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…
Welcome. I may have low posts but thats becuase i reregistered. my other user has 1000+ posts[#welcome]
Welcome aboard! This forum and the Atlas forum:
http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/default.asp
are great places for info.
[#welcome] I think you’ll find that this hobby can be quite addicting!
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
[#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
Nice to meet you and welcome to the Yard.
Plenty to read and learn here.
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.
Welcome authentic railroad man! [#welcome]
You’ll like this place. We even have a few of today’s famous modelers amoung us.
Welcome! you’ll see this is the best train forum around.