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So, how has this virus affected you. Locked

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  • Member since
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 9:06 AM

Lazers
I wonder if Modellers are selling-off these items because (like me) they do not have much or any income during Lockdown and need some cash?

I have seen some astonishingly well painted Napoleanic Armies come up for sale on eBay that were obviously someone's pride-and-joy. I do believe financial issues are resulting in some hobbiests selling things that would normally never be for sale.

I have not noticed it is much in Model Railroading items.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by richhotrain on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 10:08 AM

SeeYou190
 
Lazers
I wonder if Modellers are selling-off these items because (like me) they do not have much or any income during Lockdown and need some cash? 

I have seen some astonishingly well painted Napoleanic Armies come up for sale on eBay that were obviously someone's pride-and-joy. I do believe financial issues are resulting in some hobbiests selling things that would normally never be for sale.

I have not noticed it is much in Model Railroading items.

-Kevin 

Wargaming is a dying hobby.   Whistling

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 10:56 AM

richhotrain
Wargaming is a dying hobby.

That is a fear. Unlike Model Railroading, you cannot be a wargamer alone.

With all the conventions cancelled, and the Wargator group on lockdown, I am concerned about the activity bouncing back.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by richhotrain on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 11:03 AM

SeeYou190
 
richhotrain
Wargaming is a dying hobby. 

That is a fear. Unlike Model Railroading, you cannot be a wargamer alone.

With all the conventions cancelled, and the Wargator group on lockdown, I am concerned about the activity bouncing back. 

My grandson participates in online Fortnite tournaments. Not possible with wargaming?

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 11:59 AM

Regarding the comment from Lazers about stuff for sale,

Here in the US model trains has always been a busy category on Ebay. It seems about the same right now.

It is likely that some train show vendors may be putting some stuff on Ebay since their regular business is suspended right now.

I'm sure many people are tight on cash, or, simply concerned they might become tight on cash if this continues too long.

This is a unique situation.

All that said, I have always been amazed at people who buy things when they are flush with cash, things that maybe they really can't afford, then sell off stuff when times are a little tough.

I live rather comfortably and I am thankful for my blessings, but that has not always been the case. But even when I was young and broke, living paycheck to paycheck, I never found myself thinking "what can I sell to get some cash".

Because I needed the things I had for the basic care and comfort of my family, and what minor luxuries I might have accumulated for myself were not going to measurably change things if I sold them.

Guess I was just raised a certain way?

Sheldon

    

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Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 1:12 PM

SeeYou190

 

 
rrebell
I cleaned the house yesterday and did minor train stuff.

 

Funny you should mention that. There was just a story on the mid-day newscast that said with so many people at home, more people are cleaning out there houses, and that is causing garbage trucks to not be able to haul all the stops on their route with more people having full cans every week.

They are asking us the clean out our houses in moderation.

-Kevin

 

No I mean clean as in dusting and mopping etc.

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Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 1:14 PM

Track fiddler

 

 
SeeYou190

 

 
rrebell
I cleaned the house yesterday and did minor train stuff.

 

Funny you should mention that.

They are asking us to clean out our houses in moderation.

-Kevin

 

 

 

 

Fascinating! 

They remind us every day to wash our hands, (something we all had pretty much understood by two years old right after potty training)Laugh  They even have commercials with step by step video on how this New Concept works, how to wash our hands over and over, ... Hello!Laugh

But now they want us to clean our house in moderation KevinLaugh..... Go Figure??? Confused

 

P.S.  rrebell,  In the last 5 years I have had 3 cracked teeth removed due to grinding them at night.  It's quite a problem for me as wellSad  The last dentist I visited told me a custom-made mouthguard would be cheaper than all the extractions.

 

 

TF

 

Thing is I rarely grind my teeth, goes along with strange dreams of late.

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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 1:21 PM

ATLANTIC CENTRAL
All that said, I have always been amazed at people who buy things when they are flush with cash, things that maybe they really can't afford, then sell off stuff when times are a little tough.

Corporations do that kind of thing all the time. I'm thinking of GE at least. They would wheel-and-deal and go on a buying spree only to spin-off or otherwise liquidate entire product lines a short time later.

Then borrow money to meet payroll.

Regards, Ed

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Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 1:40 PM

So many topics since last posted. I put the cork in today for the main yard, and helped neice get stuff done at her place. Read the PA rules, yes masks are required as of April 16. Teeth still hurt, no dentist is open except for emergencys.

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Posted by davidmurray on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 9:49 PM

SeeYou190
richhotrain Wargaming is a dying hobby. That is a fear. Unlike Model Railroading, you cannot be a wargamer alone. With all the conventions cancelled, and the Wargator group on lockdown, I am concerned about the activity bouncing back. -Kevin

 

With sufficent thought, one should be able to set up many table top minatures games to play on line.

My son, now in his forties, hosted D&D in his basement.  Now his group plays by one of the online meeting sites.

