadier1943

3.  One way tickets for 5 from Denver to Prague around $12000.  Round trip around $7000.  Will go round trip and not show up for the return.

Did the same (bought round-trip tickets for a one-way trip) returning from Europe after completing a trans-Atlantic ocean cruise to save big bucks.   Be sure to use the "going" tickets.  The "returning" tickets are invalid if you hadn't used the "going" tickets.  Also, I am always more closely scrutinized going through airport security check points with a one-way ticket.

It's Praha when you arrive in the Czech Republic.  Enjoy the good, inexpensive (cheaper than water) beer there!

Mark

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • From: Fountain, Colorado
  • 65 posts
Posted by grenadier1943 on Saturday, June 26, 2010 6:09 PM

1.  4 passports renewed $375.

2.  Shipping a car from Ft. Carson to Prague around $4000.   will have to pay 19% tax when it arrives.

3.  One way tickets for 5 from Denver to Prague around $12000.  Round trip around $7000.  Will go round trip and not show up for the return.

4.  Selling off all furniture because don't know how much the Army will pay to ship household goods.  But I'm am keeping all the trains!!!

5.  Cost of getting a Czech "Green Card" Unknown.

6.  Dropping my retirement paperwork after 24 years in the Army.... PRICELESS!!!

Mike Kingsbury

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Big Blackfoot River
  • 2,788 posts
Posted by Geared Steam on Saturday, June 26, 2010 6:00 PM

Since April

New HVAC system $5900.00 (No problem, I will get a $1500.00 tax credit come tax time) plus lower energy bills.

Hail Storm came through in May, finished of my roof $957.00 deductable (no complaints here)

Surgery in May (Kidney stone) $1800.00 (so far, bills still rolling in)

in addition to the usual stuff with lawn tractors, homes, cars etc.

No worries, my roof won't leak, I'm cool and no more pain, life is good.

(BTW I love my "Mcmansion" I worked for it, I earned it, I wanted it, I can afford it-so deal with it Mischief)

 

 

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein

http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Saturday, June 26, 2010 5:38 PM

 

PASMITH
A couple of thousand net of insurance to cut down several trees and make roof repairs after this winter's freeze. Peter Smith, Memphis

 

Had a little tree trouble myself. Seven came down in one rogue puff of wind. Tallest one just over 150'. 143 rings I counted. Cost of removal a lot of hard work.Laugh No train time for a while after this one.

 

                                                                                       Brent

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Southwest US
  • 12,914 posts
Posted by tomikawaTT on Saturday, June 26, 2010 2:46 PM

Reference, offspring.

If I had a buck for every father who used a young kid as an excuse for dipping a toe into model railroading, I'd HAVE beaucoup bucks to spend on this hobby!

(As it is, I have more than enough disposable income to satisfy my simple needs.  What I don't have is either a day-stretcher or a Round Tuit...)

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,670 posts
Posted by rrebell on Saturday, June 26, 2010 1:54 PM

BATMAN

 All this complaining is very tongue in cheek. I don't think anyone would change a thing as far as their kids are concerned, I know I wouldn't. I am retired and spend as much time with my kids as I can. As far as McMansion is concerned. I never made over $25.00 an hour in my life, but invested wisely. Next time you are sitting in front of the TV or computer with nothing to do. Go out and get a another job. Make money when your young because you won't want to do it when your old.

If you choose to get married at a young age and have a family that's your choice. And it is a choice. And there is nothing wrong with that. Me, I worked very long hours from the time I was sixteen until I got married eight days before I turned forty and I now reap the rewards.

If you can't find work where you are, move. I have friends that work in the middle east in very good paying jobs. One came home after four years paid cash for an $800,000.00 house and got a job with the Post Office. Like me he has a high school education. 

I can't stand it when people take every word so seriously. Let's have fun.

 

                                                                 Brent

You beat me, I never made more than $24.00
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Memphis
  • 931 posts
Posted by PASMITH on Saturday, June 26, 2010 12:32 PM
A couple of thousand net of insurance to cut down several trees and make roof repairs after this winter's freeze. Peter Smith, Memphis
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Saturday, June 26, 2010 12:12 PM

 All this complaining is very tongue in cheek. I don't think anyone would change a thing as far as their kids are concerned, I know I wouldn't. I am retired and spend as much time with my kids as I can. As far as McMansion is concerned. I never made over $25.00 an hour in my life, but invested wisely. Next time you are sitting in front of the TV or computer with nothing to do. Go out and get a another job. Make money when your young because you won't want to do it when your old.

