Hello. I live in Western MI. I have been interested in trains since age 2 when I began playing with Brio wooden trains. Twenty years later I am still hooked (but as you might guess I'm still younger than most people on this forum). I got my first electric train at age 6 (the Bachmann smokey mountain express) and have had semi temporary layouts in both HO and O-27. When I was younger few of my layouts were prototypical and contained a mix of eras and railroads. I am currently considering building my first permanent test layout using the equipment I have now. I have the Bachmann DCC starter set which would conform to Santa Fe in the 60s. It's going to be small and mainly a test piece. My real desire is to do either model traction or a model of the CSX in western Michigan in modern times, however. But that may be in the future. Money is at a premium at my age and I can't afford to switch themes so I'm sticking to 60s era Santa Fe simply because that is what I have.
Welcome to TrainBoard! Don't worry about age, you'll fit right in. Here at TrainBoard, we have teens and even a few pre-teens, on up to folks in their nineties. Ladies and gents from all around the world. Sure do understand the money factor. However, daydreaming and planning for 'some day' are both actually fun and important parts of this hobby. Meanwhile, you do have something to work with, so enjoy!
I am actually fascinated with building smaller, superdetailed layouts. Money is an issue. Space is not. My parents allow me to build in their basement which is quite large. I'm starting out a 4 by 12. Eventually I'd actually like to downsize to N or do an HO scale traction system. This is sort of a trial layout for me. It's buying new equipment that is the problem. I don't want to sell my own equipment.
There are actually folks who concentrate on building micro-layouts. Somewhere I have a link to a web site which has a bunch of plans uploaded. Can't seem to find it right now. If interesting, try posting in our layout planning forum and I am certain someone will know that URL, or more.
Welcome aboard , Sounds like you got a good start looking for Carl's designs. I think the most fun is the details , I like operations if there are more than just you to run ops , but the enjoyment / challenge is scratch and kit bash building , especally using prototype equiptment to model . and of course the " ooh's " and " aahh's " of what you built when presented via pictures here , did we mention pictures ? yes we like lots of pictures and did we mention home movies ? yes, we like lots of home movies ..... rail road stuff ...
Hi, and Welcome. All of us are teen-agers in one form or another. Though in my case, my body hasn't gotten the message yet. Looking forward to seeing whatever you come up, and happy to help you any way we can, also to any learn tricks and neat stuff that you come up with.
Don't let Hytec fool ya ... he really looks younger under those sunglasses , I know I got a pair and now look 40 yrs younger ... :cute: that'd make me .. let see about 23 something...
Welcome aboard! Like you, I started at a young age and I'm still at it. I understand the money aspect but as you get older, its time that gets scarce! Look forward to what you are working on.
Greetings to Trainboard! Where specifically in western Michigan do you live? I don't mean street address, just the town or county will do. Michigan is one of our favorite places!. My wife taught all over southern Michigan years ago(Paw Paw,Sturgis,Detroit etc). We usually travel to places along the West Shore of Michigan, but not exclusively. My wife went to undergrad college in Adrian(Sienna Heights U.) and we've also spent time in Grand Rapids and way up north(Ludington). Michigan has some great railroad and interurban history. C.E.R.A. issued a book last year about the "Lake Shore Line" interurban.(Grand Rapids,Grand Haven & Holland Ry). I live about 150' from what was the main line of the GTW RR but is now the Hayford Siding. We're starting to get a lot of stack trains on it now, apparently NS run-thrus. The CN maintains the track well, I see the Sperry railcar every year or so. Charlie
