A Realization of my age, A Change of Model Train Mindset, Direction, and Dreams.

"All you would ever want in a Layout."

I started back into N scale around 2006. The first layout was a 3' by 7' layout which was DC and I did get to point of running trains. But then I had a 10' by 11' (big bucks) room added. It was for my "All you would ever want in a Layout" layout. And I designed and did one layout plan after another until I was ready to start on the benchwork. This was at the point where I starting buying everything I was going to have on the, "All you would ever want in a Layout." layout.

I again spent a lot more big bucks, spent more to have all 30 of my locomotives converted to DCC. Bought more stuff, trees, buildings,accessories, boxes and boxes of Atlas sectional track, Then more boxes of Flex track, Loads of Peco and Atlas Turnouts, Blue Lake and Tortoise switch controllers, Atlas connectors and loads of DC stuff that I no longer needed, because I was going DCC. I then purchased not one but two Lenz DCC systems and accessories. And then more stuff and more stuff and more until my own 401K (not the Wife’s) was gone. Don’t ask how much, I’m too embarrassed to say. But I did finally get to the point where the first level, of my three level layout was ready for track. For this I bought many more boxes of cork roadbed, WS risers and foams stuff, painted the walls, and built 3D backdrops and mountains.

And Then!!!

I destroyed it all to make room for my Daughter and Granddaughter to live with us. They both had lost everything and my Wife and I didn't have to,but we wanted to, help them make a fresh start. Well they did, are now out on their own, and restarting their life. And I got the room back to use as as Train Room.

And Then!!!

I designed a new layout and built a HCD "U" shaped Benchwork, 8.5' by 8.5' then other family issues came into play and my progress on a full sized "N"Scale layout was stopped dead in its tracks.

And Then!!!

After I returned from a family issue trip to New York City I began to, as I say in the title to this thread, “A realization of my age, A Change of Model Train Mindset, Direction, and Dream.” I’m just shy of seventy (70) years of age. It’ll take me (maybe more) two years to finish just building this layout.

And Then!!!

At my age and physical condition, how am I going to get under the layout to do the wiring? I’ll never be able to do it. And I will not get any enjoyment from my Model railroad hobby. It will have become “WORK” as well as an albatross around my neck. And an issue for my family to solve if I kick the bucket any time soon.

And Then!!!

Of course I could place all of my Model train and Model Train related stuff for sale. On a web site, or eBay, one of its look a likes, and even newspapers or trade magazines.

But Then!!!

What happens is the prime good stuff will get purchased(most likely at a price I won’t like) and all the other stuff will wither on the “For Sale” vine. I don’t like this approach at all. I will not sell anything piecemeal. The idea that an individual or individuals will profit from the situation I now find myself in, is repugnant to me. I will not do it.

But First!!!

So that I'll know what I have (30 DCC locos 225 rolling stock) I’ll take a very detailed inventory of everything else. Research the current market prices and come up with a total estimated value of it all. And have this inventory and value verified by an independent estimator.

And Then!!!

Research Various Verifiable Model Train Clubs or associations and see if there is any interest or desire to purchase my “N” Scale model train equipment and associated Model Train items as a group purchase. If there is interest I expect honest, fair, and above board negotiations for the total purchase price. If no interest then I have other options I'll look into.

I’ll!!!

not be getting out of “N” scale. I’ll still be in the game but with what’s called“N-T Track Modules." I’ll build several small modules for use in a T-track club environment. This will suite my age, physical limitations, and dreams. Well, maybe not my dreams but my current reality.

See ya
Ron​

 

Ron...

We eventually have to accept out limitations. You seem to be 'getting it'. I am 62...heart problems...arthritis...and a handful of other old age problems. I am working on what I figure will be my last layout. I am hoping for many years of enjoyment before I'm done. I wish you well with whatever you decide to do. :thumbs_up:

 

Ron,I understand your problem all to well..At 63 I know its a matter of time before I go from N to HO or railfaning only.


I keep lying to myself but,I know down deep its a matter of time before I need to make that decision but,until that time arrives I will enjoy N Scale.

