In the early 1980s, the must-have toy for boys under 10 was Big Trak. Big Trak – which looked like a moon buggy might if it had been designed by a drunk Sir Clive Sinclair – was advertised as your programmable servant, an indispensable mobile butler that could be programmed to fulfil basic household tasks. Sadly, in reality, Big Trak was a jerky electronic simpleton, and the chances of him transporting a glass of Tizer across the living room without spilling it on the carpet or himself were extraordinarily low.
Although Big Trak had many faults, however, we held that the basic idea – using a toy as a handy transport system in the home – was a sound one. Maybe all that needed changing in this plan was the toy. And so it was that we set about fitting the Man Lab with a fully integrated man-serving railway.
Writing in The Boys’ Book of Model Railways in 1956, Ernest F. Carter observes that model railway building is truly a “hobby for the million” – a pastime deserving of its enormous following – as “it offers such unlimited scope for personal individuality and ability”. He goes on to observe that the appeal of a model railway lies in the fact that it is “always complete yet never finished; and it is this queer mixture of 'collecting’ and constructional work which seems to be the underlying reason for the appeal of Model Railwaying to the average handyman”.
Although the golden age of model railwaying may have peaked roughly ten minutes after Ernest F. Carter penned those words, there can be no doubt that model railways retain an appeal for blokes even today.
If you are seriously going to build a model railway round your home/ studio/office/place of work – and we strongly recommend that everyone at least considers it – then you’ll need the following: lots of sheets of plywood, for your baseboards (you can use other materials, but whatever you decide on needs to be tough and thick enough so that it will fully support your locomotive and track and won’t bend or flex); lots of pine battening; a decent quality model locomotive and trucks; lots and lots of track; some more track — you almost certainly didn’t buy enough; a signalling system; many tools, but most essentially a jig saw to cut your baseboards.
Make sure in the hobby shop that your locomotive, trucks and track are all a compatible gauge and are capable of freighting loads. Hobby shops tend to be staffed by men who know everything and more about model railways, so ask one of them.
Your first task, having secured all the necessary equipment, is to design your railway. This will largely be dictated by the size of the area you have to set your network in and the locations your small-objects express will be most use stopping at.
TIP: think carefully before revealing to anyone important to you that you are working on a “model railway”. Not everyone realises that toy trains are the hobby of kings and the inspiration of philosophers.
Be imaginative – there’s nothing to stop your locomotive running through and behind things, and crossing large gaps, if you’re prepared to put the work in. Hobby shops will sell many accessories for model railways that you can utilise in your layout – bridges and tunnels are especially helpful.
Make sure you know what’s available before you begin. Pay attention to curves and gradients, as these will test the locomotive more than running on a straight. It’s generally not good to have your track rising as it exits from the kitchen area of the Man Lab, as the trucks will probably be fully loaded, placing extra stress on your engine.
TIP: If you do put in tunnels, make sure they’re high enough to accommodate tall loads, such as an ambitiously high stack of Pringles.
We will assume that you’re building the track to be a permanent addition to your Man Lab. Cut your lengths of baseboard in accordance with the plans that you’ve made. We can further assume, for the purposes of convenience, that your railway will be at roughly tabletop (waist) height for the entirety of its run. The baseboard it runs on will therefore be supported either by brackets of 45-degree pine battening, that support the track by being screwed into a wall or, where a wall isn’t available, by viaduct-like struts of pine battening reaching to the floor: either way, make sure that the baseboard is absolutely level all the way round and properly supported.
TIP: Make sure that any places where the path of the railway runs across the path of human beings is accessible to both – you might want to build a lifting flap that raises a section of track, allowing access.
Secure track to baseboard by either a strong adhesive or very fine pins sold for the purpose. Any way that works is acceptable really – even double-sided sticky tape will do. (The man who works in the hobby shop, who looks like Roger Whittaker and smells of tobacco and peppermints, will almost certainly have a strong opinion on the best way to secure track to baseboard, so ask him.)
At the end of all this, you should have a fully laid model railway track.
It’s also worth considering what sort of gauge will serve your network best. The most popular model railway gauge is 00, but it’s a bit small for transporting anything larger than peanuts and olives. A better bet is 0-gauge (twice as big, i.e. eight times the volume as far as a coal truck is concerned), and
G-scale. The one we used for our Man Lab was 0-gauge. G-scale is for large models of narrow-gauge trains, and is useful for railways that run outdoors, or carry larger loads. Germany’s LGB is the main maker. It’s a very versatile system and the wagons are nice and big.
Controlling your network is another topic that could fill an entire book, and does in some specialist shops. The controlling mechanisms of model railways are part of the joy of having them, as they can be endlessly fiddled with and modified by the railway’s owner. Many different systems exist, but they all do pretty much the same basic things. For our purposes, however, we simply need a control which will start the train, indicate when it’s been loaded, and then bring it to us. The man in the hobby shop will doubtless have some ideas where this is concerned, too, but in order to get the maximum from your own Man Lab railway, you might want to consider installing a modern version of what, in the glorious early days of rail, was known as a Bell Signalling system.
You will need: a “master box”, at your engine’s main depot (probably the kitchen, let’s be honest). This is basically a signal with numbers that light up on it, corresponding to stops along the track; bell-pushes that activate the lights on the master box and inform the main depot which part of the network is summoning. A bell should also sound with a loud bong when they are activated. Every stop on the line gets a bell-push.
Once you’ve decided which stations are which, and which numbers will represent them, you need to devise instructions, and print and distribute them to each stop on your network, in the form of a handy stationmaster’s card. Which should look something like this:
STATION / STOP NUMBER
Kitchen 1
Bog 2
Office 3
Workshop 4
Seating area 5
BONGS / ACTION
One bong: Send train/continue
Two bongs: Reverse train
Bong when running: Stop.
That way, the person controlling the train in the kitchen knows when to stop the train, and the person in the place the train is going to knows to bong once to get the train to stop. What’s more, they know to bong twice to get the train to reverse, now carrying their Post-it note request for a bag of peanuts, or whatever.
And there it is. You have rigged out your manspace with its own bespoke railway system. And, unlike most of the rail networks of the British Isles, it will provide enjoyment and pleasure whenever you use it.
Man Lab by James May is published by Hodder & Stoughton at £20. To order for £18 plus £1.25pp call Telegraph Books Direct on 0844 871 1515 or visit www.books.telegraph.co.uk.
Monday, October 31, 2011
James May exclusive book extract
From The Telegraph: James May exclusive book extract
Attention Toy Train & Scale Model Railroad Enthusiasts!
Reminder - coming November 3:
From the Sacramento Press: Attention Toy Train & Scale Model Railroad Enthusiasts!
To the delight of rail enthusiasts of all ages, the California State Railroad Museum will debut a new exhibit titled “Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” on November 3, 2011. While the items on special display will all be miniature in size, the goal of the exhibit is to clearly distinguish the big differences between scale models and toy trains, both of which have unique characteristics and avid collectors.
In addition to the Railroad Museum’s popular “Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains” exhibit and in contrast to the impressive collection of 21 full-size meticulously restored locomotives and cars on display throughout the Museum, visitors will soon have a unique opportunity to learn more about the decidedly smaller end of the spectrum. As guests will learn, the difference between model trains and toy trains has to do with scale.
“Model trains are built to scale with a specific size relationship between the model and its real life prototype,” explained the late Thomas W. Sefton in a descriptive publication titled Sefton American Collections. “Toy trains, in contrast, are not made to scale. They are crafted with color and imagination rather than an attempt at perfect realism.” (Mr. Sefton collected more than 7,000 toy trains during his lifetime; many are displayed at the Museum today in the “Small Wonders” exhibit.)
Toy trains are miniature versions of their bigger counterparts that were designed as toys for children. Today, many participants in this hobby are interested in building layouts or collecting treasured playthings. One popular line of accessories, “Plasticville,” is a line of snap-together toys introduced the late 1940s and both an early village scene and a rural scene -- complete with cars, people and animals -- will be on display as part of the exhibit. Conversely, model railroad enthusiasts tend to be keenly focused on the accuracy of virtually all details of their models. Visitors will see and appreciate a selection of brass scale model locomotives and cars, showcased on mirrored pedestals that accentuate their jewel-like qualities and intricate details.
“Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” will remain on special display in the Museum’s Lobby Gallery through September 14, 2012. For more information about “Common Diversions,” visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.
From the Sacramento Press: Attention Toy Train & Scale Model Railroad Enthusiasts!
To the delight of rail enthusiasts of all ages, the California State Railroad Museum will debut a new exhibit titled “Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” on November 3, 2011. While the items on special display will all be miniature in size, the goal of the exhibit is to clearly distinguish the big differences between scale models and toy trains, both of which have unique characteristics and avid collectors.
