Sir Madog Good Evening! We had quite a thunderstorm this afternoon, but thankfully it´s over by now. I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to develop a new, much simpler layout idea, only to find out it won´t work. Heck, I am giving up! It´s collecting stamps from now on! My train stuff is already packed up, tomorrow I will take the door and the brackets down. No more playin´ with trains! I can´t say that I am happy about this, but I can´t afford, what I like and don´t like, what I can afford.
Good Evening!
We had quite a thunderstorm this afternoon, but thankfully it´s over by now.
I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to develop a new, much simpler layout idea, only to find out it won´t work. Heck, I am giving up! It´s collecting stamps from now on!
My train stuff is already packed up, tomorrow I will take the door and the brackets down. No more playin´ with trains!
I can´t say that I am happy about this, but I can´t afford, what I like and don´t like, what I can afford.
Ulrich! Say it isn't so!
Collect only StAMPS with TRAINS on them then!
We cannot sto you, as I started the same with my HO stuff {at least until we have the room for it}.
I know you say Z scale "isn't for you", and your stuff is all tied up in N scale, but maybe a CHange is in order to get what you want, OR change what you want.
Wasn't it you who told me to try dioramas? {nO, I guess that was Garry} Maybe you CAN try a diorama.
I may make a "mini layout " like you did in N scale befere, only I do it in Zscale.
Dunno, I like roundy 'round rounders trains, my self, so a diorama, well that isn't quite what I was looking for...
I think we ALL want more than we get into our space!
Become an "armchair" modeler,then, until you figure it out...
Later
-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.
did you notice there is more then different faces in this picture? i met more then 6 faces
lael
Lael,
I have found only 5 faces, but there may indeed be 6. I assume the 5 I have found stand for the 5 original nations forming the Confederacy. Today there are 6 nations in the Haudenosaunee, so there may be one face I haven't yet found. There is, of course, the man siting by the fire.....
I do know that Eli Thomas puts a great deal of symbolism in his beautiful works! One of these summers I will get to the Pow-wow at Ganondagan and hopefully meet him. Seems like every year there is some other obligation that keeps me from going. I would also like to see my friends whom I haven't seen in about a decade who work there. Tanya, who is a Mohawk person, and her husband Mike who is Northern Paiute, if I recall correctly. He is now considered the best authority on the history of the Seneca around.
Be Blessed!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Ulrich, my trains lived in boxes for close to 40 years before I had the time and space to bring them back to life. Most of the rolling stock has been upgraded with Kadees and metal wheels, and now forms a goodly portion of my fleet.
The time for trains may come again.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Ulrich, I been in your shoes and I done it multiple times. I'm 28 years old and I understand packing up/ letting go of the hobby also. I tried to live a normal life without them but it doesn't work.
Your stuck on a track plan and so am I. Since I focused on my Union Pacific and BNSF layout I haven't had a decent track plan to put together. Like my mom says "The track plan might not come now but later." This later is taking its time by 4 years but I'm not giving up.
I designed track plans for my transition era, (late 1940s-1959s) and one track plan in 1969 for Penn Central. But not one good one for Conrail in 1987-89 and 1998, Union Pacific and BNSF 1998-2003 2004-2007.
I'm mad right now thinking about this hobby that makes me crazy. I put to much stress on myself and I started getting gray hair at the age of 19 before of it. There's more than want telling you. I hope you don't have a ton stress that I go thru everyday. It makes me happy at the end no matter what happens.
I don't know if this helped you or not Ulrich. I run off the handle sometimes.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
Good Morning!
I can´t say I had a good night. I woke up at 2am and fired up my old computer, trying to find ideas for a layout I can afford, but in vain. Model railroading has helped me not to go crazy. It was my way of traveling the world, the one and only dream left. That seems to be gone, leaving me in the doldrums.
