Trains & Smiles = Good Health & Well Being

Very well put Bob.

Thanks Bob for this excellent post.

On a personal note, my return to this hobby last Spring coincided with my entry into AlAnon, a 12 step recovery program.

I can't begin to tell you how sitting here building, while listening to podcasts of recovery and religious programs has helped in my personal healing. In fact, my program advises people to enjoy a favorite hobby while working the steps.

 

Now a side business, related to this hobby, is unfolding for me.

 

Am I happy while I'm here? You bet!!!

I basically agree with you Bob. More importantly than the hobby itself, I think it's the individual's attitude towards the hobby that will make one happy or unhappy.

 

"Just think if everyone in the world ran trains and built layouts.  There wouldn't be time for turmoil and strife."

 

I don't know about that? With all the choices available today in track alone, and yet there is still a good deal of unhappiness (and entitlement) voiced over the track options available. It's attitude to me: either you will be content and happy with what IS available or miserable with what isn't available.

 

Lionel has a 90+ year history of making TOY trains that were replications of real trains. In recent years, we now have model trains that are more accurate models of the real thing.

 

Both are good. But you wouldn't always know that from reading the forum. No other manufacturer name is as synonymous with the hobby as is Lionel. But just because one buys and owns Lionel product, doesn't mean they own the company. I've read the comment "Lionel hates me" several times recently on the forum because Lionel doesn't make the train item that person wants. That's an "entitlement" attitude.

 

Lionel doesn't hate anyone. Lionel is a business with the goal of making a profit while making the broadest number of people happy. The new technology is wonderful, but for example - how many complaints do we read about with the fan-driven smoke units for example. Marty Fitzhenry did an excellent post where he explained the inevitable problems that can easily arise with the fan-driven smoke units.

 

I'm content and happy with the "puffer" smoke units. Using the Lionel Premium smoke fluid with these is a big improvement. But if one can't live with the puffer smoke units, then one is going to have to accept the liabilities of the fan-driven units. I've read posts where people call the particular brand "crap" and "junk" based solely upon a fan-driven smoke unit.

 

So for me, it's not just the trains alone. You can find peace and contentment by sitting in the woods, watching water flowing in a creek. It's one's attitude towards the trains and the hobby that will bring the real enjoyment.

I totally agree with you. Everyone can do their own thing but come together under the overall umbrella of the hobby. The train shows are a great big social gathering-there are no strangers. I have found some of the same camaraderie among rail photographers.

took my train board to a show in Dayton, Ohio one year.

was able to stay with my brother who used to live in

Springfield, Ohio about 1/2 hr down the road.

On my way back to New York State on sunday after the show.

was cruising down I70 headed for Columbus and came upon

a railroad over pass. A train was going over the highway.

I put my flashers on pulled way off the highway and sat and watched

the train. Very relaxing and it made me Smile!

 

Ahh, woolgathering along the interstate.  Usually frowned upon by the state patrol.

 

Bob S.  (formally a guest of the state patrol).  

Very well put, Bob. We all have our reasons why we got into O-Gauge trains, but whether it has been a long or short time, I think the joy is equally shared. There has not been a day that has gone by that we are not involved with our hobby. Whether it be working on the layout, on the OGR Forum, going to a train show, communicating about trains with train friends via e-mail or the phone, we are involved, and this involvement brings great satisfaction.

Also remember that discontent sticks out because unhappy people take a lot of time to complain. Happy people are too busy playing with their trains to argue much.

 

My other hobby is yarn crafting. If you look at a knitting board, you'll see a bunch of upset, angry people. They're the ones who are posting. The rest of us are sitting somewhere (I highly recommend a bench at the Cassandra overlook or a picnic table on the Curve) happily making stuff they like in colors that would surely meet with disapproval. At the end of the day, the angry crew have a bunch of squabbling posts to show for their time, and I have a new pair of heavy gloves and a hat so I can watch more trains in cold weather.

