dec 2007 - lionel collectors club of america

The Lion Roars December, 2007

PUBLISHED BY THE LIONEL® COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA IN FEBRUARY, APRIL, JUNE, OCTOBER, DECEMBER

Volume 37, No. 2 December, 2007


Order Form for “Susie Q” and ONR CarsOnce submitted, LCCA will consider this a firm, non-refundable order. Deadline for ordering: June 30, 2008.

Note: UPS cannot deliver to a post office box. A street address is required.

Name: ____________________________________________________________________ LCCA No.: ________________Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________City: _____________________________________________________________ State: ____ Zip + 4: __________________Phone: (______) ______________________ e-mail: __________________________________________________________

[ ] Check this box if any part of your address is new.

2008 LCCA Convention Car[ ] “Susie Q” & ONR PS-2 covered hoppers 1 set $129.90, 2 sets $259.80 $__________ (S&H&I included)Extended S&H&I outside cont. U.S. $__________ $19 per set Illinois residents only, apply 7% sales tax $__________ $9.09 per set

Total: (in U.S. funds) $__________

This form may be photocopied. Mail it with your check enclosed to the best toy train club on the planet:LCCA Business Office • Dept TLR/2008CC • P.O. Box 479 • LaSalle, IL 61301-0479

For additional information, visit our website: www.lionelcollectors.org

Thenortherninternationalborderunitesmorethandividestwogreatnations,andinthatspirit,theLionelCollectorsClubofAmerica(LCCA)offersthesetwodistinctivecarsofthatarea—“SusieQ”andOntarioNorthlandRR—tomembers.Thistwo-carsetofPS-2coveredhoppersisthe2008Conventioncaroffer.Limit:twosetspermember. TheSusquehannacarwillincludetheclassicrenderingofthe“SusieQ”characterneverbeforepresentedonahoppercar.ThispairwillappealtoSusieQandCanadianmodelrailroaders,nichecollectorsseekingrollingstockofnortheasternregionalrailroads,

andcollectorsofLCCAConventioncars.Thisproductionrunwillbelimitedandwillincludethesequalityfeatures:• producedbyLionel®exclusivelyforLCCA• die-castfullysprungtruckswithrotatingrollerbearingcaps; trucksideframesarepaintedtomatchthecars• roofhatchesactuallyopenandclose• crispgraphicswithSUSIEQandONRdécor• added-on(notmolded-in)laddersandbrakewheels• detailedundercarriage• discreteLCCA2008Conventiondesignationontheunderside.

Do the Math:[ ] Payment Plan A: My check for the full amount is enclosed made payable to “LCCA” with “TLR/2008CC” written on the memo line.[ ] Payment Plan B: Bill my credit card for the full amount. [ ] Payment Plan C: Bill my credit card in 2 equal installments; 1st installment due now; 2nd installment due 6/30/2008. There will be absolutely no refunds of any payments if you subsequently decide not to complete this purchase.

No.: _______________________________________ Expiration: ____________ [ ] Disc [ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa Code: ________________

The 3 digits at the signature panel on back of your card

Sig: _____________________________________________________________ By my signature, I authorize LCCA to charge my account for the amount shown according to the terms and conditions cited herein.

Figures and layout features not included.Prototypes shown above may vary slightly from the actual products. Layout provided courtesy of Arkansas Travelers Hobby Shop.

Northeasterly Bound


The Lion Roars (USPS0011-994) and (ISSNNo. 1079-0993) is publishedbimonthly exceptAugust by theLionelCollectorsClub ofAmerica, 1622FourthSt., Peru, IL61354-3527.Subscription rate of $15per year is paidthroughmembershipdues.PeriodicalpostagepaidatPeru,IL61354-9998andadditional mailing offices. POSTMASTER:SendaddresschangestoThe Lion Roars,1622FourthSt.Peru,IL61354-3527.TheLCCAisanIllinois not-for-profit corporation. Lionel is a registeredtrademarkandisusedwiththepermissionofLionelL.L.C.CopiesofLionelcopyrightedmaterialshavebeenusedinthispublicationwiththepermissionofLionelL.L.C.

The LCCA is not affiliated with Lionel or Lionel L.L.C. Opinions and com-ments made in by-lined columns in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Board of Directors or the views of officers and appointed officials; nor do they indicate a club endorsement of any products mentioned.

Lionel® Collectors Club of America

Contacting the LCCA Business OfficeMembers can contact the Business Office for routine services throughtheclub’swebsiteatwww.lionelcollectors.org,[email protected],byfaxat815-223-0791,orbymailat:LCCA Business Office, P.O. Box 479, LaSalle, IL 61301-0479.

The Lion Roars Contents

Directors JerryCalkins11300LittleRidgeCourtCheyenne,[email protected]

JohnEllingson4100VictoriaStreetMinnetonka,[email protected]

EricFogg13360 Ashleaf DriveDes Moines, IA [email protected]

Salvatore(Sal)Gambino,Jr.4135KnorrStreetPhiladelphia,[email protected]

JohnnyOurso2400N.ConestogaAvenueTucson,[email protected]

AlbertF.OttenChairman Emeritus

Copyright©2007theLionelCollectorsClubofAmerica.Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopyingandrecord-ingforanypurposewithoutpermissionoftheLCCA.

People to ContactBusiness Office -Theirroleislimitedtoroutineservices.Secretary -Inquiriesaboutmembershiplapsesandadministrativesupport.Membership Chair -JoiningLCCAandmembershipquestions.Immediate Past President -Complaintagainstanothermember.President -Alwaysavailableandasalastresort.

Business office services are limited to providing or processing changesofaddress,changesofphonenumber,“makegood”copiesofThe Lion Roars,applicationsformembership,replacementmembershipcards,reinstatements,deathnotices,Conven-tionregistration,andordersforclubcollectibles.

Officers Richard (Dick) H. Johnson, President8750E.KemperRoadCincinnati, OH 45249-2506 [email protected]

LouisJ.Caponi,Immed. PastPresident610AndrewRoadSpringfield, PA 19064-3816 [email protected]

AlKolis,President-elect4315 Saint Andrews Drive Howell, MI 48843-7469 [email protected]

John R. (Bob) Carter, Secretary2205 Westridge DrivePlano,[email protected]

Dennis DeVito, Treasurer 570 Brookside AvenueAlgonquin,[email protected]

AppointeesLarry A. BlackIT Manager244FarmbrookCircleFrankfort,[email protected]

GregR.ElderEditor, eTrack 320RobinCourtNewton,[email protected]

SusanEllingsonConvention Registration Liaison4100VictoriaStreetMinnetonka,[email protected]

Barry FindleyChair, Constitution CommitteeChair, Finance Committee3414OldCantrellRoadLittleRock,[email protected]

JohnA.FisherConvention Manager1730JamesRoadSt.Paul,[email protected]

EricFoggConvention Manager13360 Ashleaf DriveDes Moines, IA [email protected]

Mike H. MottlerEditor, TLR and LCCA Website22 Water Oak DriveConway,[email protected]

CraigTribuziEditor, Interchange Track7504 Zurich DrivePlano,[email protected]

William F. ButtonEditor Emeritus, Interchange Track

ConventionRegistrationForm......................................GIFCSusieQ&ONR2008ConventionCars..........................IFCThePresident’sReport.........................................................2LCCA Board Minutes .......................................................... 3Hog Wild for the Hogwarts Express .................................... 4Building the Yardley & Western Railroad ............................ 7ToyTrunkRailroad............................................................10Christmas Comes Early for the Son of a Toy Buyer........... 11LCCA Product Development Shop .................................... 13 ConventionUpdate.............................................................142008ConventionTours......................................................152008ConventionSchedule................................................19RoomattheInnforTrains..................................................20LionelNews&Views........................................................24What’sNewfromLionel....................................................28FourCars............................................................................30Two Recollections of Al Otten ........................................ IBCA Lionel Puzzlement .................................................... GIBCConvention Hotel Registration Form .......................... GOBC

ON THE COVER“Santa’s Break”

by Angela Trotta ThomasFor more information about Angela’s paintings,

visit her online shopping website at:www.angelatrottathomas.com

or call: 750-223-1401

LCCA Website: www.lionelcollectors.orgNortheasterly Bound


Astheyeardrawstoaclose,LCCAhasmuchtobethankfulfor.We’vehadtremendousmembersupportforallofourprojects.Weareplanningonobtainingmemberinputonanumberofissuesinthenearfuture,sopleaseshareyourthoughtswithusthensoLCCAcancontinuetobethebesttoytrainclubontheplanet.

OnceagainLCCAistakingtotheroadduringthe2007-08seasontoshareourbrandoftrainsandfunatthe World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour shows. We’ll have aboothadjacenttoLionel,signupnewmembers,visitwithattendees,andraiseawarenessofthetoytrainhobbyandourClub.Ifyou’reatanupcomingshow,drop by and say “Hi!”

Sacramento,CA—January5&6,2008San Diego, CA — January 12 & 13, 2008Norfolk - Hampton, VA — February 16 & 17, 2008 KansasCity,MO—March15&16,2008Louisville,KY—June28&29,2008

Forthoseofyouwhopurchaseclubproductsand/orattendourConventions,wearepresentinganewfeatureinThe Lion Roars tokeepyoupostedonthelatestnewsaboutclub-sponsoredproductdevelopment,deliverydates,andConventionhappenings.Pleaserefertopage13 of this issue for the first article in this ongoing series.

NextspringwewillbeelectinganewSecretaryand three Directors at Large, all of whom will serve atwo-yearterm.Ifyouwouldliketorunforoneofthesepositions,pleasecontactNominatingCommitteeChairmanJohnFisher.Nowisthetimetobethinkingabouthowyoucanbestserveyourclub.Inadditionto these elective positions, we are also looking to fill certain appointed positions. Most of our current officers and Directors “learned the ropes” in appointed positions before becoming elected officials. If there is some position for which you feel uniquely qualified, please contact me and let’s discuss it!

Onnextyear’sballot,therewillalsobeanumberofminorconstitutionalchangesthatwillallowourConstitution to be updated to reflect the methods which wehavefoundtobeeffectiveinsuccessfullyrunninga21stcenturytrainclub.We’dappreciateyoursupportingettingthesechangespassed.

I’dliketoconcludethisbriefreportbywishingallofyouthehappiestofholidaysaswellasahappyand healthy new year. During 2008,let’sdoourbesttopromotethefellowshipandfunassociatedwithowningLionel®trains.

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The President’s Report by Richard H. JohnsonRM 7103

Thisfallbeganwiththesadnewsofthepassing,onOctober16,ofadevotedLCCAmember—AlOtten(HC 429). Al served this club for 31 years in numerous electedpositionsfrom1973until2003.

His unique leadership and service was recognized by the Board of Directors at its September 29, 2007,meetingwhenhewasnamed,byacclamation,“ChairmanEmeritus”ofLCCA.TheclubextendsitssympathytoAl’sfamilyandoffersspecialthankstohiswife,Fran,forsharingAlwithusforthosemanyyears.

Halloween came and went as did Thanksgiving. My, does time fly! Our traditional December train show in Naperville, Illinois, was held on December 1 tothedelightoftrainbuffsbothyoungandold.Ourthanks again go to Len Hopkins and his elves formakingthisspecialeventhappenforits13thconsecutiveyear.

By the time you read this, Christmas will be justaroundthecorner.IhopeSantabringsyouatoytrainitemyouweren’texpecting.

Happy Holidaysfrom the Best Toy Train Club on the Planet


LCCA Board Minutesby Bob CarterRM 6620

LCCA Board of Directors Meeting Saturday, September 29, 2007Springhill Suites O’Hare, Chicago, IL

ThemeetingwascalledtoorderbyPresidentJohnsonat8:10a.m.PresentwerePresidentJohnson,ImmediatePastPresident Caponi, President-elect Kolis, Treasurer DeVito, Secretary Carter, and Directors Calkins, Ellingson, Fogg, GambinoandOurso.GuestsinattendancewereConstitutionChairmanFindley,ConventionCo-ManagerFisher,TLR & WebsiteEditorMottler,andITEditorTribuzi.

A motion by Director Ourso, seconded by Director Calkins, to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2007 Board meetinginChicago,Illinois,wasapproved.

