N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Skyline2uk on May 31, 2019, 04:33:14 PM

Title: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Skyline2uk on May 31, 2019, 04:33:14 PM
I am very lucky.
I am spoilt.

I have many many tiny trains and occasionally get to play with them / tinker.

Recently I have sold off lots of stuff from our loft and as a result acquired a lot more n gauge.

I have three more locos ordered.

I have three more different types of rolling stock ordered.

And yet....

There are currently 31 items on my eBay watch list and I have just found a seller with what can be only described as cave of wonders in stock. None of this can legitimately be called "needed", but I find myself really wanting it!

Just how addictive is this hobby of ours?
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Dorsetmike on May 31, 2019, 05:01:48 PM
In October I will have been afflicted for 45 years, seems like there's no known cure this side of the crematorium.
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Snowwolflair on May 31, 2019, 05:08:34 PM
Oh yes, and the serious addicts don't even wash, noticeable at shows.  :goggleeyes:
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: RailGooner on May 31, 2019, 05:21:51 PM
Don't try this at home kids, but I reckon it would be cheaper to be addicted to Class A drugs. :help:
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Skyline2uk on May 31, 2019, 07:49:43 PM
Quote from: RailGooner on May 31, 2019, 05:21:51 PM
Don't try this at home kids, but I reckon it would be cheaper to be addicted to Class A drugs. :help:

Is that what they mean by "mainlining".....

I'll get my coat

Skyline2uk
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: ntpntpntp on May 31, 2019, 07:52:34 PM
Hehe.  Every month I think "I will not even look at ebay this month", yet every month something seems to turn up I must have a go at even if not actually needed.   It's quite a relief to be outbid sometimes, but on the other hand the few things I do "win" are really good bargains as I'll rarely chase anything beyond the cheeky opening bid  :D
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Skyline2uk on May 31, 2019, 08:06:01 PM
Quote from: ntpntpntp on May 31, 2019, 07:52:34 PM
Hehe.  Every month I think "I will not even look at ebay this month", yet every month something seems to turn up I must have a go at even if not actually needed.   It's quite a relief to be outbid sometimes, but on the other hand the few things I do "win" are really good bargains as I'll rarely chase anything beyond the cheeky opening bid  :D

My latest vice is "make an offer"....

Didn't think people actually accepted those  :confused1:

Skyline2uk 
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: ntpntpntp on May 31, 2019, 08:20:08 PM
Quote from: Skyline2uk on May 31, 2019, 08:06:01 PM

My latest vice is "make an offer"....

Didn't think people actually accepted those  :confused1:

Skyline2uk

Yes, I've had more offers accepted recently, or counter offers which were still worth it.  Sometimes it's accepted automatically and you think "how low could I really have gone?"
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Newportnobby on May 31, 2019, 10:24:25 PM
Quote from: Skyline2uk on May 31, 2019, 08:06:01 PM

My latest vice is "make an offer"....

Didn't think people actually accepted those  :confused1:


They don't. I just get my face slapped. :'( :-[

If only there wouldn't be some new model being announced each month it would help, but I currently have on pre-order:-

7 locos
3 wagons
2 coaches

and am waiting to hear when/how I can order another 2 locos and another wagon.
My name is Newportnobby, and I'm an addict.
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Tank on May 31, 2019, 10:55:53 PM
I have found it extremely addictive in the past.  Since my three children started appearing 9 years ago, I have found that my playtime is nearly none existent.  Yet, I still keep buying the models! 

I've paid up for various promised models like the Class 319, Class 321, Class 33, Class 50.....all NSE.  One model I've been addicted to in the last few years (filling in the gap whilst waiting, I guess?!) are the Auto Ballasters.  I currently have 45 of them.   ::)  Love them, but I don't need them.
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Dorsetmike on May 31, 2019, 10:59:47 PM
I've had quite a few offers accepted on Rails second hand items best was about 25% off, usually more like 15%-20%
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Ditape on May 31, 2019, 11:46:47 PM
There is no cure for modelrailitis. :help:
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: BramptonBranch on May 31, 2019, 11:57:22 PM
At the moment I'm in some sort of remission unfortunately my need for Minitrix warships is still hard to control.... :o :o
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: emjaybee on June 01, 2019, 12:10:35 AM
Addictive? No, that's absurd.

I mean, look at me, in the last few years I've only bought 8 x Jubilees, 2 x Black 5's, 1 x Jinty, 1 x Duchess, 1 x Ivatt, 1 x Fairburn, 2 x Royal Scots, 7 x 'B' tanks, 3 x Hunslets, 3 x Sturgeons, 4 x Burlington Northern locos, 8 x BN freight cars, multiple NGS kits, oh, wait, oh, I see what you're getting at now.

I have reeeaaaallllyyy got to build something bigger than my test loop.

:-[

:smackedface:

Oh, yes, and countless wagons off FleaBay.