In addition to the Railroad Museum’s popular “Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains” exhibit and in contrast to the impressive collection of 21 full-size meticulously restored locomotives and cars on display throughout the Museum, visitors will soon have a unique opportunity to learn more about the decidedly smaller end of the spectrum. As guests will learn, the difference between model trains and toy trains has to do with scale.
“Model trains are built to scale with a specific size relationship between the model and its real life prototype,” explained the late Thomas W. Sefton in a descriptive publication titled Sefton American Collections. “Toy trains, in contrast, are not made to scale. They are crafted with color and imagination rather than an attempt at perfect realism.” (Mr. Sefton collected more than 7,000 toy trains during his lifetime; many are displayed at the Museum today in the “Small Wonders” exhibit.)
Toy trains are miniature versions of their bigger counterparts that were designed as toys for children. Today, many participants in this hobby are interested in building layouts or collecting treasured playthings. One popular line of accessories, “Plasticville,” is a line of snap-together toys introduced the late 1940s and both an early village scene and a rural scene -- complete with cars, people and animals -- will be on display as part of the exhibit. Conversely, model railroad enthusiasts tend to be keenly focused on the accuracy of virtually all details of their models. Visitors will see and appreciate a selection of brass scale model locomotives and cars, showcased on mirrored pedestals that accentuate their jewel-like qualities and intricate details.
“Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” will remain on special display in the Museum’s Lobby Gallery through September 14, 2012. For more information about “Common Diversions,” visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.
Wilmington, NC: All aboard the model train extravaganza
So okay, you've missed it, it was *this* weekend. Again, it's on the calendar and I'll let you know in good time next year.
From WWAYTV.com: All aboard the model train extravaganza
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Train modelers of all ages are all aboard the Model Railroad Extravaganza this weekend at the Wilmington Railroad Museum.
Organizers geared this year's event more toward kids in an effort to keep the love for model trains alive for future generations. Little ones and teens can participate in challenges around the model tracks to earn an engineer certificate. Model experts are on site to answer any questions from beginners and advanced builders.
"It challenges you to use a lot of different skills,” model railroader and event organizer Stuart Chinnery said. “You need to be a little bit of an engineer. You need to be a little bit of an artist. You need to be a little bit of a free-thinker in how you can create in miniature something that existed in the past."
The centerpiece of the extravaganza is a four-city replica detailing old Wilmington and other railroad cities across the Carolinas.
The event runs from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
From WWAYTV.com: All aboard the model train extravaganza
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Train modelers of all ages are all aboard the Model Railroad Extravaganza this weekend at the Wilmington Railroad Museum.
Organizers geared this year's event more toward kids in an effort to keep the love for model trains alive for future generations. Little ones and teens can participate in challenges around the model tracks to earn an engineer certificate. Model experts are on site to answer any questions from beginners and advanced builders.
"It challenges you to use a lot of different skills,” model railroader and event organizer Stuart Chinnery said. “You need to be a little bit of an engineer. You need to be a little bit of an artist. You need to be a little bit of a free-thinker in how you can create in miniature something that existed in the past."
The centerpiece of the extravaganza is a four-city replica detailing old Wilmington and other railroad cities across the Carolinas.
The event runs from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Model train exhibit closes at Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township
From the Press of Atlantic City: Model train exhibit closes at Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — The Shore Mall’s model train exhibit has reached its final stop.
The South Jersey Garden Railway Society and Atlantic Shore Model Railroad Clubs hosted a free model train display at the Shore Mall twice a week for the past six years, but it’s final day was Saturday. The organizations said more than 116,000 people visited the display, SJGRS member Wayne Richter said.
Click here for more information on the society
“We had a really good run,” he said. “We want to thank all the people for coming out.”
The mall allowed the groups to use a 6,000-square-foot space in the back rent free for the past six years, but the mall has a new tenant for the location, which meant the trains had to be moved, he said.
“We appreciate the mall letting us be here,” he said. “We understand this happens. There are no bad guys in this.”
The Egg Harbor Township resident said the display had 34 individual exhibits all featuring trains in “a different slice of Americana,” Richter said. One display featured the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Another one featured a bridge with “hobos” underneath, he said. Others used historic houses as a backdrop or just simple generic small towns, he said.
“Everyone loves trains in one shape or form,” he said. “It’s an important part of American life. It’s a good hobby.”
SJGRS member Anita Brown said the group’s members made a lot of friends with people who frequented the exhibits. The individual club members will store their displays at their homes until the organizations find a new location, she said.
“We’ll miss everyone,” the Absecon resident said.
The children said goodbye by making birthday cards for Thomas the Tank Engine, which were placed on the wall. One of the exhibit’s most popular stations was a Thomas train that the kids could operate on their own.
“The kids were so excited that we were here,” Richter said. “That’s part of why this is so sad.”
Upper Township resident Dave Neff came to the display with his son Luke, 9, and daughter Julia, 5. The kids got one last chance to learn how to operate the trains and take in the exhibit Saturday afternoon.
“It’s pretty cool, I like it,” Luke said. “I know how they work now.”
Dave Neff said he wasn’t aware of the display before Saturday but was sad to see it go.
“It’s disappointing,” he said. “People need to show today’s youth about this important part of their history.”
If You Go
The South Jersey Garden Railway Society will display its exhibit at the Ocean City Music Pier on 801 Boardwalk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — The Shore Mall’s model train exhibit has reached its final stop.
The South Jersey Garden Railway Society and Atlantic Shore Model Railroad Clubs hosted a free model train display at the Shore Mall twice a week for the past six years, but it’s final day was Saturday. The organizations said more than 116,000 people visited the display, SJGRS member Wayne Richter said.
Click here for more information on the society
“We had a really good run,” he said. “We want to thank all the people for coming out.”
The mall allowed the groups to use a 6,000-square-foot space in the back rent free for the past six years, but the mall has a new tenant for the location, which meant the trains had to be moved, he said.
“We appreciate the mall letting us be here,” he said. “We understand this happens. There are no bad guys in this.”
The Egg Harbor Township resident said the display had 34 individual exhibits all featuring trains in “a different slice of Americana,” Richter said. One display featured the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Another one featured a bridge with “hobos” underneath, he said. Others used historic houses as a backdrop or just simple generic small towns, he said.
“Everyone loves trains in one shape or form,” he said. “It’s an important part of American life. It’s a good hobby.”
SJGRS member Anita Brown said the group’s members made a lot of friends with people who frequented the exhibits. The individual club members will store their displays at their homes until the organizations find a new location, she said.
“We’ll miss everyone,” the Absecon resident said.
The children said goodbye by making birthday cards for Thomas the Tank Engine, which were placed on the wall. One of the exhibit’s most popular stations was a Thomas train that the kids could operate on their own.
“The kids were so excited that we were here,” Richter said. “That’s part of why this is so sad.”
Upper Township resident Dave Neff came to the display with his son Luke, 9, and daughter Julia, 5. The kids got one last chance to learn how to operate the trains and take in the exhibit Saturday afternoon.
“It’s pretty cool, I like it,” Luke said. “I know how they work now.”
Dave Neff said he wasn’t aware of the display before Saturday but was sad to see it go.
“It’s disappointing,” he said. “People need to show today’s youth about this important part of their history.”
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Florida: All aboard! at Trackside Trains
From Nashoba Publishing: All aboard! at Trackside Trains
HIRLEY -- Peter Carbone has always been fascinated with trains and he and wife Pam now have a shop that holds many of the trains and related goodies they sell at the train shows in which they have a booth.
Since retiring and moving to Florida, trains have become a big part of their lives. They are an even bigger part of their life now that he and Pam have moved back to this area to be near their family of four grown children and six grandchildren.
Their shop in front of Shirley's train tracks is stuffed with all types and sizes of model trains, tracks, related accessories and even the magazines that those who collect trains read from cover to cover.
While Peter holds court at the train shows each season, Pam has shifted her efforts to searching yard and estate sales and Craigslist for trains, train components and anything else related to their favorite pastime.
"I really enjoy meeting people of every age at the shows," Peter Carbone said. "People usually recognize our booth because I wrap the trim around my display boxes with a neon orange duct tape that is visual from a quarter-mile away." (It is.) "I especially remember one 5-year-old boy who stopped at my booth and whose knowledge of trains was far greater than mine. While he rattled off all kinds of facts and figures about trains and what he likes and collected his parents stood nearby listening to every word while their faces were all smiles. I didn't know what to say to that young man, all I could do was listen with sheer pleasure."