 

Trains: the maple syrup on the Scrapple of life 

Bob,

Very well put!

 

Alan,

I'm happy for tour testimony!

 

Popi,

Sounds like a great trip you had!

 

Then it would be even tougher to get parts than it is now!  

 

-Mike

 PS  I concur with the "feeling of well-being and calm inside" bit.  

Thank you for that post Bob.

 

Brad

Thanks Bob, and very well said by everyone here! 

I also agree.  Good post.

 

Art

great saying for a Chinese fortune cookie!

 

 

Our club modular layout has, as one of it's goals, reaching out to those who can't visit us at the permanent layout.

 

We have made it a priority to visit senior centers and assisted living locations to bring the fun of toy trains to the residents there.

 

Hopefully we're contributing to their health and well-being! (A picture of one of our initial visits)

 

It has been very rewarding to share the fun of running our trains with others.  Many we visit have started conversations about their childhood trains, and some just sit and smile as the trains go by.

 

I would encourage others to put together a small portable layout to share our hobby with others!

 

Ed

 Bob

 

Well said but.

 

There wouldn't be time for turmoil and strife. As long as no one brings up the UP Steam program or lack of. 

 

And, GunrunnerJohn would be in charge. Rich ( Who is best equipped to handle the trolls) I think would be a better choice with GGG and Gunrunner as his lieutenants.

 

Doug

 

 

Well, there are always some caveats.  Remember, it will be in it's infancy, and changes are sure to come.  

Hey Bob, you have such command of the english language……. you remind me of the guy I would pay to write love letters for me to send my girl friends when I was in the navy….  

                                   PEACE     

Great thought, Bob!

Peter

Nice post.

Al Rogers: stick with the 12 steps. I've been dry for 20 years and don't miss it at all!

Great post, Bob!

 

And, I just completely ignore the few unhappy posts here ... life is too short.

 

Alan Rogers ..... all great news!!

Often I sit in  my train room amidst my many framed train photos and artwork, my extensive train reference library, and of course the trains on display and on my three-loop layout and feel that all is right in MY world! The support of my family, especially my spouse of 43 years, enables me to enjoy my hobby space even more!

 

Not only is my wife a railfan, there is NO need to sneak trains into my house! I discuss my purchases with her and we both look forward to the new items.

Bob, you are truly a good person…  I am honored that you consider me a friend…   

 

 

 

Steve

Alan,      DO IT….           Steve

Thanks Steve.  I think we come from the same ilk.  Bob S.

I concur.  Like Ralphie in the final scene of that classic film

"All is right with the world."  Ralphie has his rifle, we have

our trains.  Well stated one and all above.

 

Many thanks,

 

Billy C  

Billy, I completely forgot that line, but is sure is apropos  Bob S.

EddieM,

   Man I do agree 100%, a while back my wife ask me to put together a traveling Masonic Train layout for her Amaranth ladies big USA meeting.  The Masonic Engine & Tender has all the Amaranth, Eastern Star, 32 Degree, Demolay, Rainbow and Shrine Cars with the 33 Degree Master Mason on the Caboose, walking off into the sun set, swinging his TB Cane, with the crippled child on his shoulders, and those men and ladies stayed around for hours to see that beautiful Weaver Masonic traveling train in action, and it does not even have sound.  The picture of that particular layout is kept on our refrigerator in our kitchen, to help remind us of what God really intends.  I will have to post it some time.

Great job with your traveling layout Ed!  I love it.

PCRR/Dave

I agree. I feel happy, content and relaxed when I run trains.

Do you think I can get medicare to fund my Atlas F-units?

It really does not matter how my day at work went when I get home and my Grand daughter grins and holds her arms out to be picked up and hugged.

Then we go run the train and all is good in my world.

I slow down at RR crossings for two reasons

1. Safety

2. Hoping the cross bucks come down and I get to see a train

Jim, I think you will need a prescription for it to get it paid for.  Maybe contact the TrainDoctor here on the forum.  We might be on to something here.