| No one would claim that model railroading is an easy | | | | hobby and his son. That love inspired Neil to create a |
| hobby. | | | | special control that Ben can use, a paddle that |
| Creative, artistic, and a lot of fun, but certainly not easy. | | | | responds to pressure, so that they can truly share in |
| Assembling model toy trains by hand takes hours of | | | | the trains that have fascinated Neil since he was a |
| pain-staking labour and a sharp attention to detail. | | | | child. |
| Designing, building, and painting backgrounds demands | | | | Living with cerebral palsy isn't easy, and raising a son |
| not only good artistic focus but plenty of ingenuity; | | | | with the disorder would be hard on anybody. The |
| many model railroaders build their scenery from scrap | | | | illness, caused by a lack of oxygen or damage to the |
| material found in the garage or the basement. Add to | | | | brain early in life, interferes with muscle control and |
| that the challenges faced by anyone suffering with | | | | motor skills, making it difficult for Ben to do many of |
| cerebral palsy, and you begin to understand what Neil | | | | the things that you or I take for granted. But Neil has |
| Young was up against when he decided to share his | | | | made a commitment to his son, to keep him happy, |
| love of model trains with his son, Ben. | | | | engaged and achieving his full potential. Trains are a |
| The setup that Neil enjoys with Ben is incredible to see: | | | | language by which two men can express their joy in |
| a living system of moss and ferns, with stumps taken | | | | each other's company, and two people can explore a |
| from the surrounding property acting as backdrop. A | | | | little piece of paradise they've created together. |
| misting system waters the entire area in about 45 | | | | Model toy trains have provided people like Neil and Ben |
| seconds, keeping the "hills" green and lush. Together, | | | | with memories they will have forever, building |
| Ben and Neil keep the nearly 700 feet of track in good | | | | relationships along with railroads. |
| working order, making sure the trains always run on | | | | To learn more about high-quality model toy trains, visit |
| time. The complex is housed in a barn, nearly 2800 | | | | ModelToyTrainsStore. |
| square feet dedicated to the love one man has for his | | | | |