During the 70s, as our nation was nearing its 200th year of Independence, several toys came out in celebration. This is Tyco’s HO scale model train called “The Spirit of 76″.

Tyco HO Scale Spirit of 76 from 1974

I have always enjoyed model trains and would most likely have one set up today if I had the room. One year for Christmas, my wife bought me an N scale train set since space was so limited. Wow! Was that train tiny. But sadly it was misplaced when we moved to Florida and we cannot figure out where it went.

Model trains were always a part of our family. My dad had a Lionel train set when he was a kid and he passed that tradition on to us. My first train set was similar to the one below but not as fancy. I didn’t have all of the accessories, but it was the Santa Fe from Tyco.

Santa Fe HO Scale from 1972

Dad had setup an old ping pong table top in the basement and that was the starting platform for our train sets. My brother and I built up a whole countryside on that piece of wood complete with mountains and lakes.

I still have my first train set though it has been over 20 years since I have even tried to see if it works. I guess that just runs in the family because my father still has his first train set and after 60+ years it still runs.