Trained Adults I traveled up to British Columbia this last weekend, to a real rarity: one of North America's last dedicated specialty model train stores. My friend Lloyd is an avid train builder, and particularly focuses on one specialized brand that is not easy to find. While he pored over the selection, I wandered the cramped and stuffed aisles to see the available options. The store owner came over and asked if I needed help; I responded, no, I was fine. He chuckled, and said, "I ask, as so many people get lost in the "adult" section." I had no idea what he referred to. With a point of the finger, he waved me to a display behind me.

I was, as they say, gobsmacked. I had a choice that seemed just so out of place in any train set, it seemed it belonged as part of the movie Fight Club. My choices consisted of:

• A selection of nudists
• A wide variety of "Ladies of the Night," in intricate detail
• Various "sexy ladies" dancing

However, the ones that took the conductor's breath away were the "Sexy Scenes." Yes, you were given one piece of furniture, visible in the packaging, with a well-fitting couple in a Kama Sutra inspired pose on said furniture. That office desk? Whole other perspective when shown in silhouette with this lucky couple.

Where the heck were these when I was growing up? And what are they doing here now? The owner just shrugged, and pointed out that many people like to keep up with the times, and these figures, when positioned in a hotel or office diorama, add to the salacious intrigue of moments stolen when viewing the world by train. I get his point, and admire the extension and the lack of prudity.

Then I saw the motorized versions...but that's a post for another day.

Labels: toys

  ¶ 3:37 PM