RickB,
I'm in the same boat as you, started with my first PS2 set in 2000. Was amazed at the sounds, smoke puffing etc that it had. Many more sets after that. I recently got a TIU and WIU and now just got a new Lionel / MTH 269e set from MrMuffins. Absolutely stunning! Guess I'll be buying some more Lionel / MTH tinplate !!!