By Noel and Ann Widdifield

Author  Bio Ann and Noel are indoor and outdoor garden railroaders.

Ann
I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and after graduating from college followed my husband, Noel, around the country for the twenty years he was in the Air Force. I have a bachelor's and two master's degrees in elementary education and am a retired elementary school teacher, having taught for over 30 years in Indiana, Michigan, California, Alabama and Virginia. I was the Teacher in Residence for a summer at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

I currently spend my time giving tours of Annapolis in 18th century costume, teaching elementary students in the Carrie Weedon Science Center and directed a summer series for children at the local Captain Salem Avery House Museum. I am an avid power walker and exercise "nut", walking and working out for over an hour and a half each day.

I decided that the Widdifields needed to have an outdoor railroad in addition to the indoor one the Noel loves. I selected the location and am the driving force behind getting the railroad completed. I hope that it will be finished this year.

A big enjoyment for me is meeting and talking with the variety of people at the train shows and meetings. I like to watch the trains, but really love talking with and finding out about new people.

Noel
Born in Anderson, Indiana and after college went into the Air Force for twenty years. Flew B-52s, SR-71s and worked in Air Staff and Joint Chiefs of Staff. I am the co-holder of the worlds' speed record between New York and London. We flew that in 1974 in 1 hour and 54 minutes and it still stands today.

After retirement, worked for Space Applications Corp for 9 years. Left as a VP and then worked for Northrop Grumman TASC for 11 years. Retired in January 2002 as their Executive Vice President. Started my own management consulting company and have ten people working for me in that.

Lived on the NYC Big Four and became interested in real trains at age one. Dad bought me a American Flyer set and hooked me on model trains. Modeled in HO in my teens and then got away from it until my son was 7. We build three HO ATSF roads over the years.

About 10 years ago, my wife bought me an ARISTO FA for our anniversary. When we built our new home, six years ago, I designed a room 24' X 42' to hold my trains. I now have a NYC Big Four railroad in my house and a 18' X 60' outdoor railroad. The NYC one is set in Sep 1954. That is where the turntable and roundhouse reside. The outdoor one is nearing operational status and is a narrow gauge and interurban line in central Indiana in the 30s.

I love to build and modify and I love to run trains. I am married to Ann and have been for almost 40 years. I have two grown children, Julie and David, who are married to wonderful spouses and between them they are given us 5 granddaughters who are ages 3 - 13. We live on the water in Maryland, just south of Annapolis. I can see the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Thomas Point Lighthouse from my front window and can walk out the front door to my pier and boat.

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