Mil Vet Railroaders

[mopacforever]

Are any of you out there:

Former military?
Currently in the military?
Retired military?

Tell us a little about your time in the service and how you continued your hobby while serving.

I am still in and I have dragged my collection all over the place. The cool thing is that you can meet so many people from all over the world who share my interest in MR and you can see how the hobby is different and the same in other parts of the world.

[cacole]

I'm retired military -- 26 years in the U.S. Army. While I was in the Army, I dabbled in modeling infrequently because the movers tended to break too many items. None of them seemed to know how to properly pack models of any type.

[tomikawaTT]

Retired Master Sergeant, USAF

Kept the hobby alive with minilayouts, club memberships, building locomotives and other rolling stock (most of which have survived, some in damaged condition) and railfanning. Now that I'm fully retired, I'm finally building the layout I always wanted.

[scubaterry]

Retired - US Navy Senior Chief Electronics Warfare Technician. DId 23 yrs. Started MRR after retirement. Spent most of my time on the West Coast and western Pacific.
Terry[4:-)][8D]

[Anonymous]

Why would being in the Military mean you have to stop model railroading?

[selector]

If I may, I believe he indicated that his tolerance for broken items was low. He found that the movers would cause too much damage for his liking, so he spent less time in the hobby as his career progressed.

I was 29 years-plus in the Canadian Armed Forces, first in Cavalry (Lord Strathcona's Horse, Royal Canadians), and latterly in Personnel Selection (recruiting, selection, applied research, occupational analysis, psychometrics, instruction, and HR policy analysis and generation).

[GAPPLEG]

Although i was only in four years, I understand the problems they have with moving. In four years I was at 5 different duty stations, you just don't have time or room most of the time to be a really active MR. Heck I lived out of a duffle bag for 2 of those years. Sincerely appreciate your sacrifices, My whole family was military, I was the only one to opt out to civilian life.

[csmith9474]

I was four years active duty Air Force as a communications cable technician and spent a few years in the Texas Air National Guard (cross trained into weather) on a combat weather team. My wife is currently active duty Air Force and plans to do 20. She will be at 12 after her current assignment.

Any modeling was tough when I first joined because I was a single airman living in the dorms. My roomate's bed was only a few feet from mine and personal space was EXTREMELY limited. I assembled a few kits, but pretty much gave up on model railroading for a couple of years until I married and we moved off base into our own house. Also, being a single airman, my income was extremely limited. I have gotten to the point now where I have a nice workbench and do quite a bit of modeling (primarily passenger equipment) but am still apprehensive about building a layout. I have heard horror stories from fellow modelers in the military in regards to the movers. I am considering trying the Mod U Rail system from Woodland Scenics and building some sort of lockable covers for the modules. In my opinion, clubs are a great way to stay in the hobby, although I don't participate in any clubs.

[davekelly]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Shermanhill1

Why would being in the Military mean you have to stop model railroading?

You don't have to stop, but it does become very difficult. While on ship I was standing duty one day every four (which means 24 hours onboard in addition to work days) and underway for the equivalent of 30 out of 48 months. Pretty much limited my MRRing to reading magazines and books. When I was assigned to a Marine Corp unit in California I had more time, but knew I would be moving so I limited my modeling to a diorama type layout and working on several smaller projects. Of course during my time in Mogadishu Somalia, modeling just didn't happen lol. I am currently a reservist but have been warned to expect a six month recall to the Naval War College. While it will put a hold on the layout, perhaps I can concentrate on equipping my engines with decoders.

[MidlandPacific]

QUOTE: In my opinion, clubs are a great way to stay in the hobby, although I don't participate in any clubs.

They are - I joined one when I was on active duty and it really got me interested in the hobby again after the usual college-and-girls hiatus. I spent five years as an artillery officer in the 82nd Airborne after college.

And I never let the movers touch my brass collection: I moved that myself.

[Anonymous]

currently serving my fifth year in the US Navy and loving every minute of it

[JPowell]

Currently serving my 12 & 1/2th yr of service (after 6 yrs of AD in the US Marines and a 2 yr break in service..). I'm a AGR in the NY Air Guard, so no moving for me! [:D]

JP

[mopacforever]

I am glad to see so many responses to this question.

I've spent 18 years active (Holy smokes! That's half of my life!). I got away from MRR for quite a while due to deployments. A tour in the first Gulf conflict, 3 tours in Bosnia, a NEO in Monrovia, Liberia 96, 3 tours in Kosovo, a tour in Afghanistan and a tour in Iraq, but I have started to wind down a little now (at least until next time). My wife is tickled with the fact that I found something to help me blow off the steam after the deployments. I will be happy when I can turn over the reigns to the young guns and settle down somewhere. Course all the guys I know tell me that will never happen.

