I just plain want things to happen faster.

[SpaceMouse]

Actually taking a few months off work and hanging out in my basement would do.

Don't get me wrong, I like doing all the little things that make a Model Railroad come together. But lately it seems like it's two steps forward and one step back. Last week I spent the weekend fixing track for the Hogwarts that died Sunday afternoon. This week I have been working on the defunct F2 A/B unit.

Both are priorities because the Hogwarts is my son's loco and the F2 A/B is my daughters. I'm wondering why their's and not mine.

This weekend I'll be building an MDC 4-6-0 Hogwart's Express with Harrington Tender.

[steveblackledge]

That makes two of us, one step forward two steps back, sounds like today[banghead][%-)][sigh]

[whitman500]

I know exactly what you mean. I guess we just have to accept that building a good layout is something that takes several years of continuous effort. What makes it harder to deal with is that the pace of change in today's world makes that seem like a really long time. Looking at other aspects of my life, I can't think of other "projects" that went on for several years. Even things like the most significant projects at work, the planning of my wedding, and the writing of my senior thesis in college generally all took about 9-12 months. In comparison, a multi-year layout building project seems like forever.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by steveblackledge

That makes two of us, one step forward two steps back, sounds like today[banghead][%-)][sigh]

I really like that top photo.

[SpaceMouse]

[banghead][banghead][banghead]YEARS!!!![banghead][banghead][banghead]

Actually I figure 2 years to do mine. And I doubt I can even get it started in two months. The kids want to get Hogwart's done first.

[steveblackledge]

QUOTE: I really like that top photo.

Thanks, you have to sit back and have a laugh now and then, i wasn't laughing much 10 mins earlier, i had a wreck crane set up behind a GP60 for a pic and my 5yr old drove it off at speed sending the "big hook" to the floor (lesson here, turn off the power)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by whitman500

.... In comparison, a multi-year layout building project seems like forever.

That's why model railroading is called a hobby and not a project. Enjoy the process.

Wayne

[simon1966]

I sympathize. Last weekend I was working at a convention so had no real MRR time other than a couple of LHS visits in Phoenix. I was looking forward to a nice weekend on the RR starting now, when the wife casually mentioned that she would like to re-paint the living room!!!! I am dragging my feet, and pointing out that it will be much better to wait until the weather warms up so we can air the paint smell out of the house, but so far no success.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by simon1966

I sympathize. Last weekend I was working at a convention so had no real MRR time other than a couple of LHS visits in Phoenix. I was looking forward to a nice weekend on the RR starting now, when the wife casually mentioned that she would like to re-paint the living room!!!! I am dragging my feet, and pointing out that it will be much better to wait until the weather warms up so we can air the paint smell out of the house, but so far no success.

My wife double booked herself this weekend so I have to take my kid to the swimming pool on Saturday. I get home jut in time to go to work. Saturday's shot.

[NZRMac]

I've rushed some things, Boy you regret it when your new rolling stock hits the concrete!!

Ken.

[Bikerdad]

One thing I've often heard extolled as a virtue of Model Railroading is that it teaches patience. Looks like Space Mouse is grumbling about school... :)

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

QUOTE: Originally posted by simon1966

I sympathize. Last weekend I was working at a convention so had no real MRR time other than a couple of LHS visits in Phoenix. I was looking forward to a nice weekend on the RR starting now, when the wife casually mentioned that she would like to re-paint the living room!!!! I am dragging my feet, and pointing out that it will be much better to wait until the weather warms up so we can air the paint smell out of the house, but so far no success.

My wife double booked herself this weekend so I have to take my kid to the swimming pool on Saturday. I get home jut in time to go to work. Saturday's shot.

If my wife read this, your ears would be flaming! This is a hobby, it takes back seats to everything else like a slow train to nowhere, it's last on the dispatcher's list. Like any craft or art form, it takes passion, passion takes energy, and we become compulsive and myoptic.

Kids come first or it's the big "D".

Relax, the layout will be there for years to come. We spend far too much time trying to make tomorrow happen today.

God made sidings for a reason.

Enjoy

Fergie

[tomwatkins]

Spacemouse,
Fergie's advice is excellent, as usual. Two steps forward, one back is still progress. Sometimes backing up and redoing is necessary. It is a hobby, and this one is a long term hobby. Enjoy the ride. Please be very glad that both your children are enjoying it with you. That's a gift that is truly priceless.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

[Anonymous]

The year & a half that I was retired, I built an 18 by 18 ft. layout everyday of the week.
It was finished all the way up to the fine stuff. Then I went back to work & added another 18 by 18 ft. Now, all I do is work on it on my 2 days off. Friday & saturday.
For about 4 weeks I haven't worked on it at all because I'm doing a lot of repairs on my house. It looks like it will be at least another 2 months before I can start working on the layout again. I still try to make all the local train shows though. The 1's w/in a 100 miles of me.
I've been working on train layouts since 1961. This is my 6th large layout. This is the biggest one I've ever put together & expect to finish it in the next 5 years. This is phase
2 of my layout. I still have 3 more add-ons after the 5 year section is completed.
NO LAYOUT IS EVER 100% finished. There's always that little tweeking of the scenery,
engines, rolling stock & buildings. It's when you make a "job" of the layout that it's never finished. I always take a breather for about 3 months & build something else, like some metal sculptures that make lots of money to spend on the layout.[soapbox]

[Don Gibson]

SOUNDS LIKE
Istant gratification Ciy. You or the kids? - or both?

