I've lived in good old Belleville, Il almost all my life.  My dad got me into model railroading at age 9 or so and have been modeling on and off ever since.  My hobbies include Model Railroading, RC cars, Shooting, Hunting, and Fishing.  Railroading is mainly a winter hobby.  When its cold outside you can find me in the basement painting, super detailing an engine, detailing on the layout, or something. 

I model HO scale, DC,  Illinois, Union Pacific; years 1993 to modern day.  Though its not that big of a layout, maybe 48' of mainline and 30' of sidings and yards.  Main industries are 2 Intermodal stops, large lumber mill/yard, soda factory/cannery, small freight depo (still in operation) and an Amtrack stop.  I am constantly changing something here and there and will forever.  I've recently thought of rebuilding the whole thing but I think I'll do that If we ever move again.

As for my hands on experience with trains I was a server aboard the Rail Cruise America dinner excursion train located in St Louis, Mo.  Union Station.   Unfortunately the Privately owned train set was sold to Kansas City Southern in 2005.  The train consisted of 2 F9PH A units, 2 F9 B units, and the following cars all Pullman Standard Lightweight from St. Louis Car Co.  1 observation converted to lounge car, 2 dome cars with one that housed a kitchen, 2 coaches with one containing a kitchen and bar, 1 baggage converted to bar/lounge car, and 1 sleeper converted to power/bar/sleeper car.  That pretty much sums it up I think.