My interest in railroading is apparently inherited from the maternal ancestors, many of whom were employees of the New York Central Railroad back in the 1940's and 1950's.  And like so many others, a Christmas present as a youngster set the hook for all time.  Of course, a two-decade break beginning when I hit teenagedom allowed for chasing the opposite sex, going to college, beginning a career, getting married and starting a family.  The offspring never developed an interest in trains but Dad got back into it in a big way.

After almost 20 years as an HO-scaler, several years ago we switched to O-scale - the 1/48th stuff.  Love the sight and sound of those big engines and rolling stock.  Sticker shock can be a problem - especially to the spouse - but who ever said more is better anyway.   Less of big fills a basement just as much as more of small! 

For more description, pictures and a track plan of the NYC Apalachin Division, click here .

And anytime I don't want to play in the basement, I find the Web is a great place to pursue the hobby.  Just point the browser at the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) Home Page and join  the fun.  That site has hundreds of links to other sites pertaining to both model and prototype railroading.