What Influenced You?

[Anonymous]

I bought some n-scale (gauge, back then) stuff when I was in high school in the '70s, but never did anything with it... not even an under-bed layout. Two years ago, I discovered that my 3-year old nephew was intrigued by trains. As it turned out, my father had kept all my previous stuff in his attic, and sent it to me.

Now, at 45 years of age, I'm starting over. But this time, due in part to relationship building with my nephew, I've actually got a small operational layout. Next comes landscaping.

Somehow, I fell into transition era Western Pacific.

The great thing about it is that every time I buy something for me, my wife earns Sky Miles. With a sister in the UK, what's a loving husband to do?

[Anonymous]

I bought some n-scale (gauge, back then) stuff when I was in high school in the '70s, but never did anything with it... not even an under-bed layout. Two years ago, I discovered that my 3-year old nephew was intrigued by trains. As it turned out, my father had kept all my previous stuff in his attic, and sent it to me.

Now, at 45 years of age, I'm starting over. But this time, due in part to relationship building with my nephew, I've actually got a small operational layout. Next comes landscaping.

Somehow, I fell into transition era Western Pacific.

The great thing about it is that every time I buy something for me, my wife earns Sky Miles. With a sister in the UK, what's a loving husband to do?

[Anonymous]

have a grandson that is crazy about trains, ride on them when ever we can,go to the museums and train shows. Now have a set up in the basement for him. Always had an interest in them, was the official watch inspector in our area for the CN,CP and Chessie systems. Enjoy Model RR.

[Anonymous]

have a grandson that is crazy about trains, ride on them when ever we can,go to the museums and train shows. Now have a set up in the basement for him. Always had an interest in them, was the official watch inspector in our area for the CN,CP and Chessie systems. Enjoy Model RR.

[Anonymous]

I started with a Macy's Lionel Flying Yankee. Next was an Amerrican Flyer Royal Blue. Switched to 'N' scale while in military. Now in 'H.O.' on a 4 X 6 but enjoying it the most.

[Anonymous]

I started with a Macy's Lionel Flying Yankee. Next was an Amerrican Flyer Royal Blue. Switched to 'N' scale while in military. Now in 'H.O.' on a 4 X 6 but enjoying it the most.

[Anonymous]

I had an 8th grade, Junior High School electric shop teacher who used HO scale trains in the school shop to teach DC to us kids. I started building cars for him for extra credit and then staying after school to help on the layout. That was 50 years ago and I'm still using my first locomotive,

[Anonymous]

I had an 8th grade, Junior High School electric shop teacher who used HO scale trains in the school shop to teach DC to us kids. I started building cars for him for extra credit and then staying after school to help on the layout. That was 50 years ago and I'm still using my first locomotive,

[Anonymous]

After joining the Air Force in 1969 was sent to Rantoul, ILL Chanute, AFB. Out side the main north gate was Cap's Hobby shop Bought my first "N" guage train set from him. Put the loop and two maual switches for sidings on a peice of 1/4 inch plywood and on the other side of the plywood I place a black light poster and hug it on the wall of my barrics room. To all who saw it, it was just a young GI's poster of the times but to me it was a private world where my rail road imagination took flight.

[Anonymous]

After joining the Air Force in 1969 was sent to Rantoul, ILL Chanute, AFB. Out side the main north gate was Cap's Hobby shop Bought my first "N" guage train set from him. Put the loop and two maual switches for sidings on a peice of 1/4 inch plywood and on the other side of the plywood I place a black light poster and hug it on the wall of my barrics room. To all who saw it, it was just a young GI's poster of the times but to me it was a private world where my rail road imagination took flight.

[Anonymous]

I was about 3 or 4 when I was first exposed to model trains at the Puyallup fair in WA state. The layout was O guage I was captivated by the models of the cascade green BN engines that looked just like the BN engines that saw on my way there. I made a personal goal - one day I would become a model railroader. When I was about 5, my dad only encouraged me more by randomly buying a copy of MR magazine at a grocery store, i couldnt put it down as I stared at the pictures. I finally recieved an HO train set for Christmas when i was 8. Im 19 now, and in college. I dont have as much time for modeling, but i have a couple short trains on display on my desk to show off my modeling skills. Model railroading has been a great hobby and I hope I can stay involved in it for the rest of my life.

