[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!

[sdbob]

Yes here also. First it was trains as a kid,then cars,then back to trains, full size -o gauge,then slot cars in my early teens. Then in my 50s back to ogauge trains,for retirement hobby. Still have my first post war Santa Fe F3. However the current technology is amazing,$$$$$, repairs $$$$,performance!!, pre@ post war easily repaired.

[F ROCK]

Bought the pre-war coal loader, and the post war coal loader today, along with the sunoco tank car for $90.
Both loaders have been re wired and work perfectly.
I bought a working barrel loader for ten bucks last week at the farmers market.
Always loved the accessories.

[Longs]

It was a tradition in my house, the trains went under the tree, they were never used or played with any other time. Two ovals (one with a Burlingon GP-7 Diesel 2328, one with the 2037 steam engine) and a yellow trolley #60 in the middle. All powered by the ZW 4 train transformer. They were from the mid-1950s. My brothers and I still have them, but I'm assuming they haven't been run in at least 30 years.

[67drake]

My dads American Flyer was always around our tree. From what I remember it’s all from the 40’s and 50’s. I inherited it when he passed away years ago. I never set it up due to small children and dogs always being around. I don’t view it as “just a toy” , as it’s a family heirloom. Maybe in a year or two I’ll start setting it up again.

[srmmmm]

We go big in Texas with G scale around the tree....and around the living room!

[67drake]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

We go big in Texas with G scale around the tree....and around the living room!

Nice. See….my kids would try to ride on that when I’m not looking.