[F ROCK]

I grew up on a farm in the late '60's. We didnt have much money; electric had just been installed around the time of my birth.
Lightning had struck the house that bordered our farm. My father went over there to help.
The guy had no money either, but had somehow inherited a big box of lionel trains. He gave them to my dad. At 4 years old, I was fascinated.
Dad cut down a tree, and we set the trains around it. This became a tradition, for me, ( the rest of the family couldnt care less.)
Those trains, and later, slot cars, changed my life.
I learned about AC and DC, inertia, traction, use of hand tools, tons of lessons learned every time i opened that box.
I'm heading to a train show this morning. the prices have come down alot.
The reason for the price drop?
Collectors are getting old.
AND
Most 1900-1970 Lionel products STILL WORK, and parts are still available.
I will shop today for some fun operating accessory but may treat myself to a nice standard gauge restoration project.
Fun stuff!