I posted this question to get your guys to fess up about your military time and to thank you for it. I am glad that you all found the value of this hobby like I did. It has REALLY helped me relax as I get older and lose more of what little patience I had. Keep sending in the responses and let's see how far this one goes.

[RedGrey62]

Now in my 24th year active duty, CMSgt, US Air Force weather, currently deployed to Iraq (again[:)]).

My love for MRR never stopped since I was a kid. How I participated has changed over the years. First few years in it was limited to buying a few items here and there but no layout. Then, after getting married and getting to a more or less permanent location, I started building a layout. I say more or less permanent, my wife hasn't moved areas in 15 years, and been in the same house for 11, however, I've moved around quite a bit. I joined a club when I got stationed in Kentucky, I highly recommend it to anyone considering it. I've met some great friends and learned a lot that I didn't know before.

I still buy, technically I tell my wonderful wife what I want and she pays for it, plus I build some of the many structure and rolling stock kits I've collected over the years. Of course right now, I am limited to reading MRR magazines my wife sends and posting on this forum. This is a great way, for those of us with unblocked (yes, the military blocks these sites sometimes) internet access to keep up with the hobby.

Good luck to all

Rick

[csmith9474]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RedGrey62

Now in my 24th year active duty, CMSgt, US Air Force weather, currently deployed to Iraq (again[:)]).

My love for MRR never stopped since I was a kid. How I participated has changed over the years. First few years in it was limited to buying a few items here and there but no layout. Then, after getting married and getting to a more or less permanent location, I started building a layout. I say more or less permanent, my wife hasn't moved areas in 15 years, and been in the same house for 11, however, I've moved around quite a bit. I joined a club when I got stationed in Kentucky, I highly recommend it to anyone considering it. I've met some great friends and learned a lot that I didn't know before.

I still buy, technically I tell my wonderful wife what I want and she pays for it, plus I build some of the many structure and rolling stock kits I've collected over the years. Of course right now, I am limited to reading MRR magazines my wife sends and posting on this forum. This is a great way, for those of us with unblocked (yes, the military blocks these sites sometimes) internet access to keep up with the hobby.

Good luck to all

Rick

C'mon, JAAWIN is all you need![;)]

[andrechapelon]

US Air Force 1965-1969.

And after reading other posts on this thread, I feel OLD. Shoot, if I'd done 30 years, I would have retired 11 years ago.

I subscribed to MR while in Vietnam and did manage to put together a Bowser 4-6-2 kit (NYC K-11) while there.

Now off to 2 week Carribean cruise with wife.

Andre

[fiatfan]

4 years Air Police 66-70. Mostly I kept up by reading MR. As a sky cop my average work week was about 56 hours. Between that and raising a family, there wasn't a lot of time (or money) for trains.

Thank you to all who are now serving!

Tom

[Anonymous]

Med Ret Air Force 1985 - 1997 [Nellis AFB, Las Vegas - Osan AB, Korea - Davis Monthan AFB, Tucson]

... i'm an ex-college athlete, also played on numerous air force base teams, which eventually attributed to hip surgery and an early retirement. As far as hobbies go, other than working out and playing golf, model railroading has opened up a whole new world of joy for me. I love the surprise look one gets when they're checking out my layout. Reason is; i don't think there is a template of what a model railroader look like, but when it comes from someone that looks more like a power-forward for the Chicago Bulls... i just think it's funny as hell.

Mac

[Icefoot]

QUOTE: Originally posted by andrechapelon


... I subscribed to MR while in Vietnam ....

My hat is off to you and all the rest of the Vietnam vets! Thank you. Glad you made it back.

I spent 9.5 years in the USAF in Computer Operations/PC Support from 1983-1992. Didn't keep up with the hobby much other than sporadic buying of MR magazines! Spent time in Anchorage, AK; Lubbock, TX; Sicily, Italy; Aviano, Italy; and Denver, CO. Nice places all (except Lubbock [xx(], too flat for my taste).

[btransue]

USAF from 1974-1979 - Firefighter (Tyndall AFB FL, Zweibrucken AB Ger, McConnell AFB KS) Duty was 24 hours on - 24 hours off and living in barracks left no room for layout. I did build some aircraft models that represented the aircraft at the bases I was stationed (at first) however most got damaged from shipping to next duty station so that stopped.

Was out of MRR til just last year - no space.

Go Air Force[:D]

--
Brad

[Don Z]

I served in the US Army from 1975 - 1978. I guess I could have retired last year with 30 years service, but I wouldn't be where I am today if I had stayed in....

I had the easiest job in the military - I was in the 1st Cav Division Band. That's right, while those grunts were out in the field playing Army, I was hanging out at the Officer's Club playing my trombone in the jazz band for the brass.....what a life!

I didn't do any model railroading while in the Army, but I did love that the Santa Fe mainline ran right next to the base...I watched a lot of trains while there.

Don Z.

