Running Bear's April 2023 Coffee Shop

[troyphoto]

Hey gang. I came to the realization that I'm dealing with gaming burnout.

There was an event today over in OH. I had planned to go, and carpool with another. He backed out. So, this morning I had a scratchy throat, and declined to go anyway (not quite a 3 hour drive by myself one way).

I still love painting the figures.

But, my favorite game company CRANKED out the games and new models during the pandemic. On top of three games they had out before the pandemic I wanted to spend time playing.

I'm now up to 7 games I need to paint models for. With an 8th game I've pretty much exhausted my desire to add models to what I've done.

Our local group meets 2x a month. I wanted to start up a third meeting, and I never got a round tuit to get it going. Now, the desire is waning.

I'm wondering if part of this is the last few years of being mostly a hermit? I know part of it is game overload (too many games, not enough time). And part is the game I really want to play isn't taking off in my area. So, I need to spend energy getting others involved.

The good news is that I'm five issues behind on reading the Model RR Craftsman
, and Model Railroader mags. I think I'll knock a couple of those issues out tonight.

Anyone else having a tough time taking up the old social activities we had going prior to 2020?

 

[BigGRacing]

Hey gang. I came to the realization that I'm dealing with gaming burnout.

There was an event today over in OH. I had planned to go, and carpool with another. He backed out. So, this morning I had a scratchy throat, and declined to go anyway (not quite a 3 hour drive by myself one way).

I still love painting the figures.

But, my favorite game company CRANKED out the games and new models during the pandemic. On top of three games they had out before the pandemic I wanted to spend time playing.

I'm now up to 7 games I need to paint models for. With an 8th game I've pretty much exhausted my desire to add models to what I've done.

Our local group meets 2x a month. I wanted to start up a third meeting, and I never got a round tuit to get it going. Now, the desire is waning.

I'm wondering if part of this is the last few years of being mostly a hermit? I know part of it is game overload (too many games, not enough time). And part is the game I really want to play isn't taking off in my area. So, I need to spend energy getting others involved.

The good news is that I'm five issues behind on reading the Model RR Craftsman
, and Model Railroader mags. I think I'll knock a couple of those issues out tonight.

Anyone else having a tough time taking up the old social activities we had going prior to 2020?

Take care of yourself first Troy and yes, I think we all have periods where we just want to take a break and just self indulge for a bit. Those model craftsman books will help heal for sure!

 

[Boris]

That spanking sequence happened in grade school a lot, not only to me but to other classmates. Someone would go home and tell their parents that little Billy got spanked by a nun, then those parents would call Billy's parents and tell them. By high school, most of my classmates didn't talk about that kind of stuff with their parents.

Hey, sounds familiar, eh?

 

[TLOC]

Hey gang. I came to the realization that I'm dealing with gaming burnout.

There was an event today over in OH. I had planned to go, and carpool with another. He backed out. So, this morning I had a scratchy throat, and declined to go anyway (not quite a 3 hour drive by myself one way).

I still love painting the figures.

But, my favorite game company CRANKED out the games and new models during the pandemic. On top of three games they had out before the pandemic I wanted to spend time playing.

I'm now up to 7 games I need to paint models for. With an 8th game I've pretty much exhausted my desire to add models to what I've done.

Our local group meets 2x a month. I wanted to start up a third meeting, and I never got a round tuit to get it going. Now, the desire is waning.

I'm wondering if part of this is the last few years of being mostly a hermit? I know part of it is game overload (too many games, not enough time). And part is the game I really want to play isn't taking off in my area. So, I need to spend energy getting others involved.

The good news is that I'm five issues behind on reading the Model RR Craftsman
, and Model Railroader mags. I think I'll knock a couple of those issues out tonight.

Anyone else having a tough time taking up the old social activities we had going prior to 2020?

I wrote a thread about burn out in the MRH forum. Lots of great responses and of course over there the automatic thread derailing folks showed up.

During Covid I kept busy on the layout and really started weathering my own stuff. Terry and I once or twice a week had to get out of the house and because that 1st season from March to October most of Wisconsin was closed up, we just took a drive, basically went nowhere but drove and came back. We operated TOGETHER the layout, usually daily for about 30 minutes. Sometimes 2-3 times a day.

