For me, it’s just DOWN RIGHT FUN.[:D]
I have enjoyed trains for most of my life. I don’t do any thing other than this and
play with the kids. I like staying at home and this does it for me. I feel that having
a hobby is good and I am a positive role model for my children. It is expensive,
but I do find ways to cut costs. I am at a point where I can spend less this year
anyway and keep money in savings for home improvement, etc.
- My dad was a model railroader [:)]
- It annoys the hell out of my wife [}:)]
- My daughter loves choo choo’s [:D]
- It relieves stress in my life (really helpful) [V]
Gordon
It’s just down right fun.
I loved my Lionel trains when I was a kid. I loved taking REAL passenger trains when I was young. I loved riding one of the classic passenger trains, the Milwaukee Road Hiawatha, between Minneapolis and Chicago. I loved riding in a sleeper car on the way to Denver.
I’ve just started model railroading again at the ripe old age of 51. I will probably get in to building kits and stuff sometime. But to tell you the truth, that is not a major goal for me at this time. RTR rolling stock and pre-assembled buildings are fine with me for now. I just want to get a decent looking setup fairly quickly and have fun playing with it. Once I have that established, I will start replacing the ready-made stuff with things more realistic that I build.
I know that doesn’t sound very impressive, but it is what I want and enjoy for now.
[:)]
It allows me to dream and have quiet time, something we all need!
All of the above and then some!
It allows me to relive some of my past, when I was conductor on a now defunct dinner train. I’ve got 9 cars scratchbuilt to recreate that train…[:D]
Plus it annoys my wife’s sister, when she calls here looking for her barfly husband, and my wife says, " I don’t know where he is, but MY husband is downstairs!"[}:)]
It keeps me intellectually engaged. I learn new things all the time.
It gives me the opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience with electricity.
It challenges my dexterity and vision.
It justifies aquiring new tools! 
I’ve yearned for model trains ever since I was 4 and found out that my parents wouldn’t let me have a train set until I was 11 (those were 7 long years folks, but they were true to their word)
Real trains have always fascinated me
I’ve always liked any kind of miniature or model, used to model airplanes as well but that has been scaled back due to lack of time, money etc.
The intro to Mr Rogers Neighborhood showed a miniature town and I always wanted to make something like that.
Now I see that my oldest daughter is interested in what I’m doing with trains so this is going to be a good way to bond, share quality time, whatever you want to call it.
Charles
Hillsburgh Ontario
I think it can be safely said that the love of trains was passed on to me from my dad when he gave me his Lionel set from when he was a kid. I just love the thrill of runnning trains and taking pictures of them.
Reed
I love trains and to me there’s nothing more fun!
I enjoy scratch building structures and scenery. I enjoy “letting go” of my creative juices and like the since of accomplishment I feel when it’s complete.
I find this hobby relaxing and enjoyable like no other hobby I’ve had!!
I’m a huge railfan and and have always wanted to own a railroad
gives me something to do. keeps me from drinking and partying. relieves stress. also i can use what little creative skills i have.
[^]You’re wrong about it not sounding ‘impressive.’ Playing with the trains and having fun with it is what matters most. You’ve got the right idea! [8D]
Making a model of anything look realistic is what modelling is to me. I’ve always been facinated with miniatures, then I became a rail buff. I like making things look aged. Thats the kicker.
Whatever happened to good old fashioned MEGALOMANIA. I enjoy being god in a world of my own creation.[:P][;)][bow][:D]
Became gung ho with trains at about age 3 in New York City back in the 60s as while my dad worked and had the family car, my mom would take us with her shopping, the dentist, visiting, etc by way of the SUBWAY! I enjoyed the speed, the rocking and sounds. As I got older, got to see plenty of the “Big Trains” in action. My dad bought me Am. Flyer, Lionel, and later Marx train sets.
We were “lower middle” income, and struggling but my dad really sacrifieced for us kids. My gratitude to God for my dad (deceased) is eternal!
I’ve always been crazy about trains and so it would seem obvious that I would have to have model trains.
[:)]Dad would be proud of your interests, I’m sure![:)]
My vote should include all of the above and other. As For me Model trains are an addicting, all consuming obsession for which I will spend days at a time that go by like minuts for whch there is no escape.