I’m a “newcomer” to the hobby and this forum. I use quotes because 30 yrs ago I was bitten, started reading and building rolling stock with plans to do a layout. Kids and career backburnered those plans but I’ve recently been bitten again – my wife encouraged me to put up my childhood AF “S” gauge this Christmas – and you probably know the rest. My plan is to model transition-era local scenes in HO. I live in the heart of the anthracite coal region which is steeped in history but void of many surviving samples (even most of the culm banks are gone or going). I’ll depend on local historical societies to gather info. In other hobbies I’ve found that the best way to learn is to do and to listen to other experienced hobbyists. This forum is certainly rich with resources – I’m sure I’ll be hanging around for quite some time – hopefully long enough to contribute. I welcome any comments/advice. Good to be aboard.
Welcome. We are not short of comments, some of which are sometimes useful. As you progress ask specific questions and you will get good answers. Ask general questions and you will get lots of comments. Have fun. I am back after a 25 year rest. Doing HO of the 50’s modeling my memories as prototype. Looking forward to shareing.
[#welcome] glad to have you aboard…come here often you may learn something…this forum is loaded with the most hardcore model railroad enthusiest on the planet…lot to be gained here …chuck
Culm is what’s left over after an area has been strip mined. It looks like a mountain of coal dust. Around here you quite often see them with trees growing out of them. It is now being used as fuel in coal gasification plants. Hope that helps.
Welcome to our extended famiily. It would be a pleasure to help you to get re-established. Also, we like going back in time occasionally to talk about the good old says of modeling. Maybe you could help there?