Doug got started in the hobby when
he and his twin brother and received
a Bachmann Power House train set
for Christmas in the 6th grade – and
it's grown from there. Doug models
the original main line of the Illinois
Central from Centralia to Decatur in
the late 1950s in HO scale. Doug has
also built several G scale cars from
the plans in
Garden Railways.
Outside of the hobby, Doug teaches science at a rural
high school in southern Illinois. His wife, Christy, is a nurse
practitioner and they have
three children: Abby is 10,
Anna is 7, and Isaac is 4.
operating potential should outweigh the visual appearance as
it provides true enjoyment, not just something that is pleasing
to the eye. Secondly, if someone wanted a more finished lay-
out, they could simplify the track arrangement by not purchas-
ing some of the track such as the turnout for the interchange/
siding as well as the turnout to double-track the elevator.
By not purchasing these two turnouts and associated track,
$30 would be freed up to purchase scenic elements such as
trees, ground foam, a road though town, or a store for the
downtown. These turnouts could then be added at a later
date as more money and time allow providing more operating
interest. Were I to start over again, this is exactly what I would
spend my 500 bucks on.