Try Hard, you could too.

 

David Murray from Oshawa, Ontario Canada
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Posted by rrebell on Friday, May 8, 2020 10:40 AM

Morning. Decided to try and get a dental apointment, most are closed, then others will only take existing customers in emergency,  leaving very few places to go (finally found one). On to train stuff. Doing some final planing on the layout, not  much more.

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Posted by C PRAVLIK on Friday, May 8, 2020 10:44 AM

So does this policy apply to the discussion of most model products being manufactured in China?

Moderator
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Posted by Steven Otte on Friday, May 8, 2020 4:08 PM

C PRAVLIK

So does this policy apply to the discussion of most model products being manufactured in China?

If you have firsthand knowledge of how China's coronavirus pandemic has affected the model railroad supply chain, or your ability to buy model railroad products from China, go right ahead.

If, on the other hand, you plan to tell us how terrible you think it is that so much of our hobby supplies are made in China, save us both the trouble and don't.

--
Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editor
sotte@kalmbach.com

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Posted by BATMAN on Friday, May 8, 2020 5:35 PM

C PRAVLIK

So does this policy apply to the discussion of most model products being manufactured in China?

 

Jason Shron of Rapido has been keeping us well informed of what is happening with Rapidos manufacturing in China, as always it is a breath of fresh air to be kept in the loop.

On another note my wife just lost another good friend from the dog show world. She lived near Chicago but came out here to the coast often to attend hows. That is now four people she knew well that have been taken by this scourge.

Brent

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

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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Friday, May 8, 2020 5:40 PM

As a follow up to my prior posts, I am still out of work.

I have updated my Resumè on Indeed, and applied with one company.

I turned down two companies who contacted me via Indeed as they were a bit too far commute wise, or not a good fit schedule wise. Two others would require that I relocate entirely, which is not an option currently on the table, so they were also a no thank you. (Although one would be neat, not neat enough for me to move.)

NW PA has ceased the stay at home order, and has reopened most retail stores, city and county parks, and has allowed some other businesses to reopen as well. Still no hair salons, theaters, dine-in eating, and many other things. They are still requiring everyone wear masks, and maintain social distancing. And still no large gatherings. If the weather turns nicer, the bike trails are now reopened as well. 

Looks like it might be time for me to bring the bike out of the shed loft and get it ready.

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

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Posted by rrebell on Friday, May 8, 2020 11:25 PM

Job market is falling apart, you got to take what you can get these days. It will be real bad in three months when the landlords start going into forclosure and tenants are evicted in mass especially out here with 1 bedrooms going for $2000 or more. I will take about 6 months or longer to get them all out. Got nothing done today, real hot here.

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Posted by BATMAN on Saturday, May 9, 2020 1:00 AM

Image may contain: 1 person, text

Brent

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

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Posted by rrebell on Saturday, May 9, 2020 9:49 AM

LOL, it dose kinda go with most model railroaders being lone wolves to some extent.

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Saturday, May 9, 2020 9:55 AM

rrebell

Job market is falling apart, you got to take what you can get these days. It will be real bad in three months when the landlords start going into forclosure and tenants are evicted in mass especially out here with 1 bedrooms going for $2000 or more. I will take about 6 months or longer to get them all out. Got nothing done today, real hot here.

 

I'm still working, so are many people here. The rest are getting unemployment, etc. My one remaining tenant has paid his rent despite the pandemic. 

The real estate market here is strong, especially at the lower end. Inventory is low and 1400 sq ft townhouses are holding their typical price of $230,000.

Just sold our big Queen Anne house, settle on Friday, got pretty close to what we wanted for it. And great contract terms, sold it as is with minimal inspections.

For $2000 a month here you can rent a 1600 sq ft three bedroom single home, glad I live here, not there.

Always thought it was a bad idea to buy investment property on credit. Too much carrying cost when they are empty.

After 25 years of owning as many as 5 rentals free and clear, we leveraged a few for some working cash knowing we would just sell them off soon.

Another goes on the market real soon.

Not so much doom and gloom here.....

Sheldon

    

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Posted by York1 on Saturday, May 9, 2020 10:01 AM

For years, economic advisers have tried to get people to build up an emergency fund for exactly times like these.

York1 John       

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, May 9, 2020 11:26 AM

davidmurray
With sufficent thought, one should be able to set up many table top minatures games to play on line.

For me, Boardgaming and Wargaming are social events. I do not think I could get satisfaction playing online.

One of my friends that lives in Spring Hill (3 hours away) is hosting a 5 player Catan game next weekend. I might go to that.

I am craving for some dice action.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, May 9, 2020 12:10 PM

I think our state is allowing hobby shops to open.  I'll have to see if the only LHS close by is open.  The better shop, that actually catered to HO, shut down last year (owner retired) so maybe this one will start selling more HO, but it's a very small place to begin with.

