Our obsession with this fascinating pastime often derives from memories of our first set that Mom and Dad bought us when we were young.

I still remember the first time I opened that marvelous set and the excitement I felt as I saw the wooden tracks and trains neatly set out for me and my father to construct.

To this day, I still hold fond memories of the great anticipation I felt as I eagerly unwrapped and held my first toy train.

The nostalgic feeling I have retained as an adult today is my inspiration for this website and the reason behind my avid interest in this unique hobby.

The most wonderful aspects of the toy train world conveys an array of wonderful and historical pastimes for the hobbyist to enjoy.

Moms and Dads alike are almost always undeniably as excited with their new set as their sons or daughters.

Literally any family member can get down on their hands and knees and take their hands to the things we all miss as adults.

Constructing these sets allows us to become carpenters, electricians, engineers and artists; all the occupations we still secretly wish we had taken to as we sit behind our office desks.

With this website, and the support of all budding and experienced toy train hobbyist alike, I hope to create a world in which we can all exchange our experiences of our wonderful pastime.

The history and production involved with this pastime presents an exciting assortment of inspirational stories.

Some of the biggest corporations today mostly started off with young, talented enthusiasts that spent hours watching real trains in the first decade of railroad transportation.

With this, many young boys and girls took their hands to many aspects of this peerless and sometimes intricate hobby.

Young painters were given the opportunity to paint toy trains using meticulous detailing and designs.

Others enjoyed the engineering opportunities offered and took their hand to the electronics and machinery of toy trains.

For whatever reason, it is an undeniable fact that this family hobby has and will always continue to inspire and awe the young, old, and us in-betweeners alike.

Some of the most popular sizes today include the “ho” scale and the “o” scale.

Perhaps for their versatility and availability, the “g”,”n”,”s”, and “z” scales are also great choices.

With this website, I shall be writing about many of the most popular and innovative manufacturers.

One such example is the world famous Lionel.

This particular manufacturer presents you with a wonderful history, consisting of over 100 years of production.

Some of my first and fondest memories are of some of the fantastic Lionel sets that I have owned and still own today.

Aside from this, I will also talk about the well known and popular American Flyer Trains.

For those just starting out as budding hobbyists, American Flyer Trains were actually manufactured in Chicago in the early 1900’s.

This is a line in which many people hold a great and deep passion for.

Surviving the great depression and the economical pressures of the World Wars, this corporation has flourished and put smiles on the faces of fathers, sons, mothers and daughters for almost a hundred years.

Some other manufacturers featured on my website include some of the more recently founded companies.

MTH was actually founded in 1980 by a young man in the bedroom of his Mom and Dad’s house.

Originally a mail order service offering restoration of toy trains, this website holds a special place in appreciation for Mike’s incredible skill and craftsmanship.

From Atlas to Brio, there are numerous lines to enjoy.

Not only will I be sharing toy train construction and track ideas, there are also many different aspects of backdrops and scenery ideas to share as well.

Take model trees as a first example, many people choose to purchase their pines and furs as ready-made examples.

It is actually possible, with the right knowledge, to actually construct tress and hedges of amazing realism and beauty.

Another creative idea which I have enjoyed as part of my hobby is the assembly and creation of mountains and ranges.

You can literally create any beautiful backdrop inspired by your imagination, or any of the famous stations and railroads around the world; the limits are endless and only your imagination will hinder your creations.

The world of toy trains can leave you lost for hours upon hours in a world of miniature replications and history.

The choices are endless and the opportunities to create wonderful and awe-inspiring layouts and backdrops keep the train hobbyist always looking for ways to improve and expand on their skills.

Although I am a deeply enthusiastic and inspired hobbyist, I still feel I have much to learn.

I hope that you'll be showing and sharing your tips to laying track, painting box-cars, finding quality publications and most importantly, sharing your dreams and memories of the toy train world in which you reside in.

Be sure to visit often. My website is constantly being updated with new articles, pictures and videos.

All are encouraged to share all their wonderful experiences in the world of toy trains.

A final word: If you are feeling a little overwhelmed as a novice enthusiast, don’t be.

We all felt that way at one time. Just enjoy the experience as your knowledge and passion for the world's greatest hobby grows.

See you again soon.

Jeff