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Demographics Poll

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  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Saturday, August 8, 2020 1:44 PM

If I had a cat that could drive, I'd buy it a car, just so it would leave. Whistling

Wayne

 

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Folsom, CA (eh, outside the slammer)
  • 211 posts
Posted by groundeffects on Friday, August 7, 2020 10:01 PM

Hi Randy,

Sorry, but Toonces cannot drive (BTW, We love the old 90's SNL skits with Toonces the Cat), but Toonces is still pretty good about taking my seat on the couch, waking us up at 6am looking for fresh cat food, and immediately occupying any opened cardboard box just received from UPS.  I wish Toonces could drive though!

Jeff

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Friday, August 7, 2020 9:21 PM

 The most pressing question though has to be, does your cat drive? Laugh

                              --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Folsom, CA (eh, outside the slammer)
  • 211 posts
Posted by groundeffects on Friday, August 7, 2020 8:38 PM

Hi Brent!, hope all is well.  This is a interesting topic.

 
I started reading the MR Forum about 2007, however I didn't start participating in the forum until November 2010 (currently 132 posts).  I guess I generally like to read through the topics and comments more than comment.  
 
Age: 64
 
High school/college education (CSU Northridge).
 
Been married for 13 years to my wonderful wife Annette.  She supports my hobby and has also given me many fine locos for gifts over the years.  No children except for Toonces, our cat.  More details on our cat in a moment.
 
I've had a number of interesting jobs in my lifetime.  I was working in the travel industry for the last 31 years until March, 2020 (laid off due to the pandemic).  I worked as a corporate travel consultant (25 years), as well as an adventure travel consultant for 6 years (1999-2005).  Before I worked in the travel industry I worked as a professional model maker for about 7-8 years, primarily doing scenery, but also map interpretation/topography.  I once worked on a model of the entire Monterey Bay (CA) where the model scale was one inch equals one scale mile.  This model also featured the bay sea floor as well as fiber optics to show kelp bed locations and the like.  Finally, when I was a teenager in SoCal, I worked during the summer packing and selling pears and peaches at a local packing house.
 
I now live in Folsom, CA.  It's nice to live only 90 minutes from Donner Pass, and when it is hot in the central valley, its about 20 degrees cooler up in the high Sierras.  Of course, there is also some great train watching!
 
I started model railroading as 8 year old.  I can say my train interests started with my dad and grandfather back in the early 60's.  My first layout was a 4x6 foot HO scale layout.  I later got out of the hobby for about 25 years, and when I came back in 2006, went immediately to N scale.  I built a coffee table layout (2x4 foot) about 10 years ago, using a tropical theme (Hawaii, 1960's).  When we adopted our cat Toonces, I had to cover the top/sides of the coffee table layout with plexiglass, as Toonces would have made short work of that layout.  Because of our cat I've now become adept at cleaning and repairing N scale diesels (especially the removal of cat fur and other impurities) and am presently trying to start a new N scale layout.  Since I was a kid, I have always been partial to the Southern Pacific (I used to live in the high desert near Cajon Pass and Tehachapi).  My next layout will be based on the Espee's Santa Paula branch (SoCal), with it's many orchards and packing houses.  
 
Some of my other hobbies are travel and rail photography.  My avatar/photograph shown above was taken at Cold Stream Canyon, which is about 5 miles west of Truckee, CA.  I also enjoy hiking.  I used to backpack when I was younger, but my last overnight trip was about 15 years ago so now it is just day hikes (mostly near Donner Pass).  Over the years I've backpacked many areas of the high Sierras (Calif), the Trinity Alps (Calif) and the North Cascades (Washington).  
 
Jeff
  • Member since
    November 2002
  • From: Findlay, Ohio
  • 447 posts
Posted by danmerkel on Friday, August 7, 2020 6:02 PM

Age 67

Retired at 58 (semi forced)

Business/Management/Marketing --Graduated from Bluffton College, 1975

Reside in Findlay, Ohio

Scale HO

Inspired by a former neighbor when I was growing up; he had a whole room full of trains and I was fortunate enough to get a few pieces from his layout when he sold his home.

Layout under construction is HO, approx. 16x19 w/about 200' mainline.

I model the Nickel Plate Road and "sort of" stick to the mid to late 1950s although I fiddle with some earlier models from time to time.

