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I’ve been trying to model things lately, and nothing is working the way it should.
I’ve got what should be a layout, but when I try to glue things down, they won’t stay put. Engines I’ve worked on refuse to run smoothly, which ruins the immersive experience.
Trains derail.
The cows don't Moo...
My sound setups aren’t great.
And it takes me days just to finish a single project.
I’m worn out. I’ve decided to step away from modeling for now. Maybe I’ll come back to it someday, but not right now.
I’ve applied for a job at BNSF Railroad, so I can still work with trains—just without all the hassle and headache.
Wish me luck.
Best of luck to you. But prepare yourself... working on a real railroad (or almost any job for that matter) is going to have lots of hassles and headaches.
1. Most commercially available track has holes or pilot holes underneath, for track nails. Also try a better adhesive and put weights on top until dry.
2. Use less track, eliminate tight radius curves, and use #6 turnouts. Less is always better and makes it harder for Mr Murphy to show up.
3. Get an NMRA gauge and check to make sure all your wheels are in spec. Check your freight cars to see if they weigh to NMRA standards.
4. Save your money and buy 1 high end engine. BLI, Genesis, Rapido, etc. The old "buy once, cry once" does apply here.
5. Frustration & boredom happens. I have walked away for a couple of weeks to clear my head.
It took weeks or months to complete some of my structures. Very little in this hobby happens overnight.
Track laying should be a number 1 priority. Without impeccable trackwork, frustration will happen. Not maybe. All equipment needs to be able to run on all track. Forwards, backwards, pushing or pulling a consist. If it doesn't you have a track or equipment problem. Maybe both.
Quality locomotives, rolling stock and (if DCC) control system should also be given high priority.
Too many people enter this hobby half-heartedly and the first thing they think of is "How can I do this as cheaply as possible?", instead of, "How can I do this the best possible way?"
Many times, it is not entirely the skill of the modeler, but the materials and equipment selected to try and get a model railroad operational.
I came into this hobby as an armor and sci-fi modeler. Some builds would take months or years. I've also taken breaks, sometimes for years, before diving back in. Be safe out there no matter if you take a hiatus or not.
If you apply and get a job in BNSF train and engine service, rest assured... you won't have time for "the little trains" (or much of anything else) until you retire in 30 years to get the full pension with Railroad Retirement.
It's pretty much the same on any of the "big" freight railroads these days.
Spent 32 years "on the big engines" myself. But I had the good fortune (of location) to end up on one of the best locomotive engineer jobs in the country for my last several years (not joking)...
Yeah I hear what you’re saying, I’ve taken many breaks myself over the years.
As has been said good bench work, quality track and a good reliable rolling stock make all the difference.
If you want to keep your interest in the hobby try a simple switching layout on a narrow piece of plywood, maybe just a couple switches and a power pack. Keep your best rolling stock and one good loco.
Oh, and good luck with the railway, please try to keep those ones on the rails.
Well, if the leader of our 2 man club is leaving, does that make me the new Grand Poobah?
Sometimes a break is good for anything. I was away from this one for a long time and only recently got back into it after retiring from my 2nd job. Yeah, it can be frustrating at times and seems like a money pit (DCC especially if you mess up and it blows up).
I wish you the best for the future, with the new job, and hope to see you back again.
I cant take it! I was suppose to wait to say anything till April 1st!
This is a joke guys.
Don't get me wrong! I agree, we all need a break sometimes.
But I hope nobody would walk away from modeling just to turn to REAL railroading. J.Albert put it best. They are two very different worlds!
Things not working out (And model Cows not mooing! I thought you guys might of realized it was a joke with this pun! ) are not reasons to give up! It would be like someone having a hard time playing a shooter game, only to turn to the real military!
No guys, I hope to be doing this for decades to come (Sorry Kusojiji. You cant take over yet.)!
On another note, it is good to know i am surrounded by such a good community! Even with such ridiculous frustrations, you were all here ready to encourage me!
Yes, I do wish you luck, see you back on April 2. While you are away, just get ready for the hassle of re-railing a 67,500 lb covered hopper car, esp if it tore up any of the rail.
) are not reasons to give up! It would be like someone having a hard time playing a shooter game, only to turn to the real military! 
