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Post by runamuckchuck on Sept 21, 2024 22:08:38 GMT
As much as I enjoy model trains, unfortunately I have to acknowledge that I am not committed to a permanent layout. I cannot explain why, it is just the way it is with me. I have nothing but admiration for those permanent layouts both modest and over the top that OGF members have created/nurtured over the years.
The best space in our house is the room that I use for listening to music as you may remember from my holiday thread/videos last year. My plan was to turn this room into a flex space of sorts 6 months music, 6 months trains. Unfortunately due to the increasing amount of hand applied details on both MTH Premier* and Lionel Legacy* engines, boxing and unboxing at the beginning or end of a seasonal layout is dicey. As I do not display/decorate with trains, having these nice items in boxes for 6 months make no sense. In addition the time to do a proper job on even a seasonal layout is months not days or hours and then there is the switch over from Halloween to Christmas.
If my driveway was a little longer and we were not in a critical areas for a major watershed I would convert the garage into my train room.
Consequently I will be right sizing my assortment of O scale and MTH standard gauge trains that I accumulated in anticipation of building a permanent layout to something more appropriate to a modest seasonal layout. Heh it was fun while it lasted.
This is all prelude to the fact that I will be far less active on the Forum threads going forward than I have been in the past. This is what the thread title references.
Over the last few months it has been obvious that for whatever reason OGF has found a broader audience as new members seem to be coming in waves. I attribute this to the caliber of the membership, their civility, and openness to differing opinions w/o heavy handed moderating.
So rather than good bye, let me just say until next time.
* unfortunately I have expensive tastes.
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Post by Adam on Sept 21, 2024 22:33:16 GMT
While I am sad to hear that we will hear less from you, I am thankful that you have been with us for so long. I really enjoyed your contributions.
Good luck with the downsizing and the next phase of your, lighter-sized, model train adventures.
And thank you for the kind words about the forum. I feel the same way, we have great members!
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Post by curtis on Sept 21, 2024 22:56:44 GMT
I have enjoyed your discussions and participation. Stay well and drop in to just say hi.
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Post by david1 on Sept 21, 2024 23:20:21 GMT
I'm sad to hear that you won't be around as much. I really liked your in sights on the hobby and life in general. I learned alot from your point of view and well thought out life lessons.
No matter the space you have its always fun to play with trains no matter the space you have.
All in all you have to live your life so live it the best you can.
Life is short don't ever restrict your dreams.
Dave
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Post by harborbelt70 on Sept 21, 2024 23:29:25 GMT
Wow. Personally I am (to use a bad term) gutted to learn this as I have valued all your posts. But I know from X years on train forums that people occasionally come and go, and come back again, and go . . . So I wish you well, virtual buddy, and know that you will still enjoy your hobby pursuits. Please don’t be reluctant to look in here from time to time. We are a very welcoming bunch.
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Post by Country Joe on Sept 22, 2024 1:27:58 GMT
I’m sorry to hear that you’ll be less involved here, Chuck, but understand. Check in now and then to let us know how you’re doing.
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Post by ron045 on Sept 22, 2024 4:12:07 GMT
Very sorry to hear this. Don't you just want to hang on and do something?
Maybe a ceiling circle around the room with just your favorite stuff?
How about a time saver layout on a hinge that can fold up out of the way? Don't put the trains away, just put them on a display shelf.
There are many ways to stay involved and stay minimal.
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Post by Traindiesel! on Sept 22, 2024 5:57:13 GMT
Oh, Chuck, Chuck, Chuck, c’mon now! SNAP OUT OF IT!!
You can have both a layout and music room in the same space!
Do whatever you have to do to organize the room. Then hang your audio speakers high on the wall in the corners of the room. (I’m going to believe you have a surround sound system. If not, that’s a separate conversation.)
Then construct an around the room layout benchwork to your specifications, leaving the center of the room open. Use some Yankee ingenuity to figure an entrance to the room and/or inside the layout.
Once that is complete buy or construct a nice cabinet for your audio system under the inside front of the layout, then connect the speakers to the system and any other components. Now you are set up to listen to your favorite tunage while you begin track work and wiring. For an added bonus connect a very large flat screen television to the wall between the speakers and connect the necessary HDMI video and audio.
Bonus #2: get yourself a nice cushy comfy recliner to put on headphones to listen to your stacks of wax and to run and watch the trains while you groove to the musical pleasures flowing to your ears. Add a side table for liquid refreshments and snacks.
Then hang a “KEEP OUT” sign on the entry door. Then you’re all set to fulfill the dreams you never realized you had!
And another thing. Stop it with the ‘not participating on the OGF’ nonsense! Ohh, you didn’t know??!! YOU BETTER CALL SOMEBODY! You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave!!
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Post by josef on Sept 22, 2024 10:18:39 GMT
Don't forget, beside model railroaders, we're also friends here at OGF. So drop in anytime and let us know about your latest endeavors.
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Post by healey36 on Sept 22, 2024 12:44:02 GMT
Forum participants come and go, their interests ebb and flow...it's just the nature of conversation. No worries, you'll find your level of comfort through all of it.
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Post by dennym57 on Sept 22, 2024 14:06:39 GMT
I'm sorry you won't be around. As the others said I enjoyed your post. You'll always have friends here..
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Post by atsda on Sept 23, 2024 16:06:02 GMT
Chuck, say it ain't so. Your comments have been thoughtful, provoking, and humorous. Keep posting to the extent you can, and give us updates. Alfred
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Post by rtraincollector on Sept 23, 2024 16:24:24 GMT
I know the feeling, I temporary put my nova projects on hold, as I try to sell some of my trains I will not use between now and the end of my time. I need to get some packing and boxes to list some more.
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Post by redjimmy1955 on Sept 24, 2024 13:23:24 GMT
I STRONGLY SECOND WHAT Curtis wrote....I like and DO read your posts! Using caps here for emphasis!
Suggest you sell some trains or at least make a 4x8ft layout. Do drop in now and then!
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Post by redjimmy1955 on Sept 24, 2024 14:58:14 GMT
OK Chuck...here is a bit of encouragement for ya!!! Some years ago, I had a similar conundrum. Been playing my 5 PC drumset at open mics and having friends over for jams, all the while I had a large 12 x 22ft carpet Central winding all over the music/trainroom.
Had DOUBLE tracks around the drums; loops around where our bass player sat....a three spur railyard....lighted buildings...a lil' streetcar route...
It CAN be blended in! Give it another think (incorrect syntax on purpose).
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