'Track 29' Has Some Mommy Issues

The movie described below sounds like utter, utter garbage, but I've always yearned to have the type of model railroad described in the article.

From PopMatters: 'Track 29' Has Some Mommy Issues

Right out of the gate when you hear John Lennon’s “Mother” jangling on screen, and Gary Oldman screams, “MOMMY!” at the top of his lungs at the opening credits, you know some serious Oedipal nonsense is about to go down. And Nicolas Roeg’s (Don’t Look Now) 1988 film Track 29, now out on DVD, certainly delivers on that front. A surreal take on small town boredom, family, marriage, reality, sanity, and model trains, Track 29 is a strange, occasionally hilarious, psychological exploration of bizarre fetishism and the deep scars left by trauma.

Linda (Theresa Russell, Wild Things) is a North Carolina housewife. Married to a doctor, Henry Henry (Christopher Lloyd), she is bored with her sexless existence, and desperately wants a baby. For all intents and purposes Linda is a child herself. She throws tantrums, wears braces, collects creepy dolls in lieu of real offspring, and uses the “talking like a little girl” approach to try to get laid. Henry, however, won’t touch her. He’s more interested in his intricate model trains than her sexual appetites—he does, however, indulge his own strange appetites with the equally odd Nurse Stein (Sandra Bernhard). Linda and Henry’s entire house is set up with elaborate, computer controlled tracks and scale models of towns, mountains, and all the accoutrements and accessories.

Their seemingly perfect suburban life masks deep-rooted issues and strange, sinister obsessions. Linda is a troubled daydreamer who drinks early and often to cope, and Henry lives in a fantasy world of his own. When pouting new-wave hitchhiker, Martin (Gary Oldman), shows up, claiming to be the son a teenage Linda gave up for adoption, it’s too much. Her already fragile mind, beset by guilt and trauma, begins to fragment and fracture, and she acts out in new ways, flailing against the rigid confines of her daily life.

Oldman plays Martin with an exuberant weirdness that would be over the top were it not for the already plenty melodramatic state of Track 29. The film borders on absurd—Martin may be real, but then again, he may be a figment of Linda’s imagination, a defense mechanism developed to give purchase to her darkest inner thoughts and desires. Lloyd is in his Back to the Future era maniacal prime, and his Henry is like a James Brown rock god in the model train community, preaching the gospel with fire and brimstone, full of his own delusions and perversions. Let’s just say he gets spanked a lot.

Roeg sets the stage with a deft touch. The real life town is eerily similar to Henry’s models, and shots often fade from one to the other. There’s even a violent train crash, staged entirely in miniature, that is shockingly effective. Linda adorns her house with multiple black-velvet paintings of Doberman Pinchers, dismembered dolls litter the bedroom. As the film progresses, Martin becomes more and more infantile, and more sexual, until he and Linda are fully embroiled in a jumbled mother/lover, delusion/reality fiasco, all of which may or may not be real. You can’t help but be reminded of Drop Dead Fred, albeit with a baleful air of menace and twisted eroticism.

Track 29 is surrealist and absurd, coming across as a tongue in cheek soap opera where the idea of parallel dimensions is introduced early on right along side a batch of Freudian psychology. As messy as it is at times, the film is also compulsively watchable, and that’s impressive, especially as the characters are all thoroughly dislikable. Moments will leave you shaking your head, like Henry’s illicit S&M themed relationship with Nurse Stein, and the spastic outbursts of one of his geriatric patients (Vance Colvie Jr., who was in the Weird Al Yankovic vehicle U.H.F., and also played Bozo the Clown for a time in the late ‘50s).

It’s really too bad that the DVD of Track 29 comes with zero in the way of bonus features. I would love to hear what the people involved or outside film scholars have to say about it. The abrasiveness of the story is obviously intentional, designed as an indictment of apparently idyllic small town life. Digging through all of the layers and heavy metaphors is not always a satisfying endeavor. There’s a lot in Track 29 that’s up for open interpretation, multiple ways to read everything, and while it isn’t always on target, it’s interesting enough to give a watch.

NY: Syracuse Model Railroad Club holds event in Eastwood

From Syracuse.com: Syracuse Model Railroad Club holds event in Eastwood
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The Syracuse Model Railroad Club held its 28th annual show and sale today at the Eastwood American Legion Post 1276.

The club had two working model train displays that filled two rooms and nearly 20 dealers were peddling new and used model trains and accessories in a separate area.

The club expected about 500 people to attend the show.