CONVENTIONSConventionCo-ManagerFisherreportedthatthe

Chicagoconventionwassuccessfulinallrespects,andthatplanningisalreadyunderwayfornextyear.TheConventionTeam will be leaving for Buffalo on October 11 to finalize alldetailswiththeAdam’sMark,ourhosthotel,andalltourarrangements. It was again stressed for Buffalo attendees to GET YOUR PASSPORT!

In2009,wewillbegoingtoSacramento,California,where our host hotel will be the Radisson Hotel Sacramento. Itisaresortpropertybuiltaroundalargelake,andwewillutilizetheentirefacility.Therearelotsofexcitingtourspossible in the area with one of the best (if not THE BEST) railroadmuseumsinthecountryrightthereinSacramento:theCaliforniaRailroadMuseum.ThiswillbeaConventionthatourmemberswillreallyenjoy.

In 2010, we are again looking at Denver, with another wonderfulUPexcursion.TheConventionTeamhopestohaveahotelcontractsignedbytheendofthisyear.TheUnion Pacific steam crew is already looking forward to our return to Denver.

For2011,theConventionlocationisexpectedtobeeastoftheMississippiRiver.Severalsitesarebeingconsidered.

PRODUCT UPDATESIPPCaponiprovidedsomeproductupdates.The

GeneralSetadd-onboxreplacementinsertshavebeenmailed,andthereplacementcannoncars(withthecannonspermanently affixed to the chassis) have been accepted by LCCA.Thereplacementcannoncarswillbemailedbymid-October.Questionsaboutthewrap-upoftheGeneralSetadd-oncarofferingshouldbedirectedtoIPPCaponi.

The2008PS-2coveredhopperConventionCarpairwillbe sold as a set for $129.90. These colorful cars will be first

picturedintheOctoberissueofTLR andthenonthewebsite.ThedeadlinefororderingthesecarsisJune30,2008,withdelivery by December 31, 2008.

The New Haven #209 passenger car color, individual car boxes,andsetboxhavebeenapproved.Theengineboxeswill have the flaps taped on one end and Velcro fasteners ontheotherend.IPPCaponidoesnotyethaveasampleoftheadd-onpackaging.Itappearsthatthesetwillbeherebyyear’sendwiththeadd-onsarrivingafewweekslater.Theadd-onsarebeingproducedatthesametimeasthesetsothepaintonallunitswillbeanexactmatch.

FutureitemshavebeendesignedandsubmittedtoLionelforpricequotes.Moreontheseitemswillbereportedasadditionalinformationbecomesavailable.Additionalclothingitemsarebeingconsideredsuchasbaseballcaps,visors,andclubpatches.

MEMBERSHIP CARDSPresident Johnson presented a report from Larry Black

regardingthenewlyredesignedmembershipcards,renewallettersand“welcomeletter”tonewmembers.WeshouldbeseeingtheseinNovember.

TLR & WEBSITEEditorMottlerreportedthattheOctoberissueofThe

Lion RoarswillbeinthemailbyOctober15.MikethankedalltheConventionphotographersfortheircontributions.Alloftheirpicturesarenowstoredonacomputerforlateruse.

INTERCHANGE TRACK & eTRACKEditorTribuzireviewedthereportofacommittee

comprised of himself, Larry Black, and Greg Elder regarding memberusageoftheIT,includingitsvalueasapriceguide.Four publication options were presented to the Board. Option1:EliminatetheSeptemberissue,theleastusedissue.Option2:EliminatetheJulyissue,thesecondleastusedissue.Option3:EliminatetwoissuesandrevampthewholeITpublicationscheduletoJanuary,April,JulyandOctober. Option 4: Don’t change anything. The committee recommended that the Board adopt Option 3. A discussion washeldregardingthefouroptionsandeducatingmemberson how to best use this publication. Director Ourso made amotiontoleavetheIT“asis”(Option4)whichwasseconded by Director Gambino. The motion passed 4-3. It wassuggestedthattheclubconductasurveytoseewhatclubmembersactuallydesire.VolunteerstoworkonthisprojectincludedCalkins,Fogg,Gambino,Kolis,andTribuzi

Abreakwascalledat10:30a.m.

SECRETARY’S REPORTThemeetingresumedat10:42a.m.withSecretary

Carterstatingthatourmembershipremainsfairlyconstantatabout 8,000 members. He mentioned that we had received a nice card from Lenny Dean’s family expressing their thanks forourexpressionofsympathyoverLenny’sdeath.

TREASURER’S REPORTTreasurer DeVito reported that the club is solvent, with

all bills paid and a sufficient cash reserve in the bank.

Continued on page 6


Hog Wild for the Hogwarts Express

by Erol GurcanRM 26800

A Review: Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train Set

Lionel’s Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train Set has beenoneofthemostanticipatedO-gaugetrainsetsthisyear.Moreover,thefactthatitisonthecoverofLionel’scurrentcatalog establishes its significance to the company’s success. Thesetarrivedathobbyandretailstoreslastmonth,justintimefortheholidayseason.

LCCA members first learned about and saw a drawing of the Harry Potter Train in my December 2006 TLRinterviewwithLionel®CEOandPresidentJerryCalabrese.Inthatarticle,Mr.CalabresestatedhehopedthesetwouldbecomethenaturalsuccessortothePolarExpressTrainset(6-31960) which remains for sale three years after it was first released.

Since both the Hogwarts Express and Polar Express sets arerecentlylicensedfantasytrainsdesignedtobringnewpersonsintothehobbyandbothcurrentlyretailfor$300,comparisonsbetweenthetwoareinevitableandwillbemadeinthisreview.

What’s Included in the SetThe HP set comes with a metal die-cast 4-6-0 European-

stylelocomotivewithheadlightandtwotractiontires,plastictenderwithcoalload,andthree15-inchpassengercarswithinteriorlighting.ItalsocontainsthegoodlookingCW-80watttransformer(whichisincludedinmostLionelstartersets)and40x60-inchovalofFasTrack™withO36curves,whichistheminimumradiusforthistrain.Thelocomotive,tender,andpassengercarsarenotindividuallyboxed,

unlikethePolarExpress.Italsocomeswithanextrasetoftractiontiresandseveralreplacementlightbulbs,abenefit not advertised in Lionel’scatalog.

Nice Level of DetailThelocomotiveismostly

rustorlightbrowncolor,witha flat black smoke box and cab roof(seephoto 1).Iexpectedthelocomotive’scolortoberedbecauseofitsappearanceonthecoverofthecurrentcatalog. Details also include rivetsonthesmokeboxandcabroof.Ahandrailrunsdownbothsidesoftheloco.Thefrontendbearsnumber5972 and states “Hogwarts Express,”bothingoldcolorpaint(seephoto 2).Partofthecabwindowhasglass,anice

touch.Therearealsocastindetailsinsidethecab.(seephoto 3). However, the locomotivecabdoesnothaveeitheran engineer or fireman figures. NeitherdidthePEset,butthatsetcamewithfourseparateplayactionfigures, something not available in the HP set. I especially liked the spokeddrivewheels.Overall,thelocomotivehasanicelevelofdetailforasetcostingonly$300.

Theplastictenderalsohasrivets,metalspokedwheelsandstates “Hogwarts Railways” in gold letteringwithemblem(seephoto 4).Italsohasanicecoalloadthatisrealisticlookingalthoughitisplastic(see photo 5).

Thepassengercarsweighverylittle.Therearenosilhouettesinthewindows,somethingwhichisofferedinthePEset(seephoto 6). However, each HP passenger car has a diaphragm at both ends; these are notofferedonthePEpassengercars.Thereisalargegapbetweenthebottomofthecaranditstrucks.

On the Test Track – A Smooth RunnerInordertobeabletowriteamorecomprehensive

review, I tested three different Hogwarts sets to varying degrees;IwasabletorunonetrainsetataLioneldayeventforfourhoursstraightat13volts,onlystoppingittoaddsmoke fluid. This loco, its tender and cars ran flawlessly duringthatperiodoftime.Iwasalsoabletorunoneofthepreview Hogwarts sets that Lionel sent in September to its

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40 largest dealers, including Nassau Hobbies in Freeport, NewYork.Ihadtheopportunitytorunthissetinforwardandreverseforashortperiodwiththesmokeuniton.Ittooranverywellwithoutanyproblems.

ThethirdsetobservedforthisreviewwassenttomedirectlyfromLionel,andistheonethatreceivedthemostextensivetesting.AfterpullingthelocomotiveoutofitsStyrofoampackagingandplacingitonthetrack,thefronttwo wheel flanges of the four wheel front truck did not make contactwiththetrack.Thelocomotivederailedaroundcurves.Iwasabletoquicklycorrectthisproblembyslightlybendingthefronttwowheelsonthefronttruckdownward.After that, the front wheel flanges made contact with the trackandneverderailed.IsuspectedthatthetightStyrofoamcompartmentholdingthelocomotiveinplacewastheculpritandcausedthefronttrucktomoveupwardwhentakeninandoutofthebox.PurchasersofthissetwhowanttoavoidhavingthisproblemhappentothemcancuttheStyrofoamunderneaththefronttruckandcreatealittlemorespaceforthelocomotive.Likeallnewlocomotives,itneededlubricationinordertoruncorrectly.

ThesetprovidedbyLionelwastestedonFasTrackwiththe O36 curves supplied for this set. I also used an MTH®Z-4000™transformerandaLionelCW-80,thetransformerprovidedwithit.Thelocomotiveransmoothlywithbothtransformers.TheCW-80hadmorethanenoughpowertorunthelocomotive,tender,andseveralmorecarsthancomewiththeset.

Ialsoranthelocomotive,tender,andthreepassengercarsthoroughAtlas®21stCentury™trackwithavarietyof

switcheswithdifferentradii.Itransmoothlyandperfectlyinbothforwardandreverseandupanddownthegrades,withoutstallingorderailing.Thespeedofthetraindidchangewhengoingupordownhills,butthisistobeexpectedfromalocomotivethatdoesnothavespeedcontrol.Thelocomotivewasdeadquietinneutral.Nounusualnoiseswerenoted.

Ialsoattachedthreemorelightedpassengercarssimilarinlengthandweighttothethreecarsthatcamewiththeset.Ididthistoseeifthelocomotivewascapableofpullingallsixatthesametime.Myreasonwas,ifthesetturnsouttobeamarketingsuccessforLionel,IexpecttheywouldmakeseveraladdoncarsaswasdonewiththePolarExpressset.ThelocomotivehadnoproblempullingsixcarsonFasTrack,throughAtlasOswitches,andupanddowngrades.Noderailmentsorstallingoccurred.

The locomotive has no momentum flywheel as best as Icouldtell,andLionel’scurrentcatalogdoesnotstateoneisoffered.Whentestedinforwardwithboththreeandsixpassengercarsintow,thelocomotivesometimesmadeasemi-gradualstop,andsometimescametoanabruptstop.Italsostoppedabruptlyinreverse,butnottothepointofshakingthepassengercars.Iwouldliketohaveseenamomentum flywheel offered as part of the set.

When I first saw the current Lionel catalog and read aboutthefeaturesofthistrainset,thethingIfoundmostoddwastheminimaltrackradiusforthetrainset—O36.Sincethelocomotiveandtenderarenotscaleinsize,mostwouldthinkthetrainshouldbeabletonegotiateO31,orevenO27curves,likethePolarExpresslocoandtender.Forcuriosity’ssake,IranthelocomotiveandtenderonmyO31Lioneltubulartrack.Sureenough,thefronttruckderailedseveraltimes when going around the curves. However, the passenger carsnegotiatedtheO31curvesOK–shouldyoudecidetorunthemwithotherlocomotives.

Sounds and Smoke ThetenderfeaturestheLionelairwhistlecommon

toothertrainsetsincludingthePEset,thePennsylvaniaFlyerSet(6-30018),andothers.Inotherwords,nobell,RailsoundsTM,orTrainsoundsisoffered.Ataminimum,thesetshouldalsohaveabellsincemostlocomotivestodayofferedbyLionel’scompetitorshaveit.Theairwhistlewassufficiently loud when the loco was both moving and in neutral.Thereisnowhistlevolumeadjustmentonthetender.