My issue with planning a layout is that I think in scenes, less in terms of a track arrangement. As I like to watch trains, scenes are quite important. Still there needs to be a certain minimum of track to have some kind of a realistic operation. I figure myself standing on the platform of the station, observing the train movements. The type of operation in such a station would be express trains rushing through it, without stopping, local passenger trains stopping, discharging passengers and taking people on board, sometimes being overtaken by a ICE train, freight trains pulling slowly through the station or sometimes stopping to let a fast passenger train overtake. To re-enact this kind of operation, I need three tracks in the station and sufficient staging tracks in the hidden area of the layout. Anything less would get boring after a really short time, as there is no switching operation. Trains terminating on this type of station are usually push-pull units.
Before settling in N scale, I had a close look at Z scale. US prototype stock is not available in Germany and sourcing in the US without a credit card is close to impossible. Transfering funds to the US is a costly affair. European stock is outrageously priced, as there is only Marklin. Z scale therefore is not a viable choice.
I have packed up all my stuff and stored it out of sight. I have to get used to a life without trains...
Not a happy camper...
Wintery mix warning here...as well as other areas across the USA...
Sir Madog Before settling in N scale, I had a close look at Z scale. US prototype stock is not available in Germany and sourcing in the US without a credit card is close to impossible. Transfering funds to the US is a costly affair. European stock is outrageously priced, as there is only Marklin. Z scale therefore is not a viable choice. I have packed up all my stuff and stored it out of sight. I have to get used to a life without trains... Not a happy camper...
Ulrich: EXACTLY WHAT kind of "US prototype stock" are you loooking for?
YOU should know by now I like B&O and all later incarnates, but trying to find any of those in Z scale is HARD to find on this side of the big pond. IF i DO find it,it is rediculously priced compared to other liveries here.
NS runs through here {my current "local" trains}, I am less enchanted with them, their stuff cna be price fairly high as well, but lower than the B&O.
If you would be happy with any lovery here, or any Z scale set, you could go further with it sourced from here.
Stock can be as low as $89US for a loco...DC. {I LOVE DCC in HO< but have decided that DCC in Z scale for the probable 2 loops of track i'd have is a waste, so DC may be my alternative.}
I am planning on using an under-bed-box {plastic} like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Configurations-3-Handle-Lowe-Profile-FG3F19DWNATUR/dp/B000JF5R8Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1421058444&sr=1-1&keywords=under+bed+storage
or
http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-3Q2900CLMCB-Quart-Latching-Storage/dp/B002HDHM36/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1421058491&sr=1-2&keywords=under+bed+storage
one as wide as I can get it, and as long as reasonable {they come to 4' long}
20"x48"x6" deep would suffice! 18" wide may have to do it though.If I can get a larger loop in it.
Z scale monster trains is a good place to start:
http://www.zscalemonster.com/
{Perhaps as I use Z scale stuff, I can cast it off your way, like sending Jeffrey my off-casts.if you are not picky}
dunno
Ideas flow over my "new "little" pike"!
Galaxy - any Z scale stuff is outrageously priced here, with hardly any bargains available, due to the small market. N scale does have bargains - like the loco I got for over 60% off MSRP. No, Z scale is not the answer. I just have a tremendous financial problem, which I tend to forget. I thought I could do it little by little, but just to start the layout is not within the budget, as I need to get a new office chair and new glasses. Those two items eat my MRR budget for the next three years.
Morning Folks
Flo a JSTL please and give the Buick guy what ever he wants.
Sick again, that is why I was not at the dinner Sunday. I don't know what I have, but it won't let go. I think it has been 8 to 9 days now.
Ken
I hate Rust
Morning guys
Ken, might be time to head to the doc to see what might be going on.
Snowy here today I headed out and shoveled but its still snowing so might have to go back out later on. Great weekend of football. Im off for a couple days so might play some strat o matic football.
To all of the posters here I have a proposal for you. In the past when Jeffrey needed help many of us gave, myself included to assist him with his trailer repairs, general needs and gave so he could model.
I propose that we help Ulrich with his modeling needs. Whether we send money or equipement. I will be the first. Ulrich please send me a PM with your address and I will send funds or what ever your request may be so that you can continue in the hobby.
Galaxy if you wish to be the running force behind this like you were for Jeffrey I think that would be nice.
