I remember seeing a list of famous people who are/were model railroaders but I don’t recall seeing any politicians on the list. Does anyone know if any of our Presidents were model railroaders before, during, or after they were in the White House? Any other well known political figures who were into our hobby?
The only mention I recall of a politician who was into model railroading involved a gentleman who was running for Mayor in a small town. His opponent made a big thing of his, “Playing with trains!” He lost the election.
That, I believe, is a serious disincentive for politicians to admit any connection with our hobby. Those that DO, “play with trains,” do so in the dark of night, in windowless rooms with guarded doors.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
I can’t think of one in my lifetime, although for some reason I can’t readily identify, I can imagine Richard Nixon doing it.