Smokeoutputwhenpullingtheset’sthreecarsatamoderatespeedat11-12voltsontheZ-4000wasgood,withoccasionalniceroundpuffsofsmoke.Thetwootherlocomotivestestedforthisreviewalsosmokedsimilarly.ThefactthatthesmokestackforthislocomotivewaswiderthanthetypicalLionelsteamlocomotive,gavetheperceptionofgreatersmokevolume.Smokeoutputwasverygoodwhenthelocomotivewaspullingsixcarsat13-14volts.Thelocomotivedoesnotsmokeinneutral,normalforthislocomotiveaccordingtotheinstructionbooklet.Thesmokeon-offbutton(aswellasdirectionalbutton)islocatedinsidethelocomotive’scab,agoodlocationsothetraindoesnotneedtobetakenoffthetracktoswitchthesetting.

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Continued from page 3

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGESPresidentJohnsonpresentedhisrecommendedchanges

totheConstitutionwhichfellintofourcategories:(1)clarifying and correcting existing sections to reflect their intentand/orthewaytheclubcurrentlyoperates;(2)permittingtheannualballottobemailedearliersotheelectionresultswouldbeknownsooner;(3)creatinganewclassofmembershipcalled“JuniorMembers”toallowpersonsundertheageof18tobemembersofLCCA;and(4)allowingthePresident-electtobeavotingmemberoftheBoard and delete a Director at Large for a continued total of seven voting Board members. Discussion ensued about theadvantages/disadvantagesofkeepingtheboardatsevenmembers versus enlarging the Board to nine members by addinganotherdirectorandthePresident-elect.

Break for lunch at 11:56 a.m.

Resumedmeetingat1:32p.m.

Discussion continued on all recommended constitutional changes.

Director Fogg moved, and Director Ellingson seconded, toacceptallchangesasproposed.Themotionpassedwithoneobjection.

Threeoptionswerediscussedregardingimplementationofthechanges.Option1:voteontheminaspecialelection;Option2:placethemonnextyear’sannualballot;orOption3:leavethemattertothediscretionofthePresident.Amotion was made by Director Ourso, seconded by IPP Caponi,togivethePresidenttheauthoritytocallaspecialelection between now and the first of the year. The motion passed.

Director Calkins then moved that all directors and theSecretarybeallowedtosucceedthemselvesforoneadditionalterm(limitoftwoconsecutiveterms)becausethecurrentonetermruledoesn’tpermittheclubtoavailitself

of the experience gained by an official during his/her initial term of office. The motion was seconded by Director Ourso, andpassed.Thisproposedamendmentwillalsoappearonthenextballot.

BYLAWS CHANGENext,therewasadiscussiononwhethertrainmeet

attendance fees should be charged to LCCA members. Both Bill Stitt and Larry Black felt that meet hosts needed to have the flexibility to charge LCCA members an admission fee becauseofrisingexpenses.IPPCaponimovedthatLCCAamend its ABL #1 to permit members to be charged an admission fee to train meets. Director Calkins seconded, and themotionpassed.

OTHER BUSINESSDirector Ourso moved that we name Albert F. Otten

“ChairmanEmeritusofLCCA”asatributetohis28yearsofelectedservicetotheclub.ThemotionwassecondedbyDirector Gambino and passed by acclamation.

The Board went into executive session at 2:25 p.m. upon motion by Director Fogg, seconded by Director Gambino. The Board came out of executive session at 2:38 p.m. upon motion by Director Gambino, seconded by Director Calkins.

It was noted that Director Ourso has developed acompletelistingofsets,locos,cars,etc.fromallmanufacturerswhichcouldbemadeavailableoneTrackwithpictures.ItwassuggestedthatanarticlebewrittenforpublicationinTLR with the possibility of creating a CD containingthisdataforusebymembers.

The next Board meeting will be held the weekend of March28-30,2008,atasitetobenamedatalaterdate.

The meeting was adjourned upon a motion by Director Fogg, seconded by Director Gambino, at 3:58 p.m.

Respectfullysubmitted,Bob Carter, Secretary

The instruction booklet states to add four drops at first andfourmorewhensmokeoutputdecreases.Iadded10-12drops the first time and 8-10 when smoke output decreased. Personally,Idon’tseehowasmokeunitcanperformadequately on just four drops of smoke fluid.

ConclusionOverall,thisisanicesetforthemoney.EventhoughI

know little about the Harry Potter phenomenon, the set grew onmethemoreIranit.Itsstrengths–asmooth-runninganddurablelocomotivewithareasonableamountofdetailand a nicely detailed tender and coal load. However, I would have liked a momentum flywheel as part of the loco. I also expectedmoreweighttoeachofthepassengercars.

IfLionel’sgoalwastoofferawell-builtfantasytraindesignedtobringnewpeopleintothehobbyandalsocreatesomeexcitementamonghobbyists,thenithasalreadysucceededthesamewayitdidwiththePolarExpresssetthree years ago. Only time will tell if the HP set sells well. Let’shopethatitdoes.

LionelCEOJerryCalabreseandVicePresidentofMarketing Mark Erickson provided an HP set so a timely reviewcouldbewrittenforthisissueofTLRattheholidayseason. Thanks, gentlemen! I returned the set to Lionel followingthecompletionoftesting.

Secondly,IwouldliketothankLionel’sEventsManager Tom Nuzzo for letting me run a HP train at a “Lionel Day” event at Tom’s Trains in Ardsley, New York. Mr. Nuzzo is responsible for scheduling Lionel Day events andmaintainingtheLionellayoutsyouseeatChristmastime.IwouldalsoliketothankmyfriendandfellowLCCAmember Charlie Hirschberg (RM 237), owner of Nassau Hobby in Freeport. New York, 516-378-9594 (www.nassauhobby.com) for allowing me to test the Hogwarts Expresspreviewsetprovidedtothem.ThanksalsotoEliotScherforallowingmetodosomeofthetestingonhislayout.

Photographs by Eliot Scher


Building the Yardley & Western Railroad

by Theodore Wixom RM 13157

Phase I: An Intermediate Step for AlecIhavecollectedandoperatedtoytrainsformorethan35

years.Aswithmanypeoplemyage,Iwaslucky.IreceivedseveralpostwarLionelconstitutionaltrainswhenIwasyoung.Fortunately,myfamilykeptthem,andthosetrainsbecamethefoundationofmycurrentcollection.

Likemanyothersinourhobby,Iamconcernedthatwedon’thaveenoughyoungpeoplejoiningourranks.Tointerestallofmygrandchildreninourhobby,Iconstructedasmall 4x6-feet train layout for each family group. Decorated withawinterthemeandwithspaceincludedfortheChristmastree,thelayoutsareforuseduringtheholidaysandhopefullythroughouttheyear.

Onegrandson,eight-year-oldAlecNunziato,andhisfather,John,showedagrowinginterestintoytrains.Theyallocatedoneofthespareroomsintheirnewhouseforuseasatrainroomyear-round.Theyinstalledshelvesonthreesidesoftheroomanddisplayedtheirgrowingcollectionoftoytrains.Theymovedthetiny4x6-feetlayoutintothecenteroftheroom,butitwasobviousthatweneededtoreplacethissmalllayoutASAPtomaintainAlec’sinterestintrains.AsmalllayoutwithtrainsrunningaroundandaroundwasnomatchforthelureofthecoolvideogamesavailabletoAlecandhisfriends.Thenewtrainroomwouldaccommodatea6-½x9-feetwalk-aroundlayoutwithathree-feet-wideaislearounditforaccesstotheshelves.

Iblockedouttwo-and-one-halfweeksonmytravelscheduleforcompletingthejobwithoutusinganycomponentsfromtheiroldlayout,sinceIpromisedtogivethat layout to another youngster in my neighborhood. By extensivepre-planning,Ibroughtallthecomponentswithmetocompletethejobandavoidedawaitingperiodforapart required for finishing the job.

The Track Plan for Phase IMymainobjectivewastobuildalayoutsimilartothe

layoutsthatLionelmadefortheirdealersinthe1950sand60s.Iplannedformanytrainsrunningatonetimewithlotsofaction.Iwantedtoshowcasethetrainsandaccessoriesandinstalledaminimumoflandscapingandswitches.Wedesignedatrackplantoallowthreetrainstoberunatonetimewithafourthtrainwaitingonasiding.SeeFigure 1.

Iwantedthetrackstohavelongrunswithcurvaturesaslargeindiameteraspossibletoaccommodatelargerengines


inthefuture.WeinstalledO54curvesontheouterloopandO42 curves on the first inside loop. To make the track plan more interesting, we created the first inside loop with an over-under,doubled-backoval;thisdoubledthelengthoftherunofthetrack.Theupperloopcrossedoverthelowertrackonacurvedsectionthatrequiredacurvedbridge.IbuiltitusingacurvedsheetmetalbasewitholdplasticLionelgirderbridgesectionsattachedtothesidesforabitofrealism.

Toimprovetherealismofthelayoutandmaximizeitsfuture flexibility, we used MTH®RealTrax™.InmyopinionitistheclosestmatchtoLionel’sSuper-Otrack.Wereducedthe track noise of the plastic roadbed by laying it on Dow®SillSeal™.RealTraxisdesignedtomakeiteasytosetuptheblocksectionsandinsulatedrailsectionsthatIwantedthroughoutthelayout.Ibentbackthecontactsontherailofthesectionstobeblockedandgluedathinpieceofplasticbetweenthecontactsandtherailstoensuretherailsorcontactsdidn’ttouch.

Isetupfourblockedsectionsontheover/underinnerlooptomakeiteasyforanewoperatortostopatrainjustbeforethesidingtrackswitch,movetheothertrainoutfromthesidinganduptotheupperloop,shutthetrainoffontheupperloopandreactivatetheblocksectionbehindtheswitchtomovetheothertrainforwardandthenbackintothesidingtracktobeshut off. We used the MTH RealTraxlightedlock-onsonallblocksectionssotheyoungoperatorswouldseewhichsectionswerepoweredON.

Ourlong-rangeplanwastostartsimpleand–asAlecgrowsolder–redesigntheoriginaltrackplantoincorporatemoreswitchesandbuild-inmorecomplexityto

theexistingbenchwork.ThePhaseIItrackplanisshownasFigure 2forreference.

Designing Scenery for Future Expansion

WekeptthescenerysimplebecauseoftheamountoftrackonthelayoutandourintentiontoredesigntoPhaseIIinacoupleofyears.Wepaintedthebenchworkgreenand glued “Busch” brand grass ontheentirelayoutbeforeweattachedthetrackinordertogivethetrackmoreinsulation.Busch grass is manufactured in Germanyandiscoveredwith

The coal yard is dominated by the Lionel Coaling Station. The homemade chain-link fence keeps the loose coal from spreading onto the layout.

The lady driver of the Mercedes ragtop receives a speeding ticket from a cop as Harry Potter looks on from the front entrance of Independence Hall.

Two lashed-up Burlington GP9s wait on the lower loop while an Atlantic Coast Line passenger Auto Train passes on the upper loop on its way to Florida.


tinygreenhairsthatdon’tshed;itlooksexactlylikegrass.ThisbrandisthemostrealisticgrassthatIhaveeverseen;itprovidesagoodbasiccovering.Itisdurable,andwewilluseitinPhaseIIwhenwerelocatesomeofthetrack.RoadswerecardboardblacktopmadebyLeisureTimeProducts®.Westapledtheroadwaystothegrasssothatitwouldbeeasyto relocate them in Phase II. We painted the staples with flat blackpainttomasktheirappearance.

Stationplatformsweremadefromlayersofblackrubberfoamsheets.TheYardleytownsquarehasaPlasticvilleTrain Station, Plasticville Independence Hall, and the K-Line “Spookiest House on the Block” accessory. Three vacant lots remained on the town square; they will be filled-in withotherbuildingslaterthisyear.Thechain-linkfencearoundtheOperatingCoalingStationyardareawasmadeof metal screen wire with 2-½-inch finishing nails as posts. Thiscontainmentkeepsthecoalfromspreadingalloverthelayout.Mostofthetreesonthelayoutwerecrude,buttheywillbereplacedbytheendoftheyearwithmorerealisticones.

A Fanciful PopulationBesides the normal O-gauge people available in a

hobbyshop,theYardley&Westernhasanumberofcartooncharacterspopulatingthelayouttomaintaintheinterestof Alec and his eight-year-old buddies. During the past 10 yearswhenItraveledasacorporatetroubleshooterformycompany,Ifoundanumberofpopularcartooncharacters–nearlyinscaletotheaverageO-gaugeperson–inhobbyshops,toystores,candystores,andvendingmachines.