If you choose to get married at a young age and have a family that's your choice. And it is a choice. And there is nothing wrong with that. Me, I worked very long hours from the time I was sixteen until I got married eight days before I turned forty and I now reap the rewards.

If you can't find work where you are, move. I have friends that work in the middle east in very good paying jobs. One came home after four years paid cash for an $800,000.00 house and got a job with the Post Office. Like me he has a high school education. 

I can't stand it when people take every word so seriously. Let's have fun.

 

                                                                 Brent

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Saturday, June 26, 2010 10:08 AM

 That's why you treat them the same way as a piece of equipment that doesn't have a manual.  If it starts making weird sounds, gets out of line, or doesn't act right you fix it the same.  A swift kick or slap, 2x4 or similar. Laugh

Springfield PA

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,670 posts
Posted by rrebell on Saturday, June 26, 2010 10:06 AM

Of course we complain about our kids, most are a pain at one time or another. My sister has one of those great ones though but another who is not! With kids it is the luck of the draw, they don't come with manuals!

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Saturday, June 26, 2010 9:43 AM

 Obviously Kids don't get in the way of Trains.  They're just a higher priority in life than any hobby.  Hobby bucks are what's left over after priorities are taken care of.

Springfield PA

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • 2,751 posts
Posted by Allegheny2-6-6-6 on Saturday, June 26, 2010 9:39 AM

galaxy

mononguy63

1)  Having a kid

2)  Having another kid

3)  Having another kid

4)  Having another kid

5)  Struggling to keep the refrigerator from constantly and completely emptying out (see items 1 through 4 above)

I must confess, I feel little sympathy for anyone who complains about having kids who has more than two kids.

Two kids is Zero population growth and cheaper, too.

 

 

Galaxy I think you just need to lighten up a tad this is meant to be tongue in cheek I'm sure besides what good are kids if you can't complain about them (that was also tongue in cheek)

Just my 2 cents worth, I spent the rest on trains. If you choked a Smurf what color would he turn?
  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Christiana, TN
  • 2,134 posts
Posted by CSX Robert on Saturday, June 26, 2010 9:17 AM
galaxy
...And anyone who gives birth to more than 2 kids and complains, I don''t want to hear issues from. Not this day in age...
galaxy
...Anybody who posts a pic of a "McMansion" or complains about a $60k roof, I don't want to hear complaints from either...
What complaining? I did not see anybody complaining in those responses, simply people answering the question originally posed. I have two kids that "get in the way of spending beaucoup bucks on trains," but I'm certainly not complaining about it, after all, one day with my boys gives me more enjoyment and satisfaction than a lifetime of model trains ever could.
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 8,639 posts
Posted by Texas Zepher on Saturday, June 26, 2010 9:14 AM

rrebell
The reason you need the special tires is they convince you you need them, if you drive 118 MPH in that you are asking for it.

Hmmm, there might be something in that, but I have a Mustang that the owners manual says "requires" H rated tires.   I thought, "Oh that is just a speed rating I never drive 135 mph."  So I got the cheaper S rated tires.  The car was really squirrely.  It was the only time I've taken tires back.  When I asked around, I was told it had something to do with the suspension of the car being set up for the flex of the sidewall of that speed rating of tire.  I am really worried on the Excursion that same thing might happen if I don't go with the "requirement" in the owners manual.  Can't afford to have a high profile vehicle gettin loosey goosey on the road.

 

And then again beaucoup bucks aren't needed for MR.  Wait for the sales....  I had purchased every passenger train (multiples in the Empire Builder case) set made by Walther's until they raised the price with the latest 20th Century.  When I can get BLI quality for $55 a car I am not going to pay $50 for a Walther's.   Well it is happening.  Apparently the sets aren't selling well.  I saw a set on eBay for significantly less than the normal $399 per set, so I threw out the minimum bid just to track it.  I promptly forgot about it.  Well I just got the notification that I won. Whooo hoo!   If they were selling for the normal street price I could turn around and make some money selling them off one by one.     Now I just need to fill in those extra sleepers to make up a prototypical train set.

