For me, it seems to have a lot to do with nostalgia; a keen interest in things and ways of the past. I love "old things." I love taking them apart, seeing how they work, seeing if I can get them back together, and making them better than they were.
I have always been a very hands-on person. My parents told me of a time about which I have only the vaguest memory, that I painted our neighbor's car with a paint brush (until someone "caught" me.) Just a slightly-weird, but determined, rug-rat going about her day. Nothing to see here.
I've purchased five steam engines since the beginning of the year, and it makes me slightly unsettled, but I'm pretty sure I can quit whenever I want. And since I'm not currently keeping a husband (I like to keep 'em out in the yard in work boots, with a shovel in each hand
) I may not want to quit for some time.
Paula
I'm with you Paula. I've always liked taking things apart and love the sense of history and nostalgia in antique engines. The greatest satisfaction (to me) is in restoring a derelict or incomplete piece to its former glory and have it operational again.
When a wise old collector was asked what his favorite piece was, after thinking a minute, he replied 'the next one'.
Bonjour,
As steam boat collector passionate, I fully agree with parallelmotion's sentence, my preferred one is the next one.
After 15 crazy years, having now a very large fleet, a beloved but fed-up wife and no more room, I jut try to limit myself by looking for exceptional models, and the current pandemic also helped me to be reasonable... for a while...
Besides this, I have started a collection of Hit and Miss engines, they need less room
Why do I need more steam engines?
I don't need more, I just can't help myself. It's a sickness.
You are right. I like being sick.
Because I am steam thirsty
Why is there always one more ?
Well there are a few Kiwi and Aussie engines i do not have yet
And then there is the sad forlorn wrecks i like to buy to repair
Favourite engine ?
Usually the last Kiwi or Aussie i have worked on ( exception being the Crappyburra )
Cheers
Dennis
Oh look, now Jim's studying to be a Mime.
Next video, don't forget the white makeup and a striped shirt.
I have just purchased a number of David A Auld machines made here in New Zealand over the past 40 years or so until his death. I intend to make machines from the many parts and tidy up around 30 existing machines. Regards, Ken Dalzell, 4 Wilson /cres. Karoro, Greymouth. New Zealand. 7805
I do admire the guys that have found a truly great wife. I suppose my error was in my younger years I always went after the Extra Fancy Looking Gals....took me way to long to figure out if there Fancy looking and still single...might be a reason.
Now I'm older and took up pipe smoking(rarely) I found out smoking a pipe can turn one in to a philosopher.
Now I think of those Fancy gals a lot like Grizzly Bears....there beautiful to observe in the wild, might even be fun to wrestle with one ....but when it comes right down to it, you wouldn't want one living in your house with you.
(Disclaimer) I do believe there are Some good gals out there, but just like hunting Unicorn, it can get mighty wearysome.
I feel like one of the lucky blessed guys, this Bear found himself a terrific Mrs Bear 
Same here Jim , I married way above my character & intelligence level, I never doubted from very early on that God had his mighty hand completely around this union.
I do admire the guys that have found a truly great wife. I suppose my error was in my younger years I always went after the Extra Fancy Looking Gals....took me way to long to figure out if there Fancy looking and still single...might be a reason.
Now I'm older and took up pipe smoking(rarely) I found out smoking a pipe can turn one in to a philosopher.
Now I think of those Fancy gals a lot like Grizzly Bears....there beautiful to observe in the wild, might even be fun to wrestle with one ....but when it comes right down to it, you wouldn't want one living in your house with you.
(Disclaimer) I do believe there are Some good gals out there, but just like hunting Unicorn, it can get mighty wearysome.
I feel like one of the lucky blessed guys, this Bear found himself a terrific Mrs Bear
Same here Jim , I married way above my character & intelligence level, I never doubted from very early on that God had his mighty hand completely around this union.
Congratulations Bruce, your post reminded me of this verse:
Ecclesiastes 4:12: Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
The husband/wife team is more rare that both parties are "down" at the same time, so they prop each other up...but if the 3rd strand IS God....why then the state of Union IS Strong even if the husband/wife team is "down" at the same time....you can Still rest easy.