Greetings From Jim Thorpe, PA (The Switzerland of America)

Last layout I had was an O scale one 55 years ago. I plan to soon begin a 4x6 HO layout for the front window of my shop. I've been lurking here for a few days and I was drawn to join this site because it is very active and informative. Trainboard members seem gracious with their experience and advice. A lot has changed, I can see, in 55 years but a lot has remained the same. I'll be looking to get layout ideas from Trainboard members as well as tips on track, equipment, scenery, weathering, etc. My brother will be giving me an HO locomotive soon and my layout era and locale will depend on that loco so for now my research is general.

As background, I am a retired locomotive engineer (CNJ, Conrail, NS) now owner of a photography/framing business. During my 34-year railroad career I was active in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. I operated in freight and passenger service (NJ) early on and then in freight (NJ, PA). My prototype experience is available to you all. Back in the CompuServe days, I was an ass't sysop in their TrainNet Forum.

Thanks for the welcome message,
mr_class

 

Good Morning mr_class, Welcome to the TrainBoard, and out of the shadows of Lurkdom. I'm looking forward to seeing the system you create. I've noticed that RR engineers create layouts from a different perspective than we mere mortals. Their layouts appear to be more realistic when viewed through a camera lens which mimics their view through a cab window. I offer Jerry DeBene's N-Scale creation as a prime example, http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?87641-ATSF-Line-Started. Jerry's layout may be in N-Scale, but the result would be the same in HO, O, or G Scales. BTW, Jerry is an engineer with the ATN.

 

Welcome to Trainboard mr_class. As a retired railroader, you sure picked a railfan hotbed to retire in, Jim Thorpe. I have only visited there once, but was very impressed with the town. I hope your business will thrive there.