PERSONAL
Text Box: My name is John Carty. I have been involved in Model Railroading since I was nine, when I received my own Tyco HO train set for Christmas. A few years later I joined my two older brothers on their layout, a 5’ x 6’ folding affair. When they both married, I inherited their portions of the equipment. When I married, everything went on hold. In 1995, when our third child was one, I chanced into a local hobby shop and purchased a kit or two. I have been modeling ever since. I joined a local club in 2000 and enjoyed the camaraderie for a year or so, working on the club layout. During this time, I joined the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). When my daughters’ dance schedule changed. My wife, Amy, agreed to let me start a layout in the corner of the basement, since I would be shuttling the girls to dance on the club’s meeting night. Although my primary interest is in the Wabash, where my grandmother, mother, and uncles worked, I planned this layout as an interurban to better utilize the available space. I also planned the layout to allow the kids to operate and work on it. In fact, the older girls helped me solder the leads to the rail joiners. When not working on the railroad or working around the house, I play bass trombone in the Second Generation Swing Orchestra and serve on the honor guard with the Knights of Columbus. I also coach my younger son’s Khoury League Baseball team. Additionally, my wife and I coach the older three children in Odyssey of the Mind. If you have never heard of this program, I encourage you to visit their website and if possible attend a competion. The kids and their creativity will amaze you. Additionally, in 2002, my wife and I brought home our fifth child from Korea. (Actually, they delivered her to us at O’Hare Airport in Chicago.) She has been a real joy to us and keeps her siblings on their toes. She also has picked up a love of trains (especially the colorful Alton & Southern diesels) from me. Ironically, the girls in general seem to enjoy the trains more than the boys.

 

johnpcarty@hotmail.com