Then and Now... a look back.

How many of you keep a diary or timeline of the construction of your model railroad?  I am not talking about an obsessive journal that records every minute worked and every dollar spent.  What I am referring to is a journal of milestones!  For me, examples of a milestone would be benchwork completed, first train run, all trackwork completed, or all electrical done. 

I have been recording dates and times for this type of thing for as long as I can remember.  It dates back more than 25 years to when my dad and I worked on model railroads when I was growing up.  I think he was the first one to do it, scribbling a few notes down on a piece of the benchwork late one night... This is the actual piece of wood that was salvaged.  I have kept it for over 20 years!

Entry reads, "Benchwork 2 months."

Another entry reads, "Inaugural run complete circle main 9-1-84 10:08 PM.  Soo Line 15 cars + way car."

That was 26 years, four railroads, and three house moves ago... but I still have that piece of wood!  It means an awful lot to me.  It reminds me of and represents the hours of time spent with my dad building a railroad.  But more importantly, it also reminds me of what he taught me... what it takes to be a man, a good husband, and a good father.  Those were priceless hours spent together in the basement.  

Fast forward to the Dragonfly Subdivision and today.  I have continued the tradition of recording milestones on the benchwork of the railroad.  Notice on the inside of the support leg under Walnut, Illinois, this is our diary for the construction of  the Dragonfly.

I have included the kids signatures in the diary as well as they have helped along the way.  Just as my dad did for me, I am attempting to do for them, teaching them how to build with their hands, think with their minds, and love with their hearts. 

Wow, this is the World's Greatest Hobby!

Happy Railroading! (and now when I say that, I think you know it means so much more!)
Scott