While a ride on the trolley is but a nostalgic memory for longtime West Seattle residents, people today can still take a train home from the Junction. But of course they will have to buy it first.

Thirty-year West Seattle resident Scott Law opened the Electric Train Shop 10 years ago, Nov. 4, at 4511 California Avenue, and has kept model train enthusiasts all aboard and on the right track ever since. He sells and repairs the little N, smallish HO, and larger O Scale model trains, including the charming "Post-war O Scale" Lionel classics, popular with collectors.

"Older trains from the 40's and 50's are like stamps and coins," said Law. "There are guidebooks that point out rarities, like one model might use a different kind of screw, so it's worth double. People still have a lot of these trains tucked away in attics and basements, and some bring them in for me to refurbish."

"Model trains have gotten very high tech and have computers with digital sound recorded from real trains."

Law even sells little bottles of barbeque-scent you add to the water of your steam engine for that rural touch.

Prior to owning his shop, Law worked in architectural marketing, and helped construct the model for the Two Union Square high-rise downtown.

Electric Train Shop regular, Denis Black, can't get enough of model trains. "Before I was born I had Lionel trains, because I got them from my dad and uncle, and ever since I've been hooked," he said. "I mostly just hang out at the shop. I've got no more space at home. I'm pretty loaded up with trains."

Steve Shay can be reached at Steves@robinsonnews.com