Hi, I just discovered Trainz and really like it. I currently have an HO scale layout that is 18' x 18' with several industries. I am getting ready to retire and will not have the room that I currently have, so all my trains must go. I am considering using some of the money from my hobby sale to build a super PC with multiple screens and buy Trainz to get my fix.
Have any of you folks made this sort of transition? I apologize that i am a new user and may not have read as much as I should have before asking this question.
This brings tears to the eyes of an old man :'(, I will fill in my story of similar situation, later tonight.......
I have to deal with a Roofing issue out the gate this morning.....
OK so now I finally got off the Roof, sat down and had a hot dinner, and got to thinking more about your moving and loss of Room issue......
When growing up 65 yrs ago, my Dad had Lionel Trains setup for Xmas Tree running, I decided I would like a train set when my parents thought I was old enough and responsible enough, age 7, Lionel set, older,, then HO, and I build my first of many layout's in my 20's, come 30,40s etc, I had built from a 4x8' plywood to a 8x22' foot in our first house, moved to larger house, brought Layout over, and it set for 25 yrs because due to work schedules and change life conditions, never went back to layout.
Then 2 yrs ago, decided with my lower back issues and Sciatica, and us eventually downsizing to a smaller house, the Layout had to go. It was just collecting dust.......A super sad moment.......Took a 2 weeks to dismantle and give some items to close friends.
Now if you look at my timeline here, I have been in trains for near 6years......That was the change that also made me give up my model trains......And my Health issues..........
These decisions are never easy, there painful, full of regrets and what if's but in the long scheme, you come to a crossroad in your life more than once, the decision has to be made......Do I miss my old layout, yes, but lifestyle has changed, and I love the Virtual World of Trains, it won't cause my Sciatica to get worse, only if If forget to stand up once an hour and do some exercise and stretch to keep limber etc.........I walk generally 10-15K of steps everyday as a way to keep my wait in check. Why, because 20 yr's ago I was considered Obese and the health issues were not looking very good for me......!
Bottom line, your health is the most important thing, more important than Money, you can't take it to heaven with you, not that I am aware of.........
Financially selling what you can part with and reinvesting in new computer with enough bells and whistles to make Trainz sing along and not gripe, heck yah, go for it.........!!!