Accessories Keep the Action GoingOur goal was to fit in as many action accessories as

possibleinordertocompetefortheattentionofkidswhoareaccustomedtoplayingaction-drivenvideogames.Weinstalledthefollowingaccessories:

CurvedStyrofoamTunnelK-Line Spookiest House on the Block #K-42432K-Line Bubbling Water Tower #K-131K-Line Operating Watchman’s Shanty #K- 42410Lionel Animated Maiden Rescue #32919Lionel Operating Control Tower #12702Lionel Operating Coaling Station #2315

The NYC Hudson steamer crosses the underpass road on the Yardley town square. Spiderman remains vigilant from a vantage point atop the Lionel Operating Control Tower.

The Spookiest House on the Block by K-Line is located across the tracks. It’s decorated for Halloween in expectation of visitations by trick or treaters.

Alec Nunziato and his dad, John, at the controls of their new layout.

Superman, Woody, Roadrunner, Captain Hook, Spiderman, and Scooby Doo wait for the next train at the Plasticville Station in Yardley.

The Lion Roars December, 20071 0

Toy Trunk Railroad by Erik Sansom

LionelOperatingMilkCar&PlatformLionel Cop and Hobo Boxcars and Platforms (2)Lionel Rotary Airport Beacon #12966Lionel Operating Carousel #34190Lionel Conveyor Lumber Loader #364MarxSearchlightTowerMTH Operating American Waving FlagMTH O-Scale Flashing Crossing SignalsPlasticville Independence Hall, IlluminatedPlasticvilleSuburbanStations,Illuminated(2)PlasticvilleStationPlatform,Illuminated.

Extra Power for Future ExpansionWeusedtwoLionelrebuiltZWTransformersto

power the layout with Lionel #14077 Amp and Voltmeters and Lionel #5906 Sound Activation (bell) Buttons. Each

powersegmentfromeachtransformerwasconnectedtoaseparateterminalblockforsimplicityinwiringmultipletrackblocksandaccessories.Weprovidedextraconnectionstomakethenextphaseofexpansioneasy.

Phase II: Future Expansion in Two YearsOurlong-rangeplanistomakethelayoutdesign

morecomplexasAlecmatures.WeplantomakethechangesillustratedonthePhaseIItrackplanintwoyearsbyaddingsevenmoreswitchesandconstructingasecondlevelandtunnelatoneendofthelayout.Scenerywillbemoredetailedwithrockformations,realisticvegetationandlife-liketrees.Trainswillbeabletoswitchbackandforthbetweenalloperatingtracks,andwewillinstallacompleteLionelTrainMasterCommandControl™system.

TrackpowerconnectionswillbehiddenbyaddingRealTraxgroundtracksections.

SummaryThankstotheefforts

oftheentirefamily,wecompletedtheYardley&WesternRailroadontimeduringmytwo-and-one-halfweekvisit.Thecostofthelayoutwasmoreexpensivesinceweusednewcomponents;exceptforthetwoZWsand the #364 Log Loader. However, the time spent inbuildingthelayoutwithAlecandmyson-in-law,John,waspriceless.

Photographs by Carol Wixom and

John Nunziato

Senior layout construction engineer (and grandpa) Theodore Wixom.


Christmas Comes Earlyfor the Son of a Toy Buyer

by Mike McLintockRM 27393

ThosewonderfulorangeandblueboxesappearedundertheChristmastreeeveryyear.EvenatagesixIknewthatcolorcombinationmeantLionel®trains! Because I was a son of the toy buyeratalargeretaildepartmentstore,Iconsideredthestore’stoydepartmentasmy personal toy box. I was the first kid in town with the newest toys BEFORE they werepresentedontheshelvesofthetoydepartmentinthelocalstore.Thatwasone sweet deal!

Toys at Work and for PlayMyfather,AddisonMcLintock,knew

howtomakeChristmasspecial.AsatoybuyerforRobeson’sdepartmentstoreinChampaign, Illinois, and later Bergner’s inPeoria,Illinois,heknewthatChristmaswashistimetoshine.

Whilemymothertookcareofthepajamas-and-socksgiftcategories,myfatherwasalwaysinchargeofselectingthetoysduringmygrowing-upyearsinthe 1950s. He took that responsibility seriously, and I was the beneficiary of his dedicationtotoysandfamilylife.

Ilovedwatchingfreighttrainscross flat Illinois farmscapes and seeingIllinoisCentralpassengertrains,includingthefamed”CityofNewOrleans”streamliner,pullintothedepotatChampaign/Urbana.MyfatherknewhehadaLioneltrainloverfromdayone.I was six years old when the first orange andblueboxesbeckonedtomefromunderasomewhatscrawnypinetreeheavilyladenwithsilvertinsel.ThankstoaSantaFeF3warbonnetdieselengineonpointandasetofthreepassengercars–whicharestillrunningonmylayouttoday–Igothookedonthehobbyforalifetime.

Annual Gift Cycles EveryyearforChristmasandmybirthday,Icouldcount

onanewandexcitinggiftbyLionelunderthetreeorbythecake.IknewwhatthepossibilitieswerebecauseImadeitmybusinesstomemorizewhatwasnewontheLionelshelvesinthestore’stoydepartmentaswellasintheLionelcatalogshebroughthome.Whileotherkidsmayhavevisited

their dad’s office and twirled in his office chair or pounded on his typewriter, at my dad’s “office” I was allowed to run thestore’sLionelpre-Christmastrainlayoutswhileotherkidswatchedinamazementandprobablysomeenvy.

Christmaswasn’ttheonlytimeofyearwhentoyexcitementbuiltattheMcLintockhousehold.JanuarymeantToyFairinNewYorkCity.Inthe1950smyfathertraveledtherebytrain;boardingtheIllinoisCentralforChicagoand

thenconnectingtoaneastboundtrainforthetriptoNYC.Theimageofthatlongbrowntrainwithanorangestripeandthefamousgreendiamondonitsnosewasburnedintomymemory.

He returned from those buying trips with next year’s newChristmastoysinhissuitcase.MybrotherMarkandIwere the first kids in town to have a stringless yo-yo and a hula-hoop.

It’s Christmas morning of 1953, and I opened the orange and blue Lionel boxes and placed the trains on the track. My brother, Mark, is busy exploring other toys. Yes, that is a Joe Palooka punching bag near the tree.


my son Daniel. We made a few visits to the home of a nearby traincollectorandrepairman,andthe“infection”spread.He gradually got all my post-war trains and accessories working.IdecidedtobuildapermanentO-gaugelayoutin

theatticspaceoverourtwo-cargarage.

Theplanwasagoodone,butbecauseofhotTexassummers,thelayoutwouldonlybeawinter-monthsactivity.Overtheyears,myfatherwatchedtheprogressduringhisvisitstoTexas.Whenhebecameunabletotravel,Ikepthimuptodateonmyslowprogressthroughe-mails,photos,andvideotapes.

Inthelate90s,IdiscoveredtheLoneStar3-Railers club in Dallas andjoinedimmediately.Ihadfoundanentireclub of kindred spirits! That’swhereImetRogerFarkash.Amodelbuilderandlandscapeartistextraordinaire,hegavemetheencouragementandtutelagetocompletemylayout.Iinstalledawindowairconditionerinthegableendoftheattictospeedupprogress.

ThelayoutcanrunthreetrainssimultaneouslyandislandscapedtodepictthemountainsandmesasofNewMexico.It’stheperfectenvironmentformy56-year-oldSantaFe.

What Goes Around, Comes AroundIn2005,Ireceivedabirthdayphonecallfrommyfather,

then83yearsold.WhenItoldhimIhadrecentlypurchaseda 1980 vintage Lionel Illinois Central F-3 A-B-B-A “City ofNewOrleans”passengertrain,hesaid,“Son,IcannotrememberanygiftIevergaveanyonethatofferedasmanyyearsofjoyasthosetrainsIboughtyouwhenyouwerejustakid.”

Myfatherpassedawayearlierthisyearjustafewweeksafter I officially debuted my completed attic layout. It was decades in the making, but I think it’s a fitting tribute to my dad,AddisonMcLintock,“thebiggestkidintown.”

Photographs provided by Mike McLintock

Editor’s Note: additional photos related to this article are posted at the club’s website in the Photo Gallery > Train Layouts section.

12

Dad as the Biggest Kid in TownWeaffectionatelycalledmydad“abigkid”becausehe

worked with toys all day, every day. One year, the Bergner’s advertisingdepartmentagreed.AtChristmastime,theyplacedafull-pagenewspaperadwithacaricatureofmydadridingatricycle,kneespracticallyunderhischin,withtheheadline,“TheBiggest Kid in Town.” It was official.

Forme,thebestpartabouthis“biggestkid”identitywasmyhavingafatherwhonotonlygavemetrainsforChristmasandbirthdaysbutalsospentseveraleveningsaweekinthebasementhelpingmebuild and run my first train layout.Truthbetold,I’msurehespentmanyhoursdowntherelongafterIwasinbed.IvividlyremembertheO-gaugetrackplanhecreatedformeona4x8-feettable.Thebeautifulred,yellow,andsilverSanta Fe F-3 A-B-A set zoomedaroundthemulti-levellayout.There’sstillnobetterdescriptivewordthan “Wow!” for that iconic experiencefromboyhoodinthe1950s.Whenwemoved,mytraincollectionmovedtothenewbasementaswell.ThereIspenthundredsofhoursbuildingtrainlayoutsthatneverseemedtoquitereachperfection,soIdismantledthemandrearrangedeverything.

The Second ComingIntheearly70s,IwasmarriedandlivinginPeoria.

Unlikemanyadultsinmyparent’sgeneration,mywise-beyond-his-yearsfatherkeptallofmyLioneltrainsboxedand out of harm’s way. One of the first memories of living in our first home was the day my parents appeared at the door withboxescontainingmyentirerailroadcollection.

Thoseboxesspentanother25yearsinhotatticsanddampbasements.ThethoughtofbuildingapermanentlayoutandrunningmytrainssurfacedalmosteveryChristmas.Mywife,MaryLynne,encouragedmetodigoutsomeoldtrack,theLionelZWtransformer,andthetrustySantaFepassengertrainandinstallitasacirclearoundthebaseoftheChristmastree“forthekids.”

The Attic LayoutIn the late 80s when we were living in the Dallas/Ft.

WorthsuburbofGrapevine,Texas,IhadafullexposuretotheO-gaugebugafterattendingafewlocaltrainshowswith


Ifyouorderedthistrainandthethreeadd-oncars,Iassureyouthatyouwon’tbedisappointed.Thesetisscheduled to hit USA shores on December 31, 2007 along with the B unit and two extra cars – providing there are noproductiondelaysorinterruptionsbyinterventionofMurphy’s Law. Heads up – we will ship the set to recipients first; then the three add-on cars will follow two weeks later toavoidconfusion.

That Strange Piece of CardboardEveryone who ordered the Halloween General Add-on

CarsshouldalsohavereceivedalargepieceofcardboardfromLionel.Manyofyouhadnoideawhatitwas.LCCAdidn’tknowthattheshippersdidnotplaceadescriptivenoteontheoutsideoftheshippingboxtoexplainthecontents inside; for this we apologize. However, in several “President’sReports”publishedinTLR,Imentionedthatrecipientswouldreceiveareplacementcardboardboxinsertforuseinholdingthethreecarboxesinplacewithinthesetbox.Alloriginalcardboardboxinsertswerebad–theopenings were cut too small. DON’T THROW AWAY THIS NEW CARBOARD INSERT; it’s a perfect fit for the three carboxeswithinthesetbox.

Replacement Cannon CarMembers–andONLYthosemembers–who

REPORTED their damaged Cannon Cars during the 3-1/2 monthreportingperiodwillreceivereplacementCannonCars. IF YOU REPORTED A DAMAGED CANNON CAR BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPLACEMENT CAR, pleasecontactmebye-mailat:caponi@comcast.net.Iwillcheckmylisttobecertainnothingwaslostintransit.

What To Do with Your Damaged Cannon CarKeep it. Do not return it to Lionel or LCCA. You can’t

purchasereplacementpartsforthedamagedCannonCarbecausetherearen’tany.Leftoverpartsfromtheoriginalmanufacturingrunwerediscarded.PleasedonotcallthefactoryorcontactLCCA.

Previews of Coming AttractionsInthenextissueofTLR,I’llpresentmoreclubproduct

updatesplusapreviewofsomenewandexcitingoffersproduced by Lionel LLC exclusively for the LCCA. Happy Railroading!

