Bigguest High Rail Layout EVER!

Ok, for a minute, forget about standard gauge. I know it is hard, just try for 30 seconds. I was in Amersterdam last week (that's right, the Netherlands) and I went to this place called "Madurodam".

The place is essentially a huge model of Amsterdam in 1:25 scale. I took a bunch of pictures. It's essentially the best modeling I have ever seen. It's also a huge train layout. It has boats in real water that really move, cars that move, airports with planes that taxi on the runway, trolleys and trains (commuter and freight). And tons of little people.

What makes it so good? Well, it is huge for starters. I posted the link above. I'll post some Youtubes as well. The attention to detail is spectacular. Bar none, I've never seen such a spectacular achievement and attention to detail. And it works here; this isn't modeling a part or a chunk out of a time and "just" a place. This is modeling a whole city with buildings that are brand new and buildings that are hundreds and hundreds of years old. I had a chance to compare the models to the real buildings and they were spot on.

I know, it's a larger scale so it is easier. This is a couple of acres of modeling though and they did virtually the whole city including canals with everything moving.

Only one thing kind of spooked me: they had real fish in the water. And not little gold fish but some larger fish like Bass and Trout. Maybe even a catfish. Seeing those suckers swimming around in such juxtaposed with such a detailed little city was kind of un-nerving.

Oh yes, and I had the best eclair in their cafe I think I've ever had in my life. The only downside was that with the dollar so weak right now and the Euro pretty strong it costs a huge chunk of change to get to this place. If you are in Europe on an expense account or doing some corporate travel I'd recommend this or if you are retired and plan these kinds of trips. With some planning the cash outlay can be minimal, spur of the moment is like buying box seats at a Yankee or Red Sox game.....

It's fantastic and if you get a chance to leave the US of A and want to see an amazing spread and get some great ideas, you need to check this out.

I've never seen a working lift bridge like this one, not over real water no-less. And I've never seen a working model boat pass under the bridge and than double back!!!

By the way, the 3rd picture down is a scale, working water lock. I was dumbfounded when I saw this thing actually work.
Marc

Wisconsin Standard Gauge Operating Society

Paul on the TCA Groups sent out a wonderful Youtube Video from the Wisconsin Standard Gauge Operating Society. The video is really wonderful, if anyone has any more of these they can send me, I'd love to get them posted.

It's almost a shame I can't go to Youtube and get a DVD cut of these. I'd love to be able to watch these without a broadband connection (say, on a plane!).



Marc

The New MTH 390E Unboxed

There are some subtle and not so subtle differences between the 390E's of the past and the current MTH 390E. Obviously Protosound and Pittman motors can either add to your delight or dismay (depending on whether you take advantage of the new technology or prefer technology of the past).

I did feel a quick blush of privilege by getting to open a new 390E. The last 390E made its' debut in the Lionel Classics line in the early 90's. It was painted and remarketed by several people in one off colors and we see both the black and one-off colors on eBay from time to time. The original is quite a bit different than the current offerings both in technology and build. I'll show you both the new product as well as the venerable Lionel original.







390E's are one of those strange engines that everyone seems to love but nobody seems to be able to pay alot for. Sure, there are the green one's that go for a huge amount of money but on the whole, if you wait and watch a decent black 390E can be had for under $1000 in very good condition. They pull and run just about anything from passenger sets to freight. They look good in front of just about anything; apparently Lionel thought so because it headed up the Blue Comet set before the 400E. And whoever painted it green a couple of times at the Lionel factory also seemed to latch onto a winner.
This box came extremely well packed. It looked like it had been opened since it came over the ocean and had been repacked.

Dreyfuss in Standard Gauge

This wonderful picture has been hanging around my inbox for some time.

This is an original standard gauge engine made by Yoda in the Dagobah System.

Ok, I'm kidding, I promised I wouldn't say who made it but I did have to post it. Blow up it up. This thing is just glorious, especially in Standard Gauge. It's everything a great tinplate engine could be and should be.




Marc