Jim Providenza started scale model railroading in HO scale in 1962. Jim is the author of over 60 articles in national and international model railroad magazines, and a regular contributor to special interest group and historical society publications. The first version of his HO scale Santa Cruz Northern Railroad, was one of the first purpose-designed double-deck layouts in the United States (Jim Hediger’s Ohio Southern being the other; both were designed and built based on John Armstrong’s description in Track Planning for Realistic Operations. The current version of the SCN was first featured in MR in 1996 and has been hosting operating sessions for over 35 years. Jim is a life member of the National Model Railroad Association and the Pacific Coast Region (and received the John Allen Award from the PCR for contributions to the region).
