Like most model railroaders, Thomas Klimoski has always enjoyed model and prototype trains. From his first Lionel train set to the current Georgia Northeastern Railroad layout, model trains have been a part of his life. After retiring as a firefighter from the City of Miami Fire-Rescue Department, Thomas was able to work part time as a trainman for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad and learned a lot about prototype railroad operations. This experience has helped him focus on what he enjoys most about model railroading: local switching operations on a shortline railroad. Thomas is a frequent contributor to Model Railroader magazine and has had his layout featured in Model Railroad Planning as well as Great Model Railroads 2020. This is Thomas' first book for Kalmbach Media.