I've often heard or read how people's specific interests within the overall model railroading hobby can take some twists and turns over the course of time. It dawned on me recently that I, too, have joined that club. And it all started right here on the OGR Forum!
Prior to joining here in January of 2010, I had been involved with O-gauge trains in some form or fashion for over 40 years, yet never even gave a thought to either weathering or "3RS"...let alone ever attempting them! However, after hanging out here for nearly 7+ years, it's almost like I've discovered two completely new and different "sub-hobbies" within the same great hobby that I had always enjoyed. Kind of cool if you ask me.
There's so much left to learn, and to try, and skills to improve upon...but it sure has been a fun ride so far. My only regret is that I didn't discover the OGR Forum and/or these new-found passions a bit earlier in life...but like the saying goes, it's never too late!
A big THANK YOU goes out to all the OGR members who have provided inspiration (and actual instruction!) during my time here. I'm not going to mention names in this post because inevitably I will forget someone...but I'm pretty sure most of you know who you are!
Thanks also for taking the time to read this. Please feel free to comment and/or share your own thoughts and experiences.
P.S. Below is a short video that I shot with my iPhone on Saturday to show some of the 3RS work that I've completed on my roster to date. You'll notice that all but the brand new Lionel "State of Maine" PS-1 sound boxcar have been weathered, and all but that car and the CNJ caboose have been converted to Kadees. The Cotton Belt boxcar (just ahead of the State of ME car) is a "transition" car with Kadees on one end and a traditional claw coupler on the other end.
By the way, this video offers further proof that you don't need large radius curves and a huge layout to enjoy the great looks and dependable operation of Kadee scale body-mounted couplers.
Granted, the SW1 is a small engine, and all of the boxcars are 40-footers, but this is a tiny 4'x6' layout with O-42 MTH RealTrax curves! And yes, I can run the train in reverse with no issues.