I never quite got bitten by the model train bug in a meaningful way,
although I did have an inexpensive HO layout as a boy.  Instead, I was
completely nuts for Meccano, the construction-set stuff that was
imitated all over the world by (pick your favourite nationality)
Erector, Maerklin-Metall, Temsi, Stokys, and hundreds of others.

Unlike most construction set systems which were no more than crude tin
toys, Meccano in its heyday allowed the construction of enormous
mechanisms of great complexity, from large installations of industrial
machinery to elaborately and meticulously modeled motor vehicles.

My own Meccano constructions reflect my interests in automatic music
machines.  Since constructing models of "classic" mechanical musical
instruments is impractical (and in the case of pneumatics, absolutely
ludicrous) I strike out into more peculiar territory.  My constructions
look like part sculpture, part machine, and produce sounds that are
perhaps mechanical, perhaps musical, but certainly unusual.  I've used
them in live performance with improvisational groups with good effect.

I've also displayed them at "hobby" exhibitions to thousands of people
passing by.  I'm already blase about reactions of irritation or puz-
zlement by members of the public, but every once and a while someone
will stop and, with all sincerity, try to tell me about John Cage.
This amuses me, as sounds made by several of the machines aren't
entirely predictable -- or as Cage would describe it, "chance opera-
tions" are employed.  I suspect he'd enjoy listening to some of these
strange devices.

There -- I've confessed.  With any luck, I won't be ejected from AMICA
for intolerable irreverence.  :) :) :)

cheers,

Colin Hinz
Toronto, Canada

PS: There is also a Philip Edwards in Meccano circles.
Odd coincidence.