Disappointing that there is so little about hobby electronics on the Internet.

You surprise me, Dr. Bill. I found several hundred pages on various subjects of electrics and electronics. Here's but one of them:

http://www.amasci.com/amateur/elehob.html

Several Universities have educational web pages on basic through advanced electronics. Most of the necessary components can be bought easily or rehashed from old household items.

I look forward to my retirement in 2033 when I can find the time to try some of this out....