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: California & Maine
  • 3,848 posts
Posted by andrechapelon on Saturday, June 26, 2010 8:02 AM

This was supposedly a thread to satirize the issue of not having the buckage to  spend on trains, not one to start hoohaws over whether one has 'X' kids vs 'T' kids or crab at people who spent $60,000 on a steel roof---btw like the roof---

Lets attempt to keep it calm guys----

These things do seem to take on a life of their own, don't they?

Thought of another thing.

Spending waaaaaaaay too much time on model railroad forums discussing things that only bear a peripheral (at best) relationship to the hobby.

I'm as guilty of that as anybody,

Now about that $60,000 roof..........Laugh

Andre

It's really kind of hard to support your local hobby shop when the nearest hobby shop that's worth the name is a 150 mile roundtrip.
Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Saturday, June 26, 2010 6:34 AM

galaxy

Texas Zepher

galaxy
I must confess, I feel little sympathy for anyone who complains about having kids who has more than two kids.

Do you even bother to think how many of the kids are adopted?  One can have 12 kids and still have a negative population growth.   I have little patience for people who think they have open minds and have everything all figured out in black and white.

{Texas Zepher may have sarted a flame war.}

YES. I DID, as a matter of fact, think that they may have adopted. However, the phrase "HAVING a kid" would imply that they gave birth. {And the way that poster states "having another kid" {in italics} for #4 implies the poster almost must think 4 too many?}.

And anyone who gives birth to more than 2 kids and complains, I don''t want to hear issues from. Not this day in age.

You don't see Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar  complaining {TV's "19 Kids and Counting"} about feeding their 19 kids they birthed now do you? To answer TV viewer's questions, they have stated they spend about $3k a month on food, but they don't complain about it, and there's plenty to feed all, including the teenage boys and girls. AND they pay CASH for EVERYTHING, including house, bus and vehicles.. Then again Jim Bob is not into trains either.

Also,Anybody who posts a pic of a "McMansion" or complains about a $60k roof, I don't want to hear complaints from either. {Some of us live in trailers with roofs that need to be recoated every 5 years}.

 

This was supposedly a thread to satirize the issue of not having the buckage to  spend on trains, not one to start hoohaws over whether one has 'X' kids vs 'T' kids or crab at people who spent $60,000 on a steel roof---btw like the roof---

Lets attempt to keep it calm guys----

He says this as he ducks and runs for cover-------

Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry

I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...

http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Saturday, June 26, 2010 6:27 AM

Sir Madog

 That´s none of my worries. Since I don´t have beaucoup bucks to be spend on anything, I cannot spend it on trains, either. I am happy to be able to just sustain a very basic life for my wife and me and enjoy the luxury of having still access to the internet, thus being able to stay in touch with friends.

Sometimes that all you need. It's tough to be satisfied with, but as we say around here "the Lord seems to provide us with what we NEED, WHEN we need it,and not what we only WANT".

-G .

Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.

 HO and N Scale.

After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Saturday, June 26, 2010 6:23 AM

Texas Zepher

galaxy
I must confess, I feel little sympathy for anyone who complains about having kids who has more than two kids.

Do you even bother to think how many of the kids are adopted?  One can have 12 kids and still have a negative population growth.   I have little patience for people who think they have open minds and have everything all figured out in black and white.

{Texas Zepher may have sarted a flame war.}

YES. I DID, as a matter of fact, think that they may have adopted. However, the phrase "HAVING a kid" would imply that they gave birth. {And the way that poster states "having another kid" {in italics} for #4 implies the poster almost must think 4 too many?}.

And anyone who gives birth to more than 2 kids and complains, I don''t want to hear issues from. Not this day in age.

You don't see Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar  complaining {TV's "19 Kids and Counting"} about feeding their 19 kids they birthed now do you? To answer TV viewer's questions, they have stated they spend about $3k a month on food, but they don't complain about it, and there's plenty to feed all, including the teenage boys and girls. AND they pay CASH for EVERYTHING, including house, bus and vehicles.. Then again Jim Bob is not into trains either.

Also,Anybody who posts a pic of a "McMansion" or complains about a $60k roof, I don't want to hear complaints from either. {Some of us live in trailers with roofs that need to be recoated every 5 years}.

 

-G .

Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.

 HO and N Scale.

After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!