Lou Caponi is a Past President of the club and the long-time Chairman of Product Development.

13

LCCA Product Development Shop

by Lou CaponiRM 8735

Welcome to the first LCCA Product Development Shop column.There’llbemoretofollowsothatyoucanbeuptodatewiththelatestnewsregardingthestatusofourhighlysought-afterlineofclub-sponsoredcollectibles.

Latest Sales SpecialsOnpages30-32ofthisissueofTLR, you’ll find

descriptions,photos,andanorderformforfouruniqueitems.WehavepairedtwoOn-siteConventionCarsandtwofun-to-watch-and-runoperatingcarsatattractivepackageprices.Checkouttheseitems,butdon’tprocrastinate–thequantities are extremely limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of one pair of cars per member. Because of limited availability, these four itemswon’tbelistedontheclub’swebsite.UsetheprintedorderformoraphotocopytomailyourordertotheLCCABusiness Office or fax it to 815-223-0791.

2008 Convention Car, Buffalo-Niagara NYCheckouttheadontheinsidefrontcoverforourgreat-

lookingPS-2coveredhopper2008ConventionCarset;onewithONRdécorandtheotherintheSusquehannaroadnamewithitsSusieQcartooncharacterdisplayedonbothsides.Thesecolorfulcarshaveallthenewsecond-generationLionel®detailingrightdowntothepaintedrollerbearingdie-cast sprung trucks. This is the first time the club has offered a PS-2 style car. Don’t wait, order your pair today!

2007 Convention Car, Chicago ILLCCAreceivedanoutstandingresponsetotheCN&W

moderntankcaroffer,our2007ConventionCar.Thiscarwouldlookgreatinanyfreightconsistandbeawonderfulmatch for Lionel’s new heritage fleet UP / C&NW SD-70ACelocomotivecomingtothemarketplacesoon.

AccordingtoLionel,theprojecteddeliverydateofthiscar to the USA will be December 31, 2007. This item has beenslightlydelayedbecauseoftheuniquepaintingprocessrequired for manufacturing this car. Believe me, it will be well worth the wait when you see the finished product.

New Haven #209 Passenger TrainThingsaremovingtowardcompletionofthismodern

re-makeofa1958Lionelpassengertrain.Irecentlyreceiveda sample passenger car, a rolling stock box, and the B unit for final approval prior to manufacturing. Lionel is doing a fine job for us. My first reaction was “Wow!” LCCA has createdsomethingspecialforthesetboxforthistrain.In1958,theoriginalsetbox(likemostsetboxesofthatera)came with the flaps glued shut. The LCCA NH #209 set box will contain Velcro strips on the upper flaps to avoid tearing thatpreciouscardboard.Weintendtodosomethingsimilarwith the locomotive box and the add-on car boxes too!

Answers to Lionel Puzzlement:1. Scissors, 2. Bench, 3. Airbrush, 4. Razor, 5. Acetate, 6. Pencil, 7.

Bashing, 8. Bass, 9. Brush, 10. Knife, 11. Ruler, 12. Card, 13. Drill,

14.Paint,15.Glue,16.Scratchbuilding.


Convention Updateby John Fisher RM 6541and Eric Fogg RM 12768Convention Managers

A New Newsy FeatureBeginning with this issue, these updates will become

anongoingfeatureinThe Lion Roars.We’llprovideinformationyoucanuseinyourplanningthroughongoingreportsfromyourvolunteerConventioncommittee.Themissionofthisteamisclearandunwavering:

To provide LCCA members and their families with the best organized, best run, most fun, best value, family-oriented annual conventions in great hotels, with very attractive rates, in interesting cities – period! Our relentless pursuit of this goal is totally designed so you may experience the best toy train Convention on the planet.

Buffalo in 2008When we tell you, “You’re really going to like Buffalo,”

believe it. By the time you show up at the Convention next July,yourteamwillhavebeenplanningtheeventformorethantwoyears,includingfourtripstowesternNewYorkstateinthespaceof21months.

We arrived on our first trip at the beginning of the worst blizzard in Buffalo’s history in October 2006. The staff kept the Adam’s Mark Hotel open, but it wasn’t easy with no food deliveries and a skeleton crew. Every meal was a buffet. But wesawthemworkunderpressureandtheyaregood,verygood.

Spendingtimeindoors,wegottoknowthehotellayoutvery well. The Trading Hall is easy in and out, and the locationsfortheClubStoreandthetrainlayoutcan’tbebeat.Plustherearelotsofplacestojustsitandvisitwitholdandnewfriends.

Whencabinfeversetin,wedidsomewalking.Ourhotel’srightdowntown,closetoLakeErie,greatrestaurants,andthenewmarinemuseum.Weevenrodethelightrailsystem.You’lllikeboththishistoriccityandthissuperhotel.

WhenwevisitedinMaywecheckedouttheMedinaRailroad.ItwasThomastheTankEngineWeekend,sowesawthemworkunderpressuretoo.They’llbeabletohandleus easily. And we visited Niagara Falls. What a sight!

InMay,wealsovisitedsomeofourlocalmembersandgottheirinput.Arounddinnertimeweofferedtobuy,andtheysuggestedpizzafromtheirfavoriteplace.Eachslicemusthavehadapoundofpepperonionit.Wehadtoholditwithtwohands;there’snowaywecouldhaveeatenmorethan one piece! The citizens of Buffalo – especially our members–areexcitedtohaveyoucometotheConvention.

They’rewarm,friendlypeople,proudoftheircityandeagertoshowitoff.You’lllikethefood–includingthechickenwings–andyou’lllikethepeople.

Excursion Train RideWe returned to Buffalo in

October,2007;nosnowthistime! Our tour company had awell-planned,thoughtfullistthatwillensureyouseeallthebestplacesinwesternNewYork.WedroveouttotheFingerLakesScenicRailroadtoseeforourselves.ThosenicefolksrunhistoricNYCequipmentonasscenicarailroadasyoucouldaskfor.Hint: This tour will sell out quickly.You’lllikethetours.

AlltheinformationyouneedtostartplanningyourBuffalo trip is in this issue. But don’t take too long; things will fill up quickly. When we tell you “You’re really going to like Buffalo” – take our word for it!

Sacramento in 2009 Finally,forthoseofyouwhoreallyliketoplanahead,

we’llbelookingforyoutojoinusJuly19-25,2009inSacramento, California, at the fabulous Radisson Hotel Sacramento.Wait‘tilyouseewhattheGoldenState’scapitolcity has waiting for LCCA members and their families!


There’s a lot to see and do in western New York! Don’t delay in making your selections, as some tours are sure to fill up quickly and tickets are limited.

Tour #1 - Niagara History “On the Rails” Monday, July 21 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.$82 per person

Experiencetheuniqueandexciting“livinghistory”ofNiagaraCountyontheMedinaRailroadMuseumTrainRide.WithhistoricNYCEunitsin“lightningstripe”liveryon point and stainless steel Budd cars in tow, you’ll enjoy thescenicandhistoricridefromMedinatoLockport(andreturn)whileinteractingwithcostumedcharactersfromNiagara’shistory.EncounterfugitiveslavesandconductorsofthefamedUndergroundRailroadandobserveruthlessbounty hunters board the train to find them. Learn about Niagara’sindustrialistsandentrepreneurs,ErieCanalworkers,farmers,andCivilWarheroes–allthroughinteractionandfunduringyourrailexperience.Theseinteractionsenableyoutolearnmoreabouttheimpactofrailon Niagara County!

YourtripincludesampletimeattheMedinaRailroadMuseumwithitshugememorabiliaandtoytraincollection,fire fighting collection, and 204-feet-long operating train layout.Alsoenjoyadeliciousbarbecueluncheonprovidedby Keith’s Famous Barbecue with all the fixin’s.

Tour package includes: luxury motorcoach transportation, visit to Ridge Road Station, full luncheon, admission to the Medina Railroad Museum, scenic round trip rail ride.

Tour #2 - Trains in Erie, PATuesday, July 22 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.$76 per person

Inthe1980s,agroupofGEretireesandmembersoftheGeneralElectricElfunSocietyinitiatedaprojecttoaccumulateandvalidatematerialofhistoricinterestandtointerviewpersonsofresponsibilityandknowledgeintheErieplantoperation.ThepreservationofthishistoryoftheGE Erie operation became the Museum of Erie GE History.

ThedisplaysfeatureearlyErieplanthistory,foundryoperations, direct current motor, an operating HO gauge model railroad, and more. Be sure to visit the Museum Gift Shoponyourwayout.

Next,it’sofftotheMARXToyMuseumfeaturingwonderfulMarxToyssuchthefamousbigwheel,largerunningtraindisplays,tintoys,andErie’sFamousMouseHouse, a 16-room cardboard box mansion built as if mice hadgatheredthingsfrom“downstairs.”

Thehistoryoftrainsthencontinueswithlunchatthe ConcourseofUnionStation–a1927restoredtrainstation.Also visit the Erie Brewing Company and learn how beer is made; of course, there are samples of Erie’s finest! Travel timeisapproximately1hour,45minutes.

Tour #3 - “… on the Erie Canal”Tuesday, July 22 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.$77 per person

MuchremainsthesametodayontheErieCanalasitwas in the 1800s. Hand-dug to connect the Hudson River withtheNiagaraRiver,the363-milegrandoldcanalistrulya great engineering feat! Enjoy an informative narrated two-hourcruiseonthishistoricwaterwayandthroughtheLockportLocksaboardaCoastGuard-inspectedvessel.Yourtripisfollowedbyasit-downlunchbackattheLockportLocksandCanalSideCenter.

Shuffle off to Buffalo for these 2008 LCCA Convention Tours


Afterlunch,boardtheLockportCave&UndergroundBoat Ride ontheErieCanalforanexciting70-minuteguidedtourthroughAmerica’spast.You’llexplorethehistoricErieCanalLocks67-71,constructedin1838.Youwillalsoviewruinsfromanearlierindustrialage,walksafelythroughawatertunnelthatwasblastedoutofsolid rock in the 1850s, view stalactites, flow stone, various geologicalformationsandartifactsleftbehindbythemenwhobuiltthetunnelintheearlydaysoftheErieCanal.Ifyou are lucky, you may even find a fossil or two.

The next part of your journey is a one-of-a-kind! EmbarkonAmerica’slongestundergroundboatridethroughatripofwonders.MarvelatartifactsleftbyminersontheErieCanaloveracenturyagoandviewcaveformationsintheirearlystagesofdevelopment.Visitorsareawestruckastheytakearidethathasbeendescribedas“bothpeacefulandeerie”astheboatglidesthroughthelifelesswaterilluminatedonlybysmall,sporadicallyplacedelectriclights.

Tour #4 - Casino Night Tuesday, July 22 1 – 9 p.m.$32 per personNOTE: This tour is for ADULTS ONLY; must be at least 19 years old. Proper proof of citizenship required when traveling into Canada.

StartbyexperiencingtheFallsviewCasinoResort,anopulentandspaciousgaming floor withover3,000slotmachinesand150tablegames.YourdinnerbuffetattheCasinoisincluded.VisittheGalleriaShops,withavarietyofretailboutiquesandrestaurantslocatedrightintheFallsview.

RightoutsidetheCasinoyou’llexperiencethepoweroftheNiagarawithaneveningself-guidedtourofNiagara

Falls. The adjacent streets are filled with museums, souvenir shops,gamingarcades,restaurants,clubs,andtouristattractionsofallkinds.

Tour package includes: luxury motorcoach transportation, five-hour visit to the Fallsview Casino Resort, full dinner buffet, and $10 casino coin voucher per person!

Tour #5 - The Niagara Falls Experience: USA & CanadaWednesday, July 23 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.$85 per personNOTE: Proper proof of citizenship required when traveling into Canada.

ThewondersoftheworldcomealiveonthisfabuloustourfeaturingboththeU.S.andCanadiansidesofTheFalls.TraveltotheU.S.sideoftheFallstovisitGoatIslandandTerrapinPointforaviewfromthebrinkoftheUpperNiagaraRiverRapidsandAmericanFalls.

Nextyou’reofftotheNiagaraReservationStateParkandProspectPointObservationwhereyouwilldescendintheNiagaraGorgeaboardthehistoricMaidoftheMistforan unforgettable cruise to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. AdelightfulfullluncheonoverlookingtheFallswithaspectacularviewisplanned.

