John, interesting topic. When I was growing up all my friends had trains. It was a divided camp. You were either Lionel or American Flyer. I guess what ever your parents or Santa gave you! I had Lionel. I seem to be the only one from the neighborhood that kept up the hobby. I have had some of my old friends visit and after seeing my modest layout wish they were back in the hobby. I have encouraged them to get back into the Worlds Greatest Hobby.
Tom