This is a true story about an older man’s passion for trains and his generosity. I had just joined our club a few weeks earlier and on this particular night John (not his real name) asked for a ride home. This man was crippled and couldn’t work on or run our layout, just watch and make suggestions here and there. I took him home and he asked me to look at his trains. In his back yard was a 10x16 building full of trains on bench work made with very little room to get in. None of it was operational, no scenery, just track with trains on display. We had talked several weeks earlier where I stated I would like to purchase a Pacific steam engine sometime in the future, but just being layed off from my job, money was kind of tight. Well, you guessed it, from shelves full of boxes, he pulled out this box with a K-4 Pacific and tender and asked if this is what I had in mind. I said yes, but I can’t afford it right now. He just said merry christmas. Well, several weeks later the wife and I travelled 60 miles to a hobby shop. I bought an REA express car and 5 passenger cars, all heavy weights, including an observation car. I now had a full passenger train. I took this train to the club one night and John was there. I had a couple of friends keep him in the meeting room away from the layout while I placed this train on the tracks and hid it in one of the large tunnels. We then asked John to come out to the layout, that we had a problem that need his advice, that there was a problem with the track leading out of that tunnel. As that engine he gave me pulling that passenger consist rolled by, his mouth dropped open then tears rolled down his face. This train will never change, it remains a bond between friends. John is gone now and I hope the generosity he showed toward me was returned. Ken
Good post…thank you for posting it.
Wes
Eriediamond- That was a very nice story. I have found out that there are alot of caring people in the train hobby. thanks for sharing your story. I will always cherish my lackawanna 4-8-4 i got from my friend. Each trian I own has some significant value that money can buy. I wasnt a very emotional person tell about a yr ago, then my life changed and so did I. There is so much passion invovled in this hobby. I have olny been in it a short while and my eyes have opened to so many new things its incredible. Thanks for the story and the memories
Thanks Zeke. I don’t know what it is about this train hobby, but the nicest, careing people are in it. Just look at the forums here. What other hobby has what we have here? My other “passions” include flying light aircraft and motorcycles. Years ago Honda had a slogan that went like this, “you meet the nicest people on a Honda”. I believe the same holds true for model railroaders. Ken
I am very blessed because the guy who got me into American Flyer trains is a still young 84. I cherish the time we spend together. Bob is more like a father figure to me as my own father was not around as I was growing and died 33 years ago.
Bob has given me several trains, cars and accesories over the years. I’ll work on his trains and we get to run them together at an annual train show we attend and participate in. Bob is a wonderful loving man that has taught me a lot about trains, but also about life. I love the man dearly and he is my best friend.
I guess what comes up here is that the relationships that develop from the start of the common interest in trains is special. The relationship that develop enrich all parties involved. I’m thinking, do yourself a favor and share the hobby with others. Besides have fun with trains, you and your new friends bless each other.
Jim
You know this is a wonderful hobby. I got a nieghbor boy whos 10 i think and he’s come over a cpl times to watch my trains and i let him run them two. he always has this twinkle in his eye that reminds me …well to share.
Zeke - I too met someone [angel] on this forum who befriended me. He gifted me with some much needed equipment as well as some trains. Mostly, however, I’m blessed by his knowledge and willingness to share that with me. Haven’t heard from him lately - been so busy caught up in my own little corner of the world. Thanks for reminding me - I need to give him a call.
Lisa
PS - Eriediamond - which “hills” exactly? I’m in the foothills/northern Piedmont
West of Lincolnton, a town called Crouse. Ken
Ken - Nice area - not too far from me - I’m in Madison - 25 mi N of Greensboro.
Lisa
I am glad i could help remind others of these stories and tell mine.
I gave Nathan (my 10 yr old nieghbor) a complete ho set from life like. He thinks The world of that set. I just got back from helping him set it up And he is so excited. That right there makes me feel really good. he will always remeber that too i think. He is so proud of his set its awesome. i told him if he takes care of that set later down the road he might get some o gauge. i am also giving him a few buildings so he has a little scenery. We hot glued the track to a 4x8 i gave him so he can be mobile . Mom and dad thanked me troughly because hes a very hyper kid and this relaxes him. I would have never guessed how much this hobby can change someones life so much!
I know just where Madison is. I’m an over the road trucker and Madison has Pine Hall brick which I haul quite often. Ken
Zeke, I’m betting that 10 year old will get some O gauge and you probabley have a buddy for life now, not to mention the parents. You have my gratitude also. It’s not only a great way to get someone interested in this hobby, but more than that, you’ve made three peoples lives a little happier. Ken
your right 100%
he really has his eye on one engine in particulair, maybe down the road a lil bit i will give it to him. Want to make sure he takes care of his ho first.