I saw this phrase posted on one of the boards today. A little voice rang out, “Yeah! I’m not alone!”
“Multiple-Era Disorder” can turn the average prototype modeler into a train collector quicker than anything else I can think of. You know the type with more boxes on the shelf than finished models on the layout. Life is way too short to waste time on modeling everything. I can only hope I have enough modeling time to build all the models I want for my ONE modeling period.
Discipline will set you free…
We all have friends go on and on about their new steam locomotive they just bought that was retired by 1948. Yet we know full well, he also has a set of diesels that didn’t hit the rails until 1972. Are you looking forward to seeing them run together? That works for them, that’s great, it’s just not my thing.
I don’t mean to pick on any one person about this, I used to be tempted by the newest releases of models outside of my modeling period. I’ve got a whole For Sale page on this site where I’m still trying to get rid of my models outside of my current modeling focus. So, I’ve suffered from this also, I’ve felt the pain.
It’s one thing if your models are meant for a display shelf, I just don’t have enough time or money to model in all the different eras.
I never said I don’t like the different eras. I just don’t have time to model them all!
@Steven Zuby
Steven,
I “suffered” from the disorder for 15 years, before I saw the light. I continue to fight the urge at every train show I attend.
Now I’ve learned to look at models in other eras and enjoy how nice they look without the need to own them.
George
I have had this disorder for a long time and have the equiptment to prove it
@Gene D
Gene,
That is a risk, I think if that were to happen then a little “MED” might help that person.
I’ve found just the opposite to be true for me, focusing on the modeling era and the railroad have meant greater research into the prototype. Better information usually makes better models.
Besides there are always new modeling techniques to learn, even if you master one, you might need a different one to build the next model.
I still have to roll a boiler this year. That will be a new experience for me.
George
You make an excellent point about keeping focused. Not only is era a distraction but modeling too many prototypes. The hardest thing to do in this hobby is discipline. There is a risk of too rigid a theme can lead to a loss of interest.
Gene