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60 Days Until The Beginning of Model Railroading Season

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  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Potomac Yard
  • 2,767 posts
Posted by NittanyLion on Thursday, September 10, 2015 12:04 AM

I like to go to the driving range.  Although the one I go to is a fancy place with RFID tagged balls and the "greens" are large pits with divided up into segments.  The tags tell you how far the ball went and how accurate you were to the green you aimed for.  There's food, pretty good food actually, and a full bar and girls bring the stuff right to your tee box.  Its the best.

I have two major seasons of model work, even though I do go year round with projects.  The first is once its warm enough to spray paint outside, but not too humid or pollen-y.  The second is once the humidity drops, but its not too cold yet.

  • Member since
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  • From: Spartanburg, SC
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Posted by GP-9_Man11786 on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 3:10 PM

BroadwayLion

 

 
tomikawaTT
In Da Bronx - in the Large African Carnivores enclosure at the Bronx Zoo.

 

Yes. I will build the Baobab Tree in the Bronx. There at the end of the Line, just north of the 242nd Street station I will build a plaza with our mascot the LION, that is Aslan the Lion, and next to him will be the Baobab Tree. About 100 feet tall (two subway cars on end) and a bit wider than a subway car. Branches will spread out to a canopy of about 70 feet in diameter. That ought to impress any LION.

 

ROAR

 

 

if you're building it in the Bronx, make sure you leave room for Yankee Stadium.

-Another former New Yorker and curret Yankee fan.

Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad in N Scale.

www.prr-nscale.blogspot.com 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: North Dakota
  • 9,592 posts
Posted by BroadwayLion on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 10:37 AM

tomikawaTT
In Da Bronx - in the Large African Carnivores enclosure at the Bronx Zoo.

Yes. I will build the Baobab Tree in the Bronx. There at the end of the Line, just north of the 242nd Street station I will build a plaza with our mascot the LION, that is Aslan the Lion, and next to him will be the Baobab Tree. About 100 feet tall (two subway cars on end) and a bit wider than a subway car. Branches will spread out to a canopy of about 70 feet in diameter. That ought to impress any LION.

 

ROAR

 

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 10:31 AM

I've done nothing on my layout all summer.  In previous years, summer was my most productive time, because the train room has AC and it's comfortable.  I retired at the end of last year, so this year has been an adjustment.  I've spent a lot of time outdoors on my bicycle.  We've had a nice summer for outdoor stuff, with almost no rainy days.

I'm getting the itch, though.  Any day now, I'm going to open up that package of City Classics "company houses" and start building.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Southern Quebec, Canada
  • 868 posts
Posted by Guy Papillon on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 9:16 AM

With all the work I still have to do on the layout, I can't bother about seasons. Minus 10 in the Winter or 90 in the Summer, you could find me in the basement around the layout.

 

Guy

Modeling CNR in the 50's

  • Member since
    January 2015
  • From: Southern California
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Posted by Lone Wolf and Santa Fe on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 2:19 AM

I think it begins with the first kick off of the NFL regular season. The actual football plays only take a few seconds and then they have to rest and waste the clock before the next play. That is perfect time to work on hobby projects like building kits and painting figures.

I also like to have the railroad in top form over the Christmas holiday when I try to spend a lot of time operating it.

Modeling a fictional version of California set in the 1990s Lone Wolf and Santa Fe Railroad
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Maryland
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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 11:55 PM

What is golf?

For that matter, what is baseball, foot ball, hockey, socker...........

I knew a pro baseball player once, if you asked him what he did for a living, he replied "I'm in the entertainment business" - no truer words have been spoken about sports.......

Here in the Mid Atlantic, where summer is hot and humid, you are welcome to stand in an open field in the hot sun if you like, but I will be indoors or in the pool.......

Today, September 8, it was a muggy 92 degrees here - the only place worse to be than an open field would be a parking lot.........

My train room has central air and central heat.........it's always train season and it's always 70 degrees.........and out of the sun.

I was once well rounded.....until I learned what I really like.

Sheldon

 

 

    

  • Member since
    July 2015
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Posted by forester6291 on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 9:24 PM

There's only one answer because.......A tree grows in Brooklyn

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  • From: Chamberlain, ME
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Posted by G Paine on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 9:55 AM

There's a season? Huh?