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

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Saturday, May 9, 2020 12:32 PM

MisterBeasley

I think our state is allowing hobby shops to open.  I'll have to see if the only LHS close by is open.  The better shop, that actually catered to HO, shut down last year (owner retired) so maybe this one will start selling more HO, but it's a very small place to begin with.

 

You live in Delaware now, correct?

Where in Delaware if I may ask?

When things do open back up there are several good shops in the Philly area, both in PA and NJ.

Sheldon

    

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Posted by John-NYBW on Saturday, May 9, 2020 12:36 PM

I thought about starting a thread about this but the moderators want coronavirus discussions kept to this thread so I'll oblige. Maybe this has been covered already in this thread but I haven't read most of the posts so I'll bring it up anyway.

I'm wondering how all the tourist railroads around the country are going to handle the shutdown. Many of them operate on shoe string budgets and summer and early fall is when they bring in most of their revenue. If they are shut down for most or all of this period, how many will be around next year?

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Posted by Lazers on Saturday, May 9, 2020 1:08 PM

Our local DIY store (Homebase) re-opened today and after queuing for 15 mins (thinking 'who will be waiting outside, before opening time') I purchased some good quality 1" x 2" PSE and was thus able to remake my Lift-out section pieces. So further progress on my Railroad. I also got 2 No. Quick-Clamps at a bargain price. Came in useful because I didn't have to ask for help from Mrs. L, 'hold this here and don't move'.

At the DIY, looking at all the floor-markings to maintain min' 2.0 metre distancing and only one, fully-screened Till open (card only, no cash) it's easy to see that the Store closed because (like everyone) they were totally caught-out with no Plan to action (it would be unfair to say unprepared) But boy, am I glad they're back with their type of Model R/R Building accessories. Paul

"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, May 9, 2020 1:28 PM

ATLANTIC CENTRAL

 

You live in Delaware now, correct?

Where in Delaware if I may ask?

When things do open back up there are several good shops in the Philly area, both in PA and NJ.

Sheldon

Yes, I am in Delaware, specifically in Ocean View, a small town just west of Bethany Beach and a bit south of Rehoboth.

My layout is pretty much mature, so I won't need much to get it back together in its new home.  I'll just need wire and the odd piece of track, plus Home Depot and Lowe's stuff.  I won't drive just to browse.

Suggestions, of course, are always welcome.

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

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Saturday, May 9, 2020 1:29 PM

Our local DIY place is still closed so I can´t get that bottle of glue and the sandpaper sticks I need fo a project of mine. I could order it online, but the postage exceeds the value of the merchandise by a factor of three!

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Saturday, May 9, 2020 3:48 PM

MisterBeasley

 

 
ATLANTIC CENTRAL

 

You live in Delaware now, correct?

Where in Delaware if I may ask?

When things do open back up there are several good shops in the Philly area, both in PA and NJ.

Sheldon

 

 

Yes, I am in Delaware, specifically in Ocean View, a small town just west of Bethany Beach and a bit south of Rehoboth.

My layout is pretty much mature, so I won't need much to get it back together in its new home.  I'll just need wire and the odd piece of track, plus Home Depot and Lowe's stuff.  I won't drive just to browse.

Suggestions, of course, are always welcome.

 

Yes, I know where you are. As a life long resident of the western shore of the Chesapeake, I know the whole region pretty well.

The Delmarva is a nice place to live, we get over that way from time to time.

Hobby Shops:

Star Hobby in Annapolis MD (litterally just across the bay bridge from you on US 50)

Yankee Dabbler in Belmawr NJ (across the river from Philly)

Nicholas Smith Trains in Broomall PA (northeast side of Philly)

Strasburg Train Shop in Strasburg PA (where the cool real trains are)

Pro Custom Hobbies in Eldersburg MD (a few miles west of Baltimore)

Mainline Hobby Supply in Blue Ridge Summit PA (a bit of drive, but worth it, and they do mail order too)

Tommy Gilbert's in Gettysburg PA (also a bit farther)

There were once a lot more.......

I live in Havre de Grace MD, where the mighty Susquehanna empties into the Chesapeake, about 2 hours from you. 

I grew up in Severna Park, just north of Annapolis, also about 2 hours from you.

Take care, 

Sheldon 

    

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Posted by BigDaddy on Saturday, May 9, 2020 6:22 PM

I had a mothers day visit with Mom today.  It was cold and windy in the mid Atlantic.

I sat outside with a mask, mom sat inside behind a casement window, that was only opened 4", but the residents on the inside were freezing.  No one could hear anything.

It was the most unsatisfactory Mothers' Day ever.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Saturday, May 9, 2020 7:08 PM

My mother just turned 88, but she lives independently, 1,000 miles from here.

Normally she visits all the family up here during this time of year, but she is staying home in Florida this year.

I spoke with her early in the week to wish her happy birthday, I will call tomorrow.

Sheldon 

    

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