A recent conversation with a fellow modeller has bought me back to thinking about why I’m modelling, and what my modelling should represent. Let me explain.
I have a lot less modelling time now than I ever did before, due to my work commitment, which is driving the nature of my modelling in different (if interesting new) directions.
Among the changes I’ve had to make is in the scope of the work. Because it takes longer to complete larger and more complex projects I’m focusing on smaller easier to complete in a day projects as my primary goal. I have some large projects that remain on the table. These will be for items I cannot buy, kitbash or otherwise make out of something else.
Will this change the nature of posts that appear here on the Andrew’s Trains blog? No, I don’t believe so. This blog has always been about small layouts with lots of operational potential, and that is in line with what I am moving to in my modelling.
Weathering will continue to play a large part in my modelling, upgrading blue-box style kits to better reflect the prototype is where I found real joy in modelling as a young man. And I’m going back to that in a big way this year. There’ll be more posts along these lines to come over the next few months as I get my modelling life back in order.
With a demanding and hectic work life simplicity is my goal. Modelling simplicity likewise has to be the case. Simple projects that can be done with:
- tools I already have,
- resources I already have, and
- that can be completed in the time I have to give them.
This is the focus of my modelling going forward. Likewise to layout building. I have a couple of projects that I want to complete, one of which is a Supernook, a new design I’m working on now that will begin with the baseboards build before we left the USA 13 years ago. I’ll be continuing on with the US-based shunting layouts, but I’m interested in building a Australian/UK-based Minories layout soon as well.
Takeaway
I’ve made modelling a complex and often difficult endeavour. I’ve lost my love of producing models that I enjoyed building and that I am proud of. Life is short, and more so as I near my mid 50s. Time with my family and enjoying what I do is not limitless. So the time is now to make the changes that keep me happy, healed and enjoying what I do. I hope that you will stay along for the ride. With almost 100,000 unique views over the last 3 years I’m hopeful that you will stick around and see what is coming.
Andrew's Trains 
Brother Andrew!
I look forward to reading where your journey takes you!
I too am going through a similar journey in my approach to our wonderful hobby.
What has helped me greatly is Mike Cougill’s eBooks, The Missing Conversation, Volumes One and Two.
http://www.ostpubs.com/a-different-conversation/
Mike would be happy to see a particular word in your posting: WHY?
Good luck and keep us posted.
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Charles – thanks for your on-going support as I journey back to where I am happiest. Budget modelling, kitbashing and the occasional scratchbuild project. It was a work mate and I who were having this conversation, and he was the one who got me thinking about what I was doing (modelling wise) and why I’ve gotten where I am.
I have several of Mike’s e-books. Those two among them. Mike is a mentor for me when it comes to my O scale modelling. It is a part of the reason that I’m looking at all of my modelling to determine where I go from here.
Thanks for your comments as always Charles.
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