Followinglunch,we’llenterCanadatovisitTableRock,the floral clock at the Niagara Park and the Whirlpools.

Tour package includes: luxury motorcoach transportation, first-class step-on-guided tour of Niagara Falls USA and Canada featuring all highlights, Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, full luncheon overlooking the Falls, applicable taxes and meal gratuities.

Tour #6 - The Finger Lakes Railway ExperienceWednesday, July 23 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.$85 per person

Discover central New York and the history of the railroadtherewiththisfull-dayexcursionthattakesyouontheFingerLakesRailwayfromGenevatoCanandaigua


–withalunchlayoverin Shortsville! Ride invintageNYCgraysmooth-sidepassengercarspulledby“lightningstripe”engines.

YourguideswillsharetheErieCanalHeritage Corridor with youonthetwo-hourridetoyourboardingStationinGeneva.Interpreterswillsharemoreaboutthehistoryanddevelopmentsoftherailroadinthisregion.

Featuredonthistouristhestory–toldbycostumedhistoricpresenters–ofthebaseballleaguethatbecamea regional fixture featuring teams from every rail yard in Central New York! Great rails, great history, and great fun as youenjoycentralNewYork’sFingerLakesregion.

Tour #7 - Niagara Falls Supernatural WondersThursday, July 24 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.$75 per person

AtourofNiagaraFallslikenoother–experiencetheragingrapidsatThreeSistersIslands,partofGoatIslandStatePark,whichalsofeaturesTerrapinPoint,LunaIslandandallofthefavoredvantagepointstoviewandexperiencetheFalls.TourincludesadmissiontoCaveoftheWinds–awalkwayatthebaseoftheAmericanFalls,andtheworld-famous Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, with admission to the ObservationTower.

EnjoyadeliciouspicniclunchatWhirlpoolStatePark,alongwiththeopportunitytoviewtheWhirlpool.

YourtouralsoincludestheNewYorkStatePowerAuthority’sPowerVista–acompletehands-onexperienceforthewholefamily.Learnmoreabouthydroelectricpowergenerationwhileviewingthetwomassivepowergeneration

facilitiesatNiagara.

AspecialadditionfortheLCCAisapresentationontheGreatGorgeRailroad,whichranfromthelate1800sto1935byNewYorkParksinterpretivestaff,completewithvisuals.

Tour #8 - Buffalo Harbor CruiseThursday, July 24 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.$85 per person

Our day begins with a visit to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens where you’ll stroll through the mostintactFrederickLawOlmstead(designerofNewYorkCity’sCentralPark)landscapeandarboretuminthecountry.TheVictoriantri-domeglassconservatoryishometoexotichorticulturetreasuresfromdifferentclimates.

Next, we’ll board the Miss Buffalo Cruise Boat. This tourisuniqueasittravelsonthreedifferentbodiesofwater– the Buffalo River, Lake Erie, and the Niagara River – and throughalock;allonaninternationalboundaryline.Passunder the Peace Bridge and the International Railroad Bridge andthencontinuetoStrawberryIsland.You’llseefabuloussitesandhearaboutthehistoryanduniquefactsofthegreater Buffalo/Niagara region. A delicious luncheon at a waterfrontrestaurantcomplimentsthistour.

Tour package includes: luxury motorcoach transportation, admission to the Botanical Gardens, luncheon at Shanghai Red’s Waterfront Restaurant, Miss Buffalo narrated scenic harbor cruise, meal gratuity and standard taxes.

Tour #9 - Buffalo’s Best Friday, July 25 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.$80 per person

Discover Buffalo – historic, eccentric, entertaining, scenic,andexciting.You’llbesurprisedatthehiddengemsandworld-class,must-seehighlightsthatwillcreatememoriesofalifetime.Ourstep-onguidewillescortyourgrouptointernationallyacclaimedartandarchitectureandthrough Buffalo’s Central Terminal, Forest Lawn Cemetery, andMillionairesRow–alivingmuseumofGildedAgegrandeurfeaturinghomesofastonishingsizeandsplendor.And there’s more!


About LCCA ConventionsI am most impressed with the camaraderie I found at the previous LCCA Conventions in Denver and Chicago. Both events felt more like family reunions than gatherings of strangers with a shared interest in Lionel trains. I consider the many close hobby friendships I have developed and enjoyed even more valuable to me than the trains I’ve collected during the past 25 years.

Michael Halebian RM 15902

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Visit the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum featuringautomobilesmadeinwesternNewYorkincludingPierce-Arrow and Thomas Flyer. The Buffalo and Erie CountyNavalandMilitaryParkisaone-of-its-kindattractioninthenation.AllbranchesoftheArmedforcesare represented in the park’s exhibits. A visit to Buffalo isn’t complete without a lunch stop at the Anchor Bar – home of the original chicken wing – for a “taste” of Buffalo’s best.

Tour #10 - Buffalo’s Religious ArchitectureFriday, July 25 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.$48 per person

Visit Our Lady of Victory Basilica, First Presbyterian Church, Temple Beth Zion, and Trinity Episcopal Churches. “Lord,IlovethebeautyofYourhouseandtheplacewhereYour glory dwells” (Psalm 26 2:8). How better to describe this architectural journey to Buffalo’s houses of worship.

We’ll experience the magnificence of Buffalo’s religious architecturewithavisittothesefourfabuloussites.

Followingyourtour,lunchwillbeatThePearlStreetGrillwhichisquicklybecoming“downtown’smostfunandexcitingrestaurant.”

Tour #11 - Ladies Day Out at Galleria Mall Shopping & LunchSaturday, July 26 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.$30 per person

TheWaldenGalleriaMall,thearea’slargestenclosedshopping mall, is located in the Buffalo suburb of Cheektowaga.WaldenGalleriacomprises1,600,000squarefeetofretailspace,withmorethan150storesontwolevels.

Afteradayofshopping,relaxandenjoyauniquelunchexperienceattheMeltingPotRestaurant,wherefonduetrulybecomesamemorablefour-coursediningexperience.Patronscandipintosomethingdifferent–anddiscoveralltheingredientsforauniquediningexperience.

TransportationforSaturday’sshoppingisviaWhiteSchool Bus, an air-conditioned bus with cushioned seats. No lavatory.

Tour photographs provided by Buffalo Niagara CVB (Chuck LaChiusa & Mark Parsons) and tour sites.


LCCA 2008 Convention ScheduleBuffalo – Niagara, NY July 20-26, 2008

Sunday, July 20 Time NotesRegistration Desk open Noon – 7 p.m.Board of Directors Meeting 2 – 9 p.m. Adam’s Mark Hotel

Monday, July 21 Registration Desk open 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.Tour #1: Niagara History on the Rails 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. BBQ Lunch

Tuesday, July 22Registration Desk open 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.Tour #2: Trains in Erie, PA 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Lunch at Union StationTour #3: On the Erie Canal 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Lunch at Lockport LocksTour #4: Casino Night 1 – 9 p.m. Fallsview Casino Resort, buffet dinner included

Wednesday, July 23Registration Desk open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Tour #5: Niagara Falls Experience 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. USA & Canada, lunchTour #6: Finger Lakes Scenic Railway 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Lunch in ShortsvilleThursday, July 24Registration Desk open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Tour #7: Niagara Falls Supernatural 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Picnic Lunch at ParkTour #8: Buffalo Harbor Cruise 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lunch at WaterfrontGet Acquainted Party 6 – 9:30 p.m. Adam’s Mark Hotel

Friday, July 25Registration Desk open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Trading Hall 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Set-up for Exhibitors onlyTour #9: Buffalo’s Best 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch at Anchor Bar Tour #10: Buffalo Churches Architecture 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch at Pearl Street GrillLCCA Business Meeting 2 – 3 p.m. Adam’s Mark HotelLionel Seminar 3 – 5 p.m. Adam’s Mark HotelTrading Hall open 6 – 9 p.m. For Convention Registrants

Saturday, July 26Registration Desk open 8 a.m. – NoonTrading Hall open 8 – 9 a.m. For Members onlyTrading Hall open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. For Members & PublicTour #11: Mall Shopping & Lunch 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Walden Galleria MallLCCA Reception 6 – 7 p.m. Adam’s Mark HotelLCCA Banquet 7 – 10:30 p.m. Adam’s Mark HotelConvention Ends after the Banquet

Sunday, July 27Trading Hall take-down 9 a.m. – Noon For Exhibitors only

Safe Travel Home! See you in Sacramento – July 2009


Room at the Inn for Trains

by Arthur KristofikRM 1153

As owners/operators of the America’s Best Value Inn inmid-Missouri,mywifeKathyandIdecidedtogivesomethingbacktothecommunitythatusedourfacilitiesthroughouttheyear.Ourhobbyinterestswerethemethodbehindthemagic–mytoytrainsandherceramicChristmasVillage.I’mstrictlyLionel®;theonlythingthatisn’tLionelishervillage.

The Fun Began in 2000We created our first train layout in the hotel for the

Christmasseasonof2000.Althoughitwasalast-minutedecision,itbecameadestiny-determiningone.Itwasa9x16-feetlayout,nothingfabulousorsuperb.Ithadtwoovalsanda figure eight, and we ran three trains at once. We put down somequiltbattingasthesnow.KathycollectedandpaintedDepartment 56-type buildings over the years and they becometheChristmasVillagearoundthetreesurroundedbythetrains.Withinthreeweeks,wehadallofitonthatlayoutwiththreetrainsandacoupleofoperatingaccessories.

The 2003 Version

Sincethen,thelayoutshavegrowninsizeandcomplexityeveryyear;insomeyears,thelayoutgrewalot.In2003,weputupthesecondlayout.Insteadofhavingvisitorswalkaroundthelayoutinthecenterofthemeetingroominthehotel,weplacedtheplatformsaroundtheoutsideof the meeting room as an around-the-wall configuration. Its depthvariedfromfourtosixfeetdependingonthematerialIhadonhandfrompreviouslayouts.Guestswalkedintotheinsideofthelayout.Thatyear’slayouttookamonthtoprepare.

WesetuptheChristmasvillageareawithanovaltrackfortheLionelTrolley,theninstalledananimatedcarouselandaniceskatingpondwithskatersglidingalong.WeplacedtheLionelCircusGeneralTrainSetonthelayoutwithLionelFerrisWheel.Offtotheside,weinstalledafarm

areawithplasticfarmanimalsandsetaJohnDeere dealership nearby. A little farther off, wecreatedabusinessandindustrialareawiththeLionelvillePipeCompanyandsomeLionelsemi-trucksnearby.WeplacedaPlasticvilleTM Gas Station and a Hobo Shackinthevicinity.TwoLionelCoalingStationsandaWaterTowermarkedthesteamlocomotiveservicearea.TheLCCAMunicipalAirportTowerandAirplaneHanger arrived that year, and we had four trainsrunning.

The 2004 AdventureFor2004thelayoutplatformdidn’t

enlarge,butwestartedtheprojectearlierin


theyearanddecidedtopresentthemesinthevariousareas–theChristmasVillage,thecity,theamusementpark.Lionelofferedmoreamusementparkitems,soweinstalledtheBandstand. We added the Kiddie City Store, the Hot Dog Stand, the Pirate Ship Ride, and the Duck Shooting Gallery. I also placed the Lionel Hobby Store and the Aquarium on the layout along with more houses around the figure eight.

Thebiggestchangeinthatyearwasthehingedbridgeacrossthegap;thatmadethelayoutacompleteoval.Whenvisitorswalkedin,thebridgehingedupsothattheycouldwalkunderitandbesurroundedbythewholelayout.Kidslovedit,andtheycouldgetrightuptothetrains.Thebridgeisratherunique.It’smadewithaone-quarterinchplywoodbaseandsuperstructuremadefrommyoldKenner® Bridge andGirdersets.It’sanimpressive-lookingbridgewithagirder-typedesignwiththreelightsontop.Whenweturnedtheroomlightsoff,thebridgelightsilluminatedthetrackasthetrainswentthroughthespan.

The 2005 Expansion

Webuiltuponthebasicboarddesignandaddedthemestoit–theLionel Back Shop andtheniftySteamClean,WashRack,andWheelGrindoperatingaccessory.WeaddedtheTransferTable,a Diesel Fueling area,andaWaterTower for filling thetendersofsteamlocomotives.

