My decision to build a model railroad with my two sons had been forming for a while. We reside in a three-bedroom home with no basement or den. Built in 1951, the mud adobe house was designed with rooms that are ‘cozy’ to say the least. I had considered turning the smaller bedroom into a trainroom, but realized that the boys, who currently bunk together, will soon want rooms to themselves. This is only natural.

Life has a way of derailing the best of plans. I thought I had it all... a good job, two great children, and a comfortable life. HA! This past May, one of my best friends (and employer, and future father-in-law) passed away unexpectedly. This left me without a job (his business had to close) and a family in grief.