John LeDonne, the World's Greatest Hobby ambassador known as the "Train Chef" (MR March 2003), taught a beginning model railroad course last fall at a community college near his home in Manchester, Conn. Students learned the basics of model railroading, including layout planning, laying and wiring track, and making scenery. By the end of the five-week course, students had built their own small dioramas using a variety of techniques they had learned.

All the students had expressed an interest in getting their trains out of boxes and onto basic layouts. With that in mind, John tailored the course to teach the skills his students wanted to learn. "It's important to take cues from your students," said John. "You don't want to lecture too much and forget what the class really wants. . . your knowledge and experience." John plans to offer the course again in 2004.