You and I have started our pipe adventure at the same time,,I was dirrected to the FAQ pipes 101 in the sticky section...there are many links with great info. Also if you search ebay...Estate Pipes you will find hundreds of listings some of them are mostly parts and pieces..you can get 10 pipes for 8-10 dollars... see below for an example..also go to the pipes photos I just posted a Pipe Retort I bought on ebay and this guy makes them for cleaning those nasty estate pipes..
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Lot-of-1...QQcmdZViewItem
just an example. I will send you a pm and we can learn together!!
Enjoy
Drrgill