Started in the hobby in 1961 through the gift of a first raiload from my grandfather. Having started this long ago in the hobby I of course did lots of scratch and kit building. This layout and participation in a local club kept me busy during the teen years. Took a 17 year hiatus while traveling the world with minor actual work on my own stuff, but was able to see many layouts and meet other modelers. Returned to settle down and re-enter the hobby at 36. SInce then have had layouts in three houses and also built or helped build layouts for half a dozen other people. My current layout is B&O themed southwest Pennsylvannia on the old FM&P with a quantum leap to Pittsburgh included. 37 x 30 feet multi level, Lenz DCC. Am a member of the Fox Vally/Midwest NMRA and continue to help local modelers with railroads, mostly with design ideas and drawings.