Larry Smith received his first train at 7, unaware it would become a lifelong hobby. In 1958 Larry bought his first issue of Model Railroader and began building some of Jack Work's projects. Moving to Alabama in 1978, Larry became active in the NMRA, and has been president of the Southeastern Region and Southern Vice President. Larry received his Master Model Railroader certification in 1992. When he's not working on his Strates train, Larry models eastern narrow gauge lines, both the East Broad Top and the "Tweetsie.".