Balshis posted: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.
Balshis, Thanks for all the details. That was all pretty interesting. Sounds like you adjusted well to your retirement including trying to stay healthy. Like everyone else, feel free to post pictures of your trains.
Tom
