How Do You Overcome Modeler's Inertia and Get Started? - Dan's Backshop June 2024

How Do You Overcome Modeler's Inertia and Get Started? - Dan's Backshop June 2024
This time Dan introduces Mark Wiens, who has been nice enough to loan a bunch of models to review. Dan and Nichole recently met Mark for lunch, and afterwards traded trains in the parking lot.
In the course of their conversation, they talked about inertia and how to get started on a project. Dan talks more about that in this video. Breaking down a complex project into simpler steps, building confidence with a simpler project, and focusing on improving skills are all ways to help get the ball rolling.
Dan also talks about positivity in the model railroading community, and the benefits of making and mentoring.
This episode's models include an HO scale Union Pacific SD9043MAC, a Yreka Western Alco switcher, a Conrail SD40-2, a Southern Pacific SW1200, and more!
Dan also shows how he installed DCC, sound, and a capacitor into his N scale North Coast Bachmann 2-8-0. This engine runs great now, sounds great, and almost never stalls!
If you want to talk trains or just hang out, be sure to check out this episode!
#train #modeltrains #railway #hoscale #railroad #community

[@donaldkormos5529]

Dan ... your "words of wisdom" regarding motivation in the hobby are well taken. Living in Cleveland, I so much look forward to my basement workshop and model trains during the cold, snowy winters. With yard work during the other three seasons, I try to do two things during them. One ... Organize things! Two ... Buy tools and the items I want to work on during the winter! In reality, there is always some time for the hobby all year round. My best to you and Nicole ... Cheers!!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I haven't been to Cleveland, but I have visited Cincinnati. I had a good time railfanning some trains in that area. That's cool you have a layout in your basement. Thanks for watching!

[@scentgrasslakerailway]

At times I get stuck in 'analysis paralysis' and find much time may pass before I shall move forward again under those circumstances.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I would imagine a lot of us fall into that from time to time. It's good to be able to work on something else in the meantime. Sometimes I think our brains solve problems when we're thinking about something else. Thanks for watching!

[@epacm50]

The difficulty of this hobby is not just the financial side of things. It is the patience it requires. I still have a few projects that I've started about 20 years ago. They're still on hiatus. I will get to them when I have long spare time.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Patience and time are huge parts of the hobby. The lack of time teaches me patience. I have quite a few old projects still awaiting completion, too. Anyway, I hope you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@kenneths3742]

Hi Dan, I still wear a mask when I’m out and about (except when at a restaurant). I think that wearing a mask not only protects the mask wearer but also gives a little bit of protection for the wider community, too. I plan to keep doing it. Thank you for another excellent video. 👍

[@DanielCortopassi]

We're kind of the same. I see a number of people still doing it. Really, it's a personal choice and shouldn't be a big deal to people who don't do it. I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@atsfandy]

You are absolutely not wrong about model railroading, and people who are negative really need to leave this world. Dan, you and Nichole are freaking cool people never stop being you.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I really believe that doing something maker-related or mentor-related does wonders for a person. Nichole has her own channel where she gives examples of positivity through playing video games. I think it's great. Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@ApartmentRR]

I would love to see your workspace where you work on models and organization. I always struggle with that aspect and end up letting my workspace collect dust because there’s junk everywhere. Haha

[@DanielCortopassi]

I think I showed some of my work area in the first episode of Dan's Backshop. Maybe it's time for a revisit. It's still basically the same but I have managed to neaten it up a little bit. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@user-sv4pj5jl8n]

Dan, good discussion. I got my start in scratch building using cereal box cardboard and wood.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I haven't done much building with cardboard, but I've seen some people do some pretty cool stuff with it. Thanks for watching!

[@The_SP_Modeler]

Great video Dan! Your videos and strive for accuracy gave me the confidence to overcome that “inertia” and take a knife and sand paper to my models. Hope to share my endeavors soon enough!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video, and I'm glad if I provided some inspiration for your projects. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@epacm50]

However, I still have interests in this hobby. It brings back memories of yesteryear, especially my childhood.

[@DanielCortopassi]

It's like that for me as well. I have been in the hobby for so many years that the memories are intertwined with my life in general. I've had a lot of fun with it over the years, and it's still going. Thanks for watching!

[@randallellison6421]

Good stuff, Dan! As I've said before, I'm just to chicken to really mess with my locomotives and rolling stock, simply because I don't want to risk irreversible damage to the model (plus I'm a bit of a casual history buff when it comes to older models and like to try and keep as close to original condition possible). That being said, I love assembling easy to build kits (Athearn blue box, MDC Roundhouse, Scaletrains Kit Classics, and Accurail kits), they're a great way to pass the time! Also, that guy who came up to you and started mouthing off was awfully lucky he ran into such a nice guy, there's alot of people who would have made him eat pavement if he did that to them, lol!

