Hi everyone,
Thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Andy and I currently reside just outside of Darlington, a stones throw away (quite literally!) from what remains of the trackbed of the old Darlington & Stockton railway. Not much more than a distant memory and public footpath nowadays, although an old block-type sleeper did resurface not long ago, just to keep us reminded!
I've had an interest in railways for quite some time now. As far back as I can remember as a very small child riding countless journeys back and forth on the NYMR, or the Ravenglass & Eskdale line was another firm favourite. In terms of the hobby, I had your typical Hornby double track oval with a few sidings here and there. This layout gave me many years of enjoyment, watching loco's and stock go round and round in every configuration possible. Sadly after a good 5-6 years of running, a water leak in the roof brought and end to this layout. I never really got over the loss I had suffered (I may joke now, but there were tears!) and thus quite tragically lost contact and interest in the hobby. Probably in the teenage years at a guess, around the time I discovered girls and occasional underage drinking behind the cricket pavilion...
I guess you could say I'm all grown up now. I live with my partner Charlotte and we have a little dog called Poppy. No children, so some may say now is a good time than ever to get back into the hobby.. while the cash is still in my pocket!
In terms of my more recent experience with the hobby, I picked up a few bits of track and a loco with some stock about a year ago. I haven't ventured into too much. I've had a few basic ovals with some sidings set up. I'd hoped to have gotten deeper into the hobby by now, though work and life as we all know has a say in this. Only recently have I found the time to pick it up in more doses. I'm no stranger to modelling and scenery, being a keen 1/35th scale modeller of various contraptions.. mostly armour and war time vehicles, so that side of things should be no problem at all. The only area that may prove a good challenge is wiring and electrics. I Have acquired a few books and Brian Lambert's website is proving very informative and interesting so far.
Other than that, I don't think there is anything else to add?
I look forward to making acquaintances with you. If any of you are attending the Redcar & Cleveland show this weekend I may see you.. not that I know what any of you look like!
Andy