Rich - Hello and we hope to see you here more often
Lael - glad to see you posting here.
Garry - Florida ! Geez can you can some of that weather and mail to Va?
Dennis - WOW nice work station !
Ken - Sorry you are still feeling bad. Have you tried any cold medicine with zinc ? Coldeze is sold around here and it does a wonderful job in cutting the cold/flu shorter
Bear - Thanks for the lesson on your home country and the info on the Apache line. How was your country affected by WWII and the war with the Japenese ? Was there every ny danger of invasion ?
Galaxy - relly enjoying the words, where do you find these ? Thanks for the sound- that REALLY helps ! To use one of your words :
Today I feeeling Drumble ! Yesterday I took a spill on some ice went down on my wrist (the one I broke a year ago ) and left knee and it is hurting so much that I am going to see a saw bones to get it checked out.
Not much on modeling news on my end. Weekends spent looking for a new home very annoyed with this process. MOH schedule a home review when there was an NMRA meet scheduled I want so badly to find a home, move in, and START BUILDING the N&W free lance RR !
Prayer to all who are ill, who need traveling mercies ( Like Garry ) or who are just in need ..
TTYL
YGW
YGW - thank you for your kindness, but I think there are needier people than I. Compared to what Jeff had to endure, we live a life in luxury. It´s just that there is no room for extras like a hobby. After our rent has been paid for, we have about $ 600 a month for food, clothing, energy, telephone, Internet and gas. Not much, but we get by. While most of the prices are up by 20% when compared to the US, telephone, Internet and electricity appear to be considerably less than at your end. Heaven forbid one of the household appliances has to be replaced.
The following video shows the countryside I wanted to capture on my layout.
Motive power is Deutsche Bundesbahn class 01 150 Pacific. The loco was nearly destroyed in a roundhouse fire, but was rebuilt.
Ulrich
There is ALWAYS some one with more needs. I can remeber like it was yesterday walking into a cancer doctors office and being HORRIFED by how some of the people had been scarred and disfigured by cancer. I felt greatful that even though my wife was losing teh fight to cancer she did not also have to suffer the indiginity of the disfigurement. She was a VERY BEAUTIFUL women even to the end. So you see even in extreme hardship there is always someone worse.
THAT SAID
There are those of us in the hobby who have surplus (stuffed stored and stacked to the rafters ) and we can afford to share with out even causing us any harm or suffering. It would be an HONOR to help.
As one of the most famous people of all time said - cast your bread upon the water and it will return to you.
Looking forward to getting your address so we can invest in the future Ulrich RR !
Ulrich - Of course, there are "needier" people than you. That's not the point behind YGW's post. I believe he's just wanting to not see you abandon one of the great pleasures in your life, simply because of its potential future cost.
Gary
Gary - good to see you here!
Model railroading has been an integral part of my life during the past 51 years and it has helped me to circumnavigate many a cliff obstructing my way. But I have to face the reality, which keeps me from starting something I won´t be able to finish for financial (and, unfortunately, other) reasons. This is sad, but it is what it is.
More important than building the layout is the friendship I have found here, and, while most likely not being an active MRR, I will come here - to share and enjoy.
YGW - I sent you a PM!
Well,
I, too, may have to "chuck it all", sell off my HO stuff and pack it in.
MOH had a LARGE disagreement {that has been coming for awhile-about 3 years worth} today. We "discussed LOUDLY" the state of things. I may NEED to sell off my HO stuff for the few hundred bucks i can get so:
a} I don't have to move it somewhere else
b}to get funds to "start over again" after 12 years.And I am not meaning starting over with MRRing.
MOH wants one thing, I want something else, and it appears never the twain shall meet at this time. No MOH won't go to counseling, so no such suggestions please.
I WON'T go into anymore details than that here, just mentioning it cause I may be computerless for awhile do to "moving", and having to get a new one somewhere down the road.
I have started over several times {moving to another state, after a house fire, the like} so It wont' be a big deal to me, really, except the loss i will feel.
NO more discussion on that.
have a great evening.
