N-Scale Model Railroading in Dallas
Welcome to the Dallas Layout
I was introduced to H0 gauge trains through a neighbor that had an extensive layout in his garage. I am talking a huge layout that he could run several very long trains at one time. This was long before DCC and wiring was done in blocks using toggle switches to control each of the many blocks. The layout was built on a wood framework. Wooden roadbed was used and he laid his track by hand along with custom built turnouts. He ran brass steam locomotives only and spent a lot of time building the rolling stock from kits made of wood. This guy spared no expense. I was allowed to run the trains under strict supervision. He had only a few buildings and had not really started adding the scenic details.
My own H0 train layout didn't grow very fast as a kid because I would have to use my allowance or money, I earned cutting lawns to purchase items for my layout. Funds were limited. I lost interest in the trains and cannot tell you what happened to my H0 trains. In my years after college, as a joke, one Christmas, my family gave me an N-scale train set.
It sparked my interest once again. I did enjoy watching the trains run and I have always liked to putter around with models. Many years after receiving the train set, while still living in the El Paso, Texas area, I was going through boxes in the garage when I came across a box of my old N-scale model railroading equipment that had been packed away for sometime. Not having a lot of spare time between working a full-time job and running a non-profit theatre company, I only had time for a small 3x4 layout. Although I preferred steam, I had two Burlington Northern GPs, very few pieces of rolling stock running on a double oval mainline with a small rail yard in the middle. These trains ran fine on the small 3x4 DC layout but I would get bored running them not having time to really spend on constructing a full-size layout.