in the mood

Being in the mood. Well since we are talking about modeling, I agree. The one great thing about the hobby is the variety of activities that you can engage in. I started a thread "Favorite parts of the hobby", but did not consider this point of view. It is certainly a factor when we have time whether we want to build a kit paint the backdrop or do some wiring. Some times you have to force yourself to get started. I find that even with projects that aren't my favorites,, once I get started I am motivated to finish it. I was in construction during my working years and always thought I was lucky because we got to "start again" on a new project and always looked forward to the finish. Doing the same thing day after day i think would be boring although those that do it are probably always looking for a better way. I even get vicarious enjoyment out of other's accomplishments. Well I am off to my club today and will run a train or talk to other members or guests about the hobby. Making friends who enjoy the hobby is probably my favorite pastime and an activities that I am generally arlays in the mood for. 

In the mood - art can't be forced....but it can be given a push

N, I whole heartily agree with your post on "in the mood".  Much of what we do in model railroading is a type of art, and if you aren't in an artistic mood then the results can be less than satisfactory.  That said, sometimes you can give yourself a gentle little "push".

Let me give you an example from my previous layout regarding painting clouds on the backdrop.  I just couldn't seem to get myself in the mood to paint them.  I applied my "just a little" technique from excercise; that is, I won't do all 10 weight lifting exercises...I'll just do one or I won't walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes, I'll just do five minutes.  In most instances once I get started I usually continue on to completion.  For my clouds I said "I won't paint them all, I'll just paint a few".  Another example is ballasting (which I don't especially like doing) where I told myself that I'll only do one foot.  Most times I ended up doing much more one I got started.

What about going to the train room.

I have heard some modelers just say, "I ain't interested in going into the train room today."  "just not in the mood."  I have been there too.  I think this begins to happen when one realizes the "plan" isn't working out.  Then another form of analysis paralysis sets in.  Eventually nothing happens.  Or there is the guy who just plans too big a layout to take on or plans one too big for his space.

 So, for you beginners and returnees to model railroading, post your plans to this forum by starting a thread about your railroad empire and let the members help you design a workable layout that should help you avoid analysts paralysis when things go wrong.

Don't be offended when they move or change your ideas, don't be offended when they ask you questions about your dream layout and don't be offended when they ask you to start off with something smaller that could grow into your dream layout.  There is a lot of experience on this forum.

For you guys lurking, You know who you are.  Get involved.  This is your model railroad club.  This is your support group.  We want to hear from you.  You might be hiding the greatest model railroading tip of all.

Now I will get off my soapbox and and let someone else setup.

Den

In the Mood

I agree, there are times when there are sooo many things that need to be done especially when starting a new layout that you get a bit overwhelmed.  And as Dennis noted the plan does not seem to be working is a discouragement to starting or continuing construction.  I just recently started a new layout and used 3rd Planit to design the layout with a lot of help from a friend. While laying the track I discovered that maybe the design we had was not exactly what I envisioned. Especially in context with the scenery I had in mind. A few minor changes helped but, still not sure of the design. So I have moved on to another area and will revisit the area with a clearer mind.

I also belong to a "Round Robin" group of modelers which will help get me back on track (pun intended). That being said, having fellow model railroaders around to help motivate you is a great way to keep you moving!  I have found that model railroaders as a whole are very open to helping fellow modelers. So if you are having trouble getting in the mood invite your friends over or visit your local hobby shop and hash out any issues that are holding you back.  I am sure your motivation will return!

Fred Eisen

Modeling Chessie System (WM) 1978 Baltimore to Hagerstown & York Division

My Problem

Being in the mood is not my problem...Life is my problem...Work hours, freshman son in high school and all the stuff that goes with Marching band and Orchestra, Civil Air Patrol Meetings and Training, Honey Do lists, ..etc..etc..etc.  The main problem is deciding what I want my layout to be...what I want it to do.  I have so much crap bought already thru 15..20 years of buying, that I hoped to use.  I did this back when I was single..and a bigger basement.  Rough count as I was doing some layout doodling...27 structures I could have serviced by rail  and i wasnt done counting.  Depending what I use or placement would then change size of my layout....to what rolling stock i use..which then could change...my min radius...use a helix or not.  I tried to use a Given and Druthers List and a backstory..a reson for it...but my wife says why.....This is your little world....your god....make it green with pink polkadots...make your sky purple....if you make it a job..follow rules...then you wont have fun.  so I had been in a rut...But thanks to a hell of a nice guy on here ..Paul  shout out to you ...He gave me his blessing to hack up his layout plans to fit my space along with his xtrkcad files and hes even worked on my ideas.  I got a major bug now so wife is in trouble.  Ill be posting upper deck plans shortly.  But like DKAustin said ...dont lurk...POST...ask questions....im finally starting.   I can honestly say in the past year I've done more and learned more just from this Site and these forums from all of you...than I have anywhere else....I just hope i dont look like a fool once my plans get posted   ROFLMAO.

Kevin Hauswirth

Modeling Something to do with the Grand Trunk Western 

@ Kevin

The only fools on here are those that attack others via responses.  Otherwise this is the best place, friendly and welcoming.  You need to start your own thread (think of it as your column) here about what you want to do.  Post your track plan in your thread asking for new ideas, suggestions and advice.

Surely you have been watching the discussion about Verne Niner's planned layout.  Did you notice how the guys made suggestions, edited the track plan, and provided advice?  It's evolving rapidly.  Have you noticed the concern of the duckunder in the plan?  Eventually Verne will settle the discussion choosing the plan that suits him the best.  Yet, the process will never stop.  Did you see the Tall Tales beginning on a layout that is still in design phase?  This goes on and on.  A few guys started a track planning contest, with a prize, to the one who came up with the best track plan that fit their own givens and druthers. However, that is not a requirement.

So, my advice to you is jump in with both feet.  Post diagrams of your space with photos so we can get a good idea of what you have to work with.  Then submit your plan with your track diagram.  Let the guys start making suggestions.  You will be surprised how it will transform.  Things will come up that you never thought about.  Never be afraid to ask.  You have been learning, now really learn by getting directly involved.

Like your supportive wife said, it's your layout, your little world.  That shows you are over the biggest hurdle, you got her approval.  May I recommend that if she is artistic that you involve her in your scenery, background, and tree making. You might see if she is good at structure building.  She might surprise you.

Anyway, welcome to the participating.

Den

Bits and Pieces

I seem to work in bits and pieces. I get some inspiration from something I see on this forum and give it a try. Then it's either boom or bust. I'll go headlong on a project for a while, then apathy sets in and the project sits awaiting for some round toit to appear.

@ Lurkers

It's your turn to join in and make your first post here.  You are welcome to talk to us about being in the mood to get started.  We all enjoy hearing about what you are doing.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  The only dumb question is the one that never gets asked.  You would be surprised by how many people have the same questions you do.  So, jump in here and be involved.

Den

I posted

I posted the upper deck...im not lurking anymore for now   

I saw that!

Kevin,

Great job!  I commented.

Den