Reply To: The Guy With The Train In His Basement

[ADDled]

Somebody once said there is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness (or madness).

As a “fellow traveller” that has an interest in trains in model railroading, I don’t think it’s ADHD this guy has. I’ve been around enough of these people (35+ years) to know that they can be more OCD than ADHD. That’s not to say some don’t have ADHD, but if they do, they have found a very creative outlet where the symptoms for the most part aren’t debilitating. I wonder how many relationships have been saved by this creative outlet rather than participating in risker behaviour such as alcohol, drug abuse or gambling.

Speaking from personal experience, it’s one of the few times that my powers can be put to a good purpose rather than evil. It’s also all part of building confidence because we can all use a little of that. And that almost all people in the hobby are non-judgemental about whether you have ADHD, depression, OCD: you are only judged on your ability to create something in a reduced reality with your hands; or your dedication to a cause, such as being part of a historical society restoring an old steam locomotive for operation.

Jason is the owner of a Canadian company that produces high quality, highly detailed and accurate (a quality very important to us) model railway passengers cars and locomotives for our hobby. His products are highly appreciated and we have the highest respect for him. The fact Jason has a mock-up of full size passenger car in his basement comes a no surprise to us. We see him as being very fortunate. I’ve meet him and my ADDdar didn’t pick that up. There is the energy and dedication though.

I’m part of a club that displays our layout at trains shows. Occasionally, we see parents with Asperger or Autistic kids watching the trains go around. And  parents will often comment the  symptoms are often reduced just by watching the trains.

Crazy? Fanatics? Crackpots? Sure. But definitely not “heads in a duffle bag crazy”. I can see why those looking from the outside may wonder if we are all totally mad.

Hope this helps

 

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