HO Model Train Layouts and G Scale Model Trains Now Listed on the Model Train Ideas Website

PR: HO Model Train Layouts and G Scale Model Trains Now Listed on the Model Train Ideas Website
Newbury Park, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/23/2012 -- The webmaster on the Model Train Ideas website today announced the company is now offering HO model train layouts and G scale model trains information. In addition, the website’s research team offers information on model train supplies and tips and tricks on how to build a winning model train collection.

G scale model trains are pretty big. The ‘G’ stands for garden because they are mainly used out of doors and they have an aspect ratio 1:24. G scale trains run on a 1 gauge track and they are incredibly fun to look at and play with because of their stout and heavy looks. Many hobbyists landscape their G scale trains with shrubs, bushes and miniature plants while others get incredibly creative and design cities with little people and cars to enhance the scenery of their train as it passes by.

While G scale trains are popular among hard core hobbyists, HO model train layouts are incredibly popular as well. The popularity of the HO trains has come about for the reason that people don't need a lot of space to enjoy a well detailed model railroad. They are mainly used in doors and they don’t cost as much as the bigger models.

“I think you guys are awesome. My son has gotten into model trains with a friend at school and he started asking me questions and wanting me to buy him a model train set. I didn’t know anything about model trains or even where to begin looking for information until I found your website. I got up to speed quick and now me and my son both enjoy our model trains and we sometimes spend entire weekends on them!” – Joshua Harvey

The HO model trains are great size for children to be able to handle, but they are not so small that people have to struggle to see all the intricate details and designs. HO model railways can be easily created on a 4 foot x 8 foot table which is why they are considered the best option for indoor play.

The Best Model Train Ideas website was created to be an information resource for people looking for HO model trains, G scale model trains and supplies. The website is updated on a weekly schedule so there is always new content for model train enthusiasts and collectors. The website’s creators welcome feedback and they are open to suggestions on how to improve the content on the site.

Illinois: All aboard: Lena train show returns this weekend

From the Journal Standard.com: All aboard: Lena train show returns this weekend Lena, Ill. — The Depot Stove Gang Model Railroad Club of Lena held its first train show in 1988 in the town’s American Legion building. Twenty-four years later, the annual show fills the gyms of the Lena-Winslow Elementary, Junior High, and High schools. It has grown from about 12 tables to 275 tables. This year, the show features 35 model railroad displays, along with many vendors.

The schools are located at 401 Fremont St. in Lena. There will be signs. The doors are open from 10 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 to 4 p.m. on Sunday in all three buildings. Free-will donations are accepted at the elementary school entrance. Melvin “Butch” Polhill serves as club president. He got involved with the Depot Stove Gang about 12 years ago.

“We’re a group of about 25 members. It’s open to the public, we meet six times a year. Our base is the train show. It is our big event,” Polhill said. “At our meetings, we try to promote programs that pertain to model railroading. We meet in the Lena community building on the third Saturday from September to February.” Polhill says the show enjoys the support of the community. The Lena-Winslow school music boosters provide the food stand, the Lena Lions Club are selling tickets for their Ranger, and the Boy Scouts set up and take down tables. The Lena Business Association and Stephenson County Museum will have displays. The Lena Community Park District provides insurance.

Roger Schamberger of Lena joined the club about seven or eight years ago. He serves as secretary.

“What I’ve done is got the posters printed and sold signature ads for the sponsors,” Schamberger said. “We put 650 posters in over 60 towns. We cover all of the towns within an hour drive of Lena. We want people to come to our community and have a good time.”

The vendors will have either complete model trains or train parts for sale. There will be railroad memorabilia, along with model railroad displays. There is a test track for those who bring a train in to figure out why it is not working. There are a number of exhibitors who offer opportunities for folks to operate a train.

“That’s why the kids are crying when they leave. They don’t want to go,” Schamberger said with a smile.

Polhill said that they have vendors and exhibitors coming from 11 different states. They had to turn some people away because they were full. The show features something for everybody.

25th Anniversary In 2013, the model train show and swap will mark its 25th anniversary. Polhill said they are taking orders at this year’s show for a special 25th anniversary limited addition HO-scale refrigerator car. It is co-sponsored by Sullivan’s Foods and features the Sullivan’s colors and logo, as well as the Depot Stove Gang 25th anniversary logo. The car cost is $20. Polhill and Schamberger are life-long Lena residents. They enjoy promoting and serving their hometown.

Schamberger said, “We do it for the enjoyment. It’s a lot of work, but it brings people to the community.”

