Charlie b's layout

[Gary S]

but I have a long way to go to get things as detailed as you. My talent lags way behind, and I must admit, I get frustrated when I just can't do it, but then I have to convince myself that I'm doing OK, and though I am not on par with most of you guys,

Charlie, you always make me blush and wince just a bit when you say things like that. We each have our talents and our desires about what we want from our hobby experiences. Here's my perception:

When I see your train room, I think "wow, it's gonna be great to sit back and watch the trains run." I see your layout as a place where friends can gather and just enjoy the trains and each other. I can imagine alot of smiles, good humor, and comraderie. And I think that is what you are aiming for, so you are exactly accomplishing your goals.

My view of the hobby is less of the trains, but more of the "detailed structure" and "prototpye scene". For my layout, I am imagining a couple guys running local freights, absorbed in their duties, shuffling cars in and out of the industries, immersed in the industrial scenes, and for good portions of the time, forgetting that the other guy is even there.

The fact that you have come so far in barely over one year is a testament to your skill and dedication to the hobby.

edit: typo