Views from the CRYSTAL BALL DEPARTMENT ...
We read the news that train hobby stores are going out of business. The good news: their repair service must be replaced somehow - perhaps by you. The bad news: many train hobby stores that offer repair service do it at a loss as "service after the sale," not a profit center. It would be difficult to compete against that reality.
Fortunately, not all "corporate jobs" are 9 to 5 drudgery. Your knack for repair work might be useful to a manufacturing company that must keep its materials processing machines running. If that's within your "acceptance zone," that kind of repair job would require the employer to provide part of SS and other payroll tax benefits on your behalf, perhaps a retirement program too. Then start your train repair business "on the side" and dedicate time and effort to its growth and eventual success. Fair warning -- it may be a long haul.
Other OGR FORUM guys mentioned the certification programs by Lionel and MTH. Since those helpful training programs are no longer available, it may mean those manufacturers consider there are "enough" train repair guys out there.
Postwar and modern era trains may be your focus, but many hobbyists seek repair service for their contemporary trains that are full of exotic circuitry. IMHO, that's where the money is - with $333 repair jobs, not $33 repairs.
In summary, "crawl, then walk before you try to run."
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
