What was your first train set (or locomotive)?
My first train set was the Lionel 1434W Burlington GP diesel with three passenger cars from 1955 or 1956. Being a passenger set, it had limited play value for me. I also had a no. 52 fire car.
My trains are primarily from this era (i.e. prewar, postwar, modern, digital)?
My layout is Lionel postwar track and accessories but with modern TMCC and LionChief Plus locomotives.
What is your biggest modeling success?
My biggest modeling success has been being able to fit a dogbone layout into my garage and still provide room to park my car.
What is your biggest modeling mistake?
My biggest modeling mistake was trying to create a layout with the Lionel no. 110 graduated trestle set and Marx 027 switches on a 4 x 6 platform as a child in the 1950s.
When I’m not enjoying my trains I’m usually (other hobbies or activities)…?
When I’m not enjoying my trains I’m usually busy with my grandchildren. My wife and I babysit the grandchildren Monday through Friday while the parents work.
What advice would you give a new hobbyist?
Start small and get a layout up and running. Classic Toy Trains has had several nice starter layouts with complete building instructions. My favorite was the Cascade & Timber Trail Ry. published several years ago and still available from Kalmbach Media. I would also recommend getting a good quality locomotive to start, one with TMCC or LionChief Plus features, especially the remote control couplers which offers lots of operating fun.
Learn more about the Cascade & Timber Trail.