Inthecity,weplacedaLionelFireStationanditsfire truck, followed by the Sawmill, Barber Shop, and the techno-lookingNuclearPowerStation.WeaddedtheForddealershipandEssoGasStation.TheamusementparkandChristmasVillageareasremainedas-is.

This year, the Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus Handcar was in motionandaChristmastrainmadeitsroundswithsomeChristmascarsintheconsist.Wecreatedanelevatedareaandsometrainspassedunderneathitandemergedontheotherside.TheSantaPylonwithhissleighandthereindeerflew over the layout. The Lionel Hot Air Balloon Ride also operatedinthesky.


New Items for 2006Weusedthesameitems

lastyearbutsetitupindifferentways.ThecityareanowincludedtheIcingStation,theLionelFactory,theLCCAversionoftheWaterTower,the Oil Drum Loader, and the Diner with a road to it.

Thepiggy-backstagingareaincludedsemi-trucksandcontainerloadsforloadingandunloadingwiththehugeM-1Unit.WealsoplacedapostwarPiggybackUnloaderinthatarea.Ihadtwooperatingcranesthereasareclamationareawiththemagnetpickingupscrapmetalanddroppingitintowaitingcars.

The 2007 LayoutAnewfeatureforthis

yearwillbethemassivebridge–72-incheslongand12incheswide–bythe100-Year

Bridge Company®.ThewallsofthetrainroomarealwaysdecoratedwithChristmastrainpuzzles.Theoveralllayoutis16x24feet,andtheinsideareaforvisitorsisabout5x12feetplustheentrywayof5x5feet.

Theindustrialareaofthelayouthasthepostwaractionaccessories–LogLoaders,Sawmill,MilkPlatform,OperatingFreightStation,CulvertLoaderandUnloader,Oil Drum Loader, Lionel Factory,GrainElevator,FireStation,andother“familiarcharacters”inthetoytrainholidaydrama.Onthehillabovethecityarethebusinessdistrictbuildings—theFive& Dime Store, Cotton Candy Store, the Hard Rock Café and others.

Thesestructuresareservedbyatrolleylinegoingacross


Mason’s Pride and JoyEight-months-oldMasonYarneyisthe

grandsonofproudgrandpaPhilCapion(RM15540).MasonisenjoyinghisLionel®CircusTrain with extra cars and Dumbo Pylon. He alsohastheThomastheTankEngineSetandits expansion set, G-scale Holiday Express Set,andotherenginesandcars.

Masonandgrandpaenjoytheirtraintimetogether. Hopefully, a permanent layout is in the near future. Mason will surelybecomeacard-carryingLCCAjuniormemberlateron.

Ironically,Idon’thaveapassengerstationforthepassengers– a design oversight!

I’ll also run the Virginia #741 steam engine. Behind it, I plantohookupallthehuskystacktrains.We’llhaveatotalofsixtrainsrunningindependentlythisyearonthelayout.Idoittheoldfashionedway–conventionaloperationwiththreeZWsfortrackpowerbutwithoutTMCCTM.Iusea“T”asthepowersourceforalltheoperatingaccessories.

The Gee Whiz FactorMostvisitorsgapeinpureamazement.Themajorityof

peoplehaveneverseenanythingthissizeorcomplexity,andeach year it gets more complex. In the first year we had eight operatingitems,lastyearweusedabout45,andthisyearwe’llhaveabout60.

Ilovetoplaywithmytoys,andit’sfun.Naturally,it’sbeenagreatadvertisementitemforthehotel.Igetcallsfrompeoplewhoinquire,“Isthisthehotelwiththetrainlayout?Iwanttomakeareservationandseethosetrainswhenwetravel to Branson, Missouri for the holiday music shows.” Somepeoplecomeahalf-dozentimesduringtheseasontoseeit,andsomevisitorsreturnyearafteryear.

We’llopenthelayoutthisyearontheweekendafterThanksgiving.Atthiswriting(inOctober),thelayoutisabout65percentcomplete.ItonlytakesafewdaystosetuptheChristmasVillagebecausethere’snotasmuchanimationthere.Kathyhand-paintedthoseceramicbuildingsovera20yearperiod;thereareabout60ofthemnow.

By the time LCCA members read this article, we will havegreetedatleast1,000visitorswithanother1,000ormoretofollow.It’sagreatwayforustosharethespiritoftheseason.

Photographs by Arthur Kristofik

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the bridge and into another area with the Charles Bowdish housesetupasafarmstead,thenthetrolleycontinuestothecity area and several houses. Below the houses is the Rover’s RevengeaccessorywithitsPostmancarefullyevadingthedog. The Maiden Rescue, Route 66 Motel, and UFO Diner aresetupthere.ThesmallcityparkhastheLionelSwingSet,TugOWar,andotherappropriateparkitems.Thatareablendsintotheamusementparkandtherides.

Publicity for the EventIn our first year we had a couple hundred visitors. The

secondyear,wehadabout600people.Forthethirdyear,IputanoteinthenewspaperunderCurrent Events this Weekend.Inthefourthyear,thelayoutwaspresentedonthefrontpageofthelocalnewspaper,andalocalTVnewscrewdid an interview. In the fifth year, we were again featured on thefrontpageofthenewspaper,andaTVstationcameinfor the story. During those two years we had well over 2,000 visitors.Nowweregularlygetphonecallsasking,“Gotthelayoutup?”or“Willyouhaveitagainthisyear?”I’mnowknownaroundtownas“thetrainman.”

The Stars of the ShowWealwaysruntheChristmasTrainSet,theSanta

ClausTrolley,andusetheChristmastrolleyboughtfortheChristmasVillage.Icanruna25-carcoaltrainanda15-carpassengertrainbehindaNorfolk&Western“J”oracoupleoftheirF3diesels.Ihaverunwestern-stylepassengercarswithaGenerallocoonpoint.IliketoshowoffthesilverCongressionalcars,andIuseSantaFeandAmtraklocomotivesorwhateverIhaveonhand.Idon’thavethePolarExpressSet.

MyfavoriterailroadistheWabash,butIdon’townmuch of it. This year I’ll place the #2367 Wabash diesel A-B-A set on the layout with silver passenger cars behind it.

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Lionel News & Views

by Bill SchmeelkHM 6643

New FasTrack Section – To Cut or Not To CutInthepreviousissueofTLR,wepublishedachart

oftracklengthsthatcouldbeassembledusingdifferentcombinationsofFasTrackTMlengths.Althoughtheadditionofthe1-3/8-inchtracksectionmorethandoubledthepossiblelengthsthatcanbeassembled,therearetimeswhentheremightbeabetteranswer.Forinstance,let’ssayyoujust finished assembling your layout and to complete it, you find that you need an 8-¼-inch section. Great – refer to the chart for 8-¼, and you’ll find that such a section can be madebyconnectingsix1-3/8-inchsections.Whilemakinga section of that length is possible, an 8-¼-inch section with six joints is not the most efficient method, nor is it economical.

Inthiscase,thebestansweristocustomcutaspecialsection.Aswediscussedlastissue,cuttingFasTrackisabitmorecomplicatedthancuttingtubulartrack.Youcan’tsimplycutapieceofftheend.Ifyoudidthat,thesectionwouldnotmatewithanyotherFasTracksection,withthepossibleexceptionoftheO-gaugetransitionpiece.Thereisabetterway;simplycutasectionoutofthemiddleofatrack section. Before attempting to explain the procedure, ItrieditmyselfandwhatfollowsisacompletedescriptionwithphotosonwhatIfeelisthebestmethodtomakecustomlengthsofFasTrack.

Let the Cutting BeginForourexample,let’sassumeIneedasectionthatis8-

¼ inches long. If the section you want is less than 10 inches, itwillonlyrequireonestandardsectionofFasTrack.Wewanttoremoveasectionfromthemiddleandreassemblethetrack.Thatleavesuswithasectionthatretainsthetwooriginalendsandcaneasilybeconnectedtoothersectionsof FasTrack. The first decision is exactly where the first cut willbemade.IfyoulookattheundersideofasectionofFasTrack,you’llnoticethebentmetaltabswhichsecuretherailstotheplasticroadbed.Whenthetrackiscut,youwanttoleaveasmanyoftheseremaininginplaceaspossible.Youalsowanttoavoidcuttingthetrackoverthemetalplatewhichconnectsthetwoouterrails.Ifneedbe,thisplatecanberemovedbeforecutting.Subtractingthelengthwewant(8-¼ inches) from the full length of 10 inches, we get a lengthof1-¾inchestobecutawayfromthemiddleofthetrackinordertopreservethetwoendsofthetrack.

Cuttingthetracksquareisveryimportant.Forthatreason, a miter box is a very efficient method. I purchased aninexpensiveplasticoneatahomeimprovementstore.OnefeaturethatIlikedwasthatitsfrontsidehadalipwhichoverhangsthetableandholdsthemiterboxinpositionasyoucutontheforwardstrokeofthesaw.Typically,abacksawisusedwithamiterbox.Thisisnotacceptablefor

cuttingmetal,andIsubstitutedahacksawwitha32-teeth-per-inchblade.

Photo 1showsthesetupasthesawingproceeds.Youmust hold the track firmly while sawing. Once you get throughthemetalrails,thecuttingwillgoquickly.Afterthefirst cut was made, I positioned the two pieces as shown in

photo 2andsetthemsothatthemeasurementfromtheendofthecutpiecetotheendoftheremainingpiecewasmydesired track length – in this case, 8-¼ inches. I then marked thelargersectionatthepointwherethesmallersectionended.Thisiswherethesecondcutmustbemadeonthelargerpiece.Thisiscutinthesamemannerasbefore,usingthemiterbox.

Photo 3showstheresult.Theveryshortmiddlepiececanbediscarded.NextIusedasandingblockwith120gritsandpaper and carefully smoothed the cut edges. Be careful nottosandittoomuch;allyouwanttodoisremovethesawmarksandleaveasmooth,squareedgeforgluing.Ittakesverylittlesandingtoachievethis.Ifyousandtoomuch,youmaylosethesquarenessofeachpieceandtheywillnotmateperfectly.Photo 4showsthetwocutedgesaftersanding.

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Thenextstepistodrillintoeachoftherailsatthecutendofeachpiece.Thisisdonewitha7/64inchdrillasshowninphoto 5.Thedrillingisnecessarybecausethereareplastic supports spaced at about ¼-inch intervals under each

rail.Thesecanbeseenifyoulookatthesmallsectiontotheleftofthetrackbeingdrilledinphoto 5. Drill to a depth of at least one half the length of an O-gauge track pin. Be sure tokeepthedrillagainsttheinsidetopoftherailandsupportthe rail from above with your finger.

NowplaceastandardO-gaugetrackpinintoeachrailofoneofthesectionsasseeninphoto 6.Youcannowpress the two sections together for a test fit. If you’ve been careful,therailtopsandtheroadbedwilllineupproperly.Forthegluetoholdproperly,thejointofthetwosectionsofroadbedshouldtouchwithoutanygaps.Next,separatethetwosectionsandplacethepinsinonesection.SparinglyapplySuperglueTM(cyanoacrylate)totheedgeoftheroadbed

on the section without the pins. Place both sections on a flat surfaceandpushthemtogetherandholdthemtightlyforabout10seconds.Althoughmanyofthesegluesarecalledinstant,theirfullstrengthisnotdevelopedforupto24hours. We’re almost finished, but there is one more important step.

One Last StepToassurethebestconductivity,therailsofeachsection

ofthenewpieceshouldbesolderedtogether.Iusuallypreferstrandedwire,butinthiscase,thejointwillnotbemovingandsolidwireisquitesuitable.Iused18-gaugecopperwire.Photo 7showsthecompletedsoldering.Inthisparticularcase, I soldered to the connecting plate. Depending on the

lengthyouaremaking,thisplatemaynotbethere.Simplysolderfromthemetaltabsofonerailtothetabsofthesame rail on the other section. Do this with all three rails. Noticethatinmyexample,Ihadtobringthecenterrailwireacrosstheplatewhichconnectsthetwoouterrails.Itisveryimportantthatthiscenterrailwiredoesnotmakecontactwiththisplateasthatwouldresultinashortcircuit.IassumedthatIwouldhavenoproblemasthewireinsulationwouldkeepanycontactfromoccurring.Idiscoveredhowever,whenIsolderedthewire,thattheinsulationshrunkandbarewirecameveryclose–tooclose–totheplate.Ithenremovedthecenterwireandplacedapieceofelectricianstapeovertheplate.IfIhadittodooveragain,Imightsimplyremovetheplateoratleastloopthecenter

wiresothatitapproachestheconnectionfromtheoppositeside.Photo 8showsthecompletedsectionalongwithastandard10-inchpieceforcomparison.

