I have been in this hobby since I was a small boy starting around 1977. Since I have come back to the hobby as an adult (by age anyways) I was amazed out how much about railroading I did not know. With the construction of the Canton Division....there has been allot of first for me: 1. Installed electrial wiring, outlets and new circuits in basement 2. Masonary work on wall in basement 3. Basic Wood Working (ok....I am still a cave man in this area) 4. First time use of many tools while building benchwork 5. That I have some Art ability afterall. The list goes on and grows the further along with the layout I get. Many of these skills have spun off into other areas for the household as well. Too bad we cant do this for a living
I came back to the hobby three years ago after an absence since 1990. Since returning I have learned I have very big fingers and hands. My eyesight is not what is was 16 years ago. I am still lumber/wood challenged, read that as inept. I have managed to get my patience back I am having fun again. I can actually weathered a locomotive, and not bad either, perhaps some artistic ability is in my future. My electronic and computer skills have come in handy. I am sure there is more,but i am very happy and pleased that I have come back to this hobby - so far.
Basic, bare-bones carpentry skills (still, it's best not to ask me to frame a house) Ditto with the electrical stuff- I'm still in the Stone Age in that respect- so far........... It's improved my art skills (painting, scenery, modelbuilding) Ability to find bargain prices (with wife & family to support, this is a needed skill- besides, why pay retail?) The need for research (printed material, INternet, field trips, railfanning) That's just a few of the skills I've developed.
"What did I learn about myself from trains? " That I'm an inveterate procrastinator. I suppose I could be kind to myself and say that I tend towards "armchair" as a scale. But the sad truth is that I don't have the drive that God gave rocks. :err: Regards Ed