Great memories! My earliest introduction was a neighbor who's son had a large Flyer layout in his basement. I vaguely remember at maybe 2 or 3 (1953 or 1954) my Dad setting me in the center of the table that had no scenery, just track and trains. I was threatened that if I touched anything we would leave immediately, and having the trains run around me. I was impressed by the Flyer crane and it's work caboose and all the smoke from the engine as that is about all I can remember of the layout. A few years later the neighbor decided to move and offered the layout and trains to my Dad. I don't recall how much but enough that my folks could not afford it at the time. The trains were given to relatives who destroyed everything. The Mom regrettably told my parents that if she knew what was going to happen to her sons collection that she would have just given me the trains. Ah, what could have been!! A few weeks after they moved, the family was on an airplane that crashed at Tri City Airport in Freeland, MI. and all were killed. Maybe that layout was the spark that has lit the fire for the love of trains throughout my life and continues today. Bob's layout from 1956 brought those memories back. Thanks to all of you!! That brings up the question, what sparked your love of trains??
FuzzyD
