Model train skills pay off in other interests?

Yes and no.  I have a set of modeling, electrical, and tool-using skills I have gained over the years.  Many of those I learned making and playing with model trains for age four.  But I had other hobbies and looking back its impossible to say that I learned how to use an X-Acto knife well, or plan a scartch-built [whatever] when making model trains, or model boats, or restored an old Austin Healey, or adding extra space to a garage, or . . . 

Model trains certain contributed, but it was mostly my main hobby early on, until age 14 or so, and lately, since age 55.  In between there were model ships, and lots of old sports cars and woodworking projects.  It all mushes together into "what you can do." 

I got into trains at a young age (2).  Trains taught me about electricity and wiring.  As kids I built control panels with the neighbor kids who also had trains.   That evolved into an interest in electronics.  All of that led to a job in the computer industry where I designed large wiring systems and computer rooms.  I can directly trace skills on the job to my involvement with trains.

Bill

I attribute my present occupation partly to model trains. As a kid I always started putting up the trains the day after Thanksgiving. The 4X8 table top would come out from behind my parents dresser (I lived in an apartment in the Bronx) and I would bolt the legs on and start laying my Super O track. The part I always enjoyed the most was wiring the layout and accessories. That started my interest in electricity/electronics. I pursued that interest and eventually became an Electronic Engineer. I have been in the Electronics industry for 40 years. I believe Model Railroading fueled my interest and got me started.

Not so much in other interests but my toy train repair skills has gone a long way in funding my hobby.  I started repairing other peoples trains around 1980.  Because of the military moves I've repaired in Fayetteville, NC, Hawaii, Newport News, VA, Springfield, VA and now here in SE PA.

I think it depends on how one enjoys the hobby.
Model Railroading can teach the basics of design and planning, construction, geometry, electricity, the use of tools, and more.

No question about this, my answer is sure. What I learned as a kid in building model train layouts has benefited me in many ways. That is a good reason why we all have selected such a great hobby.

 I think working with electric trains, fixing short circuits and derailments, and adding

on to a layout, and seeing something I did accomplshed and having tangible results,

as a child, added to the "I can do that" mentality that has let me tackle home remodeling, and repair, and auto maintenance, repair, and restoration.

My countless hours of tinkering with postwar lionel trains as a kid led me to a career in engineering

My basic wood work and wiring skill are based in my model train hobby. Like most things in my life I am self taught in many areas. 

Good question. It certainly didn't hurt.

I've always been of the opinion that my manual skills are inherited from my grandfather, who was a great craftsman and model railroader in his own right.  But my long experience with miniature railroad models (and car models, as a teenager) has sharpened those skills considerably.  I've long had a "he can fix anything" reputation, and it all goes back to the things I've learned from modeling.

You'd be amazed at how many people these days don't even know how to solder.

Or a screwdriver...

"Is there an App for that???"

Rusty

yes i can now open a box and use the contents almost immediately. thank God for ready to run no painting no building no decals. Just kidding!!!

Like Lee said, trains probably started it all, but it was basically a stepping stone.  Learning how to wire simple accessories, replace light sockets, etc., certainly gave the confidence that allowed me to do home electrical work. That confidence spread into other areas, such as befriending the local gas station mechanic who answered many questions about mechanical things.  But I had my trains that preceded my awareness - dad bought 'em when I was born.  The logical approach to setting up a layout fostered the quest to learn how things were done, and led to my engineering career. 

Carl nailed it for me.  Learning how to set-up the PW LIONEL trains and accessories at Christmas time as a young boy gave me, in hindsight, a confidence and thought process that has served me well in many lifelong learning opportunities completely unrelated to toy trains.

My answer would be no.However,I have been in the trades for 33 years and I will tell you those skills have made just about ANYTHING possible in Model Railroading.Nick

As my primary hobby is collecting, researching and writing about the WW2 era, I've found that research into the 1943 era of my layout has been mutually benficial for both of these hobbies. They go hand in hand.

Having built my own benchwork for this layout last year, that's the first time I've ever built anything with wood to precise angles. That came in handy while building some shelves in our storage shed for my wife not long ago.