He continues, "I think that is just a small example of the passion that collectors, no matter their age, have for trains. When kids come in the shop or come to our booth, their eyes light up and that tickles me!"
Collecting model trains has been a hobby for children and adults since the 1920s when department stores incorporated working trains in their store and window displays. Train models were first made of tinplate, then brass, then various metals. Toy train manufactures include Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and Marklin.
Until the Model Railroad Association was formed in 1935, there were no set standards for track or train sizes, but once the Association was formed they created standard gauges, which are still in use today.
Collecting and selling all kinds of model trains has become a million-dollar business around the world and almost every week a show of trains and train collectiibles is taking place somewhere in the U.S.
Train aficionados are passionate and knowledgeable about what they do and what they collect. Often they spend years working on the setup and design of their train sets and the villages and scenery that surrounds it. There are clinics, classes, seminars, and magazines with step-by step instructions on how to craft, create and set-up intricate displays.
On the Antiques Road Show on PBS two memorable train sets have been highlighted and appraised. In 2008, specialist Noel Barrett appraised a Beggs Steam Train, circa 1885 for a value of between $5,000 to $7,000. In 2007, Leila Dunbar appraised a 1935 Lionel Blue Comet train set at between $8,000-$10,000.
Trackside Trains, 12 Ayer Road, Shirley, 978-503-2429, is open Wednesday through Friday from noon-6 p.m., and Saturday,10 a.m.-6 p.m. A website is coming soon. Carbone and his trains will be at the Nov. 6 show in Brockton at the Temple Beth Emunah Brotherhood at 479 Tory St., from 10- a.m. 4 p.m.
Seasons Four in Lexington has a complete Lionel "holiday" train already setup for viewing; complete with winter scene vignettes. Adults and kids line-up and watch the speedy ride, www.seasons-four.com, 781-861-1200.
HIRLEY -- Peter Carbone has always been fascinated with trains and he and wife Pam now have a shop that holds many of the trains and related goodies they sell at the train shows in which they have a booth.
Since retiring and moving to Florida, trains have become a big part of their lives. They are an even bigger part of their life now that he and Pam have moved back to this area to be near their family of four grown children and six grandchildren.
Their shop in front of Shirley's train tracks is stuffed with all types and sizes of model trains, tracks, related accessories and even the magazines that those who collect trains read from cover to cover.
While Peter holds court at the train shows each season, Pam has shifted her efforts to searching yard and estate sales and Craigslist for trains, train components and anything else related to their favorite pastime.
"I really enjoy meeting people of every age at the shows," Peter Carbone said. "People usually recognize our booth because I wrap the trim around my display boxes with a neon orange duct tape that is visual from a quarter-mile away." (It is.) "I especially remember one 5-year-old boy who stopped at my booth and whose knowledge of trains was far greater than mine. While he rattled off all kinds of facts and figures about trains and what he likes and collected his parents stood nearby listening to every word while their faces were all smiles. I didn't know what to say to that young man, all I could do was listen with sheer pleasure."
He continues, "I think that is just a small example of the passion that collectors, no matter their age, have for trains. When kids come in the shop or come to our booth, their eyes light up and that tickles me!"
Collecting model trains has been a hobby for children and adults since the 1920s when department stores incorporated working trains in their store and window displays. Train models were first made of tinplate, then brass, then various metals. Toy train manufactures include Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and Marklin.
Until the Model Railroad Association was formed in 1935, there were no set standards for track or train sizes, but once the Association was formed they created standard gauges, which are still in use today.
Collecting and selling all kinds of model trains has become a million-dollar business around the world and almost every week a show of trains and train collectiibles is taking place somewhere in the U.S.
Train aficionados are passionate and knowledgeable about what they do and what they collect. Often they spend years working on the setup and design of their train sets and the villages and scenery that surrounds it. There are clinics, classes, seminars, and magazines with step-by step instructions on how to craft, create and set-up intricate displays.
On the Antiques Road Show on PBS two memorable train sets have been highlighted and appraised. In 2008, specialist Noel Barrett appraised a Beggs Steam Train, circa 1885 for a value of between $5,000 to $7,000. In 2007, Leila Dunbar appraised a 1935 Lionel Blue Comet train set at between $8,000-$10,000.
Trackside Trains, 12 Ayer Road, Shirley, 978-503-2429, is open Wednesday through Friday from noon-6 p.m., and Saturday,10 a.m.-6 p.m. A website is coming soon. Carbone and his trains will be at the Nov. 6 show in Brockton at the Temple Beth Emunah Brotherhood at 479 Tory St., from 10- a.m. 4 p.m.
Seasons Four in Lexington has a complete Lionel "holiday" train already setup for viewing; complete with winter scene vignettes. Adults and kids line-up and watch the speedy ride, www.seasons-four.com, 781-861-1200.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Old Sacramento, CA: Attention Toy Train & Scale Model Railroad Enthusiasts!
From Sacramento Press: Attention Toy Train & Scale Model Railroad Enthusiasts!
To the delight of rail enthusiasts of all ages, the California State Railroad Museum will debut a new exhibit titled “Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” on November 3, 2011. While the items on special display will all be miniature in size, the goal of the exhibit is to clearly distinguish the big differences between scale models and toy trains, both of which have unique characteristics and avid collectors.
In addition to the Railroad Museum’s popular “Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains” exhibit and in contrast to the impressive collection of 21 full-size meticulously restored locomotives and cars on display throughout the Museum, visitors will soon have a unique opportunity to learn more about the decidedly smaller end of the spectrum. As guests will learn, the difference between model trains and toy trains has to do with scale.
“Model trains are built to scale with a specific size relationship between the model and its real life prototype,” explained the late Thomas W. Sefton in a descriptive publication titled Sefton American Collections. “Toy trains, in contrast, are not made to scale. They are crafted with color and imagination rather than an attempt at perfect realism.” (Mr. Sefton collected more than 7,000 toy trains during his lifetime; many are displayed at the Museum today in the “Small Wonders” exhibit.)
Toy trains are miniature versions of their bigger counterparts that were designed as toys for children. Today, many participants in this hobby are interested in building layouts or collecting treasured playthings. One popular line of accessories, “Plasticville,” is a line of snap-together toys introduced the late 1940s and both an early village scene and a rural scene -- complete with cars, people and animals -- will be on display as part of the exhibit. Conversely, model railroad enthusiasts tend to be keenly focused on the accuracy of virtually all details of their models. Visitors will see and appreciate a selection of brass scale model locomotives and cars, showcased on mirrored pedestals that accentuate their jewel-like qualities and intricate details.
“Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” will remain on special display in the Museum’s Lobby Gallery through September 14, 2012. For more information about “Common Diversions,” visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
York, UK: Miniature train event at National Railway Museum
From The York Press: Miniature train event at National Railway Museum
22 - 30 October, 2011
http://www.nrm.org.uk/
MODEL railway fans of all ages are being welcomed to the National Railway Museum in York this half-term for a celebration of toy and miniature trains.
The nine-day event will be opened today by the NRM’s director of fun, six-year-old Sam Pointon, and promises to bring together the biggest names in the world of toy and model railways.
Zoe Roberts, public programmes developer at the museum, said: “Following Sam’s suggestion that we give children more opportunities to get ‘hands on’ with model railway sets, we decided to run a model railway weekend at the museum last year.
“This was such a success that we thought we’d make it even bigger and better this October half-term, and run it for nine whole days.”
After experiencing the vast array of model and toy locomotives around the museum in Leeman Road, Zoe said children could get hands on and make a model of their own to take home.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Model railroader also has passion for the real thing
From Truro Daily News: Model railroader also has passion for the real thing
CLIFTON – Model train lovers have been known to be enthusiastic about their hobby, but Andrew Blackburn takes his love of the rail to a whole new level.
Not only has the Clifton resident been involved with the Truro Model Railroaders Association for the past 30 years, he actually has real train cars sitting on rail sections in his backyard.
“I have a piece of it,” he said, of Canada’s rail history.
“Still stuck with the real-life train, although I still go to all the model railway shows. And this is where you still have contact with people who have that same interest, because there are still some people in the club who are very interested in trains.”
Blackburn’s love for trains and railway memorabilia began as young boy while growing up in Bible Hill.
“We could hear them and see them from our yard,” he said.
Blackburn’s father had also worked for the railway and oft times when the two were in town together,they would stop by the Truro train station or visit the maintenance shops.
Sometimes Blackburn would be invited onboard for a little ride, and throughout it all, he gathered cherished memories that would carry over into adulthood.
“I guess you just started to see what the railway was all about at that time as a child and, you know, you kind of grew to like it.”
