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Enjoy your stay Thanx for visiting |
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~ Model Trains ~
I think model trains are to adults what computer games are to teenagers and what dolls and trucks are to most little boys and girls; good old-fashioned toys! Model trains have been a real favourite among the "hobbying elite" for generations and somehow over the years, they have not lost their heritage and tradition. There are many a family that are building a train layout in their basement while we speak. It is one of those few hobbies that has endured the test of time and finds a new following with every generation that discovers model railroading. It gets passed down from father to son or older brother to younger brother like an olympic torch. If you are a boy or a man, you have to play with trains. It is your genetic birthright and it is your destiny.
I have two friends who have phenomenal "N" scale train layouts in their basement. They are truly an awesome sight. The scale is rather small compared to the traditional "HO" scale model trains, (the standard and most popular scale) but I have to tell you; these layouts are impressive! The detail and work that goes into them is mind-boggling. I think my one friend (the self-appointed track engineer), has been working on his layout with his daughter (delegated model builder) for about three years now, and it is still only about two-thirds complete. The layout is about eight feet square but it is packed with trains and tracks and models and scenery. There is not one square inch of plywood that is bare. I haven't had much opportunity to see him lately because he spends one hour a night religiously, with his daughter, working on this train layout. The only time I ever get to see him is on the occasional weekend when I am able to coerce him to come out and play golf.
I have had the opportunity to play with these trains. This is a real honour you know. Not everyone gets to play with somebody's train set. This is their pride and joy. You have to sacrifice something very important like your car or an evening out, before they will trust you with "the controls". Tread softly and be very careful. The owner will be watching over you like a hawk. They want to make sure you understand how the controls work and not to go too fast because you might derail and upset or damage one of those precious models that they spent hours on. You wouldn't want to disappoint him that you don't know how to do this. Once you have mastered the controls, you will find that time will totally escape you and your evening is completely shot. You will be lucky if you get out before dawn. I have spent many a long cold night drinking beer or coffee and playing together with their trains, well into the wee hours of the next morning. It is absolute total fun. It makes you feel like a child again.
A few years back I made a feeble attempt at constructing my own layout. It wasn't anything spectacular but it was my attempt at mastering the hobby. I was very satisfied with my model-building prowess, but track laying and designing was not my forte. I just didn't seem to have the right combination of switches and double tracks and sidings that made the layout interesting and fun. I gave it up and put the layout away. I still have it somewhere. Someday I may dust it off and try to rebuild it, but for now, I am quite content to work on and play with other people's trains. It is much more fun and means only sacrificing a few hours of slave labour when you are at their house. There is a rule, that if asked, you have to help build something for the layout. It is a tradition. If you don't help build a model or design a little corner section that needs attention or rebuilding, you don't get to play. Period. You haven't "bonded" with the owner yet.
Operating the controls is by far the most fun. You feel power. You are the master of the domain and have unlimited control over the fate of the planet (okay maybe a little overdone). It makes you feel very important. All these trains that are zipping around are all at your mercy. It feels wonderful. The little child in you lights up your face and you feel like a ten year old all over again (except you can drink beer now). The feelings never go away. It is a wonderful way to spend an evening with a good friend or the family.
If you don't have the opportunity or know of anyone that has a model train layout nearby, you can always visit a local model railroading club or local display exhibit that may come around from time to time to your local shopping mall or library. Even just watching the trains go around can be an exciting way to spend the afternoon. Most hobby and craft shows include model railroad exhibits that are usually quite big and spectacular. You never know what could come of it. Maybe you would prefer just to join a local club and spend some time there, when you can, every once in a while. You may want to contribute and build a model now and then, or build one at home for the club layout. Anything is possible if you really want to partake in the hobby. It is worth the time to investigate model railroading to see if this hobby would be something you would enjoy. It really is fun.
Pure and simple...
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- This Storyworx page updated May 10th, 1998 -