I have loved trains since I was a kid.  After time away from the hobby for school, family and work, I got back into model railroading in 1990.  Starting with the usual 4’ x 8’ plywood empire, the layout grew to its current 25’ x 35’ dimensions.  Choosing a prototype was easy – I had written a book on the 3 ft. gauge Tuscarora Valley RR in central Pennsylvania and become a fan of the Pennsylvania RR in the process.  These two interests turned into a layout featuring a four-track slice of the PRR’s Middle Division, the connection to the TV RR at Port Royal and the TV’s 27-mile long line, including a logging branch line.

Today the layout is about 85% completed and operated with Digitrax DCC.  It includes many scratch-built structures and customized locomotives and rolling stock.  Over the years I have worked in all aspects of the hobby.  This enabled me to earn the NMRA Master Model Railroader #367 in 2006. 

To see more of my modeling, click on the YouTube video of my layout on the HOME page or look up one of my many articles in MODEL RAILROADER, RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN and NARROW GAUGE & SHORTLINE GAZETTE.  I have also received modeling awards at regional and national events.  Although I enjoy all aspects of the hobby, my special interests are in engine construction, maintenance, repair and decoder installation;  and in scratch-building or kit-bashing to re-create prototype rolling stock and structures. 

After retiring from a career teaching philosophy at Trinity Christian College outside Chicago, I have worked as a model builder with Progressive Model Design since 2016.  PMD plans, builds and installs highly detailed model railroad layouts.  You can visit PMD’s website from my LINKS page for more details on their services.

Can I help you with that special project you’ve always wanted?

                                               George Pierson