Escaping the boom-and-bust world of Houston's oil-based economy for the small, 3/16"-scale problems of the Cheyenne Mountain RR is always a great relaxation for S-scaler Fred Paulus, who lives in La Porte, Texas.

Rusty started model railroading in 1947, when his father gave him an American Flyer train set for his 3rd Christmas. That sparked an interest which led to the building of a large tinplate layout. His father's working for the Pennsylvania RR and later the Southern Pacific added to his enthusiasm for trains, both prototype and model.

Skills learned in his profession as an industrial draftsman have helped Rusty develop into a talented scratchbuilder and builder of kits. His careful attention to detail in the scenes he models is due to his observations on the industrial sites where he has worked.

The branchline flavor of Rusty's Cheyenne Mountain RR has been influenced by several trips made years ago on the old Reader RR. Today, Rusty is a member of the National Association of S Gaugers, the Santa Fe Modelers Association, and an informal local group called the Houston S Gaugers.

In 2003, Rusty lost his wife of 39 years, Ona Delaney Paulus. Growing up as high school sweethearts in Galena Park, Texas, Rusty and Ona had a wonderful life together with their two sons, Terry and Steven.

In 2005, Rusty married Sandi Barnes McDonnell of Pasadena, Texas. A graphic artist, Sandi appreciates the beauty of CMRR and looks forward to working with Rusty on the relocation of the road, and the beginning of a happy life together.

CLICK HERE to see the story of Sandi and Rusty's wedding.

Rusty getting the "show on the road" at the 2005 Stafford Show. The trucks have to be JUST RIGHT!

Even Rusty will admit there comes a time to just sit back and relax. His second passion (just after railroads) is gardening and nature.