The Joy of Toy Trains
I have no idea why I like Model Railroads. From the earliest memories I have loved trains. My Mom says my Dad influenced me, he grew up in the '50s when model railroads were "cool", If you were a "boy". Teens had their 1920's souped up Model T's. Boys had their trains, cowboy hats, and space craft.
Most boys then wanted a train set. It was a way to act out as an adult. Run your own world. Control industry. Be like Dad. Be like an adult.
Lionel competed with American Flyer. Who had more realism?
They all did.
Know why?
In a childs imagination you don't need realism. They make it up.
Give a kid a stick and he will become Obi One Kenobi
Or Prince whatshisface.
Give a girl a Barbie.
She will play Mommy, or Miss America, or Ms. Corporate America.
I love playing trains with my boys.
The older son is not so interested as he was a few years ago, but still is amazed at times. This will probably change as we all do.
The younger loves them and we play everyday.
He makes up stories about Thomas the Tank Engine (Santa's gift to him)
Then acts it out.
I smile and fiddle with my scale trains.
Passing the hours.
I have said before I learned more about construction, electricity, art, architecture, landscapes, etc from Model Railroads.
I hope my sons do too.
posted by Libby Gone™ | 8:53 PM
17 Comments:
My Dad was a Yard Conductor for the C&O RR for 30 some years.
(C&O,Chesapeake and Ohio RR)
We traveled often because of the free fare to empolyees.My scariest memories were of the tressel bridges connecting the mountains in WVa near Bluefield.Our home was in Sw part of Va.,where there we had to reach down and pull the sun up.
I was an American Flyer kid myself. I loved it. Thanks for the great memories.
Regards...
WHAT A GREAT PICTURE AND ARTICLE
I KNOW YOU HAVE LOVED TRAINS FOR
YEAR'S. AND WILL STILL HAVE FUN WITH THEM AND THE BOY'S
SPANKY
We had those model trains around when I was a kid...they're cool.
Thanks all!
I'll always try to be there for all of my friends, internet or flesh. I really do appreciate all the support and intelligent advice. More than one of you are Uncommonly Sensible.
Toy Trains are a great escape, I'll always be grateful to my Father for forcing me to enjoy them.
HA HA.
My dad had a set up when I was young (can't remember what brand). He would set it up under the tree at Christmas time. It had little men who loaded drums with a forklift, real smoke and whistle. Very cool. One of the very few childhood memories I have of spending 'quality time' with my father.
Thanks Libby! I hadn't thought of that in years. :o)
Trains, race cars, trucks, planes etc. Boys love em'! Awsome machines made of steel. Represents strength, power, technology, and plain old toughness.
Libby, you are a good father for passing on your knowledge and passion for a hobby that means so much. Someday those kids will have kids and grandkids, and pass their knowledge on. Your legacy will live on for many generations, through your love of trains!
My boys have outgrown Thomas, but it was fun while it lasted. Another thing I miss is going to fire stations at Christmas to see the extraordinary train gardens they created for the holidays. Since I've moved to NC I haven't heard of any doing that. Was that just a Maryland thing? Glad to see you enjoying such great quality time with your sons. You will reap what you have sown.
Went to a great train museum in or near Hershey, PA. Good stuff there including LOTS of actual cars and locos inside a huge warehouse that reminds you of a European train station. Can't remember the exact name or location, but you can look it up I'm sure. My daughter was young then and had a wonderful time!
Regards...
My daughter was young then and "WE" had a wonderful time! Sheesh! I guess I was thinking faster than I was typing.
And now that I think about it, the train museum was definitely outside of Hershey, PA but not too far away.
Hawkeye®:
Strasburg, was it?
Any time you're passing through my neighborhood (as you probably did then on the PA Turnpike), let me know (by email or something) in advance and we can get together for dinner or some such...if I'm going to be around, of course.
Thanks all,
Looking to do some updates soon. Not sure how much work I want to put into it in the event I have to move. Both train layouts are pretty much modular so I can more than likely "take it with me ".
Libby Gone™:
How about some updates soon to your blog here, lad?
(It's been weeks!)
We Wanna New Post!
We Wanna New Post!
We Wanna New Post!
[pounding on mouse pad]
Hey everybody, Maybe he moved. Ya think?
Camo,
Yes, it was Strasburg! Thanks for the reminder. One of these days I will have to look you up.
Nah, he reported computer trouble and gave a shout-out on SF the other day.
We're thinkin' about ya Libby!!
new blog coming soon. I got fed up with it when a complete twit used my blog to attack me. Sorry for the absence, life was upside down. The future now becons and I am getting inspired. Thanks all!!!!
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