Josh Ziegler
Spokane, WA

[Anonymous]

I was about 3 or 4 when I was first exposed to model trains at the Puyallup fair in WA state. The layout was O guage I was captivated by the models of the cascade green BN engines that looked just like the BN engines that saw on my way there. I made a personal goal - one day I would become a model railroader. When I was about 5, my dad only encouraged me more by randomly buying a copy of MR magazine at a grocery store, i couldnt put it down as I stared at the pictures. I finally recieved an HO train set for Christmas when i was 8. Im 19 now, and in college. I dont have as much time for modeling, but i have a couple short trains on display on my desk to show off my modeling skills. Model railroading has been a great hobby and I hope I can stay involved in it for the rest of my life.

Josh Ziegler
Spokane, WA

[Anonymous]

Recieved my first train set as a child. I was 5 years old. It was a Marx train . I wi***hat I still had it !!!! I guess it got in my blood from then on.

[Anonymous]

Recieved my first train set as a child. I was 5 years old. It was a Marx train . I wi***hat I still had it !!!! I guess it got in my blood from then on.

[Anonymous]

Both GrandFathers worked on Railroads down south. Aunt and Uncle worked out of the Ft. Worth area for BNSF which I model. Plus my dad got me an old set when I was a kid. [:)]

[Anonymous]

Both GrandFathers worked on Railroads down south. Aunt and Uncle worked out of the Ft. Worth area for BNSF which I model. Plus my dad got me an old set when I was a kid. [:)]

[BodieBailey]

I stated it was a relitive and that is true, but there are other factors. I live still only live about a quarter mile from a freight line that is former Pacific Electric track. I always could hear trains and had to cross those tracks twice to go to grammer school. My family would go to Knott's Berry Farm about twice a month back in the old days when it was free. Back then about the only ride they had was the former Rio Grande Southern engine and rolling stock, including a Galloping Goose. About the same time I was taken to the Orange Empire (trolley) Musuem. Trains, trians everywhere I was hooked asked for a train set when I was six, They thought I was too young, but I did get my first HO at seven years of age. I still have all the HO a little N a little On30, but mostly I now work in "F" scale. I try to share my love for railroading with anyone intrerested I'm still a big rail fan and just got back from the railfest in Durango. Happy railroading.

[BodieBailey]

I stated it was a relitive and that is true, but there are other factors. I live still only live about a quarter mile from a freight line that is former Pacific Electric track. I always could hear trains and had to cross those tracks twice to go to grammer school. My family would go to Knott's Berry Farm about twice a month back in the old days when it was free. Back then about the only ride they had was the former Rio Grande Southern engine and rolling stock, including a Galloping Goose. About the same time I was taken to the Orange Empire (trolley) Musuem. Trains, trians everywhere I was hooked asked for a train set when I was six, They thought I was too young, but I did get my first HO at seven years of age. I still have all the HO a little N a little On30, but mostly I now work in "F" scale. I try to share my love for railroading with anyone intrerested I'm still a big rail fan and just got back from the railfest in Durango. Happy railroading.

[Anonymous]

Originally, it would probably be a series of articles in Boy's Life magazine in 1972-1973 on constructing a 4 X 8 HO layout. Another classic inspiration as the 'Model Railroading Unlimited' series with Linn Wescott shown on PBS in the 70's.

[Anonymous]

Originally, it would probably be a series of articles in Boy's Life magazine in 1972-1973 on constructing a 4 X 8 HO layout. Another classic inspiration as the 'Model Railroading Unlimited' series with Linn Wescott shown on PBS in the 70's.

[Anonymous]

I chose "train set" but should perhaps mention that the "set" was a double track main line around a small bedroom and the "gift" was to my older brother and myself! Lasted until our kid sister grew out of her cot and had to have the bedroom. Never quite forgiven her for that. Other influences: we lived right next to the Manchester-London main line, also my granddad and one uncle worked on the railway.