In the 1980s, the Canadian National Railway (CNR) began modernizing its equipment and selling off outdated and surplus items.
Included among that inventory, were the railway cabooses, which became redundant after legislation was passed that eliminated the need to have cabooses attached to the rear of their freight trains.
The popularity by collectors soon became evident and cabooses, which had started out selling for $6,500, soon rose to $9,500.
Blackburn paid $8,500 for his caboose, plus another $2,500 to have it delivered to his backyard, where it sits on a short section of rail he had constructed there.
That caboose dates to the 1970s, when metal cabooses replaced the former wooden models. He also has a former passenger car, built in 1955 and, the last sleeper car constructed by CN for the Newfie Bullet run, which ceased operating in 1969.
After passenger rail activity was shut down in Newfoundland, Blackburn said the sleeper car was transformed into a business car for management to tour lines and upon which to conduct sales trips.
Blackburn has numerous other train-related items in his possession, to the point where his basement is a veritable rail museum.
“I’ve collected numerous artifacts just to remember what the railway was all about at one time and things that have gone by the wayside,” he said.
His collection includes railway china, spittoons, conductors’ jackets, coach seats, and almost everything imaginable, rail related.
He also has a few train models and although he has been a long-serving member of the Truro Model Railroaders Association, including serving in various executive capacities over the years.
“Everybody has a different outlook on model railroading,” he said. “Some people really like doing scenery and the art of railway modeling. Other people like the cars and the engines, the exact models. Other people just like operating trains on a layout and running them like a real railroad and that type of thing. Everybody has their own little difference niche of the hobby.”
For Blackburn, that passion comes with collecting the real thing.
Annual Train Show
– Truro Model Railroaders Association's 34th annual fall train show - Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Nova Scotia Community College, Truro campus, 36 Arthur St.
– Admission – adults $5, students $3, families $10, children under 6 free, if accompanied by a parent or supporter.
– Highlights include operating layouts in N and HO scales, as well as railroading sales and a variety of display tables.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Maryland: Club brings model train displays to downtown Sykesville to keep tradition alive
From The Advocate: Club brings model train displays to downtown Sykesville to keep tradition alive
In 1992 Bruce Greenberg, founder of Greenberg Publishing Company, decided that he wanted to create some type of model railroad museum or display. Now, 19 years later, the railway club he dreamt up is still thriving with open houses on the first Sunday of each month in the heart of downtown Sykesville.
It started when Greenberg set up a model train display and advertisement at the Fall Festival in 1992, searching for volunteers to help him realize his goal of bringing a model train display to town.
Mark Bennett, who has lived in Sykesville for 20 years, saw that ad and signed up.
"Later, in the spring of 1993, I got a phone call [from Bruce] saying to bring some work gloves," Bennett said. "He got this train car, which was in Laurel at the time. It was going to the B&O Museum in Baltimore, but he made some phone calls and he had some friends at the museum, and Bruce was able to bring this car to town."
That year Greenberg, Bennett and other founding members began renovating the 1910 Pullman car, and the Sykesville and Patapsco Railway was born as a nonprofit, volunteer and donation based organization. It raises money by accepting donations at its monthly open houses.
The group did their best to patch up holes in the floor and walls of the old parlor car that once ran along the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad tracks. They started holding open houses as soon as they had displays inside the car.
"Our first year we had maybe 100 people come through," Bennett said. "Once we got it painted and it became really bright a few years later, everybody said, ‘Where did that come from?' Well, we had been here for a few years, but we were looking pretty ugly at the time."
Now, according to Bennett, the open houses draw 2,000 to 3,000 people to the model train displays each year.
The displays are set up next to the railroad tracks at Baldwin Station inside the 1910 Pullman car, as well as a neighboring red caboose that ran along the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and in the Baltimore and Potomac Tower building owned by the town of Sykesville. They have multiple types of model trains available for viewing, from small N-scale to larger G-Scale trains.
"We try to make the layout change over time so people can come to different open houses and see changes in the layouts," President of the club Jack Rodriguez said. "We'll do upgrades and change towns and locations. We try to do something new so everybody can come and see something different."
Rodriguez, 29, said he has been interested in trains and model trains since he was a kid.
"A lot of kids my age turned to video games instead of the actual, physical building of a train and building a model," Rodriguez said. "You don't see a lot of younger members joining. You see a lot of older members coming in because they enjoy getting to build something, getting to create something."
Like Rodriguez, most of the members of the club have been interested in trains since childhood.
"I grew up with trains too, and it's just something that's really neat," Secretary John Cottrell said. "For other people that come in it's something that you don't see that much anymore."
The Pullman car and the caboose that the trains are displayed in are owned by the town of Sykesville, and as part of their rent members of the club work on and maintain the cars.
They hope that their open houses can spark interest in new generations of train enthusiasts and attract visitors to the town of Sykesville.
"I think if anybody is even a little bit interested in trains, but doesn't know where to start, if they come here they'll find that lots of our members have their own displays at home and have a wealth of knowledge," Bennett said. "It's pretty remarkable to have a group of volunteers stay together for about 18 years now ... We're proud of what we've done."
In 1992 Bruce Greenberg, founder of Greenberg Publishing Company, decided that he wanted to create some type of model railroad museum or display. Now, 19 years later, the railway club he dreamt up is still thriving with open houses on the first Sunday of each month in the heart of downtown Sykesville.
It started when Greenberg set up a model train display and advertisement at the Fall Festival in 1992, searching for volunteers to help him realize his goal of bringing a model train display to town.
Mark Bennett, who has lived in Sykesville for 20 years, saw that ad and signed up.
"Later, in the spring of 1993, I got a phone call [from Bruce] saying to bring some work gloves," Bennett said. "He got this train car, which was in Laurel at the time. It was going to the B&O Museum in Baltimore, but he made some phone calls and he had some friends at the museum, and Bruce was able to bring this car to town."
That year Greenberg, Bennett and other founding members began renovating the 1910 Pullman car, and the Sykesville and Patapsco Railway was born as a nonprofit, volunteer and donation based organization. It raises money by accepting donations at its monthly open houses.
The group did their best to patch up holes in the floor and walls of the old parlor car that once ran along the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad tracks. They started holding open houses as soon as they had displays inside the car.
"Our first year we had maybe 100 people come through," Bennett said. "Once we got it painted and it became really bright a few years later, everybody said, ‘Where did that come from?' Well, we had been here for a few years, but we were looking pretty ugly at the time."
Now, according to Bennett, the open houses draw 2,000 to 3,000 people to the model train displays each year.
The displays are set up next to the railroad tracks at Baldwin Station inside the 1910 Pullman car, as well as a neighboring red caboose that ran along the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and in the Baltimore and Potomac Tower building owned by the town of Sykesville. They have multiple types of model trains available for viewing, from small N-scale to larger G-Scale trains.
"We try to make the layout change over time so people can come to different open houses and see changes in the layouts," President of the club Jack Rodriguez said. "We'll do upgrades and change towns and locations. We try to do something new so everybody can come and see something different."
Rodriguez, 29, said he has been interested in trains and model trains since he was a kid.
"A lot of kids my age turned to video games instead of the actual, physical building of a train and building a model," Rodriguez said. "You don't see a lot of younger members joining. You see a lot of older members coming in because they enjoy getting to build something, getting to create something."
Like Rodriguez, most of the members of the club have been interested in trains since childhood.
"I grew up with trains too, and it's just something that's really neat," Secretary John Cottrell said. "For other people that come in it's something that you don't see that much anymore."
The Pullman car and the caboose that the trains are displayed in are owned by the town of Sykesville, and as part of their rent members of the club work on and maintain the cars.
They hope that their open houses can spark interest in new generations of train enthusiasts and attract visitors to the town of Sykesville.
"I think if anybody is even a little bit interested in trains, but doesn't know where to start, if they come here they'll find that lots of our members have their own displays at home and have a wealth of knowledge," Bennett said. "It's pretty remarkable to have a group of volunteers stay together for about 18 years now ... We're proud of what we've done."
Monday, October 17, 2011
All aboard the Hawkins Express
From the Manukau Courier: All aboard the Hawkins Express
CHANGE OF TRACK: George Hawkins with the New Zealand railways model train set in his garage that will be his retirement project after 21 years in Parliament.
Relevant offersRetirement is traditionally a time for scaling back but Manurewa MP George Hawkins is taking it to extremes – down to one sixty-fourth of life size, to be precise.
The New Zealand railways model train set that fills his garage is where he plans to spend "a lot more time" after his 21 years in Parliament end on November 26.
"I'll be a one-handed train driver," he grins.
