By way of introduction...

[Anonymous]

I guess I should introduce myself. I've been hiding in the shadows, though I have posted a few messages.

Many of my relatives, including my father, all worked for the B&M in the late 1940s and through the 1950s so I have memories of steam and diesel. Like many I got a set (Lionel O-27) when I was younger. Ever since reading Linn Westcott's Model Railroading With John Allen when I was about 12. Because of those experiences I have been collecting model railroad (HO) paraphernalia on and off for years. So, as you can tell, I've been on the fringe for years (I'm in my mid-50s) living vicariously through other's fine layouts in Model Railroading and Model Railroad Craftsman.

I have gone through spurts constructing quality scale structure kits, kitbashing or scratch building others. Most of the kits and/or bashes are unrecognizable when finished. So my skills at laying track, constructing larger scenery sets, putting together rolling stock, and just generally running a railroad are a bit weak.

Recently I obtained a copy of Sam Posey's book (Playing with Trains) and was finally struck with the idea that I ought to do something with all that train stuff...Now I'm in trouble ;-)

I'm starting modestly with a relatively small HO track plan. I've got the framework constructed, some roadbed down, and a modest bit of track laid. I'm still working out details in my mind about industries and theme (somewhere in Maine). But I've learned a lot about DCC and soldering lately especially what they don't tell you about in the books or magazines.

So I'm documenting this excursion of building my first layout with a blog to see where it takes me. The whole idea of the project will be to play a bit dumb without being a shill. I'm hoping this place will be a resource for me as I move along and hopefully I can contribute a bit.

See ya around the yard...

[Anonymous]

Welcome. I may have low posts but thats becuase i reregistered. my other user has 1000+ posts[#welcome]

[rockythegoat]

Welcome aboard! This forum and the Atlas forum:

http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/default.asp

are great places for info.

[davekelly]

[#welcome] I think you'll find that this hobby can be quite addicting!

[Anonymous]

Rich, first of all welcome to the board. I like many on this board also had family that worked in the railroad field. With my family it was mostly Maine Central and later Guilford Rail Systems. Because I grew up in Portland Maine in the late 70's its the place and time I model currently. My father worked for the MEC so I spent a lot of time at Rigby Yard in So. Portland and the HQ building in Portland. Please feel free to contact me off list for ideas specific to the MEC or B&M and railroading in Maine.


Josh

[cwclark]

[#welcome] hi rich...good to have you here....and whenever you feel the urge..post away!..there are a lot of good people here to try our best to help you out in the hobby in anyway...Chuck

[RoyalOaker]

Nice to meet you and welcome to the Yard.

Plenty to read and learn here.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Jay, where is a chi-ca-go anyway! [:D]

Len, I love the beer quote. [:p]

Dave (Kelly), I think I've notice this addiction thing already. [8D]

Thanks for the welcome Chuck & Dave (Oaker). [:)]

Great offer Josh I'll remember that one. BTW I remember standing around in the Portland train shed with water dripping down from on high as a kid. This memory came back to me when I first visited London and walked into St. Pancreas Station (the train shed there is even bigger!). I can hear the horns from the Guilford consists running down the Springfield Terminal line about 2 miles from my home as they approach Clinton MA.

[Anonymous]

Welcome authentic railroad man! [#welcome]

You'll like this place. We even have a few of today's famous modelers amoung us.

[mustanggt]

Welcome! you'll see this is the best train forum around.