I've been married for 46+ years to my wonderful wife, Janet, who is completely supportive of my hobby. I also enjoy photography and spending time with our three grand kids. I'm on the board of the Nickel Plate Historical & Technical Society (nkphts.org) and manage our little Company Store.

Hopefully, this won't derail most of you but I am also considered "legally blind." On a good day, I can read the second line on the standard eye chart. Aside from not being able to drive, my disability hasn't prevented me from enjoying the things that I'm interested in. Hopefully, I can serve as inspiration to others; if you really want to do it, you can find a way! :)

dlm

  • Member since
    December 2019
  • 4 posts
Posted by MTRailsandCattle on Thursday, July 30, 2020 11:00 PM

davidmurray

 

 
MTRailsandCattle
I prefer to model BNSF as that is what I grew up around.  However, my last layout was a 12x32 double deck depicting MRL from Helena to Missoula.  I ended up getting bored with it and I missed having grain elevators as a key focus.  So I'm currently planning two entirely different layouts and not sure which one I will choose.  One is of the Havre, MT BNSF engine terminal and car shops (I have a lot of engines and would love to be able to use them).  The other is the BNSF Fort Benton Subdivision, which is a lonely stretch of rail (unless it's harvest season) that is near and dear to my heart.  The line has three unit train grain elevators, several smaller co-op style elevators, and a few remaining ag related businesses that are rail served.  

 

 

 

Could you not, with a dose modeler's licence  model both?   A little compression on the engine terminal/car shops, and  one unit train elevator and some co-op elevators.  Off line staging at that end.

 

 

It's a great idea and I've thought about doing that, just haven't started messing around with the planning for it.  One of the main reasons I tore down my old layout was it was too overwhelming!  HAHA!  We are talking about starting a family soon and I thought it would be a good time to downsize the layout.  My last layout started out pretty simple and then I headed down a rabbit hole!

  • Member since
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  • 869 posts
Posted by davidmurray on Thursday, July 30, 2020 9:12 PM

MTRailsandCattle
I prefer to model BNSF as that is what I grew up around.  However, my last layout was a 12x32 double deck depicting MRL from Helena to Missoula.  I ended up getting bored with it and I missed having grain elevators as a key focus.  So I'm currently planning two entirely different layouts and not sure which one I will choose.  One is of the Havre, MT BNSF engine terminal and car shops (I have a lot of engines and would love to be able to use them).  The other is the BNSF Fort Benton Subdivision, which is a lonely stretch of rail (unless it's harvest season) that is near and dear to my heart.  The line has three unit train grain elevators, several smaller co-op style elevators, and a few remaining ag related businesses that are rail served.  

 

Could you not, with a dose modeler's licence  model both?   A little compression on the engine terminal/car shops, and  one unit train elevator and some co-op elevators.  Off line staging at that end.

 

David Murray from Oshawa, Ontario Canada
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Culpeper, Va
  • 8,204 posts
Posted by IRONROOSTER on Thursday, July 30, 2020 6:02 PM

selector

 

 
IRONROOSTER

...

Attended several colleges from 1965-1996 eventually getting a BS in  Computer Information Systems at age 49.

...

 

 

I don't wanna rag on ya, Paul, but many of us like to add a 'c' after the....ummm.....BS...'cuz....you know.....

Laugh

 

Laugh okay I'll try to remember that next time

Paul

If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.
  • Member since
    December 2019
  • 4 posts
Posted by MTRailsandCattle on Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:54 PM

I'm 32 years young and grew up on a ranch in central Montana.  I graduated with an accounting degree from Montana State, but really missed working outside.  I ended up getting a union apprentice and after busting my hump around the west for 3.5 years I earned my journeyman lineman card and am working for our local utility company.  Don't think I'd trade it for any other career at this point.

I prefer to model BNSF as that is what I grew up around.  However, my last layout was a 12x32 double deck depicting MRL from Helena to Missoula.  I ended up getting bored with it and I missed having grain elevators as a key focus.  So I'm currently planning two entirely different layouts and not sure which one I will choose.  One is of the Havre, MT BNSF engine terminal and car shops (I have a lot of engines and would love to be able to use them).  The other is the BNSF Fort Benton Subdivision, which is a lonely stretch of rail (unless it's harvest season) that is near and dear to my heart.  The line has three unit train grain elevators, several smaller co-op style elevators, and a few remaining ag related businesses that are rail served.  

Can't remember when I joined the forum but I hae not been very active on it, which is something that I need to change.

