I've loved trrains since I was a little girl. My grandpa and I used to walk to the train station a few blocks from their home in Alton, IL. We would sit for hours and watch the trains and the people. Sadly, that train station disappeared a few years ago.
As for toy trains, my dad put one up around our tree every year and I spent hours playing with it. My favorite car was the freight car carrying the giraffe who ducked his head at the overpass.
In more recent years, I had my boys interested in trains at a young age. They had wooden sets and Playmobil sets that ran all over the house! At Christmastime, we always go to the New York Botanical Garden to immerse ourselves in the trains and buildings. Such a treat!
I always wanted to build a Garden Railway when the boys were young, but we never seemed to have the time or knowledge to accomplish anything permanent. With my new home and yard under construction, a Garden Railway is a must!