Bob Dylan put it in better words!
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
richhotrain In any event, in my opinion, this forum definitely is not what it used to be.
Rich,
Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I'm not sure I understand your point.
Personally I am quite happy with the forums. Everyone is polite and supportive, and the moderaters are doing a great job of politely keeping us all in line. I used to get stressed regularly by some of the responses to my posts because of my depression issues, but the offenders are long gone (good riddance!).
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
richhotrain BRAKIE richhotrain That is really true, Tom. Technical threads draw a small audience of truly dedicated forum members. Post a whimsical thread with a clever title and you will draw hundreds, if not thousands, of views. Rich Rich, Was this forum ever that serious? I reall the flame wars over just about everything when I join back in 2001. I think this forum is more like a club then anything technical other then the DCC forum.. The only "serious" forum I know is the Atlas Rescue Forum and there is a lot of complaining there about models some times even a member that has a different view gets yelled at. Be that has it may I am a member there because I can get the detailed reviews of new releases including any minor or major flaws. I simply judge what is being said about a certain model to see if it fits my guide lines.. My IM GP10 was such a locomotive as was my Scale Trains "Operator" SD40-2. Was this forum ever that serious? Larry, you raise a good question. I really don't know the answer. Back in 2004 when I joined the forum, it seemed a lot more serious than it is now. Maybe it is because so many serious modelers have left this forum for other forums and so now the whimsical threads are more prevalent. I can say this. When old, dormant threads are resurrected, I always notice how many screen names appear that are now long gone. In any event, in my opinion, this forum definitely is not what it used to be. Rich
BRAKIE richhotrain That is really true, Tom. Technical threads draw a small audience of truly dedicated forum members. Post a whimsical thread with a clever title and you will draw hundreds, if not thousands, of views. Rich Rich, Was this forum ever that serious? I reall the flame wars over just about everything when I join back in 2001. I think this forum is more like a club then anything technical other then the DCC forum.. The only "serious" forum I know is the Atlas Rescue Forum and there is a lot of complaining there about models some times even a member that has a different view gets yelled at. Be that has it may I am a member there because I can get the detailed reviews of new releases including any minor or major flaws. I simply judge what is being said about a certain model to see if it fits my guide lines.. My IM GP10 was such a locomotive as was my Scale Trains "Operator" SD40-2.
richhotrain That is really true, Tom. Technical threads draw a small audience of truly dedicated forum members. Post a whimsical thread with a clever title and you will draw hundreds, if not thousands, of views. Rich
That is really true, Tom. Technical threads draw a small audience of truly dedicated forum members. Post a whimsical thread with a clever title and you will draw hundreds, if not thousands, of views.
Rich
Rich, Was this forum ever that serious? I reall the flame wars over just about everything when I join back in 2001. I think this forum is more like a club then anything technical other then the DCC forum..
The only "serious" forum I know is the Atlas Rescue Forum and there is a lot of complaining there about models some times even a member that has a different view gets yelled at.
Be that has it may I am a member there because I can get the detailed reviews of new releases including any minor or major flaws. I simply judge what is being said about a certain model to see if it fits my guide lines.. My IM GP10 was such a locomotive as was my Scale Trains "Operator" SD40-2.
Was this forum ever that serious? Larry, you raise a good question. I really don't know the answer.
Back in 2004 when I joined the forum, it seemed a lot more serious than it is now. Maybe it is because so many serious modelers have left this forum for other forums and so now the whimsical threads are more prevalent.
I can say this. When old, dormant threads are resurrected, I always notice how many screen names appear that are now long gone. In any event, in my opinion, this forum definitely is not what it used to be.
Well, that was my point to Jim earlier. Whenever I take a more serious view, I am either bombarded with negitivity (which never really bothers me) or there is little interest.
When I joined this forum 10 years ago, I was ridiculed by more than a few people because I dared to challenge the idea that DCC was the perfect control system for every layout.
I will simply continue to post what I am doing that I think might interest others, and offering my opinion to other posts if I feel so inclined.
Sheldon
Back to the title of this thread
I have a good inventory of what I have acquired during 45 years of dream modeling.
I have always dream about the construction of a huge layout; now I'm sixty, and this dream has come true.
The dream follow a big move from Europe to Quebec already more than six months ago.
I have the unique chance to move with my layout and all the suff acquired in this long period of dreaming.
Because an inventory was necessary for the move and the customs, I have bring with me, not included the layout around 5 m³ of train stuff put in boxes, this includes, materials, paints, tooling equipment, benchwork, model trains, model structures, electrical and electronic stuff and my collection of magazines and trains books.
