I think this applies strongly anywhere near a work bench or layout

Inanimate objects can be classified scientifically into three major categories: those that don't work, those that break down, and those that get lost.

The goal of all inanimate objects is to resist man and ultimately to defeat him, and the three major classifications are based on the method each object uses to achieve its purpose...

As an example , any object capable of breaking down at the moment when it is most needed will do so.

Please give your experiences of these rules when applied to your modelling 

(when it happens it ain't no joke - hence not posted under jokes!)

A few 'inanimate' problems I have had, although they don't necessarily match your criteria.

1.  Tools you need to use are always just out of reach so you have to put your work down to fetch them.
2.  Even if you've got dozens of tweezers there never seems to be a pair that match your needs.
3.  When oiling locos the oil frequently seems to miss the bit you want to oil and go everywhere else instead.
4.  You always run out of paper towels at the critical moment.
5.  You can never find track pins you drop on the floor until you tread on them.
6.  Coupling springs are not 'inanimate' they have a life of their own.
7.  Rerailers don't.
8.  There is never enough room to put all the boxes for your rolling stock
9.  There are never enough storage boxes to put all your rolling stock in.
10. The instructions for anything are always filed safely away.

There must be loads of others - too numerous to list. 

I believe that Einstein had an Irish friend/colleague who came up with a law to describe these phenomena

Best regards,


Joe

Quote from: joe cassidy on February 11, 2016, 08:16:15 PM
I believe that Einstein had an Irish friend/colleague who came up with a law to describe these phenomena

Best regards,


Joe

And wasn't our Irish friend just spot on right!! 

There is also a rule that the only way to find something you have put away safely, but can't find, is to go out and buy a replacement.

Quote from: Malc on February 11, 2016, 08:48:39 PM
There is also a rule that the only way to find something you have put away safely, but can't find, is to go out and buy a replacement.

Oh!! you are so right. The number of things I've now got two of!! 

I have 3 of somethings!

Quote from: Malc on February 11, 2016, 08:53:05 PM
I have 3 of somethings!

You bragging or complaining?

Quote from: Malc on February 11, 2016, 08:53:05 PM
I have 3 of somethings!

I can find none of the 3 I know I have!! 

First corollary of Murphy's law:

The likelihood of the thing going wrong is directly proportional to the importance of the people watching. 

You are in the middle of wiring up a couple of point motors.
You need just one simple toggle switch to finish the job.
You know you bought several last time you went to the shop.
Search everywhere.
In frustration drive 5 miles to the shop to buy another so that you can finish the job.
Get home.
Up to the workroom.
There are three switches right next to the place you were working originally.

It's the sort of thing that happens to me all the time !

Quote from: joe cassidy on February 11, 2016, 08:16:15 PM
I believe that Einstein had an Irish friend/colleague who came up with a law to describe these phenomena

Best regards,


Joe

I never knew that Sod was an Irish name

As it applies to exhibitions:

At any given moment within an exhibition, the locomotive , wagon, point set and / or electrical connection that was hitherto working faultlessly, will fail, with the size and severity of said failure being  in direct relation to the number of members of the public who are at the time standing in front of said layout.

Equally, the second that said viewers depart the scene (and no viewers are present) the hitherto-recalcitrant object will miraculously correct itself (without any 'operator assistance being required) and perfect operation will resume...

(I've seen and experienced such occurrences too many times to consider that it might be 'coincidental'. No doubt others will have had similar experiences).

Quote from: cycletrak9 on February 11, 2016, 09:57:36 PM

Quote from: joe cassidy on February 11, 2016, 08:16:15 PM
I believe that Einstein had an Irish friend/colleague who came up with a law to describe these phenomena

Best regards,


Joe

I never knew that Sod was an Irish name

Wash your mouth out..

Quote from: edwin_m on February 11, 2016, 09:47:56 PM
First corollary of Murphy's law:

The likelihood of the thing going wrong is directly proportional to the importance of the people watching.

One of my oppos was doing a demo of some video viewing software to a load of company big wigs, but the main server hiccuped and nothing happened. He quickly skipped over that bit, but left the audio turned up. During his next demo, the server started playing some random clip about midwives. The audio was of a woman giving birth. Cries and screams echoed around the room. Exit demonstrator stage left.