EDIT: we have "agreed to disagree" and keep "status quo" for now.That could all change tomorrow ro next week.
Evenin' folks!
Janie, I need a hot cup of decaf!
Been a very long day of herding cats around here. No, not my kitties, they are well behaved, but I am trying to get many things done with a couple of organizations I volunteer for and today was hurry up and wait and correct, then wait some more, then inform people that they are not right in their emails, then hearing back and them saying oops, etc.
Galaxy, sorry to hear of the domestic grumblings. I will keep both of you in my prayers for a workable compromise and a long and happy relationship for both of you!
[color=red]Ulrich[/color, hang in there my friend! Possibly building some kits... Even building and selling some of your creations might allow you to put a few $$$ away and let you keep your hands in the hobby. I have always been impressed with the quality of work you have done. It would be such a shame to have you no longer be able to enjoy this hobby somehow.
Tried to get a glucose reading on Blackie early this evening. He was not co-operative! He kept trying to look at me and what I was doing. I think I will need 4 hands to check his blood sugar. He wasn't trying to get away, he was just curious and I couldn't manage to find a vein in the ear. Couldn't see them in the light here in my dinning room. I have a bright head worn lamp my youngest son gave me for my birthday that may help with that. I gave up rather than hurt the little guy. I don't want to have to forcefully try to hold him to get the test done. I call my other son tomorrow and see if he can come over and help. Blackie is acting fine now on the shots. Seems to be a bit more active and allert. That is a good thing.
Hope you all have a great night!
Evening Dinners
Flo, I will have a double JSTL and a chaser. If that Buick guy shows up give him a brew as well.
Jermery I hope to get to the VA Clinic Thursday. I am not sure what is wrong. Sometimes I feel fine, a hour later?
Made it to work, and I sure did not want to go. Luckly it was a slow day and I only had 4 customers. Paul knew I felt bad and offered to let me go home when I got there, but I hung in. While I would have rather went to the VA Clinic I am glad I hung around. If I did the math right, I made $150.00 today in spiffs.
Later, Ken
I'm still here...for now.
Ha Ha: DC {Darn CAT} WOke MOH this morning, not me for once! HA HA! {MOH is NOT happy! HA HA}
Half the month almost gone by already!
Just for YGW:
Happy Tuesday!
I've come up with a solution to my thermostat-in-the-train-room problem. The wire has become intermittent, and of course it's buried in the walls and ceilings. I've measured where things are, and I think I can move the thermostat to another wall and run a new wire up inside a closet, at least for now. That will get me through heating season, anyway. If necessary, I can work on a more permanent solution over the summer.
Penny is going to Florida to be with her Mom. I'm taking her to the airport this afternoon. She'll be down there for a week, so I'll defer the thermostat project until I can do it uninterrupted.
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe, I'll have a bowl of Organic Vanilla Almond Granola and my Seneca Lake Blend Dark Roast Coffee this morning. Thank you Ma'am.
Place is deserted this morning... Oh well maybe I'll get a chance to read the morning paper and do the crossword puzzle before somebody else grabs it.......
Well.... (Deep subject), the sun is shining here in the Finger Lakes this morning so I think I will apricate for a bit out on my porch. Temporature is nice today. Currently 24°F with a high of 12°F today..... Ah.... Yep that is what the Weather Channel says!
No Model Railroading again for me today. Have to drive to Canandaigua to take care of Claude the cat, write my Moment For Mission for church on Sunday (have to get a copy of it to a guy who will be doing it in the early service), get a final time for the Division Officers meeting tomorrow (the guy whose office we will be meeting at hasn't answered my emails), And finish finding out the times for the MLK Art and Poetry entries to be oicked up at the schools.
Have to finish the laundry this morning as well. So I will catch you all later!
Ulrich - What other obstacles are there ? Read your PM. You guys dont have zip codes ? Why not let us help and you can do what you can and if you have to let it go then you have to let it go. My Pastor used to always say " there are no U-hauls behind a hearst" we and you cannot load it into a trailer and take it with us so why not share and let you enjoy the hobby for a bit longer ?
