Since  retiring 3 years ago I dug all my old stuff out of the attic and began modeling again after a 25 year break. I've since discovered DCC, and WOW, is all I can say. I have a modest fleet of locos, some unusual, such as an ABA set of Baldwin Sharknoses  (old Model Power) a trio of Stewart Hobbies RS3s, and a Cary Loco Works FM 10/12-44. I've also purchased a few Geeps and Alcos that are DCC ready, Atlas, Proto, and Kato.  I am modeling a freelance Maine Central; era early 60s. Freelance because coal was discovered in Maine back in 1948 and lots of coal drags rumble through Portsmouth on its way south to the big cities. I've also stylized my own paint schemes for cabooses and paper products box cars. Nothing gets past my work bench without metal wheels installed, KD couplers, and either just a wee bit of weathering or that beat to hell weathering look that was common in the filthy 50s and 60s. I'm just now beginning to develop operating procedures as I have 5 or 6 businesses to service, depending on my mood.  I'm looking forward to interacting with fellow modelers, which is something I have never done before. 

 My other hobbies?  My wife and I are back-country/primitive campers and enjoy frequent journeys into the remote areas of North America. We day hike and back pack  from campsites that  are only accessible to high clearance 4wd vehicles.  We can leave the rat race behind whenever our hearts desire and virtually disappear for up to 6 days before having to rejoin the pack in search of food, gasoline and beer, not necessarily in that order. 

 I'm also a member of the Toyota Land Cruiser Association and have had stories and photos published in the TLCA  magazine, Toyota Trails.  As long as we remain healthy we plan on continuing with this, hopefully for a couple more decades. When we aren't traveling to and from these campsites, my wife is a world class knitter and I work on the trains in addition to us keeping up with our 1914 Craftsman home. Did I mention that we are both avid readers?  Ok, thanks for having me on the forums,, Peace out