[@DanielCortopassi]

Building kits can be a lot of fun. I've been selling off some of mine because I have so many, but I'm keeping a few to work on. That is a good point about the random guy, too, that I'd thought about mentioning but forgot while I was taping that segment. Going up to random people and starting something is not really a good survival strategy, because you never know who you might be messing with. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!

[@markhayes6407]

That is the beauty of model railroading... not getting stuck on one thing on the layout. I have not purchased a cheaper locomotive to upgrade it as it to me is daunting. it is a some day project. I really like your videos and always wait for more new content. There is a lot of bad people in our world. Negative attitudes. I just blow it off and don't let it up set me. You did the right comment. I too model SP in the 70's and 80's lumber trains with paper mills. No specific location as it is mostly switching. Great video and when Nicole is with you on videos that is also well liked by me. Look forward to more reviews as well.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It is a great hobby, and I like the variety of being able to work on different things. I try not to let people with negative attitudes get to me. Your layout sounds cool. SP used to move a lot of lumber products. Thanks for watching!

[@brandongaines1731]

I feel like making things is something that brings us together because we all come from the same Creator, and being creatives ourselves is the closest that we can all get to being like Him in this life :-)

[@DanielCortopassi]

I can agree that there is something very spiritual about creating and getting "in the zone", so to speak. It's a great feeling. Thanks for watching!

[@squalli1297]

I've been collecting NScale locos & cars since the '90's with no dedicated space for a small layout until 4 years ago. I now have a small table with an oval track which has become boring watching trains going around in circles. I'm considering moving in with my son who said I could have his 2-car garage to build the layout of my dreams. I'm now in my '70's and find it frustrating working with small screws, springs, tools, etc. which really tests my patience. Someone warned me about how hard it is to work with NScale modelling when I started, but I wanted something that could fit into a small space at the time. The reality is that I need to consider crossing over to HO scale which is more manageable with parts I can see & handle without losing control & interest. I've lost too many parts that fell on the carpeted floor that I can't find-that's frustrating!! I'd like to have a cat, but they see anything moving as prey.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I think HO would work well in a 2 car garage. You could do quite a bit in that space. Funny you should mention parts on the floor... once or twice I've been tempted to show myself on video looking for parts on the floor, since that also seems to be part of the hobby. Seriously though, the area where I work and film right now is a little nicer because that room has a laminate floor. It's much easier to find stuff on that than carpet when tiny parts fall. Thanks for watching!

[@davidl.miller8168]

Dan, A very enjoyable video. I could not agree more about starting a project even though it may at first be out of your comfort zone. I think my first project back in the day was trying to build UP cabooses from Athearn wide visions, OMG what a horrible disaster! I think if I had shown them in public the NMRA would have refunded my dues and ask me not to come back! LOL However over time I got better, building over a dozen UP snoot SD40-2s using Canadian Prototype Replica's snoot kit, I kitbashed a couple of really nice SW-10s, and my best were the UP MofW bunk and tool cars that UP built from 50ft outside braced steel boxcars. As for the guy who confronted You and Nicole in the parking lot, he was probably jealous and probably didn't have anybody in his life. God Bless you both and I look forward to your next posting.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Maybe fortunately, I don't have many of my early modeling disasters anymore, but they were definitely learning experiences. Maybe it's a good thing I'm old enough that there was no internet when I was younger. No photos... never happened. LOL. It sounds like you've done some neat kitbashing projects. I was thinking of doing an SW10 myself for a while. I don't really need one, but they're cool looking switchers. Thanks for watching!

[@lucgagnon5241]

Hey Dan. Thanks again for sharing. Well... Gotta start somewhere ! I think buildings and cars are a bit easier to modify as a start. An engine is for most of modelers intimidating. When your mind is set that you will succeed no matter what you will do is the OK your brain gives you as a green signal. But when you have a doubt as small as it can be, it sometimes turns things to 180 degrees and put yourself on hold mode. I think to be good at something, you primary need skills but also logic. Especially when it comes to modify engines and painting jobs. It can look easy at first sight but it takes logic to apply paint out of an airbrush. Either on a building, an engine or on a car. That's what I learned in the past 30 years. But the thing I miss the most is the fact that I can't share and be in touch with modelers in person on a regular base. Hopefully our community is small and 99% of the modelers I met along the way are nice and VERY generous of their time and skills. Pretty much like you. Keep on your good work.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I think you're right that believing you can do something is important. That's why sometimes it's good to build confidence with smaller projects. And logic is important, too. I don't get out and meet with other modelers as much as I might. I'm hoping that once I get the layout going I can change that. Thanks for watching!

