[pavorossi]

Without a shadow of a doubt this is the best hobby in the world. One of the benefits that hasn't been mentioned is the effect on peoples knowledge of geography. A few years ago I'd have had no idea where Stockton was, or where abouts the river Severn ran, but through my interest in railways I've found things like that out. Plus, you never know when you're going to get a railway related question in a pub quiz!