 

I am 60, and a disabled Veteran, so I've already had to face my limitations. I am continuing to build in "N" scale, but it is now a modest "Unitrack" layout with yard for myself & my grandson to enjoy. I gave up the idea of "basement empire" long ago. I have thought about changing scales, but it is too cost prohibitive, and I don't have the room or the stamina.
Which brings me to my point.................I have assisted two friends who have left the hobby for different reasons, both had large accumulations of train stuff........one HO & the other N. Neither one got anywhere near full value for their trains. I think the best you can hope for is about 50 cents on the dollar, and that's probably optimistic.
I have been thinning my collection/accumulation on "Evil-bay", and I'm probably doing the best a guy can hope for..........
I wish you the best of luck in finding a way forward..............how about doing a "trade" for something modest you can enjoy NOW, and quit planning for "someday"??
(the friend that had the "N" scale accumulated over $50k in trains, buildings, tools, etc.......all with the thought of "someday" building the "great" layout. He died two years ago, and NEVER got to enjoy his trains). I use him as a role model, enjoy it NOW...................

 

"I again spent a lot more big bucks, spent more to have all 30 of my locomotives converted to DCC. Bought more stuff, trees, buildings,accessories, boxes and boxes of Atlas sectional track, Then more boxes of Flex track, Loads of Peco and Atlas Turnouts, Blue Lake and Tortoise switch controllers, Atlas connectors and loads of DC stuff that I no longer needed, because I was going DCC. I then purchased not one but two Lenz DCC systems and accessories. And then more stuff and more stuff and more until my own 401K (not the Wife’s) was gone. Don’t ask how much, I’m too embarrassed to say. But I did finally get to the point where the first level, of my three level layout was ready for track. For this I bought many more boxes of cork roadbed, WS risers and foams stuff, painted the walls, and built 3D backdrops and mountains".

Maybe it's Time for that Reverse Mortgage?

 

As to the money angle, I look at it this way. How many hours have you spent planning, buying, building, erecting, wiring, scenicking (sp?), running and everything else involve? Make this the bottom half of a fraction. How much have you spent in dollars. Make this the top half of the fraction. Do the math. That is your cost of entertainment per hour. I would bet it is pretty cheap.

I am 64 and don't crawl under my layour very easily any more, BUT all wiring can actually be done in a channel cut into foamboard (which is the base material on top of the plywood or MDF or whatever you are using).

Eyesight going? Optivisor.

Fingers incapable of doing the really small stuff? Don't do it. Either send it out for repair, buy new or find someone to help (I know this is really the toughest problem).

Do what you can do now while you still can.

 

And then my friends ..... there is Large Scale!

I'm 66+ and changed to LS back in '99. I had a large HOm layout with tons of handlaid track, oodles of rollingstock etc. etc. Then there was a big change in my life, a big move to the West and the property my equal half and I decided on didn't have a basement or other such for a layout, but we have a very nice garden. Slowly but surely the model railway in the garden is taking shape. As with anything else in life, how large or how small one thinks and builds is a individual's choice.

PS I've had electric trains since 1952.

 

Yup, this is tough. I'm 67 next week and have all the plus 60 aches and pains. I thank my lucky stars I have not had your problems since my 2005 start in model railroading. I'm not going to mention what you may have done better in the past, but I do think you are on the right track with the club and module approach. Have you given any thought to a shelf layout in the room at about neck level. This would take care of under the layout issues and still give some time and place for running your stock?

Unfortunately, you will never get what you think is a fair price for your stuff. The world just doesn't seem to work that way.... Good luck, Jim

 

I can definitely relate. I'm only 43, but even the small "empire" I had once planned had to be let go in order to pay for bills and take care of real priorities (my wife and four children). Got rid of all of the "gotta have that" locomotives, rolling stock, etc. on the "bay" and only kept the stuff that was either broken or not likely to fetch enough money to be worth the time and effort. TrainBoard has helped me to appreciate what I've got and to be resourceful, and now I'm enjoying my trains, and even teaching my kids a thing or two (like resourcefulness, being grateful for what you've got, and of course kitbashing and weathering skills!). And thanks to the generosity of some of the folks here, I now actually have all of the track I need to build the small module layout I want to make. Anyway, enjoy what you've got while you've got it. Life isn't forever, and it could be worse.