[@lucgagnon5241]

@@DanielCortopassi Hey Dan (and Nicole), well as you always tell me : Gotta like what you're doing. Trains is a wonderful world. Models like prototypes. For me, it's even a way to stop worrying about my own life. Even if it's sometimes hard to motive myself, there is always new things that make me like the hobby more and more. There are also many interesting modelers online who share their work for free. Like you ! You gotta be a modeler to understand all that comes with it. It's waaaaaay more than toys ! As long as I see my profit doing it, I will go on always trying to improve my own skills and share some thoughts with true people like you. Thanks Dan.

[@WJP1361]

Thanks for the confidence boost here, I'm a fairly new modler currently and I'm currently teaching myself how to start detailing and tearing models down models for repair. I currently have a project with a GP40-2 that I eventually want to cosmetically change to match the locomotive used in one of the fast and furious movies.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I didn't know there were any trains in those movies. I might have to check that out. Modeling trains from movies is an interesting concept, and one not a lot of people seem to do. That sounds like a cool project. Thanks for watching!

[@HaroldAlexis-bb8sd]

Hi Daniel it's been 5 wonderful years as I watched a whole lot of your reviews. The best one that got me when one of the trains recieved a zero.🤣 I believe that made history on your channel . Everything is good as i get something out of all this. I have had some negatives in & out of the hobby i choose to leave them out. No one needs stressful drama just a hobby with relaxation & a smile.😊 As for 2 of your models I like the Union Pacific SD 70 MAC locomotive We Will Deliver scheme is all that & more. I love it I actually have an Ho scale model Auto carriers/ Racks with the same logo by Walthers . As For your steam engine I looked at the front pilot i like the underset type coupler looks like the European versions you find on Kadee number 20 or Bachmann has or had their versions. the rear one that's an odd one probably not a standard pocket box . I've been having train sets & models for decades hard to believe. It's worth it I have many other hobbies relating to trains to would you believe Fabrics ? I will be installing these in my forthcoming layout. You & Nicole are the type of people i would be glad to know & chat, Railroading is so much fun lots of joy it continues to bring me. To rate this episode : Priceless , that's on me. Thank you Daniel Cortapassi your channel & POV & happy railroading to you my friend. 👍🛤️🛤️

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The N scale steam engine does have an underset shank coupler in front. It's not my first choice, but it was the only one I could get to work on it. There isn't a lot of room under there and the engine wasn't designed to have a working front coupler. And you're right, the rear coupler is in the original Bachmann box and it just doesn't work that well. I plan on replacing it with whatever Micro-Trains coupler and box will work in that location. That's interesting you're using fabrics. For scenery? I think there was an article in MR many years ago about using towels for scenery. Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@SimRacin14]

I've gotten going on my layout by picking a project, and working at it at an hour or two a day at a time.

[@DanielCortopassi]

That's one of the best ways to get things done. A little at a time does wonders. I like it when I can do that, too. Working for an hour here or there might not sound like much, but it does make things happen. Thanks for watching!

[@epacm50]

My current focus is learning more about the CN Hamilton (Ontario Canada) Subdivision. I am looking at modeling some of the sceneries back there. This covers the Niagara Falls area.

[@DanielCortopassi]

That sounds like a great layout theme. Nichole and I have been talking about visiting Niagara Falls, maybe by train. Thanks for watching!

[@epacm50]

It is totally worth it, even though everyone (Amtrak) has to detrain at the VIA Niagara Falls station for customs inspections. You and Nicole will enjoy the area. Guaranteed!!!

[@nyemt601]

Amazing conversation. I think the best project I tore into that built confidence but I was t concerned with destroying something that was worth a lot of money was the old Magnuson models that I got for under 7 bucks on eBay. It was their cabover kit. It’s a solid resin kit stock that I detailed with grab irons air hoses for the trailer, different wheels and tires etc etc. it really built the confidence that if you take your time it can be done.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. That sounds like a neat vehicle project. I had a Magnuson N scale structure kit a long time ago, but never built it. I'm not sure what became of it, but I might have sold it. It's great that you found the kit at a good price. Thanks for watching!

[@derekalexander4030]

Great update and conversation, Dan. If you look up Analysis Paralysis you will see my picture there, lol. I had a DC layout in my basement, no scenery, plywood plantation, and moved to a bigger basement with water issues so I have done window wells and brought in 30 yards of top soil and raised the level around the house about a foot and regraded. Then, once I was sure I had no more leaks, I chopped out any little cracks in the walls and filled them with hydraulic cement, acid washed the walls and did 3 coats of Drylock and then did the floor with sealer paint. I’m going to do DCC now for the first time and am looking forward to building Cheyenne Yard in and west in HO, so I recently purchased 10 BLI Paragon 4 Big Boys with sound and keep alives and some of the roundhouse sections. I have the rough track plan in my head but need a computer to work on it. I’ve done a lot of stuff to have the railroad but haven’t actually started the railroad but maybe this chat will help. Thanks.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I can relate. I have an outbuilding instead of a basement, but I've been spending the past few years working on that instead of building a layout. There was so much more to fix than I anticipated, so I know how that can go. It sounds like you'll have a neat layout. That's a lot of Big Boys! Thanks for watching!

