Simplicity and Electricity

Just checking out the tinplate forums and I came upon this Youtube Gem. The author states his wonderful layout takes him right back to a simpler time (1938). I really like the design and execution of this layout. I could sit for a mighty long time just watching these trains roll around (and I do on my own layout).

Hope everyone is well this holiday season. Don't be bashful, send me some train pics!

Another Youtube of Great Trains

Hi All,

Hope your holidays are bringing you some fun with trains and time with your family. 2011 should be an interesting year for toy trains. Check out my second and last video for the Great Trains Return show going on in Wilton, CT. Today is the last day (Dec. 17th) of the show and not coincidentally, my brother's birthday and the day Tron comes out (again). Go figure. I'll try to jump to NYC next week and grab some video of the trains in Grand Central. Marc

Great Trains Youtube

A little Youtube of the wonderful layouts at the "The Great Trains Return".



Marc

More Wilton Pics

Quite a few wonderful toys. Just to be forewarned, it does take some time to get to this place and you aren't going to spend 2 hours hanging out there. This is maybe a 1 hour excursion. It is very good for kids though, the larger layout is very low and easy for them to see. There isn't much interaction though. Still a very worthy little trip, especially if you live in the area.

Marc

Ives in Mike's Collection

I think if Mike V had been around during the days of Ives, they may not have gone bankrupt! Heck, they might still be there! Is that that a sunset on Mike's shelf? I haven't seen that much orange in any collection!

Mike can you at least do a Youtube or invite me over so I can do a Youtube of a couple of these running? Just gorgeous Mike, what a fantastic collection! Forgetting about the rest of your collection, these alone would be enough for me!

Marc

Awesome Trolley Collection

Ya gotta love Mike's collection. From the wonderful way he displays it to the selection he has in it, it is just one of the best. Blow this thing up and take a look. Mike, nothing following that 1010 Interurban yet?

Marc

If you happen to be in Wilton, CT....

Wilton is a lovely little town not far from NYC off of Route 7 well into Connecticut (it isn't near the NYC border). Wilton has a ton of history and surprise, some of it is tied to trains! At the historicial society in Wilton there is a wonderful exhibit called "The Great Trains Return". There are several layouts as well as toys from various eras and a substantial amount of information on trains in Wilton. I happened by there last week on Route 7 and I took a few pics....

I'll post some Youtube videos and additional pictures shortly. I'll apologize in advance, I used a phone to snap the shots and videos. And as per usual, even with a good phone camera the pictures still are a far cry from my Nikon SLR or Samsung 12.2 MP camera. I'd urge you to go to the historical museum yourself. It is in a wonderful old home that has a tremendous history all its' own.

Marc

Jehu in Standard Gauge

My buddy Joe put this together after he saw the latest Jehu Garelick models at the TCA show in PA. Check out a standard gauge model. Manufacturers, please take notice: not every new standard gauge model needs to be a 400e or 408e.

Marc

Boucher Standard Gauge Tinplate Double Headed 2100s

Lots of construction going on my layout recently. I'm building a No. 1 gauge level. But I finally got a chance to make a new video. Enjoy!

Come on, time to get into the spirit!

I just uploaded a quick Youtube video to start to pull us into the holiday spirit. This is my latest acquisition, a 1911. I put a few 10 series cars on it to see how well it will pull. It's really a fantastic little engine, way better than I could have imagined.

The Flying Yankee looks like a snake winding around my layout. I would love to see some more youtubes of layouts. I'll post some pics as well in the next few days.

Marc

Pics of new MTH Tinplate Station on facebook!

If you aren't on Facebook, this might be a good reason to join. Just check out this new station from MTH. They really do look different new!
Marc

Exciting new track manufacturer

So it looks like there is a new track manufacturer out there! USA Track LLC has launched an authentic line of standard gauge tubular track. Here is the info from USA Track's website:

"USA Track LLC is a new company that bought all of the existing tooling and parts to make Standard Gauge track from EBR Products last year. We recently finished replenishing inventories of rails, ties, insulators and track pins and can supply you with 42, 57, 72, 84 and 87 inch diameter curve track, as well as 14 and 36 inch long straight tracks. All track products are traditional tubular tinplate track made entirely in the USA with components all made in the USA. The other brand of traditional tubular Standard Gauge track currently available is made entirely in China, and is inferior in every way. In addition, our USA made product is 10% cheaper than the Chinese imitation."

If you aren't familiar with Kirk Lindvig, he exemplifies the "can do" attitude. He's also honest as the day is long. It's one of the reasons that this is exciting; honesty,creativity and track.

Check out the website, it is highly likely we'll see some very cool custom stuff out of them. Can't wait to see what's next.

Marc

Glenn's Amazing Layout

It's November 1st on Monday and we are getting into the season for trains. How about this layout (it's pretty amazing).



Marc

3 Brute Pulling State Cars

Look past the Brutes and check out this layout. I'm going to see if I can find some more video of it. This layout is very impressive. Reminds me of Chuck Brasher's layout. I wish CTT would spend a few minutes writing about this kind of layout...

Great Layout on Youtube

Just checking out some Youtube inbetween pumpkin carving and leaf blowing.



Marc

Original Garlick

This is the piece that Mr. Kovacs bought. I think his repro is pretty close.

Garlick Locomotive: A Remarkable Reproduction

"Billy Budd" (Now the Days Inn & Suites) bandit meet, York, Pa. October 13.

This is Paul Kovacs. He is making a beautiful and authentic reproduction of the early Garlick electric locomotive, complete with catenary!

Olson Displays 917B Backdrop

Hit the above link to go Olson Displays and see this new accessory for Prewar layouts. This is absolutely brilliant. This is a prewar backdrop/mountain. It is actually only 4 inches thick and it is made to be place or mounted onto a layout to give that "wide open", mountainous look in a prewar style. This is something Lionel coulda, shoulda, woulda done but didn't. Thanksfully, Olson Displays did it and really whacked the ball out of the park.

Marc

Just fiddling with the 2 7/8ths Stuff....

Just moving around some 2 7/8's. I think I am going to make room for an overhead layout on my current layout. I think the Leland Detroit Monorail may have to come off.

By the way, I thought I would drop a pic on of 2 McKeens. Both very different approaches by Dick Mayer to the same car. Either one is really cool (UP or Virginia and Truckee).

Marc

Wishing for a Standard Gauge Subway....

Hanging out at Citi Field watching the Mets the other day and I caught some neat shots of subways in Queens. Gotta love these. I wish Lionel or one of the other manufacturers made these in Standard Gauge....



Marc