My Model RR beginnings

Growing up in Maine and mostly New Hampshire, I have always modeled the Maine Central and Boston & Maine. Early on there were very few models available that were decorated for the B&M or the MEC and coming from a single parent family I wasn't able to do much beyond a plywood tabletop outlet until I was a pre-teen. I got started in the way most do... an HO train set under the tree. I was 7 or 8 yrs old. Don't even recall what brand it was - but it was an 0-4-0 dockside switcher and a few cars. My Uncle Jake came down from Hallowell and built a train table for me in the cellar and I was on my way ! I later added to my collection. Mostly Tyco and Revell equipment I got second hand from my older brother's friend. In Exeter - the modeler's mecca was Roberge Photo shop. We were paperboys back then and me and my best friend Tim White would take the $$ we got delivering papers and trapping muskrats and beaver and use the money to buy kits and track and such.

When I was in my late teens I gave all my trains to my nephew who later gave them away so all my early stuff is but a memory. Covered wagons and a HO Pennsy SW metal switcher I got as a birthday present. As it happens - although I remained interested in trains through my high school and college years there were other interests that competed and so I was away from the hobby for a good 10 years. Always knew I would come back one day but when was hard to say.

About 3 yrs out of college I got a 'train set' for under the Christmas tree and discovered superdetailing and custom painting. I met a colleague at work who has become a life long friend who got me back into the hobby with both feet.