[@trapdriver7006]

👍😀😀😀🇬🇧🚂

[@jnv4392]

Thanks! Great video!!

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it!

[@cjdarts]

Great advice. Also: Set priorities for progress, such as: Get rid of the cats ... problem solved :)

[@DanielCortopassi]

Yeah, but they're so cute, even when they're destroying things. Nichole and I have come to the conclusion that cuteness and being adopted by humans who think it's adorable is a survival trait for the cats that became domesticated. Thanks for watching!

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

Very good topic for a video!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

I overcome a lot when modeling dan its hard but keep doing hobby I love the most if ask bough any trains well I bough my self 💻 beacuse I was bar wall my bed room so bough one early birthday gift for me

[@DanielCortopassi]

Keep it up! This is a great hobby. Thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

@@DanielCortopassi your welcome dan

[@TheGrundyRailfan]

People can be mean man. I'm still technically a musician, and I know they are other musicians who will find ways to stab you in the back (and no, not all musicians are like that because for instants, I'm not like that). But the railfan community has been (mostly) the nicest group of people I've ever met.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'd say the musicial community is a little different from the train community, and maybe the ratio of nice to not nice is a little lower on average. In the past I've met a lot of nice people there, too, but I've had my share of bad ones, so I can relate. I'm not actively trying to pursue anything musically right now, so I'm a little out of the loop these days. Thanks for watching!

[@paulliddiard141]

The Walthers SW1200s I thought were much better than the Rapido versions.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I haven't taken that model out of the box yet (I want to do it on camera), but I can see that at least the triangular pieces near the step wells look right. That was one of my biggest pet peeves about the Rapido model, since that would be a difficult fix. I hope this one fares better too. Thanks for watching!

[@JRPRailways]

Do you have any tips on removing screwed in weights on Atlas box cars? The whole car seems glued together. They are weighing about 6 oz for 50' boxcars, they really can bog down my little switchers.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm not sure which Atlas cars you're referring to, but most boxcars either have the roof or floor as a separate part. If they're glued then it can be difficult to get inside without breaking things. Depending on the type of glue, sometimes the parts can be worked loose. Does the model have any exploded view drawings in the box? Sometimes that can give some clues for taking the model apart. Otherwise if getting to the weight is not practical, then I'd suggest checking the trucks to make sure they're free rolling. Replacing the wheels or the trucks might help if the stock ones have rolling resistance. Good luck with your cars. Thanks for watching!

[@154Colin]

I all percolates to, "What is the best way to eat an elephant?".

[@DanielCortopassi]

That's a good metaphor. Thanks for watching!

[@westernstatesrailroading]

If you're going to wear a mask, make sure it has SP with red wings on the front.😅

[@DanielCortopassi]

That would be awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@devernepersonal3636]

i used to have a 4 x 8 down in the basement of my parents house in HO scale, but it was never enough for me. never realistic. figure 8 made no sense to me. And it was replaced by a pool table. At this point i have many athearn or kato or walthers BN engines from the era when they still looked like toys, and i have missed out on most of the limited runs recently where they have made highly detailed versions of what i always wanted. so i am sitting here thinking. whats the point now? i also dont want to end up messing up a model even though i want to make them look better. i dont know man, people suck. if someone wants to or needs to wear a mask, nothing wrong with that at all. and we cannot know for what reason and we dont need to know. I dont know why people think they need to comment about it like it is a problem when it is not.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Manufacturers do tend to re-run models from time to time, so if there's anything you missed out on, you might still be able to get one. Second hand is another option. One of the reasons I brought up that story is that there seems to be a lot of people right now who get upset about stuff that has nothing to do with them, and I have trouble understanding it. You're right that a mask is a personal choice, and it's not hurting anyone else, so why be upset about it? Thanks for watching!

[@devernepersonal3636]

@@DanielCortopassi yeah i think the internet has somehow done this to us. Or at least it has made it worse. It seems to caused people to be looking for a reason to casually bully people. Hopefully that won't happen to you again. True, second hand is an option. Though i may have to wait a while as at this point they are getting so good i cant see why people would want to part with them. I need to get myself to a train show again. Are you going to be doing any other videos about creating model railroad track plans?

[@DanielCortopassi]

@@devernepersonal3636 I will probably do some more track plan videos, yes.

[@thomasaustin316]

A person that would go out of his way to say something about your wearing a mask is most likely a miserable person and a misinformed person to boot.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I agree. There seems to be a lot of that going around. I think it would help if those kind of people found a more constructive way to channel their energy. Thanks for watching!

[@thomasaustin316]

@@DanielCortopassi: some of them are just lost; and simply cannot get out of their own way