Am I the only one that "fondles" my models?

[cf7]

Almost every morning before I go to work, I like to pick up and study the model that I am currently working on. Sometimes, I just stare at it. I guess I do this just to make sure the previous nights work looks like I want it to. I don't know....

My wife thinks I'm nuts.

[roadkill]

Nope. A fresh set of eyes might catch something you want to do differently. Perfectly logical.

[GP40P-2]

With that subject line, this could have gotten really weird!

But no, it is good to step away and look at it again in different light, with as Roger says, a "fresh set of eyes", and after you have had some time to get away from it, while getting some time to think/re-think it.

As for your wife, she should be happy that it's "models" that you are fondling (oh wait, that could be misinterpreted too)!!

[Brakie]

Yes,when I'm a working on a project I like to inspect my work in sunlight..I open a curtain and let the sunlight in and then look over my work. Natural light will show the work details clearer.

I'm also not above using natural light to lay track and do scenery work. If you are able try switching cars in early morning summer sunlight. You will not believe how realistic it looks when compared to artificial light.

[riogrande]

As long as you are not fondling your models on the commute into work, the same way people fondle their "precious" smart phones, then you are probably not in danger of cracking. Good grief, we have enough trouble with drivers distracted by their precious, imagine how many accidents there would be if it were your train model!

[cf7]

Glad to hear that I'm not crazy. It really does help to look at it the next day. My wife, who understands my train thing and has always been very supportive, sometimes gives me the roll the eyes look. Jokingly, but still it made me wonder.

And, no I don't drive down the road and hold onto them like a smart phone. That WOULD be weird!

I originally typed the word "stuff" in the subject line. Don't think that I would have gotten the responses that I wanted.

Thanks for making me feel normal!

[dharris]

Study yes.
Fondle no.

[riogrande]

What with all the tiny detail parts on rolling stock these days, I actually try to fondle models as little as possible as I tend to break them off accidentally all too easily, so fondling is something I avoid for that reason.

I was handling a Red Caboose flat car and broke the break wheel off - the rod is plastic and I'm not really sure how to re-attach it - you can't really get a good bond when putting to ends of a very thin plastic rod together. Might need to find some 0.010" brass road and drill out the brake wheel and the base.

[Deleted]

Uh, we always joked about "fondling" models at the train store. You see, I still have good closeup vision, and I do inspect models thoroughly before purchasing...thus earning all kinds of "fondling" jokes from the sales staff at a train store where they've known me my whole life.

Also, there are brass models so neat that one does almost end up "fondling" them...picking them up and admiring the details on them...better with unpainted models.

Now when I want to open a new Genesis diesel to look at it, at that one store, and also with friends who work retail at other stores, some of us slightly sarcastically ask "is it ok to fondle the model?".  Guilty as charged.  Always gets a snarky but knowing laugh...

Just like in the various alien hot pepper t-shirts out there "you are not alone".

[jaygee]

I've been known to fondle my Atlas RS1 locomotives.....and especially the new ones with better handrails and incredible 539 sound. The RS1 Alco is simply the most railroading essence you can jam into 56 and a half feet ! I would fondle my Scale Trains Turbines, but they are too big and too delicate. Also known to heft an O gauge FM Train Monster now and then !