07-21-2011, 08:36 PM
The 'timewaster' is perhaps the best 'waste of time' EVER - if you think operating model trains is a waste of time. Yes, it's a puzzle, but SO WHAT!?! Puzzles are fun! If you don't like puzzles, fine. But consider that Settlers of Catan, a remarkably simple yet engaging strategy game (like Risk) is the third most popular board game in America right now and VERY popular on college campuses.
If you want to think outside the prototype box (as in boring, boxy modern structures) then set up a timesaver on a plank, make the track, engine and rolling stock absolutely bulletproof, and invite over a few friends. Make the industries randomized (using dice, cards, etc.). Don't worry about scenery. Just paint the board gray, lay the track, then paint the rest green. Use little cardboard signs to mark industries and colored tabs (stickers) on top of the cars to route them. Simple, cheap, and an invitation to involve others.
Then if you get tired of the timesaver, simply rearrange the track and create an inglenook, industrial park, or whatever. But this way you get something going FAST and that gets you moving and keeps ANALYSIS PARALYSIS from setting in.
The timesaver is very good at being what it is. I still enjoy mine from time to time, though not as much now that I am building the layout upstairs...but I've been out of grad school for ten years now, have two kids, a dog, etc.
Galen
If you want to think outside the prototype box (as in boring, boxy modern structures) then set up a timesaver on a plank, make the track, engine and rolling stock absolutely bulletproof, and invite over a few friends. Make the industries randomized (using dice, cards, etc.). Don't worry about scenery. Just paint the board gray, lay the track, then paint the rest green. Use little cardboard signs to mark industries and colored tabs (stickers) on top of the cars to route them. Simple, cheap, and an invitation to involve others.
Then if you get tired of the timesaver, simply rearrange the track and create an inglenook, industrial park, or whatever. But this way you get something going FAST and that gets you moving and keeps ANALYSIS PARALYSIS from setting in.
The timesaver is very good at being what it is. I still enjoy mine from time to time, though not as much now that I am building the layout upstairs...but I've been out of grad school for ten years now, have two kids, a dog, etc.
Galen
I may not be a rivet counter, but I sure do like rivets!