I have another thread where you can post the things you like to do, but here, you can post the things that are your least favorite things that you do in model railroading. I have my likes and dislikes, and there are even things that I dread doing, but have to if I'm going to have a layout rather than a big diorama. What is the thing you hate to do the most, and if you have several, feel free to list them all here.

Soldering over head laying under the layout.

The one thing I hate to do is trackwork. I'm not good at it, probably because I dislike it so much, or is it that because I'm so bad at it that I hate it? Either way, it's a job that has to be done first, but I wished I could put it off until last. I don't mind the wiring and soldering aspects, it's just getting the track down and aligned, and getting all those little rail joiners in right.

I'm not sure about hate per se, but i really dislike ballasting track. I am good at it, but I would rather be doing something else. Maybe I should outsource the ballasting.......

Chuck

Trackwork.
More correctly, the re-doing of trackwork, until everything runs well on it.
At some point I have to rebuild the two "frogs" that allow the standard,and narrow gauge track to "go separate ways" without point rails that are thrown.
The rest of it is more a matter of being in the mood, than like or dislike.

Trackwork for me as well. When I was tacking down Atlas snap track, I liked it. Flextrack is okay, but I had to handlay everything on my current layout. I am proud of my handlaid work, but it is tedious and took awhile. I still have one more dual-gauge switch to build and I am not looking forward to it. If prefab code 55 HOn3 track components were more readily available, I probably would have gone that route.

HI..

Planning a new layout... Enough to drive me too

AuzzeMit

Wiring. I don't trust myself. :?

Wiring for me too. Tedious, usally uncomforatble because of access issues...solder burn on arm.

Electrical and mechanical are no problem.
What really terrifies me is anything that needs to be "artistic", the bits that can't be done with a ruler and compass.

And getting rid of anything.

Wow, it looks like I'm not alone. There's a lot here that say they don't like to do trackwork and a few more that don't like the wiring aspect of doing a layout. It's a shame that the things that need to be done first are the things we dislike to do the most. Keep this going, it's good to hear what you don't like to do as well as the other thread as to what you do like about model railroading...

Painting and ballasting the track! Ugh! Seems like it takes forever to do just a couple of feet and often ends never being completed! Wiring doesn't phase me at all and I usually can't wait to get that done so I can start operating. Getting a layout operating does have its drawbacks, as often very little else gets done! Too easy to make up a switch list and spend a pleasant hour or so switching; all the while day dreaming about what the finished layout will/may/might look like.

Paying for the stuff that I need.

Mark

The wiring on my layouts is basic so I can't say I don't like it -- however. If I had to wire a bigger, more complicated layout, I probably would not like it.

One of the things I dislike the most is adding fine details (pipes, railings) onto locos. I've bought a couple extra-detailing kits to add more elements to two of my locos & I just can't motivate myself to do them.

I had to think about this one because I like most things about the hobby , in varying degrees . I guess my biggest dissappointment has been the operating sessions . Having said that , I've only attended 4 or 5 and have wondered what the big deal was supposed to be ? They have looked more like exercises in confusion and futility so perhaps I haven't yet attended a QUALITY op session ....maybe I will change my mind on that one .

Terry