My season is whenever I have time to get down cellar and every Thursday to volunteer at Boothbay Railway Village for a work session on the layuot there. On a hot summer day, the cellar is the coolest place in the house; the dog and I head downstairs. She chews a bone and takes a nap. I work on whatever project is near the top of my list. She wakes up around 5 PM with stomach alarms, comes and noses me  until I go upstairs to feed her Chef.

 

George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch 

  • Member since
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  • From: Richmond, VA
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Posted by carl425 on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 9:55 AM

hon30critter
That is, after I lose 12 balls I quit!

I score golf in a similar manner.  If I start a round with 12 balls and finish with 8, I'm 4 under.

Model railroad season runs year round.

I have the right to remain silent.  By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Clinton, MO, US
  • 4,261 posts
Posted by Medina1128 on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 9:54 AM

I retired on disability in 2008, and, since my layout is a temperature controlled basement, er, train room, I can model 365 days a year. Right now, I'm in the middle of an expansion project that will add about 100 square feet of layout. Headphones The expansion will include a passenger station, a warehouse operation and locomotive service facilities. 

 

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Santa Fe, NM
  • 1,169 posts
Posted by Adelie on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 9:32 AM

Normally, we'd be entering the "eve of MRR high season" for me.  It is not a weather issue, at least directly.  My empire shares a climate-controlled office with me in our basement.  But, when the weather is good, green things start growing outside and need regular attention to either keep them growing or keep them in check, hence I get less done on the railroad.  The green things don't take all my time, but when they stop being green is high season.

Alas, we are seriously talking about moving next spring, so high season this year may mean very little and could move toward de-construction.  The good news is an unobstructed, climate-controlled space for my empire is on the list of "givens" for a new place, even if it requires construction.  The other good news is if we do move, it will be closer to the geographic area I am modeling, which 1) I personally like, and 2) could lead to some weekend drives for capturing scenes and such to be modeled.

- Mark

  • Member since
    April 2012
  • 164 posts
Posted by ONR FAN on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 9:09 AM

Some of you guys are lucky you can model all year long.  I'm a November to April modeller but I do belong to a round robin group that meets once a month so I can still get my fix. 

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • From: Lake Havasu City, Arizona, now in Guthrie, Oklahoma
  • 665 posts
Posted by luvadj on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 8:36 AM

When we lived in Arizona, train season was from September to April..the rest of the year was evenings only. Since moving to Oklahoma, I finally got an enclosed room for the layouts so anytime is train time; when I FIND time Wink

Bob Berger, C.O.O. N-ovation & Northwestern R.R.        My patio layout....SEE IT HERE

There's no place like ~/ ;)

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 685 posts
Posted by Howard Zane on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 8:32 AM

50+ years in HO railroading, owing a fairly large shop and promoting the largest scale only show in the east..........here is my opinion of train season.

 

For some like me, it is 12 months, but in general, the stats for the store were as follows beginning with the best month...

December, January, November, February, October, March, April, June, July, September, August, and by far May was the worst month. Even though I sold the store in 1975, these stats are emblazened in me.

The best train shows were the February and October shows, with the April and June shows way behind, but still viable.

This will vary greatly depending on demographics, and of course current state of economy. 1975 was a bit different.

Being a brass dealer for almost 30 years, i can tell you that when the stock market went south, brass sales went north...so much so, that I welcomed huge drops in the market.

My two bucks.

HZ

My two bucks...........

HZ

Howard Zane
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Southwest US
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Posted by tomikawaTT on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 8:09 AM

BroadwayLion

Speaking of Africa, I want to build a Baobab tree for my layout. Should I put it in Brooklyn or in the Bronx. That is the question.

ROAR

 

 
In Da Bronx - in the Large African Carnivores enclosure at the Bronx Zoo.
 
Chuck (Former Noo Yawka modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
  • Member since
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  • From: North Dakota
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Posted by BroadwayLion on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 7:02 AM

LION wroks on railroad of him all year round, but summer months are a problem. The train room is far too hot for much activity in the summer. I may get up there for a little bit, but LIONS do not like the hot. Him would rather find a shady spot and wait for cooler weather.

The TSA on duty in Africa...

Speaking of Africa, I want to build a Baobab tree for my layout. Should I put it in Brooklyn or in the Bronx. That is the question.

ROAR

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
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  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 5:34 AM

fmilhaupt

It's always model railroading season for me.

 

It looks like a lot of guys feel that way from the replies.

