Ten years have chugged by since train-enthusiast Scott Law opened the Electric Train Shop at 4511 California Avenue. Because he wheels and deals in a niche market, buying, selling, and restoring new and collectable model trains and accessories, he sees his business staying right on track while picking up a head of steam.

"Yes, model trains are a hobby for collectors. But they also serve as a creative outlet for the builder-operator. It involves aspects of construction, art, electrical, and the satisfaction of getting to say 'I made that!'" the 30-year West Seattle resident said.

Scott's former profession served as such an outlet. He was in architectural marketing and helped construct the model for the Two Union Square high-rise downtown.

"In a world that is just one hassle after another, model railroading offers an escape into a world of no government, no taxes, no stock market, no traffic jams," he said. "You can go down to your basement and instantly be deep in the Cascade Mountains, circa 1935. Till they invent a time machine, this is the next best thing.

"In the hobby world, there are more products made for model railroaders than there are for model cars, boats, and planes combined. This may have to do with the fact that it's a lot easier to own a real car, boat, or plane than it is to own a real train."

Law said he does have an acquaintance with an historic but weathering railroad car in a Ballard backyard he considers restoring but speculates it would gobble up all his Sundays for over a year.

He said modern made trains have gone high-tech with computerized digital sound effects of commuters scurrying around a train station, a conductor shouting, "All aboard!" and other bells and whistles.

"Trains from the '40s and '50s are like stamps and coins," said Law. "There are guidebooks that point out rarities."

He said that postwar O Scale Lionel trains are a favorite with collectors. He has several sets behind his counters he will pridefully show curious customers.

"I like the old tin stuff made in the '20's and '30s. I can't say it's nostalgic because it was before I was born, but it just speaks to me," he said.

Law pointed out that model trains are hip, as well-known hobbyists have included Frank Sinatra, Neil Young, Rod Stewart, and (former talk show host) Sally Jessy Raphael. He admits that the hobby is predominantly a man's world.

"Lionel made a train for girls in 1957 with a pink locomotive, a baby blue caboose, and a white transformer. It bombed. Now it's about a $5,000 collectors item."

"My family lived in Germany and sent me a lot of cool old HO scale trains when I was a child," said John Karl, a Fauntleroy resident who was busy hunting for accessories at Law's shop. "My 10 year-old son Brian is now showing an interest. I still have the old trains, and little villages, and put it over the top of the foosball table.

"I love trains. I just love 'em," grinned Denis Black, a loyal customer who hangs out with Law at the shop. "He's a very honest guy. I can tell you that about Scott. My father and uncle came back from the war and gave me a train set when I turned four. I still have it. It still runs."

"When the hobby gets completely out of control, then you open your own train shop. You don't make a lot of money, but you see a lot of smiles," said Law with endearing self-deprecation. "I've developed a lot of relationships with people who come in here and trade with me. I know their names, their kids, and what's going on with their lives, so it's kind of a 'mom and pop' thing. It's more personal than the Internet."

The ElectricTrain Shop: 938-2400.

Steve Shay may be reached at steves@robinsonnews.com