Do you ever get MRR burnout?

[cwclark]

I've been in this hobby for over 25 years and sometimes I just don't work on the trains like I should...Is there something wrong with this?...It kind of comes in spurts..i'll really get down to business for about 6 months and then i don't even go into the train room for a month or so...The past two weeks have been like this...i've been really busy at work and when i get home i'm just too tired to work on anything or a pressing "Honey Do" comes up that takes my time...I was in the train room last Sunday and got a GP50 painted and a few decals on it but that's as far as i got and wasn't in the mood to complete it and haven't been in there since even though i have at least 20 kits to build sitting around collecting dust..i'll try again this weekend...guess that's why they call this a hobby...Chuck

[cmrproducts]

When I get into one of these moods all that needs to be done is get invited to another layout for some OPs and then I am ready to go on my layout as I have seen something new on the visited layout I think I should try on my layout. I then am good for another month or so!

BOB H – Clarion, PA

[Anonymous]

Chuck,

That's perfectly normal. I know people who only 'do trains' during the colder seasons when they have to stay indoors. Sometimes we all need a break.
And about those kits "collecting dust", at least you've got 'em - they'll be there whenevr you're in the mood to get back to them!

Cheers

[Anonymous]

I like Ben King's philosophy - his layout was very small, and it took 40 years to build or something like that. His philosophy was/is to only work on his MRR when he was in the mood.

When a hobby crosses the line from intriguing, interesting, etc. to "work", or stressful, it's time to scale it back!

[twhite]

In a word; yes. Do I let it bother me? No. I just focus on something else for a time, then it all starts coming back and I go back out into the garage and start in again. I've been putting off some scenery for WAY too long, using the excuse that the weather's been wet lately, and the plaster will take forever to dry. Some excuse!--I was doing scenery right and left this winter during weather that would make Noah's Flood look like a warmup. I run hot and cold on things--always have, it's in my makeup. A friend suggested I might have a mild form of Adult ADD--well, if I do, so be it. I used to let it bother me like crazy, but I don't anymore, because I know that these phases are always just temporary. I know in another week or two, I'll be out there, happily plastering away and planting trees like crazy. Haven't done a thing this week, just relaxed and watched some old Errol Flynn movies. But it's no big deal, I'll get back to the layout.
Tom [^][^]

[steel]

I suffer from the same disease (whatever it is). Been working on a 4 X 8 layout for 30 years. The early years and somewhat even now is lack of funds. Retirement has made a big difference in my interest and have accomplished more in the last 3 years that all of the time before. My MRR work is mostly in the coldest part of winter when there is no outside work and it is too cold to heat the woodworking shop.

The many advances in senery products and procedures and this web site have kept me more active that before. I often lost interest because my efforts did not meet my expectations.

[Anonymous]

Hi Chuck,

You are not alone in this. If you don't have these spells where you step back you are in danger of burning out and leaving altogether. With 25 years of your life invested in it, that woul d be a shame. If you cross the line from hobby to work, what's the point. A break is as good as a change. Do sweat a temporary lack of interest. Eventually you'll get the buzz again and you'll be found back down in the basement with your nose to the grindstone.

Trevor[:)]

[Fergmiester]

Yes I suspect it is quite a common malady. Take two Locos and call me in the morning!

Tom: There are several sights on Adult ADD/ADHD, which are well worth looking into.

According to my wife I'd qualify!

Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. We need to take a rest from time to time.

So relax

Fergie

[Anonymous]

Sure, in the words of several posts "its a hobby." There won't be any
"guilt or shame" trips on my R.R., only "joy rides" and fun challenges are allowed. It wouldn't bother me if a couple of months went by without driving a spike. However, I won't let things sit around collecting dust for long. When I asked Mel Torme (professional musician/vocalist) when he planned to retire from "show business," he replied: "When it ain't fun no more." I "copy" that 100%.

[red p]

When I hired out on the NS several years ago,some of the other guys (who are modelers also)told me that doing this for a living would ruin the hobby for me.Well I didnt believe them.
But it did happened.I actually got to the point that I hated trains,couldnt stand the sight of them,so I got out of the hobby compleatly for a few years.I dont know what brought me back ,but I am back.
It did not ruin the hobby for me,but it did change it.

[Anonymous]

Burnout?

Sure. The symptoms are avoidiance, lack of desire, inability to pay attention to daily tasks and some irritation when you drive by the LHS.

Usually a month or so passes and all of a sudden that kit that sat for a year half finished might be completed in 2 days round the clock work.

My recent burn out involved metal wheels. I just finished converting everything to metal. At the moment I am really sick of metal wheels. But I know in time I will be getting some more in the future.

