Time of Year

With summer almost upon us, and nice weather is here to stay for a while, do you model less? For me, I model all year long. I am not a fan of humidity anymore so I enjoy staying inside where it is cooler and les humid. It just so happens my layout is in the basement and it's even cooler and less humid down there as well. Some modelers have other hobbies such as fishing, camping, boating, & more. So it is understandable that there is less time for model railroading. Also, lets not forget that there is lawns to be mowed and such.

I have read in the past of model railroaders coming back from an absence from model railroading and feeling a tad lost. trying to figure out where they left off. Let's not forget that Murphy can show up as well. All this adds up for it possibly making it hard to get back into the swing of things in this hobby.

What I have done in the past when I knew there was going to be a period of time I was going to be away from the hobby, layout was to grab a notebook and make a list and notes. List what projects you are working on and where you are at with them. I recommend not skipping on the details, even if they seem small. In the end you will thank yourself for this as it will help you remember where you were.

I have read, in the past & recent, of people coming back to their layout after an absence and electronics or locomotives not working. One way to help combat this is to find someone you trust, if they are willing, teach them the basics of your railroad. ask them to fire up the layout periodically while you are gone and run the system and locomotives a bit. If you are one to pack up your cars and locomotives when your going to be away a bit, then have them just power the system on, leave it on for a few minutes, and the shut it off. This will make sure the system is getting regular power.

We all sometimes need a break from our hobbies, especially if we work on them a lot. So just sit back and think a bit before you take a break from this hobby and make sure things will be fine. Last thing you want to do is come back to the hobby after a break and throw in the towel.

"Keep Your Train on the Tracks!"

Gary

MRT