Hi, I am John Easterwood from Copperas Cove, Texas. Started model railroading at 12 with my first scratchbuilt building in HO scale. Had a simple layout with American Flyer loco and rolling stock (my Mom gave it away to the kid next door when I went to college!) Was in the Army for 21+ years; retired in '78 and stayed in Texas (raised in Wyoming, I was glad to find a place with no snow to shovel.) While in the army, I left scratchbuilt HO buildings and rolling stock in clubs around the World. Meanwhile I had personal layouts in HO, N, TT, and even Z scale. When my eyes wore out, I finally settled on G scale. I am building a small outdoor layout; have installed track and built a couple buildings - long way to go and I can't work in the Summer here in Central Texas. I draw plans in AutoCad. Build buildings in Backerboard and cedar using a Proxxon table saw to resize the lumber (scape pieces of cedar fencing from a friendly contractor.) Plan on basic operation using Crescent remote control and rechargeable 18650 3.7V lithium Ion batteries. I surf eBay for trucks, couplers, and other parts for scratchbuilding; buy most plastic materials from Amazon; LCD lighting from AllElectronics. I live on the doorstep of Fort Hood -47,000 troops- that at one time had a lot of model railroaders; no so anymore. So I have to go to Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth to contact other G scalers. Belonged to a G scale club in Austin, but can't drive at night anymore so had to drop out. I look forward to communicating with you folks about my favorite hobby. Thanks.
Hi John, Welcome aboard, regardless of Scale or circumstances. We have lots of retired military on board, so you're bound to find a G-Scaler, maybe even one nearby. Love to see some photos of your creations.
Good to have you with us. I, for one, do remember Hood and CC even if I was only there for a bit. Hope you can share some photos of your work in the future, and maybe you can stumble upon someone relatively close.
Welcome to Trainboard, John. Sounds as if you have a lot of previous experience, and I wish you the best in G scale.
Thanks for the welcome; us 80+ have to stick together! These are photos from the HO era; my work train.
Thanks for the welcome. I am always reluctant to exhibit my humble work; I made the mistake of taking a HO McGiffert Log Loader to the National Narrow Gage Convention in Durango one year. The quality of workmanship was so high, I was embarrassed. I have resorted to the 10-foot rule - if I can see it from 10 feet, it ain't necessary. I like G scale because it is more like woodworking and less like modeling. The log train will be installed on my outside layout along with a recently built sawmill.
Hi John. I'm a little late with this greeting ... but welcome aboard. Nice models you have in photos!
Welcome John, and thank you for your service. 21 years military here also. LOL but I model HO, N, & Z for the Grandsons
Thanks back to you for your service. I had fun with my daughters in N scale. My grandson had no interest in model railroading ("Wouldn't it be neat to blow it up?") and now he is in basic at Ft. Benning. I admire your eye sight; those scales require it. I look forward to sharing the hobby with you folks.
