I've always had a fascination with trains. With both my great-grandfather and grandfather working for the NSW railways here in Australia, I suppose they're in my blood. My earliest train-related memories come from being stood on a stool so I could peer over the backdrop of my fathers N-Trak modules. Despite growing up in a model train shop, it wasn't until a trip to the western states of the USA in 1992 at age 12 that the fever hit. There is something about hearing a Union Pacific APL doublestack train deep in the Feather River Canyon whilst visiting a rest stop that stays with you.

Upon returning home, I was disappointed to learn that despite Dad's New Haven being one of the intermodal pioneers, doublestacks didn't quite fit into his modeling era. I'd have to start my own collection! Thankfully Dad had accumulated an extensive library of magazines and books dating back to the 70's, so I began to immerse myself in the wonderful world of Model Railroader, Rail Model Craftsman, Railfan & Railroad, Railmodel Journal and Mainline Modeler. Mum quickly became sick of piles of unread and read magazines scattered around the living room.

There was really no decision to make regarding which railroad to model. What's not to like about brand new Dash 8's and GP60s hauling doublestacks right next to grimy tunnel motors and the Daylight #4449 on an excursion special? I was hooked. Like many, I was also captivated by the Tehachapi Loop. What a marvel. Unfortunately, I never made it to Tehachapi whilst the Espee ruled the roost, but thanks to the generosity of the members of the Intermodal List, I've railfanned Chicago, Belen, Vaughn, Winslow, Tehachapi, Bakersfield and Los Angeles in search of that perfect stack train. Whilst my Espee ceased to exist in 1996, thanks to recent visits I'm growing quite fond of current day BNSF and trying to replicate what I've seen. Actually, if anything, I'm more of an intermodal modeler than a railroad modeler.

I'm attempting to document some of those experiences here. The hardest thing about prototypical modeling from abroad (in the pre-internet days) was a lack of information and photographs. Hopefully this site and the photos contained are of use to fans and prototypical modelers as much as they will be to me.

My interests in intermodal transportation and the photos contained within the site wouldn't have been possible without the generosity and knowledge of the friends I've meet through the Intermodal List - in particular, Chad Hewitt, Brian Kreimendahl, George Johnsen, Craig Ross, Kelly Cruise and everyone who partook in the Inaugural Winslow Roundup of 2006. Thank you all.

Some of my favorite places on the 'Net: