A lifelong passion for model railroading has shaped my personal and professional journey. My interest in railroading began with a traditional Lionel train set, and my dedication to scale modeling developed when my local hobby shop no longer carried plastic ship and aircraft kits, prompting me to explore model railroading in greater depth. I continued to pursue the hobby throughout my college years and military career.
While stationed in Alaska, I joined a group of fellow service members in forming a modular model railroad club. Unfortunately, each of us eventually received transfer orders, and as the last member to depart, I retained the module frames we had constructed.
Following my retirement, I relocated to Virginia. Several months later, the Superintendent of the Potomac Division approached me about organizing a modular group. This initiative led to the formation of the Potomac Modular Group, of which I remained an active member for 24 years. During this period, I pursued and earned multiple Achievement Program (AP) certificates, culminating in being awarded the Master Model Railroader (MMR) designation in May 2001.