Our model train adventure - part 3: How it all started

Everything started in my childhood. When I was 9 years or so my grandfather bought a Märklin model train in H0-scale (1/87). He also built everything together, installed all electric things etc.

I was fascinated but also somehow overwhelmed as well. I have never seen a model train in this scale again. At that age I would have preferred to get a Lego or Playmobil train. Except the trains and tracks I just had one house, one car and a tractor. But of course that was not enough to play with - and for building on my own I was too young at that time.

When I was 10 we moved to a semi-detached house with a cellar and I got a big corner in the cellar to build up my model train. I began to build houses, mountains etc. - and I started collecting cars in scale H0.

From age 11 to 15, 16 or maybe even 17 (I am not sure about it) I was a big enthusiast. My only birthday and Christmas wishes were buildings for my model train. But of course I was a little bit sloppy at that time. I liked to decorate my buildings in my own style, neglected other details, used the wrong glue etc.

As a young adult I lost my interest, sold all (?) trains and tracks in financially hard times. I got my own flat, then another one. When ever I moved more houses got more broken. Today, only a few houses are left. But my son neglects the details that are not so beautiful. And we have a lot of cars, trucks and tractors - so we can already "play" now.

Although I am the "chief planner and builder" my son is involved in all major decisions and he is very motivated, brings in his own ideas etc. He has already seen a lot of model trains, dioramas in museums etc. Here are some we have visited in the last years.

So, that's enough for today. I now have to think about some details of my son's model train.

Part 1: The Christmas present
Part 2: The petrol station