Hey All, I'm new to the group and currently reside in MN. Thinking about relocating back to Ft. Smith AR to help out my aging folks and am looking to correspond with anyone in or around that area who railfans the area and/or anyone who has a layout set up. I am getting the itch to get back into modeling and have identified the SLSF as a road that I will be centering in on. Thanks for your replies.....PY
Paul, let me be first to say, Welcome Aboard. Steve Marquess (SteveM) lives in Bentonville and is a Frisco modeler with a layout. There are other fine operating layouts in the Bella Vista area. Andre Ming (coonskin) is from the Fort Smith/Van Buren area and is a fine modeler in his own right. You are definitely headed in the right direction and you will find this forum and the people here very helpful. p.s. You have definitely picked the RIGHT railroad.
Thanks much for the info! I will certainly keep you're advice in mind. I am taking a trip down to AR next week.
Paul, please let me know when you are passing through. I'll be in Texas, going to the Plano show and operating, until Sunday pm. But next week, am available most afternoons if you're around Bentonville. I'm hoping to hear of the Fort Smith folks getting together more.
Hello Paul: That time of our lives when our parents are entering their most challenging years can be a tough time. I understand your feeling the need to be closer. As for Fort Smith compared to Minnesota: You're going to be in for a climate shock during the summers! It can be very hot... but if you don't HAVE to be outside... then air conditioning to the rescue. However, our winters are typically moderate, and (for me) is the best time to get out and enjoy the Ozark mountains and its railroads and railroad history areas. I also suspect our cost of living will be better than what you're accustomed to. In all, I love living in this region. Should you chose to settle in Fort Smith, there are several rail enthusiasts in the Fort Smith area, but not a great deal of active layout building going on right now. We need a spark plug to help get us all together every now and then and renew old acquaintances. Perhaps you can be that spark plug! All for now. Andre
Thanks Andre for the reply! Yeah, I actually lived in Ft. Smith for three years before I moved up here to MN, and am well aware how challenging the summer months can be. And yes, I would love to be a catalyst if you will, to getting fellow railfans/modelers in the area together! That would be cool! Anyway, as I stated, I am traveling down next week to check things out. Regards, Paul
Welcome aboard Paul, I live in Van Buren(right across the river from Fort Smith) and I'm a local railfan. I'm also a volunteer conductor on the A&M RR(which operates the SL-SF central division today.) If you move down here you will be greeted with plenty of railroad activity, and as Andre mentioned Arkansas weather, which can change quickly. Hope you like things down here. Ship it on the Frisco!!! Murphy Jenkins
Thanks for the reply Murphy! My folks just live over the bridge and down 50th St. in Ft. Smith, so very close to VB. Perhaps we could touch base while I'm there next week? Regards, Paul
