Jimmy’s passion for trains began at a young age while growing up in Colorado, where he watched the Burlington Northern, Santa Fe, and Rio Grande railroads. With access to Caboose Hobbies, one of the world’s largest model train stores, his early fascination with trains grew into a lifelong appreciation for the world’s greatest hobby.

Jimmy began his modeling journey in N scale before eventually transitioning to HO scale; modeling the Burlington Northern Railroad and its operations. Upon discovery of HomeShops LLC and the readily available ready to run freelance models, he developed his own freelance model railroad: The Denver Terminal Railway Company. Through this creative endeavor, he combines his interest in the prototype railroad industry with the artistry, storytelling, and imagination that make freelance model railroading so unique.

What the Art of Model Railroading Means to Me

Growing up, I had read The HO Model Railroading Handbook, I became interested in the work of the late Frank Ellison, who helped demonstrate that model railroads could be operated in much the same way as their full-sized counterparts. His ideas reinforced my appreciation for the connection between prototype railroad operations and the miniature worlds we create.

To me, freelance model railroading is an art form in its own right. It goes beyond building models; it involves creating a fictional railroad with its own history, identity, purpose, and story. Having influence from John Parker’s BNSF Fall River division: every locomotive, piece of rolling stock, structure, and scene contributes to bringing that world to life.

Through social media, I enjoy sharing dioramas, shop scenes, and models from my own freelance railroad, as well as showcasing the creative work of other modelers. My goal is to help others see that freelance model railroads are more than imaginative creations. They can also reflect the operational practices, visual character, and authenticity of the prototype railroads that inspire us.

For me, the Art of Model Railroading is about celebrating the creativity behind these miniature worlds and demonstrating that, whether a railroad is real or fictional, it can be brought to life through thoughtful design, artistic expression, and realistic operation.