Quoted from cottonm4:A Navy friend was heavy into model trains and taught me a lot about the hobby. I am not into wanting my own layout, etc. But via my friend I learned to appreciate the hobby. If there is train show in town I will go. And I will thumb through the train layout magazines in the grocery store.
I also like to watch videos of trains. All because if that one friend.
As for a hobby that will test your skillset: Woodworking, plastering, painting, electrical, decorating, model building. Did miss any?
OP, you have done some exceptional weathering on your stock.
That must be an expensive train layout magazine .