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Shout Out for Bill Rifenbury, known as RTRAINCOLLECTOR

GeoPegGeoPegOGR Forum Member

I just wanted to give a HUGE shoutout for Mr. Bill Rifenbury, known on this forum as RTRAINCOLLECTOR. Bill saw my response to a post for FREE SWITCHES the other day, and reached out to offer some free switches and track that he had been storing. After we talked on the phone, he learned about what's going on in my grandson's (Ian) life right now (mom just had a stroke) and the fact that it was his 8th birthday on January 15th. So Bill not only sent me some free track & switches (Thank you!!), he also sent my grandson his own Lionel train set, hoping to create some diversion and fun in his life. I have to tell you, it's uncommon to see that much thoughtfulness and generosity nowadays, and I am truly indebted to Bill for that - thank you my friend!!!! As for Ian, well you can see his face for yourself - he was thrilled!!!

I knew this place felt like home IMG_8074IMG_8075IMG_8078

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Images (3)
  • IMG_8074: He couldn't stop chatting about, "Ohmygosh! My own train!"
  • IMG_8075
  • IMG_8078: Ian's Minecraft friends got their first ride in his birthday gift!
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B brianel_k-lineguyOGR Forum Member

Great story and very nice act of generosity!

I think many of us in the hobby today as adults forget (as the photos above are an illustration of) this is probably how most of us started off in the world of trains. It was about play and fun. The interest in prototypical fidelity only came later, provided the initial memories of play and fun were there. Lionel is right in that they know nostalgia is a huge motivation in the purchase of a train set.

People say kids aren't interested in trains today. Well, I think it's because they aren't exposed to them. And unfortunately many parents (parent) would rather buy an electronic babysitter than engage with their kids in a mutally fun and learning experience, like a train set.

Of course, even without the modern electronic toys, some kids just don't take to the train hobby. That's true today as it was true decades ago. But you never find out if the kids don't even know about a train set.

Again, very nice gesture RT and thanks Geopeg for posting this. I'd rather see a post like this than the usual grumbling over what is or isn't going to be in the next catalog.

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