:'(
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Intercity on June 01, 2019, 12:29:02 AM
Can we all relate to this?

https://youtu.be/WHi-x8uwCD4

The guy that did it I believe is a rail modeler himself, and the layout being his fathers.
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Skyline2uk on June 01, 2019, 07:52:53 AM
Oh

Something else I am afflicted with is a form of OCD...I must complete the set.

I now have 33025 and a mostly re-numbered 33030 (struggling to find small enough numbers for the cab fronts).

I have 47 807 and therefore really need 47817.

I would love 60006 but know I would then need to source a version for 60033.

Etc etc

Skyline2uk
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: njee20 on June 01, 2019, 10:13:59 AM
How's that a set...?  ???

I remember about 5 years ago saying "well I'd rather not have more than one loco in a single livery, better to have a variety."

I now have 9 EWS 66s, and 6 Freightliner ones.  :doh:

Still, with second hand prices as they are I know I can recoup costs easily enough should I need to!
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Skyline2uk on June 01, 2019, 10:21:19 AM
QuoteHow's that a set...?  ???

Well there were two "Minimodel" 33s (unless I am wrong) so I want Models of both, and two Portabrook 47s etc

:thumbsup:

Skyline2uk
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Bealman on June 01, 2019, 10:23:21 AM
I've found that sticking religiously to my chosen 1950-1963 time period puts a lock on my acquiring new stuff, no matter how enticing. I didn't get a Pendy for that reason.

Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Skyline2uk on June 01, 2019, 10:33:01 AM
Quote from: Bealman on June 01, 2019, 10:23:21 AM
I've found that sticking religiously to my chosen 1950-1963 time period puts a lock on my acquiring new stuff, no matter how enticing. I didn't get a Pendy for that reason.

I haven't got a pair of Blue Pullman's and or a Pendy for that reason as well  :goggleeyes:

Skyline2uk


Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: njee20 on June 01, 2019, 10:35:57 AM
Quote from: Skyline2uk on June 01, 2019, 10:21:19 AM
QuoteHow's that a set...?  ???

Well there were two "Minimodel" 33s (unless I am wrong) so I want Models of both, and two Portabrook 47s etc

:thumbsup:

Ahhh, thanks, that was too nuanced for me!
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Bealman on June 01, 2019, 10:49:11 AM
Quote from: Skyline2uk on June 01, 2019, 10:33:01 AM
Quote from: Bealman on June 01, 2019, 10:23:21 AM
I've found that sticking religiously to my chosen 1950-1963 time period puts a lock on my acquiring new stuff, no matter how enticing. I didn't get a Pendy for that reason.

I haven't got a pair of Blue Pullman's and or a Pendy for that reason as well  :goggleeyes:

Skyline2uk

I plead guilty to one BP m'lud  ;D
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Dorsetmike on June 01, 2019, 11:13:43 AM
I admit to a touch of insanity, I model the Southern  mid 1930s; It has been said that one has to be mad to try and model the Southern in any period before about 1960, if that is so then 1930s definitely qualifies.
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: dannyboy on June 01, 2019, 12:45:08 PM
I have just had a look at my Excel stock spreadsheet. I have just short of 500 pieces of rolling stock, (including a lot of 'Royal Mail' items), which has cost me ........... HOW MUCH?  Must be a faulty calculation! :o :goggleeyes: (It is a good job that Louisa is not looking over my shoulder!). And I have only been involved in this hobby of ours for about five years.  Does that class me as an addict?  :hmmm: No it doesn't, I can take it or leave it .................... in fact there are only two engines on my ebay watch list!
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: joe cassidy on June 01, 2019, 12:56:33 PM
I try to limit my purchases to presents to myself for special occasions such us my birthday, Christmas, Waitangi day, etc.
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Newportnobby on June 01, 2019, 01:00:37 PM
Quote from: Bealman on June 01, 2019, 10:49:11 AM
Quote from: Skyline2uk on June 01, 2019, 10:33:01 AM
Quote from: Bealman on June 01, 2019, 10:23:21 AM
I've found that sticking religiously to my chosen 1950-1963 time period puts a lock on my acquiring new stuff, no matter how enticing. I didn't get a Pendy for that reason.

I haven't got a pair of Blue Pullman's and or a Pendy for that reason as well  :goggleeyes:

Skyline2uk

I plead guilty to one BP m'lud  ;D

The BP entered service in 1960 so you're exonerated, George.

@Skyline2uk (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=1081)
Pssst. Wanna Pendy? ;)
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: ntpntpntp on June 01, 2019, 01:45:54 PM
Quote from: dannyboy on June 01, 2019, 12:45:08 PM
I have just had a look at my Excel stock spreadsheet. I have just short of 500 pieces of rolling stock, (including a lot of 'Royal Mail' items), which has cost me ........... HOW MUCH? 