My hobbies outside of models railroads are elk/mule deer hunting, taxidermy, and photography.  My wife and I also have 45 pairs of hereford cattle and 6 horses and mules that keep us plenty busy!

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Thursday, July 30, 2020 2:42 PM

IRONROOSTER

...

Attended several colleges from 1965-1996 eventually getting a BS in  Computer Information Systems at age 49.

...

I don't wanna rag on ya, Paul, but many of us like to add a 'c' after the....ummm.....BS...'cuz....you know.....

Laugh

DrW
  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Lubbock, TX
  • 371 posts
Posted by DrW on Thursday, July 30, 2020 2:40 PM

Joined the forum about 10 years ago, mostly lurking (< 200 posts).

Age 65, still enjoying my job - doing research and teaching (biochemistry). Retirement will have to wait at least until the kids are independent; both are in college now.

Grew up in Germany, had a 7' x 3 1/2' Märklin layout, all built by my mother (including working signals and catenary).

Used the kids (especially my son) as excuse to start an 8' x 4' HO layout 16 years ago, West Texas-themed. Rolling stock is mostly Santa Fe, transition era with some latitude. I have steam engines where the prototype was scrapped in the 1930s and Diesel engines that were built in 1959 (but in that lovely black/silver zebra stripe paint scheme). All engines, including brass steamers, are able to manage 22" radii. Exception: my beloved doodlebugs. So far, they are restricted to display objects. One day I will try to modify them so that they can get around 22" radii, but I am still hesitant to lay hands on a $500 brass item.  

My other hobbies: cooking, music (listening, from 60s' psychedelia to today's alternative), outdoors (especially bird watching; my life list is above 500).

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Culpeper, Va
  • 8,204 posts
Posted by IRONROOSTER on Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:16 PM

I joined the forum in June 2003.

I am 73, married 51 years with 3 sons, 1 daughter-in-law, 1 grandson, and 1 granddaughter.

Attended several colleges from 1965-1996 eventually getting a BS in  Computer Information Systems at age 49.

Have lived in Virginia for most of my life (continuously since 1974).

Retired in 2010 at age 63 after my first heart attack.

Worked for 40 years in computer software development and maintenance.  All of it with DOD, 6 years in the Army and the rest working for contractor companies. And in retirement moved from Fairfax County Virginia to Culpeper Virginia.

Currently recovering nicely at home after my second heart attack which led to double bypass surgery on March 31.

While I had trains (Fleischmann) as a child, I started in the hobby at age 24 in December of 1971.  Initially in HO for about 4 years, then in O for four years, then went dormant for about 10 years as my 3 sons grew up, and finally in S since 1992.  I still dabble in HO and O occasionally as well as 3 rail O gauge.

I have built 10+ layouts over the years in different scales.  Currently working on the "big one" in S scale.  Phase I is 10.5' x 34'.   Benchwork is 99% complete.  The room is 17'x44' so there is considerable room for additional phases if I want to.   The point to point railroad follows the Maryland and Pennsylvania RR in the early 1950s.  Phase I is Baltimore, MD to Red Lion, PA.  A later phase will include York, Pa.

I  am not a stickler for protoype accuracy, so my layout will include cars lettered for fantasy railroads like the G&D as well as other anomalies.

Other hobbies include woodworking, computer gaming, and reading.

Paul

If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.
  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Staten Island NY
  • 1,734 posts
Posted by joe323 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 10:34 AM

61 Married with one son (who has 4 paws and goes woof woof) and from surprise Staten. Island NY).

Perfer mid 70's to 80's era modeling with some ocasional steam or modern intermodal units from time to time.

Joe Staten Island West 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Clinton, MO, US
  • 4,261 posts
Posted by Medina1128 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 9:40 AM

Member of forums since 2003.

Age 65

Retired at 53

Some college; majoring in journalism and photography.

Spent 25 years as a computer programmer/analyst.

Lives, Clinton, MO.

Scale HO

Had Lionel and Märklin trains as a kid.

The current layout fills a 35'x37' room.

Likes steam best but can't resist things from all eras. 

Other current and past interests are drag racing, high-performance cars, and traveling.

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Clinton, MO, US
  • 4,261 posts
Posted by Medina1128 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 9:36 AM

Hmmm

  • Member since
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  • From: Good ol' USA
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Posted by AntonioFP45 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 9:34 AM

Tsroute; don't worry.  Sooner or later Steve will see this thread and may likely either delete the irrelevant comments or just Lock the thread altogether.

trwroute

Geez...what happened to this thread?  Get your own thread!  Some of us don't care to learn our dietary needs from a model railroad forum...