I am half tempted to leave a freight car with a set of plastics and hide it in a train to see if anyone is paying attention.

[cwclark]

QUOTE: Originally posted by HighIron2003ar

Burnout?


My recent burn out involved metal wheels. I just finished converting everything to metal. At the moment I am really sick of metal wheels. But I know in time I will be getting some more in the future.

I do believe this is what caused the burnout to begin with....I just put metal wheel sets and new kadee couplers on over 150 cars...what really got me was that I was replacing existing kadee couplers and the old draft gear boxes were glued on which cause a major repair jop to just about all pieces of my rolling stock ...but when i'm done (have about 20 more cars to do) i think i'll enjoy it more...the burnout will pass but for now i think i'll just try to do something else besides all that rolling stock action at one time...chuck

[Anonymous]

All the time. But, as others have mentioned, it is cyclical. I have other hobby interests that take over from MRR when this happens. And if life is throwing too much at me to take any hobby time, I try not to let it bother me (although that is tough sometimes too).

I've never 'finished' a layout in my life, (been involved in the hobby for 30 years or so) and at first that did bother me. Now it doesn't, as I try to keep the 'this is a hobby, it is supposed to be fun' philosophy. Once I stop having fun, I let it lie for a while and persue other interests, until that one becomes not fun.

The only downside to the multi-hobby track is there ends up be less $$ available for all of them. But for me it works out just fine.

[SpaceMouse]

One evening last week I had planned to work on my layout, but I had been working hard and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So spent the evening with a big bowl of popcorn, an alcohol-free beer and read about the Gorre and Daphetid Railroad.

[Anonymous]

I watch the "Emperor of the north". That usually hammers out the blues.

[AggroJones]

Yes. But not as frequent as some of you. Some times I feel like I've hit an invisible barrier that impairs my ability to get things done. Most of the time the burnout comes after accomplishing too much, too quickly. (apparently its possible)
To get back in the groove, I drink a little Vodka and watch one of my Vintage Prototype DVDs. It works most of the time.

Lately I've been on a roll. I feel the spirit flowing freely. Gotten much more scenery and ballasting done. A burnout may be coming soon.


Chip-- 'alcohol free-beer'? Whats the point? [;)]

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AggroJones

Chip-- 'alcohol free-beer'? Whats the point? [;)]

I love beer, but it severely messes up my sleep patterns and I just can't do it any more.

[West Coast S]

Occasionaly, I wish I stayed with HO. I just keep a stiff upper chin and tackle a less demanding project until the mood passes.

[rtraincollector]

once got so burned out on mrr thought no more for me sold all my trains (yikes but I did[D)][sigh][banghead][banghead]) walked out of hobby shop went to mall anf first thing I did was buy a different scale train set didn't like it sold it and went back to my O/O27 and have never been that dumb again I now collect O/O27 and HO but didn't like the kalamazoo G. I just say okay time to cool it for a while and then pick up where I left off.
By the way I've been with trains for my whole life just about and I'm 50 now

[Anonymous]

Only every few weeks. But it never lasts long. That's the good part of our hobby, it (the RR) is patient with us. My wife's hobby is gardening and those things would just take over the whole place if she didn't keep after them. It should work out fine when I retire as she'll be out in the yard most of the day and I'll be in the train room.

[Attaboy]

QUOTE: sometimes I just don't work on the trains like I should

cwclark, I think that phrase sums it all up. This is a hobby, a form of entertainment, FUN, not something you 'should' do. When we reach the point of feeling like we 'should' do something on our layouts it's time for a break. Only you can decide how long that break has to be.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Don't feel bad Chuck, I suffer the same feelings, though mine are becomming more frequent and severe.

Part of my problem is the line between work and hobby is blurred, since I have done trains for a living in the past, and don't have a regular job. The fun is slowly running out because it's all I do anymore. Bad feelings build up until I dread working on the layout at all. Then something breaks, and I get in the mood again, but usually it is short lived. I have this huge layout all planned, and construction started, but I keep stalling out. Perhaps I've bitten off more than I can chew. The size certainly doesn't help.

In a way it's like being a drug addict. It keeps taking a bigger and bigger score just to get the same high. This is what brought me to design this monster, the need for more. I don't want to let the monster win, but I'm tired. It is so hard to get excited about anything anymore.

