what do you think when you run yours trains?

[Anonymous]

I think of the 1960s and running the trains with my grandfather. The trains are the last physical connection I have with him. We used to go to his house at least 3x per week and run the trains.

[jwse30]

Willow and Mickeyg,

Lately, I've been having similiar thoughts when running my trains. My father passed away in February, and while he surely didn't have the train bug, he did do a lot to get me started in the hobby. Being executor of his estate, I haven't had much time to play with the trains lately, but even walking into the trainroom makes me stop and think of him. I think stuff like "I won't ever have to lie to you again about the value of that MPC starter set you gave me 30ish years ago" (anytime I mentioned my layout to him, he'd ask how much that set was worth these days) or "I'm glad I never got rid of those trains he gave me"

J White

[jonadel]

At times when my friends ask me what I have invested I beg off and just say "I don't want to know" but when I step back and really look at the big picture I see three things:
1. A really nice used Corvette or a new Harley.
2. Tremendous hours of enjoyment that my wife and I have had building this empire.
3. Lots of pride in sharing this hobby with friendly visitors.

It's all about #'s 2 & 3.

Jon