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Stocking StuffersHere are a few items you might consider to fill that

spaceatthetop(orbottom)ofthatstockinghungfortheholidays.Eachispricedunder$20;perfectgiftsforthattrain-lovinglovedone.

Paper Collectors RejoiceAbout17yearsago,Greenbergpublished“AGuideto

Lionel Paper and Collectibles.” This book by Robert (Bob) OsterhoffbecameanexcellentreferenceandcomprehensiveguidetoallkindsofLionelpaper–fromcatalogs,toadvertisingsheets,posters,instructionsheets,stationery,billboards,servicestationbulletinsandmore.Inadditiontopaperitems,thebookalsofeaturedchaptersonservicestationtools,non-traincollectiblesanddealerdisplays.Whilenosuchbookcaneverbecalledcomplete,thisvolumeprovidedaveryusefulresourceandcoveredPrewarthroughModernEraLionel.ThebookhaslongbeenoutofprintandKalmbachPublishinghasnoplanstoreprintit.

I’veseenthebookforsaleatpriceswellabove$100,when and if you can find a copy. Thankfully, Bob has decidedtoreleaseadigitaleditionoftheoriginalbook.Thehardboundeditionofthebooksoldfor$39.95in1990whenitwasreleased.Now,forlessthanhalfthatamount,youcan purchase a DVD from the author containing the entire book in PDF file format. This digital edition contains every bitoftheinformationincludedintheoriginalbook;photosand all. The DVD is an exact copy of the book and although thevalueslistedarewelloutofdate,theinformationremains a valuable resource. Bob is interested in making thisinformationavailabletocollectorsandissellingthisdigitalversionforaveryreasonable$12.50plus$2.00shipping and handling. Bob is a long time member of LCCA andarecognizedauthorityonLionelpaper.Youcanorderthe DVD directly from him at: 1622 Garden Valley Drive, Wildwood,MO63038.

New from KalmbachKalmbach’slatestbookforthosewithaninterestin

operatingtheirtrainsisPeterRiddle’s“TrackworkforToyTrains.”Areyouoneofthosewhohavealwayshadplanstobuildalayout,buthaven’tquitegottenaroundtoit?Oneofthedecisionsyou’llhavetomakewhendesigning

yourlayoutisthetypeoftracktouse.Todaythereisawidevarietyofoptionsavailable.InthislatestKalmbachbook,PeterRiddlediscussesthedifferenttypesoftrackyoumight select. Discussions include FasTrack, Gargraves®, Realtrax®,Atlas®,Ross®andthemore-than-100-years-oldtubulartrackthatisstillaviablesolutionformany.

The first chapters are each devoted to the different types oftrack.Atabledisplaysthelengthsofavailablestraightsectionsforeachbrandandanotherliststheradiusavailableineach.Asyoumightexpect,thewiringtechniquesdifferfrombrandtobrandandthesemethodsarediscussedforeachtype.

Techniques for laying flexible track are also discussed. Thereadercanclearlyseetheprosandconsofsectionaltrack versus flexible track. Each type of track offers a differentsetofadvantagesandtheauthordoesagoodjobof exposing the reader to the advantages of each type. He doesnotmakethedecisionforyou,butpresentsenoughinformationforyoutomakeadecisionthatyou’llbehappywith.

Another chapter deals specifically with switches. Severaldifferentoptionsarediscussed.Anotherchapterisdevoted to track other than straights and curves. Here we see severaldifferenttypesofcrossingsandhowtowirethemfordifferentapplications.Operatinganduncouplingsectionsforthedifferenttracktypesareshownanddiscussed.

The final chapter deals with roadbed. Here again we see severaloptionspresented,everythingfromplasticroadbedsectionstovinylandcorkroadbed.Ifrealismisyourpreference,ballastingandcoloringarediscussed.Thebookisprofuselyillustratedwithover250colorphotoswhichdetailtheactions,stepbystep.PeterRiddle’swritingstyleiscomprehensive,buteasytounderstand.The96-pagebookis8-½x11inchesandboundbetweensoftcovers.Itsellsfor$19.95andisavailablefromyourfavoritetrainstoreordirectfromKalmbachbycalling(800)533-6644oronthewebatwww.KalmbachBooks.com.

Updated GuidesKalmbachhasjustreleasedthelatestversionsoftheir

popularpocketpriceguides.There’soneforAmericanFlyerandoneforLionel.TheFlyerbookcoversFlyer’sSgauge


thetrainsandthemusic–perfectinspirationforthatTVnexttoyourlayoutbuildingspace.MyfavoritescenewaswatchingthemajestyoftheNorfolkandWestern“J”,theLionel models and the real thing, to the tune of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. This special two-DVD boxed set is on sale at areducedpriceof$19.95plusshippingandhandlingatTMBooks and Videos at (800) 892-2822 or on the web at www.tmbv.com.

Black Diamond Railroad and MoreFinally, for some real inspiration, comes a DVD video

from Toy Trains on Tracks. The Black Diamond Railway videodoesmorethanshowoffabeautifullayout.Thelayoutwasfeaturedonthecoverofthefall2006O Gauge RailroadingmagazineandisinthehomeofRichBattista. Rich isyourhostonthevideoandhetakesyoufromtheplanninganddevelopmenttotheactualconstructionandoperation.Thelayouthasthreelevelsandisbeautifullyscenicked.

Thevideoshowsyouconstructiontechniquesforthebenchwork,trackwork,wiring,roadsystem,urbanscenery,groundcoverandballasting,retaining walls and bridge structure, and finally for the very realisticrockfacedmountains.Themountaintechniquesareexplainedwhilewewatchtheprocessbeingperformed.

Thevideographyisquitegoodandinadditiontothescenesofthelayout,youalsoseescenesofrealrailroadsthatwereveryaccuratelyduplicatedonthelayout.Richhasdoneaveryprofessionaljob,bothintheconstructionofhislayoutandintheproductionofthevideo.Richhasinvolvedtheentirefamilyinthefour-yearprojectandtheresultisstunning.There’smuchinformationonthevideothatwouldbehelpfultoanyonebuildingapermanentlayout.Thevideois73minuteslongandsellsfor$19.95plusshippingandhandling. You can preview the DVD and place an order at www.toytrainsontracks.com.

That’s it for now. Best wishes to all for a happy and healthyholidayseasonwithlotsoforangeandblueboxesnearby.

Photographs by Bill Schmeelk

E-mail Bill at: [email protected]

27

productionfrom1946topresentdayandincludesproductproducedbyGilbert,Lionel,AmericanModels,andS-Helper. A final section dealswithGilbertpaperfrom1946to1967.The96-pageFlyerguidesellsfor$14.95.Withineachsection,itemsarelistedinnumericalorder.

TheLionelguidecoversproductionfrom1901tocurrent production. Lionel’s HO and Large Scale are not included,butachapterdoesincludeclubcars,groupedby club and special production items. A final chapter lists Lionel’scatalogsfrom1945through2007.The320-pageLionelguidesellsfor$17.95.

Eachguideprovidesahandyreferenceinaconvenientsizeandprovidesasuggestedfairmarketvaluebasedonthecollectiveinputofknowledgeabledealersandcollectors.TheyareavailablefromyourlocaldealerordirectfromKalmbach.

I Love Toy Trains MusicMostofusareprobablyfamiliarwiththe“ILoveToy

Trains”seriesthat TM Books andVideosproducedovertheyears.Inalltherewere14volumes.ThesevideosfeaturedmanyoriginalsongsandmusicbyJamesCoffey.Thistwo-diskseton DVD, “I Love ToyTrains–theMusic”featuresallofthemusicfromthatseries,44songsinall.Alongwiththemusicislotsoftrainactionfrommanylayoutsalongwithshotsoftherealprototypesuponwhichthetrainsaremodeled.Thevideosalsofeaturemanyofthefunscenesfeaturedintheoriginalseries.There’snonarrationhere,just


What’s New from Lionelfor the 2007 Holiday Season

by Erol GurcanRM 26800

IrecentlyhadtheopportunitytospeakwithsomeofLionel’sseniorexecutivesincludingPresidentandCEOJerryCalabrese,ProductManagerMattAshba,ChiefTechnology Officer John Zahornacky,andK-LinebyLionelTMProductManagerNickLadd.Theydescribedwhatthecompanyisdoingthisholidayseason and for 2008. Here’s a summaryoftheconversations.

What’s Happening at Retail Stores

ConsistentwithCEOJerryCalabrese’smarketingplan,thecompanywillselltrainstothegeneralpublicinmainstreamretailstoresagainthisholidayseason.

Likelastyear,thestoreswillincludeMacy’s,Target,FAOSchwartz,andFortunoff.Lastyear,Macy’scarriedLioneltrainsonlyinitsNortheaststores;thisyear,trainswillbesoldonanationwidebasis.Macy’swillcarrythePennsylvaniaFlyerSet(6-30018),PolarExpressSet(6-31960)andG-gauge,batteryoperatedPolarExpressSet(7-11022).SomeMacy’sstoreswillhavestaticdisplaysofLioneltrains.Targetwillofferonesteamset,onedieselset,andtheG-gaugePolarExpressSet.Thesetrainswillbefeaturedonaisleendcaps.

LioneltrainswillonceagainbeofferedintheNeimanMarcus and Hammacher Schlemmer catalogs.

Onenewretailchain,LinensandThings,willalsosellLioneltrainsthisholidayseason.TheywillcarrythePennsylvaniaFlyerSetandhavetheG-gaugePolarExpressSetrunningintheirstores.

Trains in ActionIfyouliveclosetoNewYorkCity,publiclayouts

featuringLioneltrainswillbeinoperationattheNewYorkTransitMuseumwithinNewYork’sGrandCentralTerminal(42ndStreetandLexingtonAvenue),andatSantaLandat

Macy’s at Herald Square (34thStreetandSixthAvenue).FAOSchwartzinNewYorkCitywillhaveanoperatinglayout.SixFortunoffstoresintheNewYork/NewJerseyareawillhaveoperatinglayouts.ThethreeinNewYorkareinWestbury,Melville,andWhitePlains;thethreeinNewJerseyareinParamus,Woodbridge,andWayne.

The Hogwarts Express

ThehighlyanticipatedHarry Potter Hogwarts ExpresstrainpulledintohobbyshopsinearlyNovember.SeethereviewofthisnewproductinthisissueofTLR.Thelevelofexpectationishighforthissetsinceitisonthecoverofthecurrentcatalog.JerryCalabresestatedthatinitialdealerordersforthissetwereverygood.

AccordingtoCalabrese,themarketingplanfortheHogwarts Express will be thesameasitwasforThePolarExpress;i.e.,tooffer

additionalpassengercarsandrelateditemsforafewyearsafteritsinitialintroduction.Otherpossibleaccessoriesincludebuildingsappropriatetothisset.LionelproductmanagerMattAshbastatedtheadditionalaccessorieswillbeavailableinthefallof2008.AG-gauge,battery-operatedHogwarts set will also be available in the fall of 2008.

The Legacy SystemLionel’snewLegacySystemTMremotecontrol

technology was first demonstrated at the 2006 LCCA Convention in Denver. It was recently shown at the train meetinYork,Pennsylvania,onOctober18-20.Asthisarticlegoestopress,thesystemisscheduledforreleaseinlateDecember or early 2008. A Legacy instructional DVD is also intheworks.Alongwithtwocurrentcatalogs,LionelsentLCCAmembersa$30-offcoupongoodtowardthepurchaseofthisadvancedsystem,andmembersareeagertouseit.

Jerry Calabrese, Lionel President and CEO

Matt Ashba, Lionel Product Manager

John Zahornacky, Lionel Chief Technology Officer

The Hogwarts Express train set may be the most-requested toy of young hobbyists for this holiday season.


Cardboard Tunnel Scenic DioramasSeveralready-to-runtrainssetsofferedin2008–the

PennsylvaniaandNewYorkCentralFlyersets,PolarExpress Set, Hogwarts Express Set, and Cascade Range LoggingSet–willcomewithacardboardtunