He's wrong. You see the stock wasn't built for Clayhanger, it was built because I like building little engines, and I really like building little engines in O gauge. In fact, I really like building O gauge models.
On this basis, I'm convinced that there is another O gauge layout in my future. Since I only like building the sort of layouts that are home to diminutive locos, then there is a very strong possibility that this is the type of model I'll be building. I really can't see myself going for anything involving big locos.
However, in my cupboard, I do have quite a bit of stock for our layout Melbridge Town. The one we never finished because both my Dad and I got bored building it.
All of this was designed for a secondary mainline. There are big(ish) locomotives and even some bogie coaches including a twin-art set. What should I do with these?
I certainly can't see me building anything that could make use of them. I learnt a lesson with this layout, no big roundy-roundys for me. To be honest, I'm not even that fussed watching the things at a show, regular readers will have spotted that I'm normally to be found at the smaller and more interesting area of any event, pouring over a model small enough for the back seat of a car.
Heck, as Mr Ford was writing, I was standing behind his old layout The Art of Compromise and singing the praises of modest layout modelling.
The trouble is, what do I do with the stock? Much of it is detailed RTR from the 1990s. No-one wants this stuff now, they have newer and shinier boxes of more detailed models.
Take my Class 24 above. Converted from a Hornby Class 25 and fitted with Ultrascale wheels, it was OK for its day, but you can now buy better RTR. The reasons I care about this model are nothing to do with prototype fidelity, and everything to do with having several hours of my life invested in it.
So, I do have many models with no real purpose. I suppose I should just chuck them in the bin and declutter, but I'm stupidly attached to them.
5 comments:
Have I hit a nerve? I wasn't suggesting that people throw things out for the sake of it, more that as we are naturally hoarders and 'bargain buyers' that it's good to clear the decks once in a while so that you can see through it all. There are one or two that I know who go through a guilt trip as things that they have bought aren't getting used and it becomes a vicious circle as then this means that another set of stuff then sits redundant. Having a little sort out focuses the mind a little.
It is always a matter of personal choice really.
If you like the model, it doesn't need to be used, it could just sit as a display model for a while perhaps. With the oo and o gauge stock there is perhaps the chance of running on friends or club layouts to give occasional running if needed.
I have a number of older models, some which are non runners and not worth the hassle of passing on or disposing of, but with a little work they can be usable potentially in some cases.
Although I've nowhere near the amount of stock I can imagine you're talking about, I feel a similar sentiment even when looking at old triang models, some I used to use when I was younger and didn't care too much for detail in lieu of how many coaches my station could hold. I'm also torn because the space they take up is sometimes a hassle, and I'd be making a loss if I ever sold them, like you said, hours invested over money. Perhaps a small ebay charity auction could be your solution, far better than tossing out hard work, just make sure you'd be willing to post to Australia!
Chris - Not a problem. As it happens, I'm in the process of renting more storage and so this had occurred to me. There are undoubtedly some items I could be rid of, but generally not ones I have built.
Unbuilt plastic kits are another matter, as are unbuilt model boat kits.
The Clayhanger stock could find a place on the club O gauge occasionally if they hadn't gone down the DCC route. I'm too stingy to buy the chips!
Hi Phil. Much as it probably pains you to see the big loco go, I'd put it up on ebay with a reserve you are happy with. Someone out there will be glad of it and you can console yourself knowing it will have gone to someone who wants to use it. Maybe you'll get enough to buy another kits of some sort to have more building fun with. Keep up the great blog.
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