MODEL TRAIN HISTORY
SOME HISTORY
This is my third (and last!) model train layout (actually fourth if you count the one I did with my father when I was 14). In any case, when Richard was 2 years old I decided he needed a train set. Of course, that was just an excuse for me to buy a model train set. As it turned out Deborah had a greater interest in the trains than did Richard. Poor kids, they lost what was going to be a playroom for them to their dad’s hobby.
My original foray into model trains with my dad was using the Lionel O-27 gauge (scale is 1:48). Those are the large trains with the tracks that have an extra center rail for conducting current. When I decided to get started into trains again (as an adult), I felt the O-27 gauge would take up too much space and besides they are expensive compared to some of the smaller scales. So I decided on HO (scale is 1:87) gauge. It is the most popular gauge today. My dad had given us a ping pong table which was perfect for a starter set of trains. Obviously, we did not play ping pong.
This all started with one train set on one ping pong table in November of 1971. By March of the following year, I had 4 train sets running on a single ping pong table. Sheila knew we were in trouble, as I kept figuring out more ways to squeeze more stuff in a limited space. Within a couple of years I added 4x8 sheets of plywood to the layout and consumed about sixty percent of the basement. These trains never ran well because of my hodgepodge adding of new sections onto older sections and the fact they were cheap Tyco train sets. I still have them today and I cannot get any of the engines to run. However, the train cars are still in use.
I worked on the trains for about eight years and then lost interest. After an 8 year hiatus from the trains I decided to start all over again. I decided to be more careful and plan the entire layout prior to actually building anything. This left me with a better more coordinated running train layout, but still it was not that well planned. The trains ran for about another eight years, until I lost interest again (notice a pattern?)
THE WORLDS GREATEST TRAIN STORE
At some point, I am not sure when, I discovered MB Klein in downtown Baltimore – the consummate train store for all us big kids. Between that store and a variety of model train shows and swap meets, I managed to amass a large (not fancy) train collection. I became such a good customer of Klein’s, I would receive 25 percent discounts off of their already discounted prices. At this juncture I began to subscribe to the shoppers credo that a “bargain is money saved.” Of course, a PhD in economics would disagree, and he or she would be correct!
KID IN A CANDY SHOP
Perhaps the most dangerous time for me was the 12 years I worked at Mercy Hospital - only a few short blocks from “the train store.” I recall this one time I wandered down to the store during my lunch break and was informed that a former train collector and MB Klein customer brought in his entire accumulated cache to sell back to the store. One of the sales people called me over and told me that they had just received approximately $12,000 worth of older “train stuff” that was still boxed and marked with their original “discounted prices.” I was ushered to the storeroom and told to “knock my socks off.” All these items had been purchased at Klein’s over the years. Apparently, this guy was newly married and did not have as understanding wife as I did. Since I was getting 25 percent off of all marked prices and these were older priced goods, I decided this took priority over work. I called my office, told them to cancel any appointments for the remainder of that day and if they saw me later it was only to pick up my car from the parking lot! Ah! What fun! (I needed a bigger car.)
TRAIN COFFINS
When I knew we were going to eventually move out west, I decide to carefully pack up my trains. Since I was in business for myself which for me was a euphemism for having a lot of time on my hands, I decided to make a major project out of it. My friend, Evan, lent me his table and miter saws and I made many visits to my new favorite stores - Hechinger’s and Home Depot. I compartmentalized and lined these 2x4 crates with foam. Sheila took one look and dubbed them “Neil’s Train Coffins.” After we moved into our house they were dismantled and are now part of the current train table.
Well enough history. Bored yet?
MODEL RAILROAD CLUBS
I am often asked if I am a member of a model railroad club. Typically, a model railroad club has a location where a number of modelers work on a single layout at the same time. Usually, individuals have a particular area in which they are most skilled and tend to concentrate on that skill, (e.g. scenery, structure building, electronics, etc.). For many that do not have the space for a layout or as understanding a wife as I do, a club provides the next best thing. These individuals are very talented and I always recommend dropping in on a club when they have open houses. They tend to be the best.
To answer the question – no I am not a member of a model railroad club. The reasons are several:
· I enjoy doing all aspects of model railroad building myself.
· If I want to work an hour or so on the trains I can just go to my basement.
· I do not play well with others.