Monday, December 28, 2009

Model Railway Trains In High Demand

By David Blackburn

I do not know quite when it began. I was just a little boy when I first laid eyes upon it. My childhood with model railway trains was so very exciting. I was able to escape to so many different places right there in my grandpa's home. My grandpa loved his models and so did I. He taught me everything he knew and we both learned a few things along the way.

My brother was born on a very hot summer day. We could not get to the hospital in time so a midwife delivered him at home. It was not a big deal. I was six and excited that I was going to get a little baby to tend to. He was the "ice cream scoop" of my eye and I did not let anyone hurt him. mum said I was too protective and would spoil him. She was right.

My grandfather would spend his free time working with his model trains. He was so committed to keeping an ambiance of nostalgia that he worked for hours. Grandma used to lightly scold him for "playing" with his toys so much. But, grandma understood that this hobby was something grandpa loved and she did nothing to pull him from it.

Any way you look at it, my family is in love with trains. Well, since they could not take the big ones home, they had to settle for the smaller ones. You would be amazed at the building my family uses to protect their little train additions. It is enormous!

My parents and I live on the farm my grandparents received from their family. There is an old barn which was renovated about ten years ago. My family took measures to make sure their love would not be harmed. There are so many tracks and tiny little houses, trees, churches, and other items to hold your attention. It has taken us years to amass the size our little railway town is now!

Then one day, Michael decided to steal a steak from Mr. Bradford's store. I thought someone was going to come for him and lock him up. Michael laughed and said, "at least we will have some meat to eat." I could not find the courage to cook it. When mum got home she was angry. "We do not steal anything from anyone and you will take it back and apologize!"

Michael did as mum said. She went with him. Mr. Bradford had a simple train set in the back of the store where the older gentlemen sat. After the apologies, Mr. Bradford asked mum if he could show my brother something. When my brother saw that little train set, his eyes glowed with tears.

There is nothing unusual in model railroading. I think this is a good way for families to get involved with each other. You use your hands to create something that is soothing to all the people who see it. Some of my nieces and nephew squeal with joy whenever they watch the trains roll down the tracks. It is safe, small and they can not get hurt. What better way to entertain the kids?

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