Never had believe I had so much things about train; some where a rediscovery when i put them in boxes for the move.
But I have buy all these things with the idea my dream come true one day.
So basicaly 98% will find a use in my new project; I have try to buy stuff which can be used in my layout emphasis and no stuff which can't be used for the big layout project.
The new ongoing plan includes already for the most all the structures I have in stock, acquired during a 45 years of dreaming time.
So I'm sure I will not stay with a lot of stuff unused in a near future.
In fact I already need more.
Sheldon, I don't know if it's human nature, but I think we are more tempted to reply when we disagree with someone than when we agree. I probably agree with the vast majority of statements made here (even contradicting comments can be correct, depending on the circumstances), but I guess I don't want to clutter the forum with simple "I agree with..." statements.
Simon
tstage riogrande5761 Sometimes I wonder if this forum is a kind of "therapy" for some of the members. The general section has largely become a sort of "coffee clutch" for some time now. Truer words have never been spoken, Jim... I wonder how some will deal if/when MR closes the forum down, which I expect will be coming; it seems like a matter of time. Someone recently commented to me that, should that happen, someone could start an "MR Rescue Forum" like they did over at the Atlas website. That way some folks won't suffer from delirium tremens of not having the forum around.
riogrande5761 Sometimes I wonder if this forum is a kind of "therapy" for some of the members. The general section has largely become a sort of "coffee clutch" for some time now.
Sometimes I wonder if this forum is a kind of "therapy" for some of the members. The general section has largely become a sort of "coffee clutch" for some time now.
Truer words have never been spoken, Jim...
I wonder how some will deal if/when MR closes the forum down, which I expect will be coming; it seems like a matter of time.
Someone recently commented to me that, should that happen, someone could start an "MR Rescue Forum" like they did over at the Atlas website. That way some folks won't suffer from delirium tremens of not having the forum around.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL richhotrain BRAKIE richhotrain That is really true, Tom. Technical threads draw a small audience of truly dedicated forum members. Post a whimsical thread with a clever title and you will draw hundreds, if not thousands, of views. Rich Rich, Was this forum ever that serious? I reall the flame wars over just about everything when I join back in 2001. I think this forum is more like a club then anything technical other then the DCC forum.. The only "serious" forum I know is the Atlas Rescue Forum and there is a lot of complaining there about models some times even a member that has a different view gets yelled at. Be that has it may I am a member there because I can get the detailed reviews of new releases including any minor or major flaws. I simply judge what is being said about a certain model to see if it fits my guide lines.. My IM GP10 was such a locomotive as was my Scale Trains "Operator" SD40-2. Was this forum ever that serious? Larry, you raise a good question. I really don't know the answer. Back in 2004 when I joined the forum, it seemed a lot more serious than it is now. Maybe it is because so many serious modelers have left this forum for other forums and so now the whimsical threads are more prevalent. I can say this. When old, dormant threads are resurrected, I always notice how many screen names appear that are now long gone. In any event, in my opinion, this forum definitely is not what it used to be. Rich Well, that was my point to Jim earlier. Whenever I take a more serious view, I am either bombarded with negitivity (which never really bothers me) or there is little interest. When I joined this forum 10 years ago, I was ridiculed by more than a few people because I dared to challenge the idea that DCC was the perfect control system for every layout. I will simply continue to post what I am doing that I think might interest others, and offering my opinion to other posts if I feel so inclined. Sheldon
Hi all,
I always thought of the Fourm as a group conversation like people used to have at the hobby shops on Friday night or Saturday mornings except we use our fingers instead of our tongues. Everyone had an opinion but we could all be respectful. And just like then I learned a lot more by listening to what everyone had to say and testing it out for myself. The fourm still one of my most important tools.
As far as "stocking up on a lifetime supply" of things, as I have been cleaning out and organizing my Train Room during this "shelter in place" down time, I discovered that I have been doing just that with many things over the years and didn't even know it! I have been pleasantly surprised at some of the treasure I am finding. I have spent some happy moments enjoying some of those "someday projects" with some of the advice and knowledge I've learned right here. And with that I will say a heartfelt "thank you" to all of you and get back to work.
Ralph
By the way, I found lot's of stuff from scenery material, tools and even BB locomotive parts (and the locomotives to go with them) as well as building kits to build a retro 80's layout in HO.
I have been downsizing for years now, still got a bunch to go, mostly craftsman buildings (to be built) and rolling stock. I have always been a bottom feeder so the way I fiqure it, when done, is I broke even with the hobby costing nothing. I will tell you the price of things on e-bay in the train area are down, glad I sold a majority of the extras, years ago. Used to get close to $20 for a new in the box Shinohara switch but now closer to $10, which is about what I paid.
