Engineer

From the time I was very young, locomotives fascinated me. There was something incredible about their sheer power and mass, the deep sound of a diesel engine under load, and the complex systems that made these enormous machines move thousands of tons of freight. I was especially drawn to diesel locomotives—their mechanics, their control systems, and the skill required to operate them. I spent countless hours learning how they worked, watching them whenever I could, and imagining what it would be like to sit in the engineer’s seat.

As I grew older, that fascination never faded. In fact, it only grew stronger. I wanted to experience railroading firsthand, not just as an observer but as part of the operation. Through volunteering at the Post Stanley Terminal Railway, I earned my brakeman certificate, gaining real experience working with trains and learning the discipline and teamwork required in railway operations.

One of the most unforgettable moments of my life was the opportunity to drive a real Norfolk Southern Dash 8-40C locomotive. Feeling the throttle respond, sensing the power of the locomotive, and understanding the responsibility that comes with controlling such a machine was an incredible experience. It confirmed what I had always known—railroading wasn’t just interesting to me; it was something that truly brought me joy.

Because of that joy, I wanted to find a way to share the experience of being an engineer with others. Model railroading provided the perfect platform. With modern technology, it became possible to recreate the operational feel of a real locomotive using graphical control interfaces and live camera systems that provide a true engineer’s point-of-view.

My goal became simple: bring the thrill of railroading to everyone.

By combining model railroads with internet technology, people can now operate locomotives on layouts located far away. A user can connect through the internet, open a graphical control interface, and run a train while seeing the layout from the locomotive’s point of view—just like sitting in the cab. This allows enthusiasts from anywhere in the world to experience railroading, explore other model railroad layouts, and share the excitement of train operations together.

All of my real-world experiences with locomotives—from volunteering on a railway to sitting at the controls of a full-size diesel—have made this vision even more meaningful. Being part of railroading has always brought me great joy, but sharing that experience with others brings even greater joy.

Through technology, cameras, and remote control systems, I can help people see railroads from the engineer’s perspective and explore model train layouts across great distances. In doing so, the fascination that began in childhood continues—only now it’s something that can be shared with railfans everywhere.