[Medina1128]

Medically retired from Air Force after 5 years. I grew up military as my dad was a fighter driver. He built a layout using Marklin trains while we were stationed in Europe. Then, years later he bought my brother and I our own Lionel trainsets (I wish I knew where that stuff was now!) Now, that I'm older (51), I have a better appreciation of the hobby and am working on my 2nd permanent layout (MoPac). Used to live in Phoenix (Hey ZONIES!!), but moved to Missouri in 1999. We have train rooms (basements) with houses over them!! [:)]

[Anonymous]

Good to hear the stories. I would say where there is a will there is a way to keep modeling, even if it is small items. Hard to superdetail riding a Humvee I guess, but there must be moments. Thanks.

[kevan79]

My wife and I are both active duty Air Force. She intends to get out when her 4 years are up, but I am in for the long haul. I really enjoy what I do now and hope that I will enjoy what I will be doing in the future even more so. I just got selected to be an officer as an Air Battle Manager, so hopefully everything works out.

Modeling though is just beginning for me. I played with a set when I was a kid and have always enjoyed railroads since I was a kid. I hope that I can find time and figure out where to start exactly. Though I figure I won't have much time to model while being an officer working long hours, but I hope I do get some time to play with it all.

[:D]

[Anonymous]

US Navy 1987-1993. I was stationed in SanDiego for 2 years and Hawaii for 2 years. Since I was underway ALL the time (felt like it anyway) and the extremely small housing we had, the modelling came to a halt for 4 years. My last 12 months assigned to the ship I was gone almost 10 months (in and out and in and out but it adds up)

I would put track on the living room floor and run a circle every now and then. I did continue to build some buildings during during my Navy years.

[JohnT14808]

USN, Retired (medical) from 1968 to 1972. Was too busy chasing girls in Hawaii and getting shot down to keep up with the MRR. Started to get back into it after getting discharged/retired...(I would have stayed in but they forced me to take the medical). Got busy with schooling and work, so forgot all about MRR until about 4 years ago.

I attended the local county fair and discovered the club layout in the basement of one of the Fair buildings. Been there ever since.

Thanks for all your service everyone. I appreciate the sacrifice you have all made.

[Bikerdad]

Army National Guard M(ulti)P(urpose), 1981-1993. Guam, Phillipines, Desert Storm, Korea. Skipped Panama. Didn't do any model railroading then, was into gaming, which did include miniature painting. Being in the Guard, I didn't face any of the normal military relocation challenges. Had I stayed in for my 20, I would probably have gotten out 2 months before 9/11.

[mopacforever]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kevan79

My wife and I are both active duty Air Force. She intends to get out when her 4 years are up, but I am in for the long haul. I really enjoy what I do now and hope that I will enjoy what I will be doing in the future even more so. I just got selected to be an officer as an Air Battle Manager, so hopefully everything works out.

Modeling though is just beginning for me. I played with a set when I was a kid and have always enjoyed railroads since I was a kid. I hope that I can find time and figure out where to start exactly. Though I figure I won't have much time to model while being an officer working long hours, but I hope I do get some time to play with it all.

[:D]

I would recommend that you introduce as many of your NCOs and SNCOs to the hobby as you can. This way you are sure to have time to enjoy it. Not to mention that it will increase the esprit de corp in the office. I told everyone in the office that I was brining in a coupld of my trains for "national bring a train to work day" a little while back, and they all brought their kids in to see what I had built. You should have seen the looks from those kids. It was great, and I may have recruited some new member sto the hobby.

What other hobby can you get into where you can involve the whole family (so you know where everyone is)? CINC House is happy (because she knows where I am every night) and the kids WANT to be around mom and dad! Not to mention that you can teach kids so much about math, geometry, art, patience, planning, etc without them even knowing they are being taught! I just think it is a win win.

[Tom Bryant_MR]

US Army 1971-1978. Stationed in Europe for the entire six years and was traveling amost the whole time in the back of a duece & 1/2. Wasn't into modeling at that time.

I empathize with those who were, and are, still in and the difficulties with having a hobby like this while experiencing all that FTA [;)].

But then again, I might not be doing what I'm doing now if it were not for all those who continue serve ... proudly [bow]

[Anonymous]

Thanks for starting this topic. My late father was career Army Infantry thru WW II, Korea, and Vietnam and "O" scale enthusiast when he had the time and then during retirement. In fact, he gave me "my" first Lionel locomotive when I was 3 years old in the Panama Canal Zone. However, I never caught the MR bug, despite traveling on many trains in the states, Central America, Europe, and Asia throughout my Army "brat" years from 1944 to 1962 and during my own Air Force and Air Nat'l Guard career from 1966 to 1988. However, a little over a year ago, my teenage grandson and I entered the world of HO, DCC, and sound! Now he and I are recreating our experiences and love of railroading in miniature. His Great Grand-Dad would have been proud.