Having a train buddy nearby greatly enhances the hobby, but don't despair if you don't have one. We are different from most people (I think that's a good thing). You might say we march to a different drummer.
You are not a lone wolf anymore because of this Forum.
There are also opportunities for getting together in person at various places. For instance, there is a Forum luncheon taking place at 12:30 PM on December 9th at City Limits Diner in White Plains, NY, there are now regular Forum get togethers in Northeast, Ohio, and you always have the O Gauge Mecca at York Pennsylvania twice per year.
Whenever there is a train show nearby, you can initiate a post on this Forum to schedule a Forum get-together.
Arnold