When we downsized to move from a 2250 square foot home on 3/4 of an acre, there was so much that we either sold or gave away. One of the hardest things for me to give up were the 60-some original oil paintings that my mother had painted. (We did keep a few smaller ones, and those hang on our RV walls.) However, there was one thing that is completely useless except for the sentimental value. I guess it's part of the reason that I have an interest in railroad trains, especially steam trains. Well, that and I grew up about 2 blocks or so from the railroad tracks, depot, and stockyards in our town.
My "useless" possession is a Marx Marlines toy train from the late '40's or early '50's. Unlike Lionel that sold model trains that were expensive, Marx got rich by selling cheaper trains as toys to those of us that had less money. All I have now is the train and some pieces of track. The transformer "went away" (either quit or was lost) long ago. Recently, Jo suggested that I "mount" this on a board inside a clear plastic box with the thought of placing it on the slide framework above the refrigerator. To make it fit that space, I'll have to take out one car, likely the open-top coal car.
For those interested in more detailed pictures of my "useless" item, there are more at my Photobucket account at the link below.
Terry you and Brian should camp together, I bet there would be a heck of a train track set up.
BiggarView said
02:03 PM Sep 4, 2015
Heh, I resemble that remark!
NWescapee said
03:03 PM Sep 4, 2015
Well, if décor items are useless, our walls are adorned with wonderful, but useless, art work we have picked up at our various art shows along the way. And since we participate in several shows a year, there's always the opportunity to find more beautiful art work
Over the past 2 years we have sought out the "perfect" art work that fits in small spaces and can be attached with 3M Command strips and today we have no more capacity for additional artwork unless we start practicing "one in / one out" with the existing pieces that are hanging on our walls. They might be considered useless but to me it's part of what makes it our home, personalized for us, by us and brings a fond memory of the artist we bought the piece from. You see, over time, we've made a lot of friends on the art show circuit and it's fun to have those memories and friendships travel along with us.
Of course, Dale would say the biggest "useless" thing we have with us is Tazzy Kat A fun loving, overly furry, bed hog, but much beloved fur kid with her collection of toys, food dishes, kitty pedestal and pet bed.
BiggarView said
03:54 PM Sep 4, 2015
Ruth, obviously the "pet bed" is the "real" useless item. We're sure Josie's kennel will be our useless item... she's a bed hog too.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 5th of September 2015 12:18:46 PM
Trikester said
05:46 PM Sep 4, 2015
Your Marx train set brings back memories of the Marx train I had as a boy during the 1950s. But mine didn't survive downsizing to a fifth wheel.
Jim01 said
06:36 PM Sep 4, 2015
My son in North Carolina now has my Marx train. It looks very much like yours. It has the transformer and lots of track though.
Terry and Jo said
07:30 PM Sep 4, 2015
el Rojo and Pam wrote:
I sure hope Pam doesn't say it's me. LOL!
Terry you and Brian should camp together, I bet there would be a heck of a train track set up.
Well, I might set up some track, but only to set the train on as I don't have a transformer to make it run.
Terry
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
07:41 AM Sep 5, 2015
2 cats and a dog...
Barbaraok said
11:53 AM Sep 5, 2015
I know that several people think having an electric cork screw is 'useless'. But I sure like not having to twist with my hands when the arthritis is bothering me, which is the perfect time for a glass of wine to help with those fleeting pains.
Barb
Talensnana said
12:00 PM Sep 5, 2015
I have my baby blanket which was made by my grandma 50+ years ago for me. I bring it with me and my grandbabies will sleep with it when they visit.
When we downsized to move from a 2250 square foot home on 3/4 of an acre, there was so much that we either sold or gave away. One of the hardest things for me to give up were the 60-some original oil paintings that my mother had painted. (We did keep a few smaller ones, and those hang on our RV walls.) However, there was one thing that is completely useless except for the sentimental value. I guess it's part of the reason that I have an interest in railroad trains, especially steam trains. Well, that and I grew up about 2 blocks or so from the railroad tracks, depot, and stockyards in our town.
My "useless" possession is a Marx Marlines toy train from the late '40's or early '50's. Unlike Lionel that sold model trains that were expensive, Marx got rich by selling cheaper trains as toys to those of us that had less money. All I have now is the train and some pieces of track. The transformer "went away" (either quit or was lost) long ago. Recently, Jo suggested that I "mount" this on a board inside a clear plastic box with the thought of placing it on the slide framework above the refrigerator. To make it fit that space, I'll have to take out one car, likely the open-top coal car.
For those interested in more detailed pictures of my "useless" item, there are more at my Photobucket account at the link below.
Now, what's your "useless" keepsake?
Marx Marsline Model Train
Terry
Terry you and Brian should camp together, I bet there would be a heck of a train track set up.
Heh, I resemble that remark!
Well, if décor items are useless, our walls are adorned with wonderful, but useless, art work we have picked up at our various art shows along the way. And since we participate in several shows a year, there's always the opportunity to find more beautiful art work
Over the past 2 years we have sought out the "perfect" art work that fits in small spaces and can be attached with 3M Command strips and today we have no more capacity for additional artwork unless we start practicing "one in / one out" with the existing pieces that are hanging on our walls. They might be considered useless but to me it's part of what makes it our home, personalized for us, by us and brings a fond memory of the artist we bought the piece from. You see, over time, we've made a lot of friends on the art show circuit and it's fun to have those memories and friendships travel along with us.
Of course, Dale would say the biggest "useless" thing we have with us is Tazzy Kat
A fun loving, overly furry, bed hog, but much beloved fur kid with her collection of toys, food dishes, kitty pedestal and pet bed.
Ruth, obviously the "pet bed" is the "real" useless item.
We're sure Josie's kennel will be our useless item... she's a bed hog too.


-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 5th of September 2015 12:18:46 PM
My son in North Carolina now has my Marx train. It looks very much like yours. It has the transformer and lots of track though.
Well, I might set up some track, but only to set the train on as I don't have a transformer to make it run.
Terry
2 cats and a dog...
I know that several people think having an electric cork screw is 'useless'. But I sure like not having to twist with my hands when the arthritis is bothering me, which is the perfect time for a glass of wine to help with those fleeting pains.
Barb
I have my baby blanket which was made by my grandma 50+ years ago for me. I bring it with me and my grandbabies will sleep with it when they visit.
I like the way you think!!