Hello! My name is Kenny Collins and I have been a
model railroader since I was in grade school. I began using command control
almost 15 years ago and have never looked back. I believe command control is the
only way to run a layout. My first command control experience was with the
Dynatrol system on an HO layout I built around 1990. I continued to use that
system until 1997 when I switched over to EasyDCC by CVP Products. Though the
Dynatrol system worked great and was quite robust, I have never regretted
switching to DCC because of the flexibility and options that lie therein.
In 1998, I established my company, Decoder Installation
Services, and since then, I have installed hundreds of decoders, with each
installation done to the highest of standards. Installing DCC is what I consider
my "hobby" because it is not my only occupation in life. My primary vocation is
being a funeral director and manager of the funeral home. I use a portion of my
spare time in the evenings and on weekends to do the installations and other
model railroading work. I feel that by doing DCC installations as a "hobby", I
am able to take time to do the installations right. Rather than being my primary
income source and having to concentrate on volume, I am able to set my sights on
quality and leave them there.
I am also actively involved in my community, serving on
the local Crimestoppers Board, the Program Sub-committee for Leadership Garland,
a wonderful course offered by the local Chamber of Commerce and I am a member of
the Garland Citizens Firefighters Club. I am a graduate of Leadership Garland
Class XXI, the Garland Citizens Police Academy and the Garland Citizens Fire
Academy. For me, participating in these civic activities has been a very
rewarding experience.
In addition to model railroading, I enjoy flying,
woodworking and assisting my wife with small mammal rehabilitation. (She is
licensed by the State of Texas to rehabilitate and release back to the wild,
orphaned and/or injured small mammals). In 1999, I realized a life-long dream of
mine, learning to fly. Today, I am an Instrument Rated Private Pilot. General
Aviation is not only a passion, but also an adventure, where I have met many
great friends and have enjoyed countless hours "boring holes in the sky",
looking for some place to eat or traveling to model railroading events within a
few hundred miles. As for the woodworking, I enjoy almost any kind, from
building birdhouses, squirrel feeders and the like to taking on major projects
around the house. My newest adventure in woodworking is building a custom
layout, which I feel will be one of the most innovative layouts ever. In
addition to being 100% DCC, it will feature overhead cabinetry, a display shelf
for a locomotive collection, built-in lighting for the layout, a home office
area for the computer, fax machine and other business machines and under layout
file storage. As it progresses, I will post photos on this site.