welcome to the forums "monkeyman",this is a great place to share ideas and info,however if your looking for a face to face try to find a model club or a railroad group that meet regularly,i would invite you to our club but the commute to Spokane Wa. might be a little tough. local hobbyshops,county fairs,anywhere folks show up to show off crafts would be another way to meet like minded folks. BTW thankyou for you service and welcome home
armornut,proud memeber of the Patriot Guard Riders,Standing For those who Stood For US.