 

This is pretty much what I had came to in my modeling. Being aware of some limitations as one becomes older, I knew when I retired for the last time that a move would be coming, so I salvaged what I could and tore the last layout down. That move has been delayed some because like a number of others I've been helping out my kids. Anticipating some things like arthur and ritis becoming a more frequent visitor I have planned the last layout a lot differently. Limiting reach to back of layout to 30 inches. And even though there will be an upper level it will be in that 30 inch width. No hidden trackage except in tunnels and they will be short. I've built a number of modules and most of the structures for the new layout, and they will just have to be set in, and almost all switches will be in reach and manually thrown saving a lot of under track wiring, including the upper level ones. Knowing that my days of good eyesight are fading I'm building the last few locos that I'll never see produced in my time. And I have been working on thinning out my collection to what I can realistically run. From a foam loco storage box that used to be full of steam I've culled the junk out and now down to about 18 mainline steamers. My diesel collection has also thinned. I'm sorry but I just can't see having more locos than cars for them to pull. I've even thinned out those freight cars, getting rid of all that were too modern for my era. My next layout will be single track, with passing sidings, and balloon tracks around staging at each end. The connection to the upper level will be at the east end and reached by a single track that leaves a local yard, curves around and goes into a tunnel through the backdrop that emerges over the east staging on a monorail that curves back and into a tunnel again now on the upper level. Since this is the branchline and logging road areas the locos will be small and able to handle the 9 and 3/4th radius. Also since trains will be short and locos ocassionally double headed, the grade at about 2% will not be a problem. Also the layout heigth will be a little lower to compensate for being able to reach the upper level. As a plus I have been detailing the rear of my structures for years now, so a little lower lets one see the other side.

I've long since about given up on having complete Empire Builder and NCL consists and the costs are getting prohibitive. Instead I decided to model the same trains over the SP&S which require fewer cars of each road behind SP&S power and headend cars. I'm a lot happier now. The one thing that I will probably be able to keep on doing as the eyes get older is scenery, and I do need to make trees by the hundreds. As far as ever going to DCC I won't. To much trouble and expense.

If for any reason I do decide to change scales it would be to HOn30. Less expense involved and there is a great selection of small locos in that scale that we will ever see in N scale in my lifetime. Plus I already have the track and switches that i would not have to reinvest in.

I grew up with the last active steam in everyday service and first gen. diesel and I've come around full circle back to what I grew up with. In that time also I have become more realistic in what I can model and have fun and relaxation with and I could care less if the other guy has more toys than me. So I happy amble off into my golden years.

 

I'm in the same state where I can no longer have the fun with N scale that I once did. I too am a disabled Vet and physical limitations. But still enjoy the hobby but HO is now what I'm able to enjoy; however with that said in this economy it's quite difficult to sell off the n scale collection without just about giving the items away.
So I sell off a few and retain the remainder of my collection.

 

Man... your story rings quite familiar with me... except that I'm in my mid 50's.
Started a layout in 2000... took it down to make home repairs... put everything in storage... took it out and began again... daughter came back to live with baby... took it down again... started again... got sick and have left it in limbo for the past 2 years... considered getting out of the hobby... but have too much invested and like the hobby too much... don't want to sell at bargain basement prices to get rid of everything only to later want to get back in and buy everythng back at a premium... SHEESH.... I thought this was supposed to be a FUN HOBBY!

 

I wont give up !!

Last winter the snow melting on the roof of T.H.E Train Trailer found its way inside. The ceiling came down. THE Layout was pretty well wiped out! Everything was salvaged and boxed up. Only lost a few freight cars. The plan was to fix the roof....not to bad a project to accomplish. I have gotten one main line repaired and trains can run on it. I just get downhearted looking at the mess in there. With a lawsuit and settlement pending...I was in a holding pattren...planning on buying a house and having an indoor layout. We are currently renting and move to often to have stuff inside...hench T.H.E Train Trailer.