1. BUY another Hogswarts Epress and 2 FAB's.
2. Return them to their Importers. They may offer new one's for a MODEST fee.

You were cautioned about running 00 deep-flanged equipment on HO track.
Guess what?.

A new BACHMANN engine may - or may not last longer, it will run.better.
Thousand;s of FA's ane neen sold without incident. Why YOU?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Muddy Creek

QUOTE: Originally posted by whitman500

.... In comparison, a multi-year layout building project seems like forever.

That's why model railroading is called a hobby and not a project. Enjoy the process.

Wayne

Ever see what happens with some of those guys who finally 'finish' their big, beautiful layout? They tear it down and start a new one! (Example: Tony Koester)

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Don Gibson

SOUNDS LIKE
Istant gratification Ciy. You or the kids? - or both?

You have to ask?

QUOTE: 1. BUY another Hogswarts Epress and 2 FAB's.
2. Return them to their Importers. They may offer new one's for a MODEST fee.

The F2 A/B is downstairs running labs in DC at micro speeds. The A is still slower than the B but not as bad and most of the noise has subsided. I have a new socket enroute--but they got really quiet when I said I have more money in dead decoders than in their trains.

QUOTE: You were cautioned about running 00 deep-flanged equipment on HO track.
Guess what?.

I don't remember the caution about the deep flange, but I remember caution about OO. But that was a moot point. The Hogwarts was a Christmas present and started this whole foray into MRR. The kids were not about to give up the Hogwarts. I got a 4-6-0 MDC to replace it. Both kids think it will work just fine. I'll start painting tomorrow if I can get the airbrush working.

QUOTE: A new BACHMANN engine may - or may not last longer, it will run.better.
Thousand;s of FA's ane neen sold without incident. Why YOU?

They saw me coming. "Hey look, a sucker!"

[TurboOne]

aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the things we do for kids.

Chip, you just are being a great Dad. It seems God loves to test us, just to see if we are listening. I hope the layout goes well, but look how close you and the kids are getting. More quality time together, and that is what it is all about. They will remember this time of their life forever. I wish it would never end. Hope mine takes 30 years to finish.

WAY TO GO DAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who cares about the rest.

Tim

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester


Relax, the layout will be there for years to come. We spend far too much time trying to make tomorrow happen today.

God made sidings for a reason.

Truer words were never spoken.

[:)]

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

If my wife read this, your ears would be flaming!
Kids come first or it's the big "D".

Fergie

Boy did I come on hard last night! This was to have been friendly advice. As I have shirked my Fatherly duties from time to time, yes it's true, but again we have to watch ourselves as this hobby can become all consuming.

Spacemouse: I feel the frustration as I find myself cuaght up in the "race".

Regards
Fergie

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

If my wife read this, your ears would be flaming!
Kids come first or it's the big "D".

Fergie

Boy did I come on hard last night! This was to have been friendly advice. As I have shirked my Fatherly duties from time to time, yes it's true, but again we have to watch ourselves as this hobby can become all consuming.

Spacemouse: I feel the frustration as I find myself cuaght up in the "race".

Regards
Fergie

No worries, the kids do come first. That's why I have to get their trains running first. IT's also why I am moving from my "old" hobby of cowboy action shooting to my 'new" one that keeps me at home with the kids.

I think a lot of my frustration comes from the fact that I have so many "mistakes" in the layout I am working on, but have to bring to a resonable conclusion. My wife just suggest a larger space, and it will be months of work before I can start it.

[Fergmiester]

Been there, done it and continuing to do it. I'm still working on a dead engine and had to take the Allegheny apart, again, as I installed the harness in backwards.

Once the FEF (Fergie's Engine Failure) get's fix or thrown then it's on to the bridge.

[Eriediamond]

Only one way to to make things happen faster and that is to get a fast clock, but beware when stepping back into reality. It's worse then jet-lag. [:)]

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Eriediamond

Only one way to to make things happen faster and that is to get a fast clock, but beware when stepping back into reality. It's worse then jet-lag. [:)]

Has anyone tried kitbashing a fast clock onto a time clock?

[Big_Boy_4005]

We live in a society where we have come to expect things to happen fast. When they don't we get frustrated. Patience is a lost virtue. No wonder we are a dying breed. Quit worrying about how fast your progress is, and use those dreams as motivation to make some. I do.

[Anonymous]

I actually forget about time and the need to have instant gratification (HURRY UP COFFEE POT!!!!!) when I am at the bench. I like to view the hobby a way to "decompress" from life's demands for a while.

If I had to put that athearn blue box kit together as fast as possible; I may as well find another hobby.

[bcammack]

You know, the longer it takes me to get anything done on my layout, the more I appreciate Dave Barrow's latest incarnation of his Cat Mountain & Santa Fe... [:)]

[cmrproducts]

Remember the old saying

"When you RUSH, you get things done faster ! "

BOB H Clarion, PA

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

We live in a society where we have come to expect things to happen fast. When they don't we get frustrated. Patience is a lost virtue. No wonder we are a dying breed. Quit worrying about how fast your progress is, and use those dreams as motivation to make some. I do.

Although the original post is somewhat tongue in cheek. The kids have been coming into the basement since Christmas waiting for the chance to run the trains. It has not happened yet. I'm genuinely worried that if they don't get some gratification soon, it will be my hobby not ourhobby. I may be worried for nothing. But that is not how they act.

[ereimer]

i had to google 'cowboy action shooting' to find out what it is . havent heard of it up here in canada , sounds like a lot of fun but model railroading sounds safer :)