Whats the average age of O gauge train buffs?

[bfskinner]

I don't consider myself to be a "train buff." At age 70, when I run my trains, I am always fully clothed. This is widely appreciated in the 'hood.

First one was a Lionel steam train with the old box-type couplers bought for Christmas in 1945 or so. Loved it! Can't remember the numbers. Never saw it again after I went off to college and my parents sold the homestead. Sure wish they had sent me their new address....

[bogaziddy]

Just turned 65. Guess I'm a 'senior citizen' no matter how you want to look at it. Never thought it would happen to me. I swear that when I look in the mirror I see a child looking back at me. Guess I'm in my third or fourth chilhood by now but I still participate in whitewater kayaking and go on long river rafting trips in the Summer with my dog and friends.

My passion for trains began in 1947 when I received an American Flyer trainset at Christmas at the tender age of four ( I'm pretty sure my dad couldn't wait to give me train for Christmas that he could play with ). It was the #322 Hudson freight set with an operating coal dumping car, searchlight car, cattle car and Reading Lines caboose bringing up the rear.

Needless to say, I've never been the same since. Even worked for Southern Pacific and eventually Union Pacific for thirty-seven years ( my last nineteen years as a locomotive engineer ). I've been retired for almost five years now and am currently building a train layout for the Lionel trains I've collected since lusting for them ever since seeing all the neat Lionel stuff my friends had when I was a kid growing up.

John 

 

[Night Train]

I am 55.

My initiation into the hobby took place on Christmas morning 1958.  While I was asleep the night before, Santa and his elves set up a train table in our living room with a Lionel U.P. 202 Alco and 4 cars.

As I grew older, my fascination with trains diminished and I became interested in slot car racing instead.  My parents wisely packed the trains away in their attic where they stayed until the mid 80's when my own sons were born.

Unpacking and setting up my old trains for my two sons to play with rekindled my interest in the hobby.  I've spent more time collecting and playing with O gauge trains as an adult than I ever did as a child!  Who says they're for kids?

Now it's 2008 and I have a granddaughter who seems very interested in "Papa's" toy train collection!  Something tells me I'm going to need to get one of those pink trains sets before too much longer!

[laz 57]

Well GIZ,

  I had a few extra minutes and did a calculation and if all were truthful with there ages came up with a 51.60 year old average. So far.

laz57

[RockIsland52]

Hey Laz!  I'm either getting younger or the guys responding to these age surveys are getting older.   

Jack

[PostwarMan07]

Im 21, that should bring down the average below 50.  Sounds about right though.  You see some younger collectors but most are over 30.

[laz 57]

Hey Laz!  I'm either getting younger or the guys responding to these age surveys are getting older.   

Jack

JACK, when you hit that certain age seems like everything is in reverse?

laz57

[flower123]

I'm 68. My dad gave me the Lionel 463W set in 1945, which still runs great (wish I had the boxes though), Just bought the Legacy system with the Chessie GP30 and having a ball.  Unfortunately, I've been to some train shows in which the vendors are complaing about the young kids.  That is not a great way to keep the hobby going.

[kpolak]

43.  Recently purchased CAB-1, and a TMCC engine to go with it, but I still love my PW!

  Unfortunately, I've been to some train shows in which the vendors are complaing about the young kids. 

I have young kids....That's how I ended up with the 125 Whistle Shack...My 3-yo couldn't stop playing with it.