Thread: First time forge

I am certain there are better, and was considering just starting with a gas furnace, but kinda like the nostalgic aspect of this lil hand crank unit, so have one on the way.

Have a nice hunk of railroad track, and a harbor freight style cast anvil to start with.
A Swedish style 2 lb Picard hammer, and a few rods of rebar, as well as vintage early 1950 British spring steel to play with.
Will use this thread as a repository of my learnins and a place where those still on this site that are into smithing might add some insights drawn from experience hopefully.
It all started with coal as far as I’m concerned, so why not start there as well.
Cheers gents.