Meet Seth Puffer
What was your first train set (or locomotive)?
My parents started me out (like many I suppose) with a 2-rail Lionel set when I was four or five. I was thrilled! My first HO scale layout was a few years later. I still have the shell from the locomotive that came with the set. My dad helped me a lot with my first layout, a 4 x 8 foot sheet of plywood. Both Dad and Mom encouraged my love of trains.
Describe your model railroading philosophy in 6 words.
It’s all about having fun. My current layout doesn’t really hold to a time frame as I like the look of older vehicles with my more “modern” trains.
What has been your biggest modeling success?
My very first article in the May 1995 issue of Model Railroader. When Andy Sperandeo [then editor of MR] asked me to provide a photo for a cover shot, I couldn’t have been more excited.
What was your biggest modeling mistake?
Never, ever reuse turnouts from an old layout. (I’m still paying for that one)
What’s your least favorite modeling task?
The electrical side of the hobby. I can do it (with help from friends), but I don’t enjoy it at all.
What project(s) have you been working on recently?
My current layout has been “complete” for a couple of years now. I am working on a structure model that will be added to one of the towns on the layout. I’ve also been working at increasing my freight car weathering skills (see photo above). My near term plan is to update several other structures around the layout. Structure building has become one of my favorite parts of the hobby.
What advice would you give to a new hobbyist?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I’ve learned a lot from the ones I’ve made and you can undo most of the ones you make anyway.
Meet Seth Puffer–see more!
Watch a video of his layout, the Puffer Bridge Lines.
Watch an in-depth video tour of his layout.