I sit here at my desk repairing broken stuff...and building new stuff. Go outside and run a few trains now and then. T.H.E.Wife said I shoulda at least reinforced T.H.E Train Trailer roof trusses this last summer...as we have no clue when the settlement will come. She said even if I never finish that layout...at least the roof wont leak !! Sometimes she makes sense...lol.

I have no room for a larger scale...even if we make out good on the settlement and move to a bigger house...I am sticking with N scale !!
All a bigger room means is MORE TRACK :tb-cool:.

My disablities just mean it takes longer...with more frustrations to finish things. I am learning patience...which makes THE Wife really happy. I dont believe a larger scale will end my frustration...just makes those frustrations BIGGER...LOL.

I am happy with N Scale....

I wont give up !!

 

As one of the younger fellas in the hobby... I must say two things...

(a) I admire the determination of those of you with disabilities, whether age- or injury-releated to keep at the hobby and do what is necessary to accommodate your limitations.

(b) This thread is helping motivate me to take as good a care of myself as I can so that I'll be able to do this stuff as long as well as I can for as long as I can.

 

Suurrrreeeeeeeeeeeee...go ahead and motivate me...lol

Now I am going to go out and buy at least 2 of the 1 1/2 x 87 inch angle irons pieces I need to reinforce the roof trusses in THE Train Trailer....today!

:tb-embarrassed:

 

Couple of things.

First of all I would recommend to everyone young and old to only purchase items as you need them when building a layout. Things change, plans change, interests change.

Second, I personally plan to play with my trains until I die. Which is good for me, but not so good for my children who will survive me. I've given a lot of thought, although no action, on how to help my children dispose of all my trains when I am gone. I'm only 55, but I need to seriously look at doing a detailed inventory so my children will know both what I have and what kind of value each item might have on Ebay. Then, once the the inventory is complete, there is the task of keeping it up to date. This is something I've been putting off, but I need to get going on it.

Daryl

 

How can I resist posting to this thread?
< Short Answer >
You have had the joy of family.
I never did.
I envy you.

< Long Answer >
"It aint what we got. It's what we do with it that matters."
Joe < solemnly >: All I have is a hollow core door layout.
Mike < with great envy >: You mean you have a door?
(names picked out of thin air and do not reflect anyone living or dead.)

Background:
Most folks here know I am legally blind. I have about 5 degrees of mediocre central vision. Some know I almost lost my place and by extension my life's savings. Fotheringgil was quite helpful in fact. He suggested I keep my trains cause at least I could run them on the side walk from my cardboard box. He had a good point. His suggestion of cutting groves in the foam for wiring? Outstanding! I think I'll adopt / adapt it. Man I hate giving him credit. sheesh.

I figure I have about 2 to 3 years before my bodies limitations will limp in though I just got back from a vacation where I was hiking in the mountains - solo soooo, maybe I have a few extra years.

Scenery:
While I was out hiking I came up with a solution to scenery. If my best effort will be as good as a 10 year olds, why not have 10 year olds do my scenery?

Table Work:
I designed and built a 2'x8' table with storage underneath and a removable top. For access to the bottom all I have to do is disconnect track from the contiguous sections and flip it up. My intent is to use this method for the rest of the layout which will go down one wall of the living room.

Attitude:
With my vision aggravated by ADD and aging memory I have had to adopt a new attitude:
"The only failure is failing to try."
Ya, it may not come out just the way I want it but at least I tried.

 

I only regret that I didn’t start when I was younger and could actually do something. I’m not legally disabled but I might as well say I am because I can’t climb under the layout, I can’t reach the back because of a bad shoulder and I can barely see anymore. Things that I used to do in hours now take days or weeks.


I’ve spent a ridicules amount of money on a hobby that is short lived. I don’t have anybody to pass it on to and I don’t believe I’ll ever be able to get anything for what I’ve done or spent. I also know that my family will not have any idea of the value of it is and I probably should start selling it off myself while I still can.


I have absolutely no place to put HO layout and I’m just not satisfied with running around an oval. I have an O scale with three tracks, but all I can do is watching them runaround in a circle which is boring and not worth running.


I think about this topic more and more with each month that passes. I think now I just want to finish what I got and not start anymore extensions.