This Hobbyist's Ramblings

Forgive me as I ramble on.......

I think that it was Oscar Wilde that wrote “I can resist everything except temptation”.

I feel the same way. If not, why after 45 years back in the hobby I still cherish going to train shows, flea markets, hobby shops and the internet looking for more trains.

This despite the fact that my collection (accumulation) consists of over 74 engines (mostly Post War Lionel), over 700 pieces of rolling stock, almost every operating accessory Post War Lionel ever made and more. Standard Gauge, S gauge and N gauge are also represented.

What does not fit on my layout covers almost every square inch of my train room’s walls, All trains routinely get their turns on the layout to stretch their legs.

This pic shows about one third of the wall displays

The thrill of the hunt still goes on – it is an addiction, one shared by my many train addicted friends – is there something wrong with me?

Once in a while I’ll sell items to make room for others – tastes evolve and change. How do I decide which trains to sell? I look through my accumulation and say to myself “Self, if I saw that item today, would I buy it?”.  If the answer is “No” up for sale it goes.

At 75 I do think I will be slowing down on purchases, but will still love going to shows and events with friends for the comradery.

Of course, there are trains that I wish I could buy, but don’t exist. I solved that problem by teaching myself how to custom make these items. These projects are great fun for me. (See Winter 2025-2026 Rolling Stock Projects ) for some examples).

Same for layout buildings – Warrenville encompasses many custom Plasticville buildings as a result. (see Unique Plasticville Buildings for some examples)

Another great quote, this one from the hobby shop owner that Dagwood Bumstead frequented: “Trains are not a hobby – they are a way of life”.

As the Warrenville Railroad has grown to fit all of the space I have, but it still evolves with small updates and upgrades. The stiffness of old age is creeping in so major changes do not appear to be in future plans. (See Random Scenes From Around Warrenville - pics updated 5/2025 for pictures of Warrenville)

I enjoy bringing items home for the layout from places I’ve traveled to. Some examples: A typical red phonebooth from London, a few small buffalos from Yellowstone National Park, a ceramic Loch Ness Monster from Scotland and Dutch boy and girl figures from Amsterdam.

I’ll always enjoy running trains, even if for only a few minutes.

I address my layout building urges with annual Christmas Tree layouts. I try to run something different around the tree every year (see Christmas Layouts Past & Present ).

I’ve already mentioned train friends several times in this essay. These great like minded people are a Blessing – if you don’t share your hobby with others you are missing out on a lot of pleasure and learning experiences.  (see "Comraderie Through Trains" The Formation of a Local Club ).

Some collect or operate Pre War trains, American or European – gauges and propulsion methods differ from electric, wind up, or even live steam. Different gauges for different people too: Z gauge, N gauge HO, O, Standard, etc. too. Makes no difference – we are all “Train Guys” at heart. Scroll through the blog entries for the "Friend's Layouts" series of articles - that is where these friends share with you!

I always enjoy our layout and train room visits, tips are usually picked up – even to this day.

3D printing has come to Warrenville for some unique items. My talented daughter has made dumpsters, trashcans, squirrels, cell phone antennas, signs, building fronts and even a complete White Castle restaurant for me to list a few. (See 3-D Printing Comes to Warrenville )

Little people, lots of them, bring a layout to life. Scroll through the blog entries for the "Citizen's of Warrenville" series of articles - it is a pleasure to introduce these citizens with you therein.

A celebrity quote, this time from Jackey Gleason: “Booze goes swell with Lionel”. I don’t always agree with this, especially when I am running several trains at once.

Adding details to a layout does not need to be expensive. See Free and Unique Stuff to Use:

Bringing old trains back to life or maintaining them, either for myself or others, is quite satisfying – time spent doing this is a whole lot better than watching TV.

Nothing beats the smell of Lionel smoke pellets and electrical ozone smells.

Diesel horn beeps, air whistle sounds from steamer tenders, the roar of double motored F3 engines as they power around the tracks, E-unit buzzes, the click-clack on the rails always make me feel like a kid again.

Clearly trains make me happy. If you want to laugh check out: Wanna Laugh? Some train humor

One last quote, this one from Joshua Lionel Cowen – the founder of the company that bears his name, referring to children: “You have to keep the little buggers busy otherwise they will burn down the curtains”. While exaggerated, there is a lot of truth to this. It can even be extended to keeping adults busy and out of trouble with this great hobby.