Is there anyone on this forum that lives near me. I wanted to know for serveral reasons. One so that i can learn and two so that i can see what a layout really looks like. I am new to the hobby and have just started to get my feet wet.
I live in IL, PM me if you do live near and would let me be your apprentise.
IL is a big state. You may want to update your member profile to show your town and state.
Find the nearest Division of the National Model Railroad Association and attend. You will find a lot of good people, layout rours and many clinics on how to do stuff. Ours in the Twin Cities is what got me started again 4 years ago.
Go to the top of this page and go to RESOURCES, then to Model RR Groups. There may be some in your area. Also, go to your LHS and give them some cards with your name and number, ask them to give them to folks they know are into model rring. By doing it that way, they are not breaking the confidence of their customers, just giving them the name of someone who is interested in being helped in the hobby.
Welcome and good luck,