I've been a model railroader since I was a kid.  Started off with typical inexpensive Tyco HO trains, and at some point acquired the Rivarossi NYC 20th Century streamlined hudson and matching coach set.  My dad had post-war Lionel trains that I ran on his living room floor.  My parents later purchased for me a partially completed N-scale layout that I used to learn electrical, trackwork, and scenery on.  I kept that layout through college, and eventually gave to a family friend.  

My real inspiration for model railroading came from growing up in Colorado with our narrow gauge mountain road.  This, combined with Malcolm Furlow's articles in MR in 1983-84 for building the San Juan Central.  I've been hooked on narrow gauge model railroading ever since, and am now currently working on building my own version of the Rio Grande's line through the mountains to Durango.