Welcome, Alan. If I understand Norman's message correctly, then the 3 of us (and several others) are of roughly the same vintage (I'm a 1947 model with high mileage). The railroading passion is something I understand, although I'm too involved with other stuff (like Land Speed Racing) to return to that arena....but I still remember the sights and sounds of Union Pacific "Big Boys" (4-8-8-4 articulated) as well as feeling the ground shake as they'd begin their climb through Weber Canyon in northern Utah on their way across the Wasatch mountains. They made their last runs over that route in 1959 when I was 12. But I digress (as usual.)
I hope you enjoy your membership here. It's a kool (although sometimes maddening) place and there's more cumulative automotive knowledge here than any other place I can think of.
Best regards,