[Anonymous]

I get in those moods myself.With kids,a full time job etc. it is hard to get down to the layout sometimes.I think I get more exhausted than anything else from everything going on.I also have an old car I have been neglecting that I need to get out and work on.Too many thing going on,not enough time.Dan

[selector]

I'm way too new for that, but I did have moments of anxiety in my drive to get the layout to the point where I could be happy and run trains. Sometimes the magnitutude hits you when you replay in your mind all of the steps that are coming up, all of the painting, sculpting, filing, shimming, soldering, wiring (whoa, Randy), and so on.

Chuck, I would like you to go back and re-read your first sentence above. Notice anything? It is a word that begins with 's' and comes after, "...like I ..."

Tell me, who is it that is telling you that you should work on the trains? Why is this?

It seems to me that you have perhaps lost some perspective. There is no "should" in a hobby except that which you impose upon yourself.

May I suggest that you you exchange 'should' for 'want' or 'would like'? That changes the meaning of you opening remark immensely, doesn't it? If either of those two doesn't fit in the sentence due to other interests or priorities, you won't have to beat yourself up!

Am I making sense?

Apology: Sorry, Attaboy, I did not read through all of the posts and missed your insightful message. I repeated it here, to my regret. Good show, and you are right on the money.

[Anonymous]

I think we are just discussing human nature. My second hobby is fly fishing including tying my own flies. Just because I don't tie flys everyday, or don't go fishing every day, does not mean I've given up fishing. I have found over the years I have the same approach to model railroading. Just because I'm away from the layout for a week or two does not mean I no longer love the hobby. Sometimes I've simply got to stand up, stretch out and smell the roses (armpit?). This is one great hobby. And it's better than my wife. When I walk away and leave it, it doesn't make funny noises.

Steam will rise again.

Tom

[Sunset Limited]

I've been in this hobby on and off for years. Through changes of life, work,marrage,kids other misc things. In the late 90's, I just decided to get out of the hobby and try something else. I started building model cars, painting them and customizing them, I really enjoyed it for about 4 years, but just that 'Bug' I still had and as a kid that drew me back. I learned alot from building cars that I use now on my trains. (Sounds a little like Terry Thompsons story).

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by HighIron2003ar

I watch the "Emperor of the north". That usually hammers out the blues.

Great movie!...

As for getting burned out on model railroading. I'm one of these people that's into it for a few years then out of it for a few years, which is the way I've been since I was a kid. I get off into other things, and when I get burned out on them I come back to trains. I've never owned more train stock or had as large of a layout as I do now though. As I grow older it seems that I'm getting more serious about the hobby. If and when I get tired of it, I cover my layout with a plastic sheet, lock my train room and walk away for a couple of weeks or so until it sounds like fun again.

trainluver1

[Anonymous]

You know what? Every single Post on this Topic is very nearly in agreement "across the board." This comes as no surprise because even though we may have "approached" M.R.ing from different angles, that "bug," passion, drive, obsession, what ever we wi***o call it, won't go away. What makes us keep coming back? This is a "shot in the dark," pure speculation, maybe even a personal "fantasy," but here it is! Some where in our "life's experience," a deep, indelible impression came to us through association with real and model trains. Maybe it is a shared Family involvement in the past; a dream of creating a utopian scenario in miniature; building your own Empire with "your own" hands; the excitement of awesome power, weight and speed sitting on two ribbons of steel; the stress of getting "orders" right without the dread of "real life" hazzards? I don't know but somewhere, sometime, some place and some people got us into this and all or some of the above sustains us. What do you think about it? Regards to all.

[red p]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kleimeyer

Only every few weeks. But it never lasts long. That's the good part of our hobby, it (the RR) is patient with us. My wife's hobby is gardening and those things would just take over the whole place if she didn't keep after them. It should work out fine when I retire as she'll be out in the yard most of the day and I'll be in the train room.

Maybe the two of you could work togather and do an outdoor garden railroad[:D]

[Anonymous]

I think my interest will always be tied to the first layouts I saw as a kid at the LA county fair in Pomona. There was an indoor 2-rail O guage layout, and an outdoor layout of a non-standard scale that was 100% scratchbuilt (this is believed to be the largest garden railroad in North America). It has since been replaced by G scale.

I've seen many, many, many super awesome layouts in MR over the years. But for some reason, when I'm daydreaming about my future layout, thoughts of those first 2 layouts are always stronger than the layouts in magazines. Always. Both had handlaid track, many scratchbuilt items, etc., so to me that always seems like the "correct" way to participate in this hobby. I can't shake it!

So for me, it's my opportunity to still be a kid. I'm just a slightly more sophisticated kid than I used to be. I'll be the first to admit they're toys, which helps keep the hobby in perspective.

Not to mention, being a mechanical design engineer, I love to design, build, and tinker with things. Wait, maybe my career is just a slightly more sophisticated form of being a kid?