How's Covid-19 affecting your hobby time?

BNSF FAN Mar 18, 2020

  1. MRLdave

    MRLdave TrainBoard Member

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    They split our crew in 2, the thought being if anyone gets sick that half goes into quarantine and the other half of the crew can take over. So half of us are working from home and half on the job and we rotate on a weekly basis. It's a little weird because the 2 halves are being kept totally apart so you never see half your co-workers, but I'll get some train time every other week. I've been putting off the layout since we moved, but this may be the time to get started.......assuming I can get lumber and such, but at this point the hardware/lumber yards are still open here.
     
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  2. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    Our neighborhood has decided to do something fun to lift family spirits and bring some smiles to children. Residents are invited to chalk greetings in their driveways and to place stuffed animals in windows. We're certainly up for that. :)

    2020-03-28 002 Driveway Chalk Art - for upload.jpg

    2020-03-28 003 Pig In Window - for upload.jpg
     
  3. Pastor John

    Pastor John TrainBoard Member

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    Trying to be the church, and stay in contact with everyone, without having church on Sunday is keeping be far busier than usual, especially during Lent and the lead-up to Holy week and Easter. I've been "pulled in" to work (even if it's on a laptop at home) for at least a little bit just about every day from the last three weeks and I don't see it getting much better any time before Easter.
     
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  4. Rossford Yard

    Rossford Yard TrainBoard Member

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    Saw an article on CNN today, about how staying at home has rekindled interest in long dormant hobbies, with an example of father and young son setting up some trains that had not been out for a decade or more. The pic certainly made it seem as if it was a permanent layout in pretty good shape, but it may be a mix and match thing for the article figuring no one would notice.

    It was the first example, so it seemed like the hobby was getting some props, which is always nice, I guess.
     
  5. Mo-Pac

    Mo-Pac TrainBoard Member

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  6. Mike VE2TRV

    Mike VE2TRV TrainBoard Member

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    gjslsffan, Kurt Moose and Mo-Pac like this.
  7. RailMix

    RailMix TrainBoard Member

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    Our services have been online for a couple of weeks, but yesterday, the pastor and several volunteers were able to make a drive in service happen with the use of a flatbed trailer in the parking lot. The service was heard on an FM station and I took my laptop to read the previously emailed bulletin and music.
    OK, it was like going back to the 60s, but was interesting and even fun.
    Otherwise, working from home I'm finding I stay quite busy developing online instructional material. In fact, it's time I was back at it.
     
  8. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    I don't need the gatherings and buildings. Just pause and thank the Lord and his spokesman.
    What I need is better transportation to go enjoy his handy works.
    The trains will be a second adventure.
    I hope all had a good Palm Sunday and have a good Easter.
    I think I will go to my storage and see what decorations I have for Easter. And then play with lay out plans.
     
  9. Rossford Yard

    Rossford Yard TrainBoard Member

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    That is the one! I was a little confused, because the pic was clearly a permanent layout, and upon seeing it on my desktop rather than phone, was set up at a train show. If you click the first blue link in the article there is a picture of the now 17 year old in the basement, in Jammies, with a Lionel loop set up on the carpet. That pix mirrors the article. In any event, I am going to guess the kid is a bit like us. Really still likes the trains, but at 17, thinks its not cool, especially with the girls. I think he will return again to the hobby, maybe in 10-12 years?
     
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  10. Mo-Pac

    Mo-Pac TrainBoard Member

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    I was thinking that the main photo was from years ago whenever they were at a model train show. It looks like a module layout. Yes, the article is not clear. The other photo with the "O"versized train is recent. I think some of us were all like him.
     
  11. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Well, I've spent yesterday and will spend most of today setting up laptops for our teams that can work from home do so. That means I most likely will be working from home soon too. That might mean I get 30 minutes of afternoon commute time back that I can maybe spend on the layout which would be cool. We shall see how it plays out. I know I will feel much safer at home during the next couple of weeks as the US hits it projected peak infection time. :(
     
  12. Rip Track

    Rip Track TrainBoard Member

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    I am a non-clinical worker for a hospital system. Until recently, I have kept working my normal shift. Due to loss of revenue - found out I'll have to take one day off per week for the next 10 weeks. Lucky for me, I have a large bank of PTO days to cover the loss in pay. Funny, we were working hot and heavy on expanding our surge capacity. But that has been mostly put on hold, or scaled back, since our area has been coming in under the projected number of Covid-19 cases. So, I suppose I'll get some more hobby time. But right now, i'm trying to keep my elderly father safe. He's in his 90's, lives by himself, and doesn't particularly care to remain cooped up in his house! The one day off per week, will give me more opportunity do things for him.
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2020
  13. Kitbash

    Kitbash TrainBoard Supporter

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    I am working from home and feel fortunate that we have a lot of work and I am busy (knock on wood) for the foreseeable future. It is nice to be close to the trains to be able to run up to the attic and look at something if I get a brain cramp or hair-brained idea about something. However, since our work is so deadline driven, I really don't have the opportunity working at home to increase railroad time. Given what I see and so many out of work, I count my blessings. The best to all of you and staff safe please.
     
    dalebaker, gmorider, BNSF FAN and 2 others like this.
  14. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    There has been one, sort of, advantage not being able to go site seeing, shopping or going to the doctors. Now I have the time to go looking at a replacement used vehicle - without sales personnel. Usually when doing laundry were I'm not allowed to stay while the machines run.
     
  15. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    My wife and I are back at the armadillo ranch for a while. Lots of things to do here but no modeling. Two cars drove down the road today but that is all the people that I have seen lately.
     
  16. gcav17

    gcav17 TrainBoard Member

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    Business here is pretty dead except for the hardware stores, grocery stores and convenience stores. But people are pretty restless. And running out of patience. We Americans have a problem with just sitting still. It doesn't work well for us. What's worse now is all the meat packers getting closed because of covid. They did very little to prepare for this. So expect prices to rise and quantity to dwindle down.
    It's just a matter of time before this is over. In the meantime, I keep my distance when I can.

    Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
     
  17. train1

    train1 TrainBoard Supporter

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    I neglected the building of my layout for years. Then I retired.
    In fall 2018 I committed to a local layout tour which took place in Spring 2019. I went at a frenzied pace getting it in really good shape. And then a lull... With the stay home protocol up here in Canada - I am now miles ahead in yardwork etc and have returned to the layout - super detailing and finishing the town scene. It feels good moving ahead.
    Now I'm just waiting for warmer sunny days for the 66 Mustang to come out so I can Self isolate on the county asphalt. And work the layout when it rains.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2020
  18. gmorider

    gmorider TrainBoard Member

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    Great project results! Enjoy and stay well.
     
    Pastor John likes this.
  19. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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    Wow, great layout AND trainroom!! (y)(y)(y)
     
  20. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Like many here, my hobby time (railfanning at least) has increased.
    My state never did a mandatory lockdown, other than the closing of dine-in restaurants, and "non-essential" businesses.
    Thankfully I can socially isolate and get hobby time in at the same time, usually being the only human for a quarter mile or more (minus the train crew).


    [​IMG]
     

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