All that because the cost of a loco was questioned? Somebody needs a Snickers.
Over the years, YouTube has allowed us to follow along as modelers of all skill levels build their layouts and show us "how to do it." With that, you also get to see the idiosyncrasies of the people themselves. To be frank, most are rather bland, but you watch because you like to see the trains and perhaps get a tip to use on your own layouts.
That said, nothing prepared me for what I just witnessed. His name is Alan Plumb, a seemingly affable, soft-spoken British modeler who has posted a number of videos chronicling the construction of a small N-scale layout. To be fair, the modeling was okay (though I was intrigued by some of his scenery techniques) but his relaxed demeanor was soothing and just nice to listen to for a few minutes. Here was a person who was thoroughly enjoying what he was doing. It seemed his layout was more than just a hobby; you sensed it had real meaning to him, and that energy came through the screen and made you want to watch him all the more.
And then I witnessed the video below. I was disturbed on so many levels, not just at the absolute blind rage in the man's eyes as he utterly destroyed his work - work that he fretted and fussed over for months to recreate a piece of his childhood - but, from reading the comments, the terrible situation at home that drove him to do it.
Model railroading is not "grown ups playing with trains." It is a hobby, a craft, an art form and contrary to the previous sentence, it is an escape. Perhaps it's an attempt to relive or recreate a happier time in our lives or to create a bit of joy and happiness in the here and now for ourselves and our families, friends and children.
There is enough misery in the world and sadly sometimes in our own lives that we need a place to retreat. Maybe it's a little slice of some other time and place in HO scale, or recreating a memory from childhood in O or N or whatever. I just can't imagine not having a way to blow off a little steam (no pun) and find a bit of joy and relaxation in my life. I sincerely hope that none of you are ever in a situation like this poor man, but that if you are you seek out the advice and counseling of friends, family, clergy or whomever before doing something like Alan Plumb.
Apologies beforehand if some take offense at this video, but it's not my intention to post a sensational video of some poor guy going postal on his layout, but more to read all the comments/responses and get a bit of perspective. Life is too short.
Cheers,
JG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPwBV54oa3s