Hi all,
Let me introduce myself. I'm an ex-pat Brit living in deepest rural Missouri and I'm finally emerging from the dark ages. The gateway set for me for this re-emergence was - of all things - 7051 'Space Tripod Invader'. It looked so much fun that I had to treat myself to it. That brick-on-brick action stimulated some long-forgotten senses and then I started to rebuild the Lego 9V trains that had packed away in storage since the mid 90's. Of these the 4558 Metroliner remains my favourite - although the 4551 Crocodile Train is currently getting more use on my layout.
I'm slowly adding to my collection via Bricklink and the post-Christmas markdowns at the big box stores has been useful in rebuilding my reservoir of bricks, but I know I have a long way to go to reach the standards that have been set in this forum. I'm impressed by the MOCs, the dioramas, and - like most of us - I've already experienced the 'Lego is not a model train set - it's a toy' mentality in the real world. I got that from the owners in a deserted local model train shop (that attitude was probably why it was deserted). I say "Stuff them" :)
Anyway thanks already for the help I received from the forum - it's been an inspiration and while I'll never be in a position to have a gigantic layout with hundreds of pieces/track etc. I know that at least for now there will be a part of Missouri that will be running Gauge L.