He's spent years of relishing political pile-ups but his new challenge will be "trying to stop crashes" when mates from the New Zealand Model Railway Guild pop over.
"They bring their locos out and we might have as many as six to eight running at a time and it's a bit confusing," he says.
Mr Hawkins started his railway about eight years ago in a purpose-built garage at his Papakura home.
The major stroke he suffered in 1991 means he lacks the dexterity in his right hand to "actually make things" as tricky as model trains.
"So I've done the scenery and the railway modellers guild has done all the construction and building of the units."
The original aim was a scale replica of the main trunk line from Papakura to Huntly.
"But that didn't work out because you're going in a circle."
Instead he's gone for a generic New Zealand railway line of the 1950s to early 1980s, with period cars, farm scenes and a row of New Zealand Railways cottages.
There's even a mini Hawkins for Mayor billboard from Papakura of the 1980s.
The photo panoramas, landscapes, trees and shrubs are all Mr Hawkins' own work.
"I go to the $2 stores and get flowers and paint them," he says.
There's also a stash of foliage from army land at Waiouru drying under a bench.
Mr Hawkins traces his interest in model trains to the same boyhood night he discovered Santa Claus doesn't exist.
"I got out of bed for a drink of water and found my father playing with the train set he'd bought us for Christmas."
He returned to model railways as "relaxation" while serving as a Cabinet minister in Helen Clark's second Labour-coalition government.
"If you had a busy day you could come out here and lose yourself."
Mr Hawkins has been minister for police, internal affairs, ethnic affairs and Civil Defence but he never had a hankering for the railways portfolio.
"I think if you end up minister of something that you have passion for, you don't look at the job properly."
And while he likes travelling by rail and plans to do more of it now he's got his SuperGold card, he's "not a train nut in the sense of going out and taking their numbers".
The former Auckland Star photographer also wants to spend more time with his cameras.
Photography is "a bit hard" because of the lack of control on his right-hand side caused by the stroke, he says.
It also means he can't write, just sign his name.
Most people don't realise he can't write, Mr Hawkins says.
Even Helen Clark didn't know until after he'd left Cabinet.
"I always carry a pen in my pocket. People think you can write if you carry a pen in your pocket."
At the moment he's rewiring the entire set, redoing the railways cottages and creating a hunting scene.
Ad Feedback Next task will be to "get some birds sitting in the trees".
And it's a fascination Mr Hawkins is now passing on to his young grandson.
"I've got him a Thomas the Tank Engine. I'm getting one made specially for the track."
CHANGE OF TRACK: George Hawkins with the New Zealand railways model train set in his garage that will be his retirement project after 21 years in Parliament.
Relevant offersRetirement is traditionally a time for scaling back but Manurewa MP George Hawkins is taking it to extremes – down to one sixty-fourth of life size, to be precise.
The New Zealand railways model train set that fills his garage is where he plans to spend "a lot more time" after his 21 years in Parliament end on November 26.
"I'll be a one-handed train driver," he grins.
He's spent years of relishing political pile-ups but his new challenge will be "trying to stop crashes" when mates from the New Zealand Model Railway Guild pop over.
"They bring their locos out and we might have as many as six to eight running at a time and it's a bit confusing," he says.
Mr Hawkins started his railway about eight years ago in a purpose-built garage at his Papakura home.
The major stroke he suffered in 1991 means he lacks the dexterity in his right hand to "actually make things" as tricky as model trains.
"So I've done the scenery and the railway modellers guild has done all the construction and building of the units."
The original aim was a scale replica of the main trunk line from Papakura to Huntly.
"But that didn't work out because you're going in a circle."
Instead he's gone for a generic New Zealand railway line of the 1950s to early 1980s, with period cars, farm scenes and a row of New Zealand Railways cottages.
There's even a mini Hawkins for Mayor billboard from Papakura of the 1980s.
The photo panoramas, landscapes, trees and shrubs are all Mr Hawkins' own work.
"I go to the $2 stores and get flowers and paint them," he says.
There's also a stash of foliage from army land at Waiouru drying under a bench.
Mr Hawkins traces his interest in model trains to the same boyhood night he discovered Santa Claus doesn't exist.
"I got out of bed for a drink of water and found my father playing with the train set he'd bought us for Christmas."
He returned to model railways as "relaxation" while serving as a Cabinet minister in Helen Clark's second Labour-coalition government.
"If you had a busy day you could come out here and lose yourself."
Mr Hawkins has been minister for police, internal affairs, ethnic affairs and Civil Defence but he never had a hankering for the railways portfolio.
"I think if you end up minister of something that you have passion for, you don't look at the job properly."
And while he likes travelling by rail and plans to do more of it now he's got his SuperGold card, he's "not a train nut in the sense of going out and taking their numbers".
The former Auckland Star photographer also wants to spend more time with his cameras.
Photography is "a bit hard" because of the lack of control on his right-hand side caused by the stroke, he says.
It also means he can't write, just sign his name.
Most people don't realise he can't write, Mr Hawkins says.
Even Helen Clark didn't know until after he'd left Cabinet.
"I always carry a pen in my pocket. People think you can write if you carry a pen in your pocket."
At the moment he's rewiring the entire set, redoing the railways cottages and creating a hunting scene.
Ad Feedback Next task will be to "get some birds sitting in the trees".
And it's a fascination Mr Hawkins is now passing on to his young grandson.
"I've got him a Thomas the Tank Engine. I'm getting one made specially for the track."
Choo-choo
From Truro Daily News: Choo-choo
Locomotives at annual model train show impress young and old
Topics : Nova Scotia Community College , Truro Model Railroaders Association , Halifax
TRURO - The model trains may not have been life-like in size, but that was the only difference one local girl could see.
"They seem to be really realistic," said 10-year-old Zoe Morgan, who attended the Truro Model Railroaders Association's 34th annual fall train show on Saturday at the Nova Scotia Community College.
Standing on a chair next to her seven-year-old brother, Jonah, Zoe watched as trains went around a module set up by the EasterN BeNd RRs Modular Model Railroading, based out of Halifax.
"It's cool to watch them go by."
Set up in the athletic centre at the college, visitors had a chance to admire a number of different trains, and even had a chance to operate a small street trolley.
"I like the big long one," said Jonah, while still standing on the chair.
From buildings and bridges to cars, people and trees, model train lovers watched as the trains travelled along the tracks. Some visitors even took pictures.
Along the outside of the gym, tables were set up with model cars for purchase. Also, some train operators wore hats a train conductor would wear, to the delight of young and old.
For Gary Miller of Falmouth, who is 66 and associated with the EasterN BeNd RRs, his love of trains has not diminished with age.
"It started when I was a kid," said Miller. "When I was around seven or eight I got my first train set at Christmas. That's how it all starts."
Miller remembers his childhood and how one locomotive at the local train station would allow children to climb onto the train.
After getting away from the hobby for a little while, Miller got back into it, thinking his son might be interested in it.
"I had several layouts in my house," he said, adding he started with HO scale trains instead of the N the EasterN BeNd RRs promote.
"HO scale trains are one size larger than the N scale. You need a lot of room for HO scale and I thought I didn't have enough room."
Miller said he then sold all his HO scale trains and switched to N scale.
"With N scale, you can get about twice as much in, but I don't think I have enough room now," he said.
Aside from the love of trains, Miller said the hobby is also good for socializing.
"We each have our own module and when we go to things like this, we put them all together and have a train day," he said of the other members of the EasterN BeNd RRs
Locomotives at annual model train show impress young and old
Topics : Nova Scotia Community College , Truro Model Railroaders Association , Halifax
TRURO - The model trains may not have been life-like in size, but that was the only difference one local girl could see.
"They seem to be really realistic," said 10-year-old Zoe Morgan, who attended the Truro Model Railroaders Association's 34th annual fall train show on Saturday at the Nova Scotia Community College.
Standing on a chair next to her seven-year-old brother, Jonah, Zoe watched as trains went around a module set up by the EasterN BeNd RRs Modular Model Railroading, based out of Halifax.
"It's cool to watch them go by."
Set up in the athletic centre at the college, visitors had a chance to admire a number of different trains, and even had a chance to operate a small street trolley.
"I like the big long one," said Jonah, while still standing on the chair.
From buildings and bridges to cars, people and trees, model train lovers watched as the trains travelled along the tracks. Some visitors even took pictures.
Along the outside of the gym, tables were set up with model cars for purchase. Also, some train operators wore hats a train conductor would wear, to the delight of young and old.
For Gary Miller of Falmouth, who is 66 and associated with the EasterN BeNd RRs, his love of trains has not diminished with age.
