My modified Bachmann Big Hauler. Now ... Not so big!

Poolside Rails is the epic saga of the Paris to Peking Railway company, a gripping day-by-exhausting-day struggle to forge a railway where none has gone before, a terrific tale of Man Against Nature, a…

Who am  I kidding? I’m an average Joe living in Ventura, California, and I bought a house that has a garden railway in the backyard, and I’m resurrecting it after a decade of disuse (the railway, not me!). I have a grand vision of a sprawling railroad empire with powerful locomotives hauling heavy freight and happy passengers around an idyllic landscape … “The Poolside Route” … but I am battling staggering odds: no money, a quasi-interested wife, dogs that have no respect for rights of way, a seven year old daughter who just wants to play with her Polly Pockets in the little houses, and, perhaps the most devastating shortfall: no skills, no experience. Poolside Rails brings my adventures to you blow by bloody-knuckled blow!

The Paris-To-Peking Railway, itself, is a simple loop-to-loop track plan that runs along the back edge of my property in the narrow space between the swimming pool and the back fence. With a loop at either end, there is a natural “destination” at each end of my layout. The north end is quite a small, tight loop that tends to limit my choice of motive power and rolling stock. The southern loop is quite large and encircles a planted area and features a nice old wooden trestle.

The blog is driven by me, but is overseen by the Board of Directors on the Paris to Peking Railway; the blustery CEO, the surly CFO, the timid Marketing Guy, and the downright nasty Chief Engineer. These guys show up whenever there’s a lull in the action, and they are sure to keep you entertained. … Really!

“Shut up, you idiot,” the Chief Engineer mutters into his stout.

Well, I suppose that’s the end of the About page.