My childhood trains have become the basis do 46 years of collecting and operating which over the years have expanded to two rail O, garden trains, Marklin Gauge 1, and even HO. I consider my official train entry date December 8, 1968 when I drilled my first whole on the family layout in the basement. My dad stood behind me, helping me hold his big Sears all metal, made in the USA, drill, as "I" drilled my first hole. He is long gone, as well as the layout, but I still have all the trains and accessories.
All the best,
Miketg