For the longest time, computers and computer related things have been my hobby.  Most recently building & tinkering with my HTPC has been an ongoing thing in my house, and now that it’s mostly complete (a good working setup that won’t need to be upgraded for quite awhile), It’s time to move on to something else. After all, I’ve made my hobby (computers) my job.

When I was 8 years old or so, I was given a small N-scale model train set. I played with it for hours on end, but all I had was some track, a controller, an engine and a few cars.  At such a young age I couldn’t really afford to expand my setup much, and N-scale stuff was hard to find and expensive.  However, what little money I was able to get from mowing lawns and doing chores was spent on extra track and extra cars. Eventually though, I moved on to other things, and took up playing with electronics.

I always had a soft spot in my heart for model train sets.  I lived very close to railroad tracks my entire life, and while big trains didn’t fascinate me like they do some people, when I got married and moved away, I definately missed them.  For the first few months I’d wake up in the middle of the night wondering what the sound was… then I realized it was the lack of a rumbling train, and it’s blowing horn.

I just turned 30 a few weeks ago, and I’ve decided it’s time to actually get into a hobby that can hold my attention.  Some people collect stamps, rocks, coins, even road signs. Me, I’m going to collect expensive electrical toys.  I’m going to build a railroad in my basement, and it’s going to be grand. I’ve never had a real hobby before. Instead I’ve had “projects” I’ve been interested in.

Today I drove the 30 minutes or so up to Green Bay to visit EngineHouse Services. A store stocking nothing but model railroad stuff.   I was like a kid in a candy shop. Being the geek I am, I asked tons of questions, and then couldn’t make up my mind on what I wanted to do.  I knew I wanted a Digital Command Controller (DCC) for my train set, and the guys at EngineHouse were quite helpful at explaining the ins and outs of it.  In the end I picked up a book, a copy of this month’s Model Railroader, and the Digitrax Zepher Starter Set (a DCC system).  Total spent: $210, and I have nothing to show for it. I also couldn’t be more excited.

Tomorrow I’m heading over to Home Depot to pick up the lumber to build my table. A lot of people will just slap a piece of 3/4 plywood on a couple horses, but I’m told that it could sag over time so, a frame I shall build.  Expected cost: $75.

This Saturday there’s a model train expo & swap meet in town that I’m going to go to. With any luck, I may just wind up buying my first locomotive there.  However if I get the table done ahead of time, I might head on up to Green Bay again.

Anyway, I’m quite excited about this. I’m hoping to document the project as it continues, so keep on watching this space!