Great stories and photos, people.
In Binghamton, NY, we had two big department stores that carried trains: Fowler, Dick & Walker displayed Lionel, and McLean's displayed American Flyer. What fun and amazement it was to stand with other kids and watch the equipment demonstrated. And we were also fortunate to have Woolworth's with its Marx trains and various HO. Sorry, no photos: Film and processing were just too expensive!