Since my teenage years, I've been an avid reader of Model Railroad magazines, and I often found myself pondering how one could possibly get their own article published in such a renowned publication. I'd immerse myself in the fascinating stories written by model railroading legends like John Allen with his iconic Gorre & Daphetid Railroad, Allen McClelland's captivating tales of the V&O Railroad, Tony Koester's intricate world of the Allegheny Midland, and Malcolm Furlow's enchanting San Juan Central. Little did I know that I would one day have the opportunity to share my own work in such esteemed company. It's a dream I never believed could come true.

Reflecting back on my high school days, I can't help but think of my English teacher, who tirelessly worked to help me improve my writing skills. I struggled to achieve a passing grade in her class, but I was determined to follow my passion for model railroading. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and try my hand at submitting an article to a magazine. It was a daunting prospect, but I was determined to give it my best shot.

Much to my surprise, on my very first attempt, I came tantalizingly close to seeing my work in print. While the story was decent, the real issue lay with the quality of the photos accompanying it. I knew that if I wanted to achieve my dream of being a published model railroader, I had to step up my game. I decided to invest in a proper camera, a NIKON D3300, which would enable me to capture the intricate details of my model railroad with the utmost clarity.

Furthermore, I made another valuable investment in photo stacking software, a tool that allowed me to take a series of photos, ensuring that every element remained in sharp focus. Armed with this new equipment, I embarked on the journey of retaking the photos for my article. It was a labor of love, a process that demanded patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail.

Finally, after dedicating time and resources to improve my craft, I was rewarded with the satisfaction of seeing my work published in the pages of Model Railroader. It was a moment of immense pride and fulfillment, a testament to the idea that dreams can indeed come true. I am eternally grateful to Model Railroader for helping me achieve one of my long-held aspirations and for providing a platform to share my passion for model railroading with fellow enthusiasts. This journey has not only made me a better writer and photographer but has also given me the opportunity to contribute to a hobby that has brought me countless hours of joy and creativity.

August Cover of Model Railroader magazine and article used with permission from Model Railroader Magazine.

About Tom Langdale

 A Life Steered by the Rails. My journey into the world of model railroading began when I was just thirteen years old, living in Richmond, Virginia. At that tender age, I had no inkling that my passion for trains would develop into a lifelong devotion. It all started with a serendipitous friendship with a like-minded companion and the influence of a model railroading enthusiast next door.

My best friend, as if by fate, shared his fascination for trains, and it was through this friendship that the spark for model railroading was ignited. His neighbor, Mr. Mooney, was a big-time model railroader with a basement room that could only be described as a miniature train wonderland. It was within those walls that I received my very first copy of Model Railroader magazine, a pivotal moment that would shape my future. As I flipped through its pages, I became entranced, captivated by the intricate world of model railroads and the possibilities it offered. From that day on, I was undeniably hooked.

Countless hours were spent by me and my friend just staring at Mr. Mooney's meticulously crafted layout, dreaming about the day we might have our own model train kingdom, as vast and intricate as his. Mr. Mooney, a generous mentor and fellow enthusiast, played a pivotal role in my journey. He not only kindled my interest but took it a step further by introducing me to the local model train club. Mr. Mooney, in his unwavering support for our passion, also organized visits to the real train shops at the RF&P railroad yards, giving me and my friend an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the world of real trains.

Before long, I persuaded my father to allocate a section of our basement for a four by eight train table. This table would serve as my training ground, where I would make every mistake in the book and learn valuable lessons along the way. I laughingly recall using an astounding thirty pounds of hydrocal plaster to construct my first two-foot-long tunnel, which ended up being an epic failure. This early blunder was marked by a critical error – neglecting to protect the tracks within the tunnel. Consequently, no train ever navigated the treacherous passage, prompting a team of skilled wrecking crew armed with hammers and chisels to intervene. The tunnel and the layout had to be dismantled.

Yet, these failures were not setbacks; they were part of the learning process. Through perseverance, passion, and an undying love for trains ensured that I would come back stronger and wiser. This initial misadventure served as an invaluable lesson in the art and science of model railroading.

A year or two passed, and circumstances changed. My best friend moved to Arizona, and, tragically, Mr. Mooney passed away. However, my passion for trains remained steadfast. I was determined to continue my journey, and fate had another twist in store for me.

It turned out that my cousin's husband, Steve, was also a model railroader. The only catch was that Steve resided in South Carolina. Undeterred by the distance, I visited Steve whenever I had the chance, often during family gatherings in Charleston. Sitting at the kitchen table, we would delve deep into the intricacies of model railroading, sharing tips and tricks. I was particularly taken by Steve's ability to create buildings from scratch, using any materials he could scrounge up. Our shared enthusiasm and Steve's mentorship became a vital lifeline in my journey, providing me with the skills and knowledge I needed to excel in this intricate hobby.

Life had more adventures in store for me. After completing high school, I made the life-altering decision to join the United States Air Force, marking the beginning of my military career. Several years later, I tied the knot with my wife, and we embarked on a new adventure as we were stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan for a three-year tour. In a delightful twist, I found myself surrounded by fellow model railroaders among my military colleagues. United by their shared love for trains, we banded together to form a model railroad club right on the base.

The club was aptly named the "Kanto Planes Consolidated Railroad Club" and was officially founded in 1978. For me, this was an exciting chapter in my journey as I not only served my country but also pursued my passion with like-minded individuals, reinforcing the notion that the love of model railroading knows no boundaries.

Following my tour in Japan, my wife and I continued our journey across the United States, finally settling in the picturesque region of Charleston, South Carolina. My career trajectory took a significant turn as I embarked on a new path in the civilian sector. I ventured into the world of bank security, focusing on installing and maintaining electronic and physical security equipment, including ATMs. Though this job was a significant departure from my childhood passion, it offered me a new perspective and skills that would eventually come in handy in my model railroading endeavors.

After years in the civilian workforce, I reached the momentous milestone of retirement. It was a time for reflection and an opportunity to dedicate even more of my time to model railroading. With this newfound freedom, my wife and I made a decision that would change the course of our lives yet again. We relocated to Walhalla, South Carolina, where I would eventually become a member of the Central Railway Model Historical Association.

In this charming and historic town, I found a community of fellow model railroaders who shared my passion and enthusiasm for the craft. The Central Railway Model Historical Association became my second home, and I dedicated countless hours to helping the club grow and thrive. 

One could argue that my life was steered by the rails. From those early days in Richmond, Virginia, when I first laid eyes on Model Railroader magazine in Mr. Mooney's basement, to my time in the Air Force, my adventures in Japan, and my career in bank security, the common thread has been my enduring love for trains. The journey was marked by learning from mistakes, nurturing friendships with fellow model railroaders, and a profound sense of dedication to this unique hobby.

My story is a testament to the enduring power of passion. It's a reminder that the things that capture our hearts at a young age can stay with us throughout our lives, influencing our choices, our friendships, and even our careers. Model railroading wasn't just a hobby for me – it was a calling that shaped my path, connected me with kindred spirits, and provided a lifelong source of joy and satisfaction. My journey serves as an inspiration to all of us to follow our passions, nurture our interests, and stay connected to the things that bring us true happiness.

Contact Information:

tlangdale@lowcountry.com