Personal
Finding One's Spot
Garden Railroading, perhaps as with other hobbies, depends largely on the hobbyist’s aptitude, experience and interests. I am mostly a loner. My working life and early retirement years were filled with meetings and efforts to influence the thinking of others. Now I prefer to work at my own pace and on my own schedule. At times I neglect the railroad, leaving the trains to their own devices. At other times I work at the railroad from dawn to dusk. This is my choice and I relish this freedom.
There are a couple of dear friends who have knowledge and passion about this railroad and who make periodic appearances. They supply answers to questions and rescue me from problems. Two energetic and highly intelligent young men are helping and pushing with this website. They have skills and insights which I lack. So there is space for others. It is, however, mostly a solo affair. No doubt I would learn more and make more progress by joining a club but this is not my way.
I read articles in which spouses work side by side on their railroads and at times wish my wife were more involved. Yet there is so much to be said in favor of having the freedom to do it your way and, yes, to make your own mistakes.
I do enjoy ‘showing’ the railroad to others and am pleased when they want to visit and run trains. This is especially true when there are opportunities to introduce families and youngsters. This is about the right balance for me, something I have discovered over time.
Moving Down the Line
There are always things to do. This is what I love about the hobby.
We must think about weathering some of the engines and rolling stock. Trains, especially during the steam era, were dirty. I hate the idea of scuffing up beautiful cars, adding rust and grime but this must be done once we master the techniques. Track work and maintenance remain a priority. This chore requires both patience and know-how. There is much which can be done to automate some of the track-side structures and to add sound features. The decoders have the capability for adding smoke units to locos as well as sound and lighting features which we must master.
Learning to operate the trains will involve reading and conversation with old train buffs. Then, we must apply the lessons learned.
Someday I want to have a 'live steam' powered locomotive. I am about to hatch a plan to husband the financial resources to accomplish this dream.
Finally, we can continue to work on the website for family and friends. We look forward to meeting other garden railroaders and making new friends who are passionate about this wonderful hobby.