The Depot Stove Gang Model Railroad Club of Lena held its first train show in 1988 in the town’s American Legion building. Twenty-four years later, the annual show fills the gyms of the Lena-Winslow Elementary, Junior High, and High schools. It has grown from about 12 tables to 275 tables. This year, the show features 35 model railroad displays, along with many vendors.

The schools are located at 401 Fremont St. in Lena. There will be signs. The doors are open from 10 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 to 4 p.m. on Sunday in all three buildings. Free-will donations are accepted at the elementary school entrance. Melvin “Butch” Polhill serves as club president. He got involved with the Depot Stove Gang about 12 years ago.

“We’re a group of about 25 members. It’s open to the public, we meet six times a year. Our base is the train show. It is our big event,” Polhill said. “At our meetings, we try to promote programs that pertain to model railroading. We meet in the Lena community building on the third Saturday from September to February.” Polhill says the show enjoys the support of the community. The Lena-Winslow school music boosters provide the food stand, the Lena Lions Club are selling tickets for their Ranger, and the Boy Scouts set up and take down tables. The Lena Business Association and Stephenson County Museum will have displays. The Lena Community Park District provides insurance.

Roger Schamberger of Lena joined the club about seven or eight years ago. He serves as secretary.

“What I’ve done is got the posters printed and sold signature ads for the sponsors,” Schamberger said. “We put 650 posters in over 60 towns. We cover all of the towns within an hour drive of Lena. We want people to come to our community and have a good time.”

The vendors will have either complete model trains or train parts for sale. There will be railroad memorabilia, along with model railroad displays. There is a test track for those who bring a train in to figure out why it is not working. There are a number of exhibitors who offer opportunities for folks to operate a train. “That’s why the kids are crying when they leave. They don’t want to go,” Schamberger said with a smile.

Polhill said that they have vendors and exhibitors coming from 11 different states. They had to turn some people away because they were full. The show features something for everybody.

25th Anniversary
In 2013, the model train show and swap will mark its 25th anniversary. Polhill said they are taking orders at this year’s show for a special 25th anniversary limited addition HO-scale refrigerator car. It is co-sponsored by Sullivan’s Foods and features the Sullivan’s colors and logo, as well as the Depot Stove Gang 25th anniversary logo. The car cost is $20. Polhill and Schamberger are life-long Lena residents. They enjoy promoting and serving their hometown.

Schamberger said, “We do it for the enjoyment. It’s a lot of work, but it brings people to the community.”

Bennington, VT: Local toy and model show continues to grow, amaze

From the Bennington Banner: Local toy and model show continues to grow, amaze
BENNINGTON -- Nostalgia proved to be the big draw for attendees at the annual Toy and Model Show and Auction at the Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Parish Center.

"Most people are interested in the toys of their past," said organizer Kevin Kees on Saturday afternoon, speaking of the hobbyists and collectors who make up the show's core audience. This past Saturday was the 15th event, and organizers said the show had only gotten bigger with age.

"It's mostly hobbyists and enthusiasts. Mostly people who share the hobby," said John Zink, a long-time volunteer and collector of model trains. "There are enthusiasts who come from far and wide," he said, in addition to local families and "curiosity seekers."

Net proceeds from the event have benefited a charitable organization or cause since the beginning. For the past decade, Zink said the beneficiary has been the parish that hosts the event, with the funds going toward supporting the church's food pantry and other homeless activities. Kees tallied 30 vendors (with 58 tables) this year, and over 300 paid attendees (not including children) through the door.

During the afternoon Saturday, he said the amount raised was "sure to exceed" last year's total of $2,800.

One vendor from Rutland said he had traveled to the show for the past three to four years in an attempt to "try to thin out my collection." While that may have been the intent, many found themselves walking out with more than they bargained for -- sometimes after successful haggling. Merchandise at the show includes antique toys, model cars and trains, sports memorabilia, and genre items from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Model cars and trucks predominate, and were stacked along all four parish walls.

"It's the car show, enclosed in a building and with little cars," said Zink.

Tracing the event back to its origins, Kees said the model and toy show came about during a car cruise-in at the local Pizza Hut 16 years ago. "Two people were into model trains," he said, among that group of (full-scale) car collectors. "So we did it."

A vendor from Connecticut, Jerry Cabrera, said he brought "whatever fits in a Hyundai Accent" to the show. Cabrera's table included stacks of model cars, "and promotionals," seemingly more than an Accent could account for.

"So your father bought a 1961 Wrangler at the dealer," said Cabrera, explaining the distinction between model and "promotional" to the uninitiated. "And they said, here's (the identical model) for the son to play with." While those replicas are still available, they are no longer considered promotional.

