Age and starting over

[cmrproducts]

In not having a few MRR friends in your area will certainly make things less enjoyable.

In western PA - is not like being in the big cities but we are very lucky in being able to put together about 30 of us in a Club.

This also worked well when I was deciding to building a new large layout in my then new home.

At 53 and finally purchasing a new home - the thoughts of starting over with a new (and Larger) layout was a concern.

But having a fairly large group of modelers in the area - made the decision to go ahead and build the big one.

Now at 67 the layout is well established and I have modelers travel 2 hours to attend an OPs Session.

I can usually muster up 20 guys regularly for my twice monthly OPs Session.

Looking for local modelers in your area may take some work but if you only find a couple it is way better than doing it alone.

In my case we were regular travelers to many other layouts for Operations that were 2 hours away and we kept making new friends along the way.

Joining the NMRA is probably one of the best ways to find Modelers and nothing says you have to stay a member once you get to know these new modelers as you will now be part of this new group.

This is what we did (those of us in Western Pa) to find like minded people to spend time with doing Model railading!

BOB H - Clarion, PA

[NP2626]

[quote user="riogrande5761"]

Keep in mind this is a hobby, something you do for enjoyment and relaxation.  The only wisdom I can see is if you are unhappy with the current state of things, the hobby isn't fulfilling it's purpose.  Don't over-think things.  If you can afford it and prefer to go in a different direction, you can alway sell off some or all of your current trains and materials and pursue something different.  The only consideration is can you accomplish the goal you've set, to get enjoyment out of the new project and get it to a satisfying level in the years you have ahead./quote]

 

When the "satisfying level" is the process of building it, I'm certain the goal can be reached.  You would think this would answer my question; however, I am still interested in what others would have to say.

[riogrande5761]

Keep in mind this is a hobby, something you do for enjoyment and relaxation.  The only wisdom I can see is if you are unhappy with the current state of things, the hobby isn't fulfilling it's purpose.  Don't over-think things.  If you can afford it and prefer to go in a different direction, you can alway sell off some or all of your current trains and materials and pursue something different.  The only consideration is can you accomplish the goal you've set, to get enjoyment out of the new project and get it to a satisfying level in the years you have ahead.

[NP2626]

 

I’m on the “Horns of a Dilemma”!  Although I have always been interested in Narrow Gauge, a trip to Colorado and a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, has peaked my interest in slim gauge.

My current layout, which I am considering tearing down, is a free lanced part of the Northern Pacific in the mountains of Montana.  All track is laid and the system is operational.  I have determined that actual operation as a “Lone Wolf” operator, really doesn’t hold my attention.  I live in a rural part of Minnesota and beyond putting an ad in the paper looking for other model railroaders in my area, I don’t believe there are any.  I talk to people about my hobbies and none have said; “Oh, you should meet such and such, who is also a model railroader”!

The current layout has some problems.  It was my fourth design and first since becoming an adult, so of course it has some things that I would do differently, knowing what I know now.

I started this layout in 1988.  My interest in model railroading fluctuates and I have gone through many periods of time where interest in my other hobbies have superseded my interest in model railroading.   Bench work, track laying, wiring and model building are of high interests for me and scenery is secondary.

The dilemma for me is: I am 64 years old and I wonder about the wisdom of starting over, at this age!  I have been scolded by a friend here on this forum for thinking about if it is wise to start over.  Since my interest is in building something and not really in having it finished, it would seem that going ahead and tearing down the old and building the new, makes some sense!

So, my question is:  Have any of you started over while in your 60s and no matter your age, I would be interested in your opinion on this!

I'm not looking to be psychoanalyzed here!  If you can’t say anything without being critical, please go away!  This is a pretty simple question and there is some likelihood that whatever you may say, I may do the exact opposite!  I'm not looking for anyone tell me what to do, just interested in your thoughts and Ideas!