 

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Thursday, July 30, 2020 9:05 AM

Real truth about people is we are all different. I eat one meal a day and at 67 can still put in a full day of construction ( i was rather surprised I could still do it recently). Train wize been working on a spare bedroom layout, got mainline done except for an area that requires some scenery work before a bridge goes in, not in scenery mode except for planning yet.

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • 716 posts
Posted by trwroute on Thursday, July 30, 2020 9:03 AM

Geez...what happened to this thread?  Get your own thread!  Some of us don't care to learn our dietary needs from a model railroad forum...

Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 7:54 AM

I hope this thread keeps going on it's original theme.

It's neat to read the bios of the people who love model railroading.  It seems the hobby appeals to a wide variety of people with different backgrounds, education, work experience, etc.

The only variable not included is that I think it is 99.9% male.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, July 30, 2020 7:30 AM

Off TopicDots - Sign  Perhaps Weight Watchers or Atkins a more appropriate chat site for those not following the OP's original topicSmile, Wink & Grin

This is a model railroad forum.  With exception of off subjects allowed in the Diner, all other threads are best kept on topicYes

Not my rules but I thought I'd point them outWink

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    January 2016
  • From: Billings, MT
  • 70 posts
Posted by Srwill2 on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 9:17 PM

Well, I'm 54, married 22 years with 2 grown boys who like to tell me what I should do on my 13' x 13' layout- they dream up wild stuff but arent interested in model trains.  I have degrees in agriculture and accounting and have lived in Montana since I was 22.  Still working in banking.

I joined this form in 2016 after taking a 20 year break from trains, and after 5 years, I still can't get posting a photo to work!  I model about Y2K as I love both the Santa Fe and Montana Rail Link, and that allows me to run both on my HO Montana based layout.

Steve

PS:  my wife put me on a keto no carb diet several years ago and I'm pretty happy with what we eat!

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 8:57 PM

Dots - Sign

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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    February 2004
  • From: Central Ohio
  • 570 posts
Posted by basementdweller on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 8:38 PM

.

DrW
  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Lubbock, TX
  • 371 posts
Posted by DrW on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 8:10 PM

ctyclsscs

 

Can you explain that in terms a simpleton can understand?

Jim

 

 

I do not want to drag this any further off topic, but a simple summary would be:

More than 90% of the fat you eat cannot be converted to sugar. It has to be used directly to provide energy or stored as fat.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 7:48 PM

Deleted.Off Topic

Brent

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

  • Member since
    January 2008
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Posted by saronaterry on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 6:55 PM

Joined January 2008, about 1080 posts.

62

Retired 3/20/2020, but still picking up easy jobs for beer money.

College and Tech school

NW Wisconsin

HO

30x 42 basement filler

70's Burlington Northern

Motorcycling, Fishing

Terry in NW Wisconsin

Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Good ol' USA
  • 9,642 posts
Posted by AntonioFP45 on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 6:52 PM

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


  • Member since
    June 2002
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 470 posts
Posted by ctyclsscs on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 6:31 PM

DrW
As a biochemist, let me tell you that your understanding is incorrect. Unlike plants, animals (including humans) can only convert a very small portion of dietary lipids (= fats) into glucose: the glycerol backbone of triglycerides (which is less than 10 % of its total mass) and fatty acids with an odd number of carbon atoms (which are rare; most dietary fatty acids have an even number of C atoms). The rest is burnt to gain energy (directly, without intermediate conversion to glucose) or stored as fat.

Can you explain that in terms a simpleton can understand?

Jim

DrW
  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Lubbock, TX
  • 371 posts
Posted by DrW on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 6:26 PM

Doughless

My understanding is a simpler one.  The body burns sugar.  Everything we eat it converts to glucose, then burns it for energy, no matter what the food is.  It converts a Jolly Rancher into useable glucose faster than it would convert a spinach salad into useable glucose. 

As a biochemist, let me tell you that your understanding is incorrect. Unlike plants, animals (including humans) can only convert a very small portion of dietary lipids (= fats) into glucose: the glycerol backbone of triglycerides (which is less than 10 % of its total mass) and fatty acids with an odd number of carbon atoms (which are rare; most dietary fatty acids have an even number of C atoms). The rest is burnt to gain energy (directly, without intermediate conversion to glucose) or stored as fat.

JW

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