Why would a senior with limited skills and knowledge of railroading take on this challenge? A fair question. The obvious answer is that time and resources enable the diversion. Yet a complete answer would delve deeper and discover the owner’s passions for design, architecture, beauty and problem solving.

This evolving project has been a start and stop proposition. A first attempt in the late eighties failed as that layout was too expansive and complex. Primers on railroads were written by northerners who did not understand Florida’s topography and tropical weather which play havoc with all outside structures and equipment. Lead batteries were heavy and never charged when trains were ready to roll. The project was abandoned and remained dormant for years until grandchildren coaxed this renewal.

As singles tennis opponents became scarce I decided to try again and have since labored at the railroad for nearly three years. Labor is the correct choice of words. This has been an almost daily preoccupation during the six months each year we reside in Florida.

The challenges are what keep us in the game. There are good days and sometimes thorny problems follow us to bed only to be tackled anew the following day. No need to elaborate. Trains derail, roadbed is not plumb, electronics or pneumatics misbehave, locos refuse to respond. Then there are the handlers - the distant voices on the phone or internet who dispense advice and product.  Each has a passion for model railroading and plays a distinct role. Sometimes they are our best friends but not always.