That is pretty cool.  But, as I say, it is very seasonal for me.

April thru October - Golf Season.

November thru March - Model Railroading Season.

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: SE Michigan
  • 922 posts
Posted by fmilhaupt on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 5:28 AM

It's always model railroading season for me.

-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.
http://www.pmhistsoc.org

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: United Kingdom
  • 552 posts
Posted by bsteel4065 on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 4:53 AM

Ah.... England, wonderful UK where the weather changes on a daily basis! No, there's not really a season for Model Railroading here. We just pretend it's winter and pretend it's summer. In the summer we put on thin clothes and moan about how cold and rainy it is. In the winter we put on weatherproof and thick clothes and moan about how cold and rainy it is.

No, I don't work on my model railroad from May until September. Mainly in the hope that we will have a gloriously hot summer. But we don't. We have one day in the 90's then the next day it's freezing. But I have noticed that when all the kids go back to school after the summer break, the weather dramatically improves and we invariably have an indian summer with blue skies and warm sun. I believe it's something to do with new legislation for retired people. Having lived and worked this long, retirees are entitled by law to a two weeks of nice weather child free. However, this may be rescinded if the UK leaves the EU.

Anyway, yes I do have a break from model railroading, but it's only so I know if each day is a wet cold day in summer or a wet cold day in winter.

Seriously, the UK is a beautiful place and it doesn't rain all the time! (It just seems like it!)

Barry    

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Granger IN
  • 265 posts
Posted by Dannyboy6 on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 3:43 AM

It began about 8 years ago, and has continued for a couple of hours nearly every night since. Havin' fun!

Dan

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Southwest US
  • 12,914 posts
Posted by tomikawaTT on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 2:12 AM

The golfers in my family play as long as they can find the holes, which, in Sin City, is about 363 days a year.  However, I have never been tempted to, "Try to put little balls in little holes with equipment ill suited to the purpose," even before health problems made that the impossible dream.

My model railroading season begins at 00:01 hours on 1 September, and runs until 24:00 hours on 30 September.  Then it resets and repeats.  Of course, the year is 1964.

In fact, my model railroading season started on 25 December, 1937 - and hasn't ended yet.  I expect it to end when I do.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 1:10 AM

My model railroading season started Dec. 25th, 1963 and still continues.

  • Member since
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 12:51 AM
Living in a temperate maritime climate, golf can be played almost all year round. However as I agree with the sentiments in the quote, “Golf is a good walk spoiled” attributed to Mark Twain, I model whenever w**k and her-in-doors allow me.
Plans??? Finish the ferry and build a switching module or two for it to go on.Confused
Can I suggest that you take a good photographic record of your layout before you dismantle it Rich.
Cheers, the Bear. 

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, September 7, 2015 11:44 PM

doctorwayne
If I were to have golf as a hobby, I certainly wouldn't let a Canadian winter make me suspend it - that's why I'm a model railroader, and I don't let summer interrupt it. Stick out tongueSmile, Wink & Grin Wayne

Ditto!

I am not a golfer. Physical coordination has never been my forte. However, I like to catch the avid golfers off guard by claiming that I have 12 handicap. That is, after I lose 12 balls I quit!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughLaughLaughClown

To answer the OP's question, I model all year round.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
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Posted by wjstix on Monday, September 7, 2015 11:26 PM

Living in a cool climate (Minnesnowta) I tend to do as much model work as possible in the summer, when I can paint and glue things without getting knocked out by the fumes. Plus, my work tends to be busiest from January to April...so for me, I'm just starting my end-of-season 'push' to get my major projects wrapped up before snowtime.

 

Stix
  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 618 posts
Posted by DAVID FORTNEY on Monday, September 7, 2015 9:49 PM

Train season for me is all year round. I hate summer so working on my layout is a cool time. No pun intended. 

But September to march is something special. The holidays and such is just so much fun for me. 

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Monday, September 7, 2015 8:53 PM
There are no seasons for me, just off and on urges. Train show season is starting though.

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Monday, September 7, 2015 8:12 PM

richhotrain
When does model railroading season begin for you, and what plans do you have for this year? Rich

My railroad season opens January 1st, and closes December,31st and reopens January 1st..

I  will finish building my 14' x2' ISL. The new bench work is up but,work as grind to a halt due to railfan season. I have several load projects on tap as well..

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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