Galaxy - Is there something in the water ? One of my best friends is going through the same thing. Him and his wife have sperated. I really hope you too can look for and find common ground. Good women are hard to find and the older one gets they are even harder to find. Because to good ones are taken.
Howmus - You are APRICATING !? And cat hearding ? What is this world coming too ? Next thing you know they will tell me that steam is being replaced by diesal !
Ken - hope you feel better. Sounds like you need to get to the clinic sooner than later ! You know I think you may have a bad case of RUST !
Mr. B. - Word of caution before moving the Tstat. First turn off the unit at the panel. Second the Tstat is generally placed within seven feet of the "return" The reason being is that the air being pulled by the return across the Tstat reflects the real room temp. move it farther away and your reading gets off.
Well the sun is out and it is a balmy 34 degrees I think I need to APRICATE my skin is getting rather pale No MRR last night BUT I did get about 30 minutes of reading this months MRR magazine !
Ulrich,
I do not like your descion, I'm with YGW. on this. If you won't except help then at least take some earlier suggestion that you go ahead and build models or dioramas and sell them off as a little side line to get some funds to put toward your layout. I also think you are pretty hard on yourself in not being able to compromise on what you can do. It may not be ideal as to what you would prefer but you should be able to accept what you have and can do until such time as things do improve for you and Petra.
You are an excellent modeller, and fairly well known, I would think you would not have much trouble in getting orders on models or just build what you like and put them up for sale as a buy now item.
This would keep your hand in modelling and enjoying your time in the hobby you love. And getting paid for your time spent on them.
This would work for me and I hope you see it that way as well.
Think about this long and hard...
Your Friend,
Johnboy..........................out for now.
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Hello, Diners
we are enjoying Orlando.
I skimmed over some posts, and in general, I wish to remind some Diners of Jeffrey's quote. "The phrase, I can't, is not in my dictionary."
I met Curt who now posts across the street. Nice guy. ... Flip lives near here too, but he is sick and I did not meet him.
Happy model railroading
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Heartland Division CB&QJeffrey's quote. "The phrase, I can't, is not in my dictionary."
Garry,
Great You posted that: Now that man had some hardships, but a strong will to keep plugging.
Hope You enjoy Your break.
Take Care!
Frank
Good Evening Folks!
It´s been a gray day inside and outside today. Tried to cheer up by watching some old steam videos on the "tube".
YGW - we don´t have zip codes, but the five digit number in front of the town name is the postal code.
Thanks for all the encouragement, which I really appreciated. I know I have to work on my attitude, which is quite difficult as serious health issues keep pulling me down. I have an early doc appointment tomorrow, in which I will learn about the therapy (if any) any prospects.
Over here in Germany, there is hardly a market for handcrafted or kitbuilt models. If your lucky, you can reclaim the material value, but certainly won´t make a buck or two on a job. A friend of mine tried to sell a model ship he scratchbuilt over 5 years and the Ebay offer was a mere $ 100. He had put over 1,500 hrs. into it.
I have put my trains away to have them out of sight, at least for some time, in which I will try to sort out my thoughts.
I am sure Jeffrey would have disapproved ...
I miss this big Indian fellow and his Sundown Shops!
Evening Dinners!
Flo, a JSTL and a chaser. Have you seen the Buick guy? You heard is Buick broke down? Why am I not surprisied?
I am feeling way better today, I just hope it last! In fact I am BBQing tonight. I have been wanting to for over a week now.
Galaxy I have / going threw what you are to a point. Money is tight and my wife has blamed my Model Railroad many of times. What she cannot wrap her mind around I did not spend $7,000.00 all at one time. When I got into the hobby I was making twice what I am now. Most of my engines are well under $40.00 to $60.00 each. 90% of my rolling stock is either Athearn Blue Boxes, Tyco, Life Like or Bachmann. Not high end stuff.
If I where to sell them I would get maybe a dollar for every ten dollar's spent. Plus how would I replaces them? Woman just seem to be able to let things go a little easier than men.