are model railroads boring to you?

Question

i have a n scale layout but everytime i try and add scenery, i get bored and stop. its a 3x8 layout and my track are minimum radius which wont really allow 12 wheel diesel which is now a days a must on a railroad. i really dont want to keep wasting money on it only to tear it back up when i get bored with it. what should i do or what did you do?

Answer 1

So, are you bored because you can't run the engine YOU want, or is it because of the limitations? Why won't running a small engine satisfy you? You may need to switch to a Point-to-Point track system, and "pretend" there's a long journey between the ends, then do the operations at each end. Do you want to have a big enough loop to run continuously, or does a stop-and-go setup seem too boring? Or are both boring to you? One problem with the small 3x8 is that the scenery doesn't change much in that small a space, even for N gauge. Have you considered a "modular" approach, that would allow you to temporarily expand your 3x8 to include other modules, and you can then tear them down to store easier? There are many Modular Railroad clubs, using 2x4 foot modules. You could make a few to join up with your 3x8, in your bedroom or wherever you have it set up ( or is THAT one of the problems, you can't set it up permanently, so you have to keep scenery minimal for removal, which gets boring?). Some people have the layout up on a shelf system, around the border of their rooms, to accomodate a larger setup than possible any other way. You'll have to determine which setup might allow you more "excitement" in your hobby, if you wish to continue. Sometimes it just takes being creative in operations and setup to be more interested. Understandably, Model railroading takes alot of space, and if you don't have it, it can be boring...but if you love the hobby enough, you can find ways, from a small point-to-point system to a shelf setup, that will keep your interest in the long term, until you CAN get that ultimate setup that you want. I don't even have room currently for a 4x8 setup ( and I own my own house, it's just too full to have room right now ). I have to content myself with using my club's layout to do operations. You might want to look for a local club to join, to do the same thing. Good luck!
- The Gremlin Guy -
involved in HO, has N, Lionel 0-27, G, some TT, and a little Z gauge.

Answer 2

Not at all... I've been doing it for several years now, and understand your feelings though. I've had moments of frustration on my N-scale layout (2 ft shelf around my 10x12ft room)... I have torn sections up as I realize I've made design errors or unrealistic plans.

With your minimal space, I'd REALLY look into building a small "YARD" and getting into the "Operations" end of railroading.

Some great books are out there from Kalambach Publishing (the folks who print Model Railroading Magazine), such as "Realistic Operations on your Model Railroad".

GOOD LUCK !!

Answer 3

Eugene,

Using what you already have maybe try to incorporate into your layout subjects of railroading you enjoy whether it be a particular scene (whether this be nature or man-made), building(s), and/or track layout (i.e., a bridge, tunnel, etc.). This way you'll stay interested with what you're doing while building the layout. Anyway, this is just thought. Best of luck with your layout!

Answer 4

Expand. Building is supposed to be the funnest part about it, because if you have the room, the possibilities are endless. I'd love to have me enough room to build a monster n scale layout running 100+ cars a train. It'd keep me occupied for months and months..lol

Answer 5

Model trains are my passion since I was a little child. The only good online resource I found is this one http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=416. I'm reading their ebook series and I have learned a lot. Check it out I think it's worth it.
I hope it helps

Answer 6

I appreciate what you're going through.
It would be nice if you had room to expand - do you?

Here's a link to the Kato-USA website, where they offer track plans for N-scale.
This might help stir up some creative juices.

Answer 7

Don't get mired in one aspect. Scenery today, track and roadbed tomorrow, paint the next day, wiring the next, etc. This will relieve the tediousness and keep you from getting burned out on it.

Answer 8

Evidently, model railroads don't float your
boat. Try something else. Maybe sky diving
and parachute packing. (try to get it right
the first time)

Answer 9

Beside the musuem, you can bring your family member to ride the actual train with small fees. Just walking distance from the musuem. I did it and I love it. Also try the river cruise if your family have times to spare.