Model Trains

As the following photos will attest, my grasp of model railroading is tenuous at best.  Model railroading looked like an interesting, "hands-on" path to learn about railroads and rail transportation in the United States. And, not ever having model trains in my youth, it seemed to also offer some "fun". Both have been true for me.

There is a saying in the community which goes something along the lines of "It's your railroad, so build what you want". This has been my mantra in extremis. My layout is protypical of nothing, really. It reflects what is apparently known in the galaxy as a "freelance" approach to model railroading. IN CAPITAL LETTERS!  No over-arching plan; different types and even gauges of track; at least two different lighting systems; three turntables (yes, you read that correctly-3);  mutiple railroads, but a fondness for the Rio Grande and the Santa Fe; both DC and DCC power and control; and the list could go on. "Hey, that looks interesting, let's give it a go". "I would like to add X-which does not "naturally" fit ANYWHERE-- to the layout--if I can just find more space".

In the end (which, apparently, never arrives in model railroading), my journey is "a blast". Nightmarish at times to be sure, but a blast nevertheless.  It should also be said that some of the model railroaders out there (of no particular national origin) are simply brilliant; masters of a craft really.