Modeler's Block

NP Interchange on the 4th Subdivision

In my last post, I left off with indecision about what to do next, add another layer of scenery here or move on to another scene, after being in "the zone" moving the interchange track. Well, that was a month ago. I am frustrated with myself, or at least my lack of progress on the railroad, and I am attributing my frustration to what I am calling "modeler's block." So, what is this modeler's block of which I speak, why is it happening, and, more importantly, how do I get out of it.

Modeler's block, in my mind, is similar to writer's block. Production and creativity have come to a standstill. I am stuck. As with writer's block, conflicting feelings or aspirations can be a cause of avoidance and/or focus. My paralysis is not primarily caused by over-analysis, but lack of focus. With so many possible things to do on the railroad, I can't seem to focus and instead do something completely different. (Yes, this sounds suspiciously like a form of procrastination!) If I focus on longer-term planning for operations and extensions to the railroad or prepping for visitors, operators, or open houses with infrastructure issues, it becomes overwhelming. Add to that my ongoing issue with preferring to start something new rather than finishing something that I already have started. Part of this I believe is fear of making mistakes or not hitting the standard I am shooting for. While part of my motivation in building this railroad is improving my skills, once I hit a step that I am not as confident about, I am afraid to "ruin" what I have already accomplished. Lance Mindheim wrote an insightful blog post titled Fear of Mistakes that explores how that fear can cause a "log jam of inertia" for model railroaders as well as some solutions to the so-called log jam.

So, how will I get myself out of this "modeler's block"? First of all, I need not search for perfection. Adding a first layer of scenery to what is now painted plywood, won't earn a merit award, but it will make some progress. I need to be very cognizant of my own foibles; don't start new projects, instead finish, or at least make progress on, projects that are already started. Really try to focus on scenery and structures rather than going deeper into operations beyond what I already have planned. The key is to not wait for inspiration, but to create some perspiration. Perhaps, just take the step of scheduling time spent in the railroad attic on a regular basis.

Start here. Add another square foot of basic ground cover. On another day, try ballasting the Northern Pacific interchange track. Don't start planning the scratch-built enginehouse, but instead make some progress on the fueling facility that is already started. Organize the workbench, if the juices aren't flowing. Get the materials ready for the next step of something. It doesn't have to be contest quality, but make some progress. Or not, but spend the time attempting progress rather than avoiding mistakes and procrastinating.