Hehe - I never look at the total spent value, other than to comfort myself that it's way less than the cost to buy it all again now   :worried:  The other day I added number 999 to the "official"  inventory database of Continental N - so that doesn't include unregistered stuff and the British N collection.   Then there's the G scale stuff for the garden, sundry bits of T, Z, TT, HOe, OO/HO etc.....      SWMBO says if I didn't buy so many trains we could afford a house large enough to keep them in  :D   


I suppose #1000  should be something special, maybe time to see if there's something out there to treat myself as we've just passed pay day......
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Intercity on June 01, 2019, 02:39:40 PM
It helps to talk so you know you aren't alone, anyone reading this that hasn't posted yet feel free to chime in, we will assure you that there is no hope, we will let you know that eBay has listings that interest you, we will let you know your layout will never be finished, but above all we are here for you......

My watch list has 1 broken locomotive on it, but I just gave my paycheck to the guys at Revolution.
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: BramptonBranch on June 01, 2019, 05:46:32 PM
Lord I hate eBay with a vengeance detest it even, it takes  so much of my cash and so much of my time.
Will people please stop offering things for sale I just cant stop.........and if she who must be obeyed finds out I'm toast!! :bounce: :bounce:
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Chris Morris on June 01, 2019, 09:19:20 PM
I can stop buying Westerns any time I like ....

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/77/3123-010619211910.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=77993)
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Skyline2uk on June 01, 2019, 09:36:25 PM
Ok you lot are making me feel better now.

And, for the record, the 4 different livery 47s I was watching on eBay; all passed without me adding to the 7 I already have  :D

Skyline2uk
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: RailGooner on June 01, 2019, 10:27:23 PM
Quote from: Chris Morris on June 01, 2019, 09:19:20 PM
I can stop buying Westerns any time I like ....

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/77/3123-010619211910.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=77993)

Because you've got them all! :D
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: njee20 on June 01, 2019, 10:37:50 PM
All?! Pfft, another 66 to go ;)
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: honk843 on June 01, 2019, 11:27:37 PM
Lucky it isn't WDs.

I am concerned about the "class A" drugs. I justify my addiction on the basis I gave up smoking to do it. If SWMBO sees that comment she may want me to take it up again and give up N gauge  ----and I'm not sure I can do that.
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Snowwolflair on June 01, 2019, 11:29:49 PM
Quote from: honk843 on June 01, 2019, 11:27:37 PM
Lucky it isn't WDs.

I am concerned about the "class A" drugs. I justify my addiction on the basis I gave up smoking to do it. If SWMBO sees that comment she may want me to take it up again and give up N gauge  ----and I'm not sure I can do that.

A4's A2's or other Peppercorn locos  :D
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Lawrence on June 02, 2019, 07:48:20 AM
Quote from: Dorsetmike on May 31, 2019, 10:59:47 PM
I've had quite a few offers accepted on Rails second hand items best was about 25% off, usually more like 15%-20%

Looking at some of their prices Mike, especially for the Japanese and American stock, they would have to accept lower offers, they are sky high, in many cases I could buy the same item brand new, pay shipping and tax (and the Royal Mail) and still get it cheaper than their prices  :( They seem to think that because it's overseas stuff that it's worth more, in fact Keith at Train Trax often supplies new pieces cheaper than Rails s/h prices.
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Railwaygun on June 02, 2019, 09:15:36 AM
Quote from: Skyline2uk on June 01, 2019, 09:36:25 PM
Ok you lot are making me feel better now.

And, for the record, the 4 different livery 47s I was watching on eBay; all passed without me adding to the 7 I already have  :D

Skyline2uk

I read this as "without me adding to the 71 I already have  :D!!
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Skyline2uk on June 02, 2019, 09:17:22 AM
Quote from: Railwaygun on June 02, 2019, 09:15:36 AM
Quote from: Skyline2uk on June 01, 2019, 09:36:25 PM
Ok you lot are making me feel better now.

And, for the record, the 4 different livery 47s I was watching on eBay; all passed without me adding to the 7 I already have  :D

Skyline2uk

I read this as "without me adding to the 71 I already have  :D!!

;D  :o

Well, in some ways that would mean I still had some 450 to go  :P

Skyline2uk
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: DarrwestLU6 on June 05, 2019, 08:05:25 PM
I'm interested to hear that "make an offer" is working - not really had much joy with that! My technique for not spending too much is to record the price I pay for every loco, coach, wagon so I can refer to it before I make a bid, then if I see something I like I "Watch" if first, get's over the immediate urge to slap a bid down (once I get into bidding then I find I am hooked!). D
Title: Re: Seriously, is this hobby addictive?
Post by: Skyline2uk on June 05, 2019, 08:24:12 PM
Quote from: DarrwestLU6 on June 05, 2019, 08:05:25 PM
I'm interested to hear that "make an offer" is working - not really had much joy with that! My technique for not spending too much is to record the price I pay for every loco, coach, wagon so I can refer to it before I make a bid, then if I see something I like I "Watch" if first, get's over the immediate urge to slap a bid down (once I get into bidding then I find I am hooked!). D

Re the "make an offer"; my recent success has come with private sellers, not shops. I could be wrong but I guess shops have a set margin they won't break?

I never bid on anything until late on. For me I have a set price and if the item goes above it I walk away. No point in adding to the price until I have to...

Incidentally, now 40 items on the watch list  :goggleeyes:

Skyline2uk