I worked part time at a Hobby Shop during my college years, in the late 1960' & early 70's (truly a life ruining experience it now seems ;c), but we never stocked nor sold any steam engines back then ... possibly a good thing, or this "disease" might well have taken me much sooner, back when I could least afford it!?!?
That's what started it all Daniel 
Well Jim ... it didn't start my steam engine addiction, but it fully ruined me in other ways that I still suffer from to this very day. R/C boats, tanks and airplanes, but most especially model trains have been a lifelong eater of wallet lettuce and waster of my life's time ..... to my greater enjoyment, I think?!?!?!?