"It started when I was a kid," said Miller. "When I was around seven or eight I got my first train set at Christmas. That's how it all starts."
Miller remembers his childhood and how one locomotive at the local train station would allow children to climb onto the train.
After getting away from the hobby for a little while, Miller got back into it, thinking his son might be interested in it.
"I had several layouts in my house," he said, adding he started with HO scale trains instead of the N the EasterN BeNd RRs promote.
"HO scale trains are one size larger than the N scale. You need a lot of room for HO scale and I thought I didn't have enough room."
Miller said he then sold all his HO scale trains and switched to N scale.
"With N scale, you can get about twice as much in, but I don't think I have enough room now," he said.
Aside from the love of trains, Miller said the hobby is also good for socializing.
"We each have our own module and when we go to things like this, we put them all together and have a train day," he said of the other members of the EasterN BeNd RRs
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Palatka, FL: Railfest offers weekend fun in Palatka
From The St. Augustine Record: Railfest offers weekend fun in PalatkaPosted: October 12, 2011 - 11:09pm
Putnam County News
Train buffs, take note — the annual Palatka Railfest is this Saturday and Sunday.
The 2011 train show offers model trains and supplies, railroad collectibles and memorabilia at Palatka’s historic Union Station and the Price-Martin Center off U.S. 17 (Reid Street). It’s really simple to find since when you get to the railroad tracks you’ve found the train station.
Hosted by the Palatka Railroad Preservation Society, the show is a bargain — no admission charge and free parking. You can also enjoy the David Browning Railroad Museum which includes Railrodeo, created by Irvin P. Saylor. The retired newspaper photographer spent years building the exhibit which was billed as the “world’s largest mobile HO scale model railroad” when it began touring the East Coast in 1975.
Railfest is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Go to www.railsofpalatka.org.
Don’t forget longtime Palatka resident Clint Snyder is turning 90 and his family is inviting friends to join them in celebrating the event this Saturday.
Sons Bill and Don Snyder are cooking up the plans for the reception at First Presbyterian Church’s fellowship hall at 2:30 p.m.
Clint is a former businessman and Putnam County property appraiser who has been anything but retiring in his retirement. He and his late wife, Elizabeth Wolfenden Snyder, started up what has become the Conlee-Snyder Mural Committee, the group responsible for all those great-looking murals on the walls of downtown Palatka.
It’s down to the wire, but you can still get a chance on a .22 rifle and help the Putnam County 4-H livestock judging team raise money to take them to nationals.
Drawing is Friday, but you can make a $5 donation at WPLK and possibly win a gift card for a Savage Arms .22 LR rifle. Even if you don’t need a rifle, you can always give a donation.
Best part about the whole story is that the livestock judging team is all-girl and all in the family. Team members are Courtney Adams, Ashley Adams, Megen Plymel and Shelby Plymel.
Reservations are needed for a lyrical evening as Florida School of the Arts students perform “An Evening of Musical Theatre Favorites” today through Sunday.
Music ranges from “Oklahoma” to “West Side Story” and represents musicals between 1945 and 1960.
Admission is free, but because the performances are in the studio theater seating is limited. The shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Call 386-312-4300 for details and reservations. The school is on the Palatka campus of St. Johns River State College.
On Sunday you may want to make the drive to Interlachen and enjoy Autumn Leaves, A Cabaret Musicale! As the West Putnam Arts Committee hosts a festive fund raiser.
Advance tickets are $10 or can be bought at the door for $15. A wine-and-cheese reception is from 4-5 p.m. with the concert beginning at 6 p.m. Hors d’oevres and sweets will be available at the concert as will door prizes. The event is at Historic Interlachen Hall.
Putnam County News
Train buffs, take note — the annual Palatka Railfest is this Saturday and Sunday.
The 2011 train show offers model trains and supplies, railroad collectibles and memorabilia at Palatka’s historic Union Station and the Price-Martin Center off U.S. 17 (Reid Street). It’s really simple to find since when you get to the railroad tracks you’ve found the train station.
Hosted by the Palatka Railroad Preservation Society, the show is a bargain — no admission charge and free parking. You can also enjoy the David Browning Railroad Museum which includes Railrodeo, created by Irvin P. Saylor. The retired newspaper photographer spent years building the exhibit which was billed as the “world’s largest mobile HO scale model railroad” when it began touring the East Coast in 1975.
Railfest is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Go to www.railsofpalatka.org.
Don’t forget longtime Palatka resident Clint Snyder is turning 90 and his family is inviting friends to join them in celebrating the event this Saturday.
Sons Bill and Don Snyder are cooking up the plans for the reception at First Presbyterian Church’s fellowship hall at 2:30 p.m.
Clint is a former businessman and Putnam County property appraiser who has been anything but retiring in his retirement. He and his late wife, Elizabeth Wolfenden Snyder, started up what has become the Conlee-Snyder Mural Committee, the group responsible for all those great-looking murals on the walls of downtown Palatka.
It’s down to the wire, but you can still get a chance on a .22 rifle and help the Putnam County 4-H livestock judging team raise money to take them to nationals.
Drawing is Friday, but you can make a $5 donation at WPLK and possibly win a gift card for a Savage Arms .22 LR rifle. Even if you don’t need a rifle, you can always give a donation.
Best part about the whole story is that the livestock judging team is all-girl and all in the family. Team members are Courtney Adams, Ashley Adams, Megen Plymel and Shelby Plymel.
Reservations are needed for a lyrical evening as Florida School of the Arts students perform “An Evening of Musical Theatre Favorites” today through Sunday.
Music ranges from “Oklahoma” to “West Side Story” and represents musicals between 1945 and 1960.
Admission is free, but because the performances are in the studio theater seating is limited. The shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Call 386-312-4300 for details and reservations. The school is on the Palatka campus of St. Johns River State College.
On Sunday you may want to make the drive to Interlachen and enjoy Autumn Leaves, A Cabaret Musicale! As the West Putnam Arts Committee hosts a festive fund raiser.
Advance tickets are $10 or can be bought at the door for $15. A wine-and-cheese reception is from 4-5 p.m. with the concert beginning at 6 p.m. Hors d’oevres and sweets will be available at the concert as will door prizes. The event is at Historic Interlachen Hall.
Myrtle Beach, SC: model train show - this Saturday and Sunday!
From The Sun News Kicks: All aboard for model train show!
The Grand Strand Model Railroaders need only two words for their second annual show: “All aboard!”
The club’s exhibition is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Lakewood Camping Resort Conference Center, on U.S. 17 Business, between Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach.
Joe Corsetti of Carolina Forest, the club’s public relations officer, said the inaugural show last autumn at the conference center drew 1,500 patrons over two days.
“In the club, we love to share our knowledge,” Corsetti said. “It’s great to see people have a smile on their face and people relive their youth.”
He said one older woman told him how visiting the show reminded her of her childhood, and that her father, who had just passed away, would set up a family train set every Christmas.
“It’s a great hobby,” said Corsetti, noting that people never grow out of the fun of playing with model trains – year round, not just at Christmastime. He started “modeling trains” 30 years ago.
This Grand Strand train extravaganza resulted from Corsetti and three other club members who had vendor’s sales at the Cape Fear Model Railroad Society’s annual show in Wilmington, N.C.
“I’m driving home thinking, ‘Why can’t our club do this?’ ” he said.
After the Grand Strand club voted to proceed, Corsetti went to other regional shows, making stops in Savannah, Ga.; New Bern, N.C.; and back up to Wilmington. While meeting other host officials, scouting for ideas and explaining the Grand Strand group’s plans, Corsetti said one man seconded the motion instantly.
“He said it’s about time somebody’s doing something like this in Myrtle Beach,” Corsetti said.
Staging this show in October, when “the weather’s still good,” and before the Christmas shopping season heats up, makes for an ideal timetable, Corsetti said.
Ride starts in youth
Ed Sharrett of Myrtle Beach, the club’s president, joined soon after its founding a quarter-century ago. The ages of its 40 members range from 18 to 91, hailing from as far as Murrells Inlet and Brunswick County, N.C.
Sharrett said his father punched his ticket to model trains as a pastime. His dad had bought a train for Christmas 1941, soon after tying the knot.
“My mother about killed him,” Sharrett said of that moment seven years before his birth. “He put $1 down, and paid $1 a week.”
Sharrett said he carried his own interest in toy trains into adulthood, “but I put them away for a little bit while I was in the Air Force.”
While stationed in Turkey amid a 20-year career, which included assignments in 1976-77 and 1987-88 at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force base, Sharrett’s wife surprised him with a small, N-scale train set.
“It didn’t take up a lot of space,” the retired technical sergeant said.