I really like this forum. I've only been a member for a couple of years, so I can't say what it used to be.
But I can get help when I need it, I can report on things I've done, I can talk to people I probably wouldn't otherwise, and when a forum gets too political, I just don't read it anymore. This site is now about the only online site that I regularly use.
I really hope that Kalmbach keeps this going.
York1 John
rrebellThis used to be just an extra forum untill the one I was really involved in was sold.
I ended up here after I was booted off of the wargaming forums.
I don't have time for more than one forum, and Model Railroading has always been one of my hobbies, so here I am.
hon30critterPersonally I am quite happy with the forums. Everyone is polite and supportive, and the moderaters are doing a great job of politely keeping us all in line.
Me too, 100% agree.
MARTIN STATIONI always thought of the Fourm as a group conversation like people used to have at the hobby shops on Friday night or Saturday mornings except we use our fingers instead of our tongues
Me too again, and I enjoy the "Coffee Clutch" mentality that some like to complain about. I think we are a great social group.
York1But I can get help when I need it, I can report on things I've done, I can talk to people I probably wouldn't otherwise, and when a forum gets too political, I just don't read it anymore. This site is now about the only online site that I regularly use. I really hope that Kalmbach keeps this going.
This is the only social interaction on the internet that I have. I do very much appreciate it, and throw my support back to Kalmach in appreciation (subscriptions to MR, FSM, SAE, and MR V-P).
-Kevin
Living the dream.
MARTIN STATION As far as "stocking up on a lifetime supply" of things, as I have been cleaning out and organizing my Train Room during this "shelter in place" down time, I discovered that I have been doing just that with many things over the years and didn't even know it! I have been pleasantly surprised at some of the treasure I am finding.
I have also been cleaning a lot. This has nothing to do with the lockdown, but my remodeling of the bedrooms. I have been packing up the workshop that was constructed in one bedroom. The other bedroom was my 30 by 30 photo diorama studio.
I actually found a brass locomotive I forgot I had!
For the most part, I am pretty happy with all the things I am finding. I have purchased quite wisely.
My only mistake was about 7 years ago I went on a 1/48 scale military model building binge. I bought about 12 armoured vehicles and another dozen aircraft kits that are all still sealed in the boxes. These were a poor decision, but I might get back into it one day.
I started this thread to talk about purchasing lifetime supplies all at once instead off a little at a time. I do not want to discuss hoarding. Can we please drop the hoarding discussions, or you can start a new thread if you think this is a problem that needs to be worked out.
My house is neat, everything has a place where it can be put away, and I have no problem throwing away items that are not needed.
We used to have three daughters here, now we have space for our hobbies. Not a bad thing at all.
SeeYou190I actually found a brass locomotive I forgot I had!
That happened to me, too. A little over 40 years ago, that loco was packed up and stored in a moving box, which moved unopened a number of times with us. I rediscovered that treasure only a couple of years ago. Still runs nicely!
SeeYou190 I started this thread to talk about purchasing lifetime supplies all at once instead off a little at a time. I do not want to discuss hoarding.
I started this thread to talk about purchasing lifetime supplies all at once instead off a little at a time. I do not want to discuss hoarding.
SeeYou190 It started with #78 drill bits, I bought 1,000 of them at once because I never wanted to buy them again. Is this something normal, or is it a sign of hoarding.
It started with #78 drill bits, I bought 1,000 of them at once because I never wanted to buy them again.
Is this something normal, or is it a sign of hoarding.
Alton Junction
Rich, got your point.
I did not foresee that the conversation would go that far down the rabbit hole of hoarding.
I do have the "packrat" mentality of don't throw away anything..You might need it someday :)
But then , periodically, I have to do a thinning out and throw out the junk, telling myself "you're never going to use/need this item"...Oh well....
SeeYou190 Rich, got your point. I did not foresee that the conversation would go that far down the rabbit hole of hoarding. -Kevin
I knew you would, Kevin, and you took my comment in the spirit in which it was intended.
I will say this. My innocent comment to Brakie about this forum isn't what it used to be has apparently generated a lot of controversy, none of which I intended.
By the way, can you spare a few #78 drill bits? After I read your initial post, I checked my supply, and I only have one left.
