Neil and his boy responding to trains is the reason TMCC (trainmaster Command Control) came into existence. He wanted Ben to have the ability to run the layout. Neil is quite talented with electronics as well as music and song writing. His ownership of Lionel shares extended into the current private equity group ownership.
I apologize if you knew that, but had only never seen this video.
here's another video and an interview with David Letterman
if anyone has any more links, please post them