Motivation

[Smike]

If it wasn't for mine, I would have never um... settled down (just bit, but not too much), which in turn gave me time to get back to this hobby.  No more bottles and all that crap (litterly of course) Now she's old enough that she loves going on train rides, but no cell phones, Facebook, or dates yet. (So I'm thinking these are the best years  )

[Wardie]

I remember when mine thought trains were cool and would come to the hobby shop with me or rail fanning, they still think it is a cool hobby for me but don't have much time for it anymore, the opposite sex is much more interesting. But we have had a good time camping the last couple years, they have their own kayaks now and do like being outdoors. Sometimes I pick campsites where the rails run along the lake we are on.

My daughter(12) does sometimes step in and take a throttle when I am running things though, I don't think ops and switch lists would interest her at this point point, but she does like to(usually) run a train at a nice realistic speed.

[Bsklarski]

I too have felt the pain of when they are little and coming home to have "your shift" after being at work for 12 hours. Thankfully mine are grown to a point where I dont have to do diapers. (7 and 10). I did do foster care for 10 years. Whats worst than having your own? Baby sitting someone elses when they are 16 and 18, ect and then learning later they have stole money, makeup, ect from you.


Two completely different N scale layouts, that are connected, but totally different railroads and eras. Comments? Suggestions? I can take it, I get yelled at and sworn at all day from my trainmaster!

[DKS]

One thought comes to mind that might be as important as getting motivational recommendations from fellow  s is also steering clear of the "dark side":" avoid demotivational content. Study its advantages, but please don't dwell on work superior to your own; it can cause one to seize up. When looking at superior work, it can suck you into into a "why bother" black hole. The axiom I've coined in this situation: there is always someone who does better work than oneself.

Most everyone here on Rialwire has their strengths and weaknesses. Focus on how to apply your greatest strengths in ways to get the best bang for the buck. That said, by all means, find the time to learn new things and build on your body of skills and knowledge as you move through your project.

Finally, consider sharing some of your recent work for constructive criticism. This can be as invaluable as modeling clinics. I think you'll find that most RW s are honest yet supportive, as opposed to just being brutal. It's been the most useful and rewarding aspect of RW for me: honest, profession feedback.

Two completely different N scale layouts, that are connected, but totally different railroads and eras. Comments? Suggestions?

This is not impossible to make work by any means. For starters, sift through Dave Vollmer's threads on the dual-era work he's been doing, and also catch his clinic if you haven't already: Not a valid vimeo URL

[robert3985]

Like Ed, I found that sound really made a HUGE difference in my motivation.  Of course, I had to completely re-wire my modular layout to DCC standards, which meant that I had to convert from DC to DCC...which meant I had to start converting non-DCC motive power to DCC...with sound where possible.  BIG changes in both my attitude and how my railroad is operated by converting to DCC and sound simultaneously.

Then...I teamed up with a train-buddy of mine and we are attending three annual shows here in Utah and Wyoming with our portable, modular layout.  Having deadlines and commitments REALLY forces the "motivation" issue!

As to DKS's comment.  I agree totally that there is always a modeler somewhere who can model something better than you.  On the other hand, with a little effort and research, you can probably be the "top" modeler of something having to do with model railroading at least once in your modeling life...or even be consistently "expert" in at least one aspect of the hobby among your model railroading friends and associates. But...it takes effort.  It's not something you just "fall" into.  But, once you begin to have people asking specifically for YOUR advice about something...THAT builds motivation.

Giving of your time and talents is a great way to "feel good" about the hobby and it provides a reason (other than just satisfying your own personal model railroading desires) for your participation in the hobby.  In my area, several model railroad clubs are always looking for someone to give clinics on just about every aspect of model railroading.  I find that I am surprised that some of the men and women I would think know everything, learn something from me when I give my clinics.  I also find that some attendees will teach me new techniques and I am always happy to learn a new, better way of doing things! So, clinics are mutually beneficial.

I also agree that doing just a little model railroading at least five days a week really will make a big difference in your layout progress.  When I see something "different" and good about my work on my layout...that also motivates me to keep up the good work...whereas months or years of lack of progress does just the opposite. Taking quality photos of my layout's progress and publishing them online also motivates me, and I hope, motivates others.

Hope this helps...

Bob Gilmore