Hi my name is Bob, and I'm a light rail train operator for Valley Metro. I got into the hobby about three years ago. I started in O, then went into HO. And now I moved into N scale because of space. At first I thought the smaller size would bother me but as it turns out, I LOVE N scale! I have two locomotives right now, Kato FEF-3 and Kato UP SD70ACe with Loksound decoders. I love the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads. My future plans will be running the old SP Gila Line (Tucson to Yuma AZ) with the Phoenix Line (Picacho to Wellton AZ) during the failed SPSF merger. Now hold on to your hats because it's going to get crazy! There was never train service between Phoenix and Flagstaff, but there will be on my railroad. Yes SP Harriman 60' coaches (and Amtrak) will make their way north. And to spice things up to notch 8, take off the SP equipment and run modern UP equipment. What I enjoy most about the hobby is being creative, thinking outside the box. I'm sure by now you can understand that with my future plans for the railroad that never was, but will be! I'm looking forward to learning many new things! Bob
Welcome aboard! I just spent a week in Prescott covering for another therapist's vacation. Beautiful country! The drive from Phoenix airport up I-17 was awesome and I've never seen so many saguaro cacti. One day after work I drove through Jerome (ate at Haunted Hamburger) Sedona and up Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff. I was thinking model railroad the whole way. The old Presott & Arizona Central may give you some ideas. Keep us posted. As a side note I spent a few days in Yuma back in April as we also have a facility there as well. I liked Prescott better.
Hi Bob, welcome aboard. I agree that N allows far more artistic creativity within a small space. Looking forward to seeing what you develop.
Jim, I totally agree, Prescott over Yuma. Yuma gets hotter than Phoenix during the summer while Prescott offers "cooler" weather and scenic views. My daughter went to NAU so driving up to Flagstaff on I-17 became second nature. I'll take your suggestion and research the Prescott & Arizona Central. Thanks! Bob
Welcome aboard, Bob. I love Prescott and we almost chose it as our retirement home. Murphy's Establishment is a great place there, as well as the Hasayampa Hotel. Then there is Embry-Riddle and one of my old F-104s on display.
Heresy is always allowed with your own railroad! Sounds like a lot of fun! Welcome the the Trainboard Community!
Good to hear from a light-rail operator. I live in a town with so little train-riding opportunities unless I am a railroad employee or a hobo, that it is a train-riding thrill for me when I visit anyplace with light rail to ride it. I did just that in Phoenix when I was there 2 years ago, and again when I got to Tucson. And now the light rail in Houston has been extended to my old neighborhood in the East End. Hurrah for light rail. Meanwhile, happy railroading in both light rail and model rail.
Welcome Bob from another Valley resident. I've been railfanning the VMR since they first started to build it. I'm also an N-scaler, currently on layout #6.
Welcome aboard Bob. I like your ideas and SP lives in my Model Train world also. N Scale is so much fun and can fit so much more in s mall space. Joy the ride
