Parents saying your to old for Thomas

as a kid, i was never into thomas. [shocked gasps!] but, i WAS into the old magnetic tomy trains in a huge way, buying everything i saw at thrift stores and building huge layouts that took over the lounge. the last time i did that i would have been 15 or 16?
i still remember buying a boxed freight car set from a pawn shop and dad huffing and puffing about me being too old. he did the same when i rescued a cabbage patch kid from the same store.
i am 33 now, and regularly build layouts for display at a local model railway club, and the kids get such a kick out of it, my immature collection makes sense to my folks. my latest is actually on display tonight for the clubs christmas show.
thomas didnt come on my radar until 2008 when i was 22, and then plarail was the natural progression from that.

just hang in there, dude. are you at an age you could find a part time job... mowing lawns, washing cars, helping weed gardens? something to bring in some money for you, then you can say to your folks you will put in so much if they can meet the difference? the main thing is, if they say no, try not to get stroppy. these trains will always be around, even if you have to buy used.