When the Wisconsin Covid restrictions were reduced or cancelled it took a lot to get back to where we were before Covid and that was for any activities, not just my trains. We used to go, including the last Tuesday before Covid in March, 2020, to the movies. It was nothing for Terry and I to see 30-40 movies at the theater a year. We have not been back since. Restaurants were the same way, until late 2021 all food from restaurants was via curbside pickup. The same for grocery stores.

So no you are not alone. Many folks went through what you might be experiencing now. You are just a late bloomer!!! Lol…

It’s not something to keep to yourself. Talk to your wife about it, continue writing about it here and your gaming sites. Best to you

 

[Sirfoldalot]

If case you don't already know, Pine and Cottonwood make lousy indoor firewood.

Cottonwood is stinking lousy for splitting as well - ask me how I know!

 

[Smudge617]

Good afternoon. It’s sunny and 86.
We made it to the train show, then I got taken to lunch, a trip through historic Sanford, and came back to find the son’s kitchen sink clogged and the dishwasher draining onto the floor.
3 trips to the hardware store later, the clog is unclogged and the floor mopped.
I did manage to snag an Atlas GP30 with sound and a pair of Athearn SD70Ms, and a half-dozen cars.

So all in all, apart your very nice haul of Locomotives and cars, pretty much the usual Saturday for you.

 

[Smudge617]

Hey gang. I came to the realization that I'm dealing with gaming burnout.

There was an event today over in OH. I had planned to go, and carpool with another. He backed out. So, this morning I had a scratchy throat, and declined to go anyway (not quite a 3 hour drive by myself one way).

I still love painting the figures.

But, my favorite game company CRANKED out the games and new models during the pandemic. On top of three games they had out before the pandemic I wanted to spend time playing.

I'm now up to 7 games I need to paint models for. With an 8th game I've pretty much exhausted my desire to add models to what I've done.

Our local group meets 2x a month. I wanted to start up a third meeting, and I never got a round tuit to get it going. Now, the desire is waning.

I'm wondering if part of this is the last few years of being mostly a hermit? I know part of it is game overload (too many games, not enough time). And part is the game I really want to play isn't taking off in my area. So, I need to spend energy getting others involved.

The good news is that I'm five issues behind on reading the Model RR Craftsman
, and Model Railroader mags. I think I'll knock a couple of those issues out tonight.

Anyone else having a tough time taking up the old social activities we had going prior to 2020?

Sounds like you have "Gaming fatigue", Yes, it is a new illness that I have now diagnosed and named "Troyame Syndrome"

Classic symptoms are.
Too many games (plus other interests)
Too little time to actually enjoy them.

Remedies include
No writing of Books minimum of 2 days
No painting of Goblins, Hobgoblins, Horses, Knights, Knights on Horses or Ogre's for minimum of 3-4 days
Run Trains for at least 2Hrs a day starting immediately.

Seriously tho' Troy, take a break and relax for a few days, the world and us will still be here.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

CURT - The video's of your layout empire are outstanding!
What can I say - I can remember when you had to tear out/down for the new floor ... what a wonderful work you have created!

 

[migalyto]

I wrote a thread about burn out in the MRH forum. Lots of great responses and of course over there the automatic thread derailing folks showed up.

Did the group of your doing it wrong, and heres how to fix it make an appearance as well!!

 

[TLOC]

Did the group of your doing it wrong, and heres how to fix it make an appearance as well!!

Most naysayers said burn out doesn’t exist and just barrel on…

 

[Smudge617]

Did the group of your doing it wrong, and heres how to fix it make an appearance as well!!

Nope, I'm not a member of MRH.

(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

 

[kbkchooch]

The rains came and went, but the wind is like crazy! VFDs all over the county are dealing with structure fires from lightning, and wires down from trees. Our cable cut out briefly, but the power stays on. (we hope)

Nope, I'm not a member of MRH.

I don't want to be a member of any group that would have me as a member!

But seriously, there are lots of opinions there, and on other forums. And you know what they say about opinions, they are just like a posterior orifice. Everyone has one, and they usually stink! This is the only one I visit, because there is a certain level of comradery and respect that is lacking elsewhere.