"Now they cost $25."

Cabrera said Saturday would be his eighth year at the show. "Everyone is friendly, of course. And you find stuff to buy and meet old friends," he said. "There are a lot of repeat customers over the years."

"This does something for the community," said Zink. "It does something for the church. And it's something you enjoy doing." Zink said parishioners from Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales and also St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in North Bennington volunteered to run the show. In addition to vendors, there were also auctions, with some of the lots donated, and also model contests and diorama displays.

Cobourg, CANADA: Local News: Annual Cobourg Model Train Show Coming March 3

From Northumberland VIew: Local News: Annual Cobourg Model Train Show Coming March 3 COBOURG - On Saturday, March 3, the Cobourg Model Railroaders will host the 17th annual Cobourg Model Train Show. This popular day-long event runs from 10:00 until 4:00 p.m., at the Lions Community Centre in Cobourg.

"This year marks the seventeenth year for the model train show and the popularity of this event still continues to grow. For many families, this has become a yearly event because it appeals to both the model train enthusiast and to those who simply have a love for trains or modeling,” commented Scott Berry, a show organizer. "The Lions Centre will once again be packed wall-to-wall with model train layouts, trains for sale and displays."

Whether you’re an avid train collector or just an armchair hobbyist the many train displays will provide exciting entertainment. The train layouts, which come in many shapes and sizes, are highly detailed with model buildings, scenery and special effects. Model trains and supplies will also be on sale.

Now in its 17th year, the popularity and quality reputation of the Train Show continues to grow in Ontario. The Cobourg Model Train show has established itself as the largest one-day train show in eastern Ontario between Toronto and Ottawa.

No matter your age or interest - the train show has something for everyone. The Cobourg Model Train Show runs Saturday, March 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cobourg Lions Community Centre, 175 Elgin St. East, Cobourg. Take Hwy. 401 to the Cobourg exit #474 then follow the train show signs. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children (12 and under).

Bowling Green, KY: Fundraiser Saturday for sHOw Modular Model Railroad Club

From Bowling Green Daily News: Fundraiser Saturday for Show Modular Model Railroad Club
Ed James can't remember a time when trains weren't a part of his life.

"It's likely the first sound I ever heard in the world was a steam-engine whistle," said the Owensboro man, who was born in McHenry. "I was born next to the railroad tracks. Back when I was born, women didn't go to the hospital to have children. They weren't sick. They were having babies."

While trains have been his passion for most of his 76 years, he has never worked for a railroad.

"I didn't want to spoil my fun," he quipped.

He does devote time to his hobby, though, by buying and selling model trains. He will be among various vendors at the 11th annual sHOw Modular Model Railroad Club Show and Sale, which will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Historic RailPark and Train Museum. Admission is $2. The RailPark will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission will be discounted with sale admission. The museum will offer discounted tours with paid admission.

Event coordinator Kevin Comer said vendors from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama and Missouri will be there with railroad memorabilia and toy trains. There will be 50 tables with model and toy trains in all scales, supplies and accessories, railroad memorabilia, books, magazines and more. The event draws about 1,000 people each year.

"Children love to look at the various trains with their parents and grandparents, and those stories of getting a new train set are shared over generations," he said. "There is something for everyone, from the novice beginner to the advanced modeler. It's fascinating to watch the excitement of both the kids and adults as they browse the displays. Our club members and the vendors really enjoy promoting model railroading as a hobby."

Comer said the show and sale was started as a fundraiser by club members and grew in popularity.

"It's in an excellent location," he said. "The Historic RailPark and Museum is a great place to come visit and learn about passenger trains. Vendors love it, and crowds love it."

Proceeds help the club with displays that are set up at various events, such as Auburn Autumn Days, programs and museum exhibits that members maintain, Comer said.

"Our club loves to set up modulars," he said. "It's a great thing to see the kids come in and see those."

Club member Rick Williams said the group looks forward to the event every year. "People can come in and add to their collections," he said. "It brings back a lot of memories for people. People are welcome to walk through and ask questions."

The vendors and enthusiasts are the perfect people to ask questions to about trains, Williams said.

"If you grew up with (trains), it's something you never seem to get out of your system," he said.

James has never wanted to get his hobby out of his system. He has been a vendor at the show since it started. He is more interested in cars than sports.

"I've told people all the time, I don't care if (University of Kentucky), Western (Kentucky University) or anyone else wins a ballgame," he said. "I'm a train person. My hobby is trains."