MNCW posted:...maybe those (lucky folks) who have retired can talk more about what type of changes they have seen after retiring.
In other words, is there:
- More time for working on the layout?
Of course. Plenty of time for both my hobbies (trains and shooting). I have gotten projects done that I planned for years, but never had the time to carry through. Since I don't have a "proper" layout (see below), most of my work is on the locomotives and rolling stock themselves.
- What type of layout do you have? (no judgments whatsoever by me, mine is currently an oval on my workbench...)
I don't have the space for a permanent benchwork layout, so I have had to lay track on our (tiled) basement floor. There are two: one (the largest one) is FasTrack, for the 3rs equipment and the other is Marx 034, for tinplate. Obviously it's not ideal, but I'm grateful that I have as much as I do.
- More time for joining clubs?
I'm not a "joiner," and have no interest in belonging to a club.
- More time for operating/collecting/train shows/flea market/garage sale hunting?
Most of the train shows (not that there are that many in my area) and flea markets are on weekends anyway.
- More time for walking on rail trails for exercise?
I get my exercise from twice-weekly workouts at the gym, and from biking (weather permitting).
- More time to read railroad books, timetables, etc.
I never lacked for time to read books. As for reading timetables...well, I can only say that I don't find them too interesting.
I retired in 2010; my wife two or three years earlier. I highly recommend it to all who can do so.