How do I get my passion for trains back????!

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone,
From February to April this year, I was busy doing other things than trains in the time I (if I had had a choice) normally alot to them. As a consequence, my obsession with trains is untouched, but I have lost some of my passion for them. In other words, I will still wait in the cold for hours for one train, but my underlying reasons for that have become less pronounced. THIS IS NOT GOOD! Anybody have any idea of how to remedy this situation? Any help would be most appreciated.

Sincerely,
Daniel Parks

[fuzzybroken]

If the things that you are doing instead of train watching are more important, by all means, DO THEM! The sooner you get those "priorities" taken care of, the less they will weigh on your mind and the more you'll be able to think of rail-related subjects.

On the other hand, if you find yourself drifting away from trains to doing other ridiculously unimportant things, maybe all you need to do is refocus on a different aspect of your hobby. For example, at one time I was primarily into model railroading, but in the last few years I have refocused my interest on photography, which in turn has turned into a relatively successful website!

Or, heck, maybe you just need a little break! Nothing wrong with that, some good may still come of it!

-Mark
www.fuzzyworld3.com

[Anonymous]

Daniel,

Many people who have been into this hobby for years have had the same thing happen. Its very common.

FB brings up some good points.

Jim

[fuzzybroken]

Looking at this one again, I saw the comment about the UP... Here's a related story...

I was beginning to wonder if the UP was running any trains through Milwaukee, as I had neither seen nor heard any whenever I was near their tracks for a few weeks! Well, finally, I spotted headlights as I was crossing the tracks, and after a quick U-turn and a little zig-zagging, I was all set up and ready to get pictures of the train. Definitely worth the wait too, as the lead unit was an ex-CNW C40-8 with wings on the nose, and the trailing units were both leasers. Also in the train were some interesting freight cars, like the ex-"CNW" ALAB boxcar, some ARMN/UP "Building America" reefers, and a CN "website" cylindrical hopper! Definitely a cool find! So,

QUOTE: The good old Union Pacific...lost but.- Wait a minute-it's still here, isn't it.

-Mark
www.fuzzyworld3.com

[selector]

Probably the best thing for you to do is to accept that this has happened, and to accept that it is natural.

You had an intercession that has refocused your attention, and maybe realigned your priorities. However, in an attempt to regain some 'normalcy' after this trying interlude, you have looked to old habits and cues for comfort and reinforcement. They no longer have the potency that they once had. So, as Fuzzy wisely suggests, skip down another path for a while. Don't fret. You will come to this crossroads again, and happily return to what once sparked your interest. Either way, look at it as an opportunity for growth.

[daveklepper]

Do you read train books and magazines? What is your favorite railroad? Do you know its history? Are you familiar with the type of equipment in used a hundred years ago? There is a lot to this industry than just waiting to photograph todays intermodal or whatever. Also, there are some great videos available. Have you seen any that concern your favorite railroad?

[adrianspeeder]

Try something different I guess. Dad and I were getting tired of just playing with late model trucks dealing with computer and expensive parts issues, that we just went out and bought a 1966 F250 truck. Something we could get excited about.

Random related quote...

"If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got."

Adrianspeeder

[spbed]

Look up my web site? [:o)][:p]

Originally posted by trainjunky29

Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR  Austin TX Sub

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