Hi all,

About a year ago, I re-fell in love with trains. I have a very stereotypical story; loved them as a kid, "grew out of them" as a teen, and now, in my 20's, am finding my rekindled passion.

Anyway, the construction of this layout started in early December, 2012. As of this point, I would say around 80% of the layout is done; all that's left is trees and random details. I have learned so much in this first build of mine, from electricity to scenery techniques, and operations techniques to design. Looking back, I made many errors on this layout, however, I would not change it in any way because of said errors. Many were errors I read about in MRH from you guys, but ignored them (wiring switch points with dead frogs, yard design, etc.)... Now, though, I have the first hand experience to know what wisdom was had at the time. When my wife and I move to our own home, I cannot wait to design and build a better, larger layout with presumably less mistakes. I'm sure to have many questions!

Here's the Northern Tuton Railroad (progress of the layout build on my youtube channel):

It's a 4x8 (way too small now!) with NCE DCC. My fleet is relatively small; two locos and a handful of cars. This, of course, will grow when life stabilizes (married less than a year ago, in school, and looking at houses to buy), but for now it works ok for the size. A lot of the inspiration came from MRH and posts from various users, and though I didn't personally ask too many questions on this site, what I read on here makes up about 65% of what I know. 

As a new comer to the hobby, my hope is to grow in knowledge of this great hobby, and eventually help others like I have been helped here. I love seeing everyone's layouts on here, and I want to return the favor and display mine for all to see. Please comment, advise, ridicule, love, or whatever you want on it; anything would be great!

Thank you all for the advice given, and hours invested into helping guys like me enter into this wonderful hobby. I hope someday to return the favor!

-Tim