I'm the usual Lionel train set story. But, what really piqued my interest in trains was, as a pre-schooler, I could see from the big windows of our living room, the way freight switching cars at the local feed mill. I even remember some of the now-fallen flags, especially the New York Ontario and Western, the Wabash and those boxcars with that distinct old New York, New haven and Hartford herald, still my all-time favorite livery. I grew up in a very small village in upstate New York, along the Delaware Division of the Erie/Erie Lackawanna, a busy line between NY City and Buffalo. Mostly through traffic where I lived, but I cherished every moment when I got to see the way freight or an occasional work train carrying out it's chores along the line.
I think I was just born this way. Mom remembers me gurgling happily at grade crossings in a car seat. Got a Tyco bicentennial set in 1976, followed quickly by a Life-Like Amtrak set, which I would display in my office today, if I had had the good sense to save it. Went through all the stages and phases before I settled on an era that's sufficiently remote that I can contemplate the business of railroading with an unjaundiced eye. I was lucky- most people find a hobby, but I got a career, too.
http://mprailway.blogspot.com
"The first transition era - wood to steel!"
I started when I got a train set for my 5th birthday. Then got 1 more on my 7 birthday. I left the hobbey on model railroading. Then I started saving money for a new RC car. Then i got back into likeing trains and spent my money on a model railroad. And now 5 years later im in sixth grade and I have my own model railroad in progress. Not prototypical built but im still having alot of fun.
I got an HO plastic molded twice around from Steve's Hobby Shop in San Leandro, California that my dad had to put on layaway because he wasn't a rich guy. That was 1960. He helped me expand it by putting in a couple of switches and making a small yard where we could store some extra cars.
No telling what happened to it. Had a Santa Fe F-unit streamliner for power.
Got my mind drifting off again...
WP Lives
I STARTED yI was 5 or 6 years old. we lived about 200 feet from the erie lackawanna yard in niagara falls ny and I dont know what happen but I was hooked for life. I would sit down by the tracks and belive me my rear end will tell you. my mother would yell at me your going to get killed hanging around the railroad... as years when by I have had the chance to meet a lot of train men and had rides in geeps and cabooses. they are still my friends even after they pasted.. I allways thank them for all they did for me to this day in my prayers.. By the way I model erie lackawanna, csx, up.
Gidday EL BILLY to the forum.
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
I was going down this long dark tunnel while someone was yelling "go towards the light". When I hit the floor there was a train layout right there in front of me. Dad had it ready and waiting. I've never looked back.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Age 5: Lionel 0-27 on a 4x8. Lasted me thru age 9 when I lost interest.
Age 12: Saw my first copies of MR and RMC, learned that even grown men can have fun with trains. That got me hooked on trains for the rest of my life.
-Ken in Maryland (B&O modeler, former CSX modeler)