I would like to start my own server for TW... can anyone tell me how to get it started?

Several things you'll need:

1) PC with the hardware to handle whatever load you expect this server to accomodate (Number of nodes filled, alien races per game, etc.)
2) Hi speed 24/7 internet connection that will handle the load.
3) EIS software and codes (TWGS, TW, TW gold) There are several different packages and JP is in the process of changing those now.)
4) Static IP (IP doesn't or rarely changes) OR Dynamic IP (You'll need an IP update client and web redirect for this)
5) You may need to configure your router and/or firewall to allow external connections to your PC.
6) You'll need at least 1 game in place on the TWGS server. (Create your own or there are several public edits available)

I believe Thrawn has a help site set up for just this topic. Maybe someone can point you to the URL of that site.

http://www.outpost-4.com/tradewars

Helix has quite a bit of stuff on his site as well too. http://helixtw.podzone.org/

The link to us is:

http://tradewars.outpost-4.com

Sorry, it changed a while back.