Ken Burling never played with  model trains as a child. Now he is surrounded by more than 30,000 pieces of railroad train hardware at his business,  Burling’s Tons of Trains, 16924 E. Colony Drive.

Not surprisingly, the business two months of the year for his Internet and retail shop business are November and December. Burling also is a popular fellow during December when he sets up and operates three train layouts at the Community Center. This year marks his fourth appearance.

Burling, his son and daughter have decorated a themed-tree for the Community Center, and yes, a model train will circle the base of the tree.

“The long and short, it was hobby that went out of control,” said Burling, explaining his start in the hobby/collecting model train business.

He bought his first model train set from a drug store in 1980 when he moved from Long Island, New York, to Arizona. He has lived in Fountain Hills for 12 years.

“I collected so much and when I started to clean out what I had, I decided to start a business.

His online site --- www. tonsoftrains.com since 1999 --- generates 60 percent of the business while 40 percent comes from walk-in traffic. He ships nationally and internationally to collectors and train enthusiasts.

As a licensed Lionel distributor and repairer, the store carries the most popular O-gauge trains, tracks and accessories, although other sizes are available. Some collectors are looking for whole sets, while some want pieces.

Lionel trains were the most desirable from the 1940s to 1960s, said Burling. The majority of collectors desire Lionel products.

“There aren’t many train stores left,” said Burling, a member of the Train Collectors Association. “Even full service hobby centers went out of business.”

Mostly his clientele are collectors who make up 80 percent of his sales.  When a customer comes into the store to buy train layouts, “most often it is the grandparents buying for their grandchildren.”

Some collectible items, depending upon condition, bring good prices. He acquires most of his merchandise at swap meets and individuals selling their childhood toys.

The girls’ Lionel set made in the 1950s has a value of about $3,000 in the current market.

“To my mind, it’s a shame that kids today only want to play with computers and computer games, and push buttons. There’s nothing hands on anymore,” said Burling although he watches children’s fascination with the trains at the Community Center.

Burling also collects vintage Barbie dolls and wind-up tin toys.

To contact the store, call 480-816-6501.