He has since given his daughter’s family a big G-gauge train set when his grandson was born. It made an impression.
“He’ll sit there and watch the train go around and around,” Sharrett said.
Youth today are into model trains, he said, thanks to storybook characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine.
“Kids know Thomas,” Sharrett said. “My grandson’s into it.”
On a larger scale, the club tows a modular layout inside a 5-by-10-foot trailer designed like a “little red caboose” for visits across the area at schools and assisted living sites. Look for its return to the show this weekend.
Another display, about 4 square feet, lets children sit inside, like they’re driving a locomotive, sound a whistle, and play with a throttle made from an old shower handle.
“It was a big hit last year,” Sharrett said. “We got pictures of grandparents sitting in it with kids.”
Art in landscaping
Already packing boxes last week for the 2011 show, Sharrett said he plans to give about seven clinics to show the art of “weathering” landscapes in train sets. That will cover how to build fences and trees, and the tools needed to build train-set accessories and take care of them.
Riding in the countryside also inspires Sharrett. At the 2010 show, he shared a water tower he had modeled after a structure he photographed in Weldon, N.C.
“I saw it out of the blue,” he said, “probably 30 feet tall, and 40 feet in diameter.”
Vines had covered one side so Sharrett created his train-set piece to reflect that feature and showed the photo to illustrate comparisons to the real-life scenery. Having pictures also helps when “weathering mountains” and other settings, he said.
Corsetti and Sharrett both said how proceeds from their annual weekend shows go right into building up the clubhouse, which this past summer was moved into larger, more accessible quarters in the Myrtle Beach mall, near Briarcliffe Acres.
“It’s a constant work in progress,” Corsetti said, welcoming the public to stop in Mondays and Saturdays to see the building and expansion of model train layouts, including a running Lionel set.
The store site, like the Lakewood Conference Center, gives the club enough room to let the trains roll, and all on one floor.
Claude McSwain, director of conferences at Lakewood, said the club uses all of its 7,800 square feet for its show weekends.
“You’d be surprised how many adults are into model trains,” he said. “We have some people who stay on the campground that weekend just to see the train show.”
McSwain said a train show, like a doll show there last Saturday, and other regular events provide families opportunities to “have a ball” together.
“We’re looking to have more of these shows,” he said.
Trains touch Brookgreen
Corsetti said a visit by Robin Salmon, Brookgreen Gardens’ vice president for collections and curator of sculptures, at the 2010 train show led to an invitation to set up a train layout for Christmas last year.
“That gave us more publicity,” Corsetti said.
Salmon said so many people have had trains “under the tree” as a present or as part of the festive décor of the season.
Brookgreen sets up Christmas trees to depict different eras, such as pre-World War II, so a Lionel train model fits the décor perfectly.
Salmon named many reasons why trains enhance Brookgreen’s Christmastime displays. She said the father of Arthur Huntington, from the gardens’ founding family, built a fortune from helping plot the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 19th century.
Nostalgia for the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s also lays the track for model trains, along with their connection “to the theme of the songs of the season,” Salmon said.
Brookgreen staff already has collaborated on setting up train sets – including some borrowed from volunteers – for “Nights of a Thousand Candles,” which opens Dec. 2, and the “Signs of the Season in Art and History” exhibit Nov. 26-Jan. 2.
“The idea with our holiday exhibits,” Salmon said, “is we want to appeal to all ages of people, and of various backgrounds, and that trains sort of cover all those bases.”
The Grand Strand Model Railroaders need only two words for their second annual show: “All aboard!”
The club’s exhibition is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Lakewood Camping Resort Conference Center, on U.S. 17 Business, between Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach.
Joe Corsetti of Carolina Forest, the club’s public relations officer, said the inaugural show last autumn at the conference center drew 1,500 patrons over two days.
“In the club, we love to share our knowledge,” Corsetti said. “It’s great to see people have a smile on their face and people relive their youth.”
He said one older woman told him how visiting the show reminded her of her childhood, and that her father, who had just passed away, would set up a family train set every Christmas.
“It’s a great hobby,” said Corsetti, noting that people never grow out of the fun of playing with model trains – year round, not just at Christmastime. He started “modeling trains” 30 years ago.
This Grand Strand train extravaganza resulted from Corsetti and three other club members who had vendor’s sales at the Cape Fear Model Railroad Society’s annual show in Wilmington, N.C.
“I’m driving home thinking, ‘Why can’t our club do this?’ ” he said.
After the Grand Strand club voted to proceed, Corsetti went to other regional shows, making stops in Savannah, Ga.; New Bern, N.C.; and back up to Wilmington. While meeting other host officials, scouting for ideas and explaining the Grand Strand group’s plans, Corsetti said one man seconded the motion instantly.
“He said it’s about time somebody’s doing something like this in Myrtle Beach,” Corsetti said.
Staging this show in October, when “the weather’s still good,” and before the Christmas shopping season heats up, makes for an ideal timetable, Corsetti said.
Ride starts in youth
Ed Sharrett of Myrtle Beach, the club’s president, joined soon after its founding a quarter-century ago. The ages of its 40 members range from 18 to 91, hailing from as far as Murrells Inlet and Brunswick County, N.C.
Sharrett said his father punched his ticket to model trains as a pastime. His dad had bought a train for Christmas 1941, soon after tying the knot.
“My mother about killed him,” Sharrett said of that moment seven years before his birth. “He put $1 down, and paid $1 a week.”
Sharrett said he carried his own interest in toy trains into adulthood, “but I put them away for a little bit while I was in the Air Force.”
While stationed in Turkey amid a 20-year career, which included assignments in 1976-77 and 1987-88 at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force base, Sharrett’s wife surprised him with a small, N-scale train set.
“It didn’t take up a lot of space,” the retired technical sergeant said.
He has since given his daughter’s family a big G-gauge train set when his grandson was born. It made an impression.
“He’ll sit there and watch the train go around and around,” Sharrett said.
Youth today are into model trains, he said, thanks to storybook characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine.
“Kids know Thomas,” Sharrett said. “My grandson’s into it.”
On a larger scale, the club tows a modular layout inside a 5-by-10-foot trailer designed like a “little red caboose” for visits across the area at schools and assisted living sites. Look for its return to the show this weekend.
Another display, about 4 square feet, lets children sit inside, like they’re driving a locomotive, sound a whistle, and play with a throttle made from an old shower handle.
“It was a big hit last year,” Sharrett said. “We got pictures of grandparents sitting in it with kids.”
Art in landscaping
Already packing boxes last week for the 2011 show, Sharrett said he plans to give about seven clinics to show the art of “weathering” landscapes in train sets. That will cover how to build fences and trees, and the tools needed to build train-set accessories and take care of them.
Riding in the countryside also inspires Sharrett. At the 2010 show, he shared a water tower he had modeled after a structure he photographed in Weldon, N.C.
“I saw it out of the blue,” he said, “probably 30 feet tall, and 40 feet in diameter.”
Vines had covered one side so Sharrett created his train-set piece to reflect that feature and showed the photo to illustrate comparisons to the real-life scenery. Having pictures also helps when “weathering mountains” and other settings, he said.
Corsetti and Sharrett both said how proceeds from their annual weekend shows go right into building up the clubhouse, which this past summer was moved into larger, more accessible quarters in the Myrtle Beach mall, near Briarcliffe Acres.
“It’s a constant work in progress,” Corsetti said, welcoming the public to stop in Mondays and Saturdays to see the building and expansion of model train layouts, including a running Lionel set.
The store site, like the Lakewood Conference Center, gives the club enough room to let the trains roll, and all on one floor.
Claude McSwain, director of conferences at Lakewood, said the club uses all of its 7,800 square feet for its show weekends.
“You’d be surprised how many adults are into model trains,” he said. “We have some people who stay on the campground that weekend just to see the train show.”
McSwain said a train show, like a doll show there last Saturday, and other regular events provide families opportunities to “have a ball” together.
“We’re looking to have more of these shows,” he said.
Trains touch Brookgreen
Corsetti said a visit by Robin Salmon, Brookgreen Gardens’ vice president for collections and curator of sculptures, at the 2010 train show led to an invitation to set up a train layout for Christmas last year.
“That gave us more publicity,” Corsetti said.
Salmon said so many people have had trains “under the tree” as a present or as part of the festive décor of the season.
Brookgreen sets up Christmas trees to depict different eras, such as pre-World War II, so a Lionel train model fits the décor perfectly.
Salmon named many reasons why trains enhance Brookgreen’s Christmastime displays. She said the father of Arthur Huntington, from the gardens’ founding family, built a fortune from helping plot the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 19th century.
