At this past weekend’s Rails in the Rockies event, a young boy tinkered with some controls, while Steve Goff, treasurer of Estes Valley Model Railroaders, stood near him, patiently offering guidance.
The boy was playing a “switch game.” This is perhaps one of the most endearing aspects of model trains. It brings together people of different generations in a way that few hobbies can.
“He’s a total S.T.E.M. kid,” the boy’s mom explained. “He loves trains! He knows Steve because we go to a lot of the train shows.”
Then she clarified: “He likes steam, though, not diesel. I think it’s something about all the intricate, moving parts.”…