Worlds inside of Worlds

Over a decade ago, I was sent to fetch some model supplies at a store which I had never heard of and which after I went there could not recall the location nor the name of.  In this city where shops rise and fall faster than the reputation of a politician, I had thought it was another one of those that were gone with the wind.  So, it was a bit of a surprise the other day when I walked down one of those unfamiliar (but recognizable) streets in midtown and heard the sound of a rail whistle announcing its presence (as it is located in the basement of an otherwise nondescript office building, you would have to know of its existence were you to want to buy something).

Needless to say, I went down there and checked out its many wares.  A rather medium to large store filled to near the brim with items related to rail and with unfortunate commercial nods to such things as the USS Enterprise (the Star Trek ship) and the Batmobile, it is a treasure for those who are into constructing minature worlds.  I did not pick up anything, although I was seriously thinking of doing so- mostly because it requires space and a weekly (if not daily) cleaning so as to avoid the ever ready accumulation of dust.

I was happy to see a young man in his 30s, visiting from Europe, bring along his family and ask the incredibly knowledgeable owner about some of the train sets.  It was obvious that he (unlike myself) was going to buy a slew of things.  A throwback to an earlier time, these rail sets have a luster of nostalgic and quiet joy that can hardly be found along the crowded and noisy aisles of a place such as Toys R Us, no?

these small fellows are my favorite part of these constructions.