[Anonymous]

I chose "train set" but should perhaps mention that the "set" was a double track main line around a small bedroom and the "gift" was to my older brother and myself! Lasted until our kid sister grew out of her cot and had to have the bedroom. Never quite forgiven her for that. Other influences: we lived right next to the Manchester-London main line, also my granddad and one uncle worked on the railway.

[Kent]

I got my first trains when I was a kid, don't recall how old I was. A Tyco et witha Santa Fe F-unit loco (not sure of the exact model:( We added a few thing over time, I have asthma, so all my i time was indoors, so I ran thm mostly by mayself (my brother and father are the outdoor types) I sold them probably about 15 years ago when I need money. I got back into them about 1.5 years ago. (sorry, dont feel lik typing the whole story tonight)

Now Im N-scale, a dozen locos, A Lenz Set90 DCC system, I now write DCC software for Lenz. and Im expanding my 10 layout (about 25' of main line) to about 100' of main line, and my credit card is wearring out.

[Kent]

I got my first trains when I was a kid, don't recall how old I was. A Tyco et witha Santa Fe F-unit loco (not sure of the exact model:( We added a few thing over time, I have asthma, so all my i time was indoors, so I ran thm mostly by mayself (my brother and father are the outdoor types) I sold them probably about 15 years ago when I need money. I got back into them about 1.5 years ago. (sorry, dont feel lik typing the whole story tonight)

Now Im N-scale, a dozen locos, A Lenz Set90 DCC system, I now write DCC software for Lenz. and Im expanding my 10 layout (about 25' of main line) to about 100' of main line, and my credit card is wearring out.

[OhioRailroader]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kentsoftware.com

Now Im N-scale, a dozen locos, A Lenz Set90 DCC system, I now write DCC software for Lenz. and Im expanding my 10 layout (about 25' of main line) to about 100' of main line, and my credit card is wearring out.

Times like this, I wish my college financial aid grant would cover "entertainment" expenses, lol.

[OhioRailroader]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kentsoftware.com

Now Im N-scale, a dozen locos, A Lenz Set90 DCC system, I now write DCC software for Lenz. and Im expanding my 10 layout (about 25' of main line) to about 100' of main line, and my credit card is wearring out.

Times like this, I wish my college financial aid grant would cover "entertainment" expenses, lol.

[Anonymous]

Both my grandfathers had model railroads in their places. One had H.O and the other Lionel. My dad received the lionel from his dad and, well, is giving it to me. Wheneve4r I open the chest the small Lionel set is in, I get this odor from all the parts inside and that just brings me joy. Then I get to play with it. My mothers father willed all his H.O stuff to me. I mean really old stuff from the 40's and 50's. Not too much stuff, but some original hardened paperboard buildings with cellophane for windows, Two old Engines, a 4-6-2 and a GP something diesel from Athern. Both are all metal and heavy compared to what I can buy new today. There is also some lights and other things. I am going to stay strictly with H.O., but I'll keep the 0-27 for Christmas. The engine needs some work to make it work, but All else is fine.
Jim "Space" lawson

[Anonymous]

Both my grandfathers had model railroads in their places. One had H.O and the other Lionel. My dad received the lionel from his dad and, well, is giving it to me. Wheneve4r I open the chest the small Lionel set is in, I get this odor from all the parts inside and that just brings me joy. Then I get to play with it. My mothers father willed all his H.O stuff to me. I mean really old stuff from the 40's and 50's. Not too much stuff, but some original hardened paperboard buildings with cellophane for windows, Two old Engines, a 4-6-2 and a GP something diesel from Athern. Both are all metal and heavy compared to what I can buy new today. There is also some lights and other things. I am going to stay strictly with H.O., but I'll keep the 0-27 for Christmas. The engine needs some work to make it work, but All else is fine.
Jim "Space" lawson

[Anonymous]

Watching trains when I was a kid, set up an appetite for trains.......
Been around them for about 55 years.........still like the fallen flag roads, steam, early covered wagon diesels.
Remember the trips to the roundhouse, turntable and riding 0-8-0's around the yards.

[Anonymous]

Watching trains when I was a kid, set up an appetite for trains.......
Been around them for about 55 years.........still like the fallen flag roads, steam, early covered wagon diesels.
Remember the trips to the roundhouse, turntable and riding 0-8-0's around the yards.