Nostalgia for the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s also lays the track for model trains, along with their connection “to the theme of the songs of the season,” Salmon said.
Brookgreen staff already has collaborated on setting up train sets – including some borrowed from volunteers – for “Nights of a Thousand Candles,” which opens Dec. 2, and the “Signs of the Season in Art and History” exhibit Nov. 26-Jan. 2.
“The idea with our holiday exhibits,” Salmon said, “is we want to appeal to all ages of people, and of various backgrounds, and that trains sort of cover all those bases.”
If you go
What | Second annual Model Train Show
Who | Grand Strand Model Railroaders Inc.
When | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Where | Lakewood Camping Resort Conference Center, 5901 S. Kings Highway, south of Myrtle Beach, between Myrtle Beach State Park and S.C. 544
How much | $5 ages 13 and older, $3 ages 6-12, and free ages 5 and younger
Information | 297-7162 or 293-4386
Also | See train displays again starting next week – 4-7 p.m. Mondays and 10-4 p.m. Saturdays – for free at the model train club’s site in Myrtle Beach mall, at U.S. 17 and S.C. 22, near Briarcliffe Acres, three doors from Bass Pro Shops
Gauges by the numbers
Gauge measures the width of a track, and scale compares the size difference in ratio between a model and the real article.
1:48 | The scale of O-gauge trains, with 11/4 inches between the rails, and produced by Lionel since 1915.
1.87 | Scale of HO gauge, 5/8 inches wide – exactly half the size of O gauge – and the most popular on the market.
1:160 | N gauge, the second most popular gauge after HO.
1:220 | Z, the latest gauge from Europe.
Source: Lionel (www.lionel.com)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
On travel til Wednesday
I'm visiting elderly relatives in Box Elder, SD who do not have internet.
Will try to sneak out now and again to an internet cafe to post, but more than likely will not be posting until Wedneday.
Will try to sneak out now and again to an internet cafe to post, but more than likely will not be posting until Wedneday.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Medford, Oregon: On The Right Track
From Newswatch 12: On The Right Track
By Ron Brown
By Ron Brown
WHITE CITY, Ore. -- A small White City company, that pioneered technology used to make model trains more realistic, says it is on-track to recover from the recession. Kadee Quality Products Company prides it's self as producing products entirely of U.S. materials in the United States, mostly right here in Southern Oregon.
Hidden among the plywood mills and other manufacturing facilities in White City, Kadee Quality Products Company is celebrating their 65th anniversary this year. This is a do-it-all-yourself company makes model railroading equipment: cars, couplers...everything. This includes much of the machinery used to make and put these meticulously detailed railcars together.
Slightly fewer than 30 employees design, manufacture, and package all the parts needed to make these model train cars. Plastic scraps are re-melted to make more parts. Zinc used for many of the metal pieces also gets recycled. Dies and molds used to form the wheels and undercarriages are all made here. So are the tiny springs. Signage on the cars is an exact miniature duplication of the real thing...sometimes based on photos since many of these cars are from the golden age of steam and early diesel era.
You'd probably never know just driving by that this rather non-descript building in White City is where some of the best model railroad cars in the entire world are actually made, right here in White City, and all 100% American. Kadee emphasizes that their products are not toys for children, but are actually model railroad cars and parts. Their website and brochures say "not for children under 14 years of age."
They are distributed worldwide, and wholly made in the U.S.
October 22: Powder Springs, GA: Powder Springs Model Railroad Joins 'Pilgrimage'
From Powder Springs Patch: Powder Springs Model Railroad Joins 'Pilgrimage'
Powder Springs own “For the Birds Railroad”—FTB RR for short—will be joining this year’s Piedmont Pilgrimage, a free annual tour of Georgia model trains.
Throughout October and November, those who have the systems set up inside or outside their houses will welcome anyone interested in watching their trains chug along. The event is organized by the Piedmont Division of the National Model Railroad Association.
Each railroad has a specific time for accepting visitors. FTB RR, the only representative from Powder Springs, will be open on Oct. 22 from 1 to 5 p.m.
It’s located at 3290 Country Walk Drive and is operated by Ra and Barbara Barr.
“We’ve spruced it up a little bit, and we’ve added a few things,” Barbara said. “So we’re excited for people to come see it.”
Barr said anyone inside Powder Springs and out is welcome to come see the couple’s miniature locomotives during the tour.
Since Patch put together the attached video in June, Barr said she’s added a schoolhouse, playground, coffee shop, and cemetery with a church in the town the train goes around.
Powder Springs own “For the Birds Railroad”—FTB RR for short—will be joining this year’s Piedmont Pilgrimage, a free annual tour of Georgia model trains.
Throughout October and November, those who have the systems set up inside or outside their houses will welcome anyone interested in watching their trains chug along. The event is organized by the Piedmont Division of the National Model Railroad Association.
Each railroad has a specific time for accepting visitors. FTB RR, the only representative from Powder Springs, will be open on Oct. 22 from 1 to 5 p.m.
It’s located at 3290 Country Walk Drive and is operated by Ra and Barbara Barr.
“We’ve spruced it up a little bit, and we’ve added a few things,” Barbara said. “So we’re excited for people to come see it.”
Barr said anyone inside Powder Springs and out is welcome to come see the couple’s miniature locomotives during the tour.
Since Patch put together the attached video in June, Barr said she’s added a schoolhouse, playground, coffee shop, and cemetery with a church in the town the train goes around.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Model railroaders set up shop inside Myrtle Beach Mall
SC Now.com: Model railroaders set up shop inside Myrtle Beach Mall
MYRTLE BEACH - Ed Sharrett said he and his fellow Grand Strand Model Railroaders Club members can put up a portable N scale railroad layout in about 45 minutes. He said they take it to shows and demonstrations at nursing homes and schools.
Now, it's set up permanently at Myrtle Beach Mall.
The club is renting a storefront location just down from the mall entrance to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, and while it's far from complete inside, Sharrett says it's already yielding positive results.
"We've gotten a lot more traffic," he said. "We've had over 1,000 people come in the month and a half we've been open."
But Sharrett also said the new store gives the club and its members a chance to expand and improve the layouts it used for decades in the old space above Ed's Hobby Shop near Five Points in Myrtle Beach.
"It's given a lot more people more stuff to do," said Sharrett. The club is working on an expanded and permanent N scale layout, an HO scale layout, and a Lionel layout.
"A lot of guys are hesitant to build anything (at home), because they don't know how to build it," said Sharrett. "This gives them the opportunity to learn how to do it," he said.
The store also allows the mall to expand the "entertainment" part of the retail experience it can offer customers. The model railroad store is located in a wing near the Lunar Mini Golf and the soon-to-open Let's Go Racing remote-controlled car store.
"It's family entertainment and it generates some traffic here in the mall for us," said Matt Morris with the mall's management office. "We're looking forward to this whole wing and our strategy of becoming more retail entertainment," he said.
The Grand Strand Model Railroaders Club is also gearing up for its upcoming annual show in Myrtle Beach. This weekend's show is Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16 at Lakewood Conference Center on U.S. Highway 17.
MYRTLE BEACH - Ed Sharrett said he and his fellow Grand Strand Model Railroaders Club members can put up a portable N scale railroad layout in about 45 minutes. He said they take it to shows and demonstrations at nursing homes and schools.
Now, it's set up permanently at Myrtle Beach Mall.
The club is renting a storefront location just down from the mall entrance to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, and while it's far from complete inside, Sharrett says it's already yielding positive results.
"We've gotten a lot more traffic," he said. "We've had over 1,000 people come in the month and a half we've been open."
But Sharrett also said the new store gives the club and its members a chance to expand and improve the layouts it used for decades in the old space above Ed's Hobby Shop near Five Points in Myrtle Beach.
"It's given a lot more people more stuff to do," said Sharrett. The club is working on an expanded and permanent N scale layout, an HO scale layout, and a Lionel layout.
"A lot of guys are hesitant to build anything (at home), because they don't know how to build it," said Sharrett. "This gives them the opportunity to learn how to do it," he said.
The store also allows the mall to expand the "entertainment" part of the retail experience it can offer customers. The model railroad store is located in a wing near the Lunar Mini Golf and the soon-to-open Let's Go Racing remote-controlled car store.
"It's family entertainment and it generates some traffic here in the mall for us," said Matt Morris with the mall's management office. "We're looking forward to this whole wing and our strategy of becoming more retail entertainment," he said.
The Grand Strand Model Railroaders Club is also gearing up for its upcoming annual show in Myrtle Beach. This weekend's show is Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16 at Lakewood Conference Center on U.S. Highway 17.
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