More steam! (hope I'm not boring you)

Y'all be safe tonight, I'll see ya in the mornin!

Tomorrow, more spline!

 

[migalyto]

Nope, I'm not a member of MRH.

(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

I've been a member there for years, but hardly ever post. Probably under 40 posts in 8 or so years.

There is some good info, but its defiantly a different vibe!

 

[Chrιstιαη]

 

[Alcomotive]

Saturday.....

I did some running of trains. My buddy Andy came over and needed help programing his Alcos. We did all 5 Alcos and speed matched them as well as adjusted the sounds. I uploaded the videos to my channel. I also tested my SD 45 and SD 40.......

https://www.youtube.com/@alcomotive/videos

 

[NorthBrit]

Good morning all. It's a sunny day!! After the wettest March in years, SUNSHINE!
I have been running steam engines for quite a while. Yesterday I ran the diesels. Such joy.

Warnemunde Station, Germany

David

 

[TLOC]

Good morning Crew. Happy Sunday to you all. 30f degrees but feels like 24 and heading into the 50’s. That means a nice Spring Wisconsin day. The snow that fell yesterday that was predicted to be 2”+ was just over 1” officially but only lasted till about 11AM when the sun showed up. It was more like snow pellets then flakes.

Day 2 has started of staying off the weathering bench. I kept busy yesterday fixing broken steps, railings that dislodged, fixed a few couplers and looked at the 3 sections of layout I have up. I went to the daughters neighbor who cut all the framework for the paper mill and brought those home. But I left them piled up in the garage. I will start this week on the project.

Thats it for now, stay safe and enjoy the day

 

[kbkchooch]

Good morning and happy Palm Sunday!

38 and sunny with wind gust to 25 mph, only expecting a high of 52 degrees.

Flo, may I have a plate of your finest biscuits and gravy along with my morning coffee. I’ll need something to stop the belly rumbling at church ( so embarrassing!)

BBL

 

[santafewillie]

Good Morning All. Today is Palm Sunday for those who might observe; the last Sunday before Easter. Partly cloudy and 52° here, expecting 77° later today. There's also a severe storm alert for this afternoon, let's see if they get it right this time. I hope not; the last three have missed us fortunately.
Picture perfect day yesterday; sunny, no wind and 73°. Yes we have occasional spring days. Maybe 91° tomorrow, mid-60's Wednesday through Friday.
Household chores started the day and then I kept really busy outdoors yesterday. Shredded brush for about an hour, mowed the front yard for another hour, and chainsawed firewood for another 30 minutes. I should have spent a little time in the garden setting out remaining tomato plants, but I just never got to it. OK though, I have a few more days before they begin to outgrow their starter pots.

Not much out in the train shed yesterday. I did run a few trains. I added a couple of figures to the top of the fermentation tanks at the Ethanol refinery.

Then I actually hooked up power to the lights in the Gateway Cafe. Makes the scene inside visible even in the daylight.

By the way, here's an overall shot of the area that I just completed.

It was hard to get this shot due to the aisle width and the workbench behind me.
I also played around with the placement of some trailers, both complete and incomplete in the area south of the new cow pasture.

Not sure I like them yet, I'll have to study them a bit more. I have other trailers that I could substitute in as well.


Mike (CGW) - Congratulations on the anniversary. Continued best wishes on your wife's recovery.
Curt - Nice pair of videos. You did a great job of quickly recovering from the forced dismantling. Have you thought about getting a full solar screen for that one window that is letting in such bright sunlight? It would cut down on the inevitable fading of scenery materials and any structures in front of it.
Troy - As I was reading your post from yesterday evening, I first thought that you were pulling an April Fool's joke regarding the game burnout. By the last sentence, I realized that you were serious. Good luck getting over your dilemma. I am/was a hermit to begin with, so the Covid restrictions didn't affect me very much. Additionally, Texas ditched most restrictions rather quickly in counties that even observed them to begin with. Masks were common, but closings were unheard of. I never missed our once a week dinner out, the grocery trek went on as usual, sporting events continued to happen but I never went beforehand. Maybe I am lucky, but I never got Covid although I got the first three Moderna shots.

Marvin Gaye would have been 84 today.
Everyone have a great day.

 

[TLOC]