No hording is an impotant subject and large numbers of things tend to go there in these times. Model railroading is unique in this as we buy stuff over the years for a purpose but we really don't know all the facts at the time of purchase. I bought out a local hobby shop of all the code 70 track they had (they were only going to carry code 100 and I got ba fantastic bargin). This was 20 years before I got the time to use any but a few peices. Finally I just sold all the #8 turnouts on e-bay, #6 may be next as I use mainly #4's.
richhotrainBy the way, can you spare a few #78 drill bits?
Rich, They are packed away in boxes for the remodel, and I cannot get to them easily right now.
Only 5 days until the dumpster gets delivered! I am so excited!
SeeYou190 richhotrain By the way, can you spare a few #78 drill bits?
richhotrain By the way, can you spare a few #78 drill bits?
When I was growing up, our garage was a storehouse of things my father used. If you needed a nail or a washer, he had coffee cans and jars full of them.
The problem was that nothing was sorted. You could spend a half-hour looking for just the right bolt.
I fell into the same trap, and for years, after looking through my bins and containers, I would just go to the hardware store and buy more.
When I retired, one of my bucket list projects was to take care of that. I collected about 30 plastic peanut butter jars, bought a label maker, and I sorted every single bolt, nail, washer, nut, and screw I had. I ended up with a nice organized collection. I also threw away a bunch of things that I would never use again.
Now I have jars of nails and screws that I will never use in this lifetime, but they are all neatly arranged on my shed shelves for my children to throw away after my funeral.
ATLANTIC CENTRALI'm so practical the last two cars we have owned were nearly identical. In 2012 we bought a FORD FLEX. It was totaled in a crash in 2015. We bought another FORD FLEX with nearly identical features and options. And for those who don't know, the FORD FLEX has not really changed in its 11 years of production. I will be sad when I cannot buy a third one...........
Still some new 19s on the lots. Go grab one!
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
zugmann ATLANTIC CENTRAL I'm so practical the last two cars we have owned were nearly identical. In 2012 we bought a FORD FLEX. It was totaled in a crash in 2015. We bought another FORD FLEX with nearly identical features and options. And for those who don't know, the FORD FLEX has not really changed in its 11 years of production. I will be sad when I cannot buy a third one........... Still some new 19s on the lots. Go grab one!
ATLANTIC CENTRAL I'm so practical the last two cars we have owned were nearly identical. In 2012 we bought a FORD FLEX. It was totaled in a crash in 2015. We bought another FORD FLEX with nearly identical features and options. And for those who don't know, the FORD FLEX has not really changed in its 11 years of production. I will be sad when I cannot buy a third one...........
I have thought about it........
Right now working on selling about a million in real estate I no longer want. If that somehow sells soon, I just might invest in one last FLEX.
Easily one of the best automobiles I have ever owned.
From what I read, dealers that still have them are anxious to move the 2019 Ford Flex off their lots. Better act now, Sheldon.
richhotrain From what I read, dealers that still have them are anxious to move the 2019 Ford Flex off their lots. Better act now, Sheldon. Rich
I know, but my practical side says the other one is not worn out yet, it only has 85,000 miles on it. I expect it to go 250,000 like the last FORD pickup did.
The Flex is truely one of the only cars I have seen in in my life that fills the practical needs of a car as well or better than our Checker Marthons did. And remember, when I have not been busy as a carpenter/house designer, I sold MATCO tools, worked in the car business and restored old cars.....I have spend a lot of time around a lot of different cars......
In my humble opinion, from an ergonomic standpoint, most cars, and most SUV's/crossovers (still station wagons to me), today are total crap. Hard to enter/exit, too low, or too high, too bulky/bulgy for no reason other than style (not a style I like), to hard to see out of, and lack interior utility. Not to mention ride like crap due to short wheel base platforms.
But if all the houses sell soon, the wife might be convinced it was her idea.........his and hers......
Sheldon, don't wait for the real estate sale. Buy it now. Keep the older one too.
ATLANTIC CENTRALIn my humble opinion, from an ergonomic standpoint, most cars,
The only ergonomic complaint I have about the Flex is the position of the power mirror adjuster. Its location seems very poorly thought out.
SeeYou190 ATLANTIC CENTRAL In my humble opinion, from an ergonomic standpoint, most cars, The only ergonomic complaint I have about the Flex is the position of the power mirror adjuster. Its location seems very poorly thought out. -Kevin
ATLANTIC CENTRAL In my humble opinion, from an ergonomic standpoint, most cars,
Well, our FLEX is a LIMITED, so it has memory mirrors (and seats, pedals, steering wheel postion), so I have not had to adjust a mirror in? Well, I can't remember. I know I know I adjusted it when we bought the car.
OK, I do touch it to fold them in at the car wash......