My trains are many things to me:
1: A tangible connection to my Dad, who passed away way too young in 2001. The majority of my trains were his, and I watched him build the collection as a kid, going with him on many of his "hunts," including going to York starting in 1979.
2: A great escape from the problems of the day. I feel very fortunate to say I love my work, but it's also great to have a means to escape, and for me a few hours in the train room helps keep things in perspective. Running my old prewar clunkers gives me a feeling of "everything is going to be ok."
3: As time moves on, the trains remain important, but what has become more important is the circle of friends we have because of them. Thanks to the trains, the TCA, and forums like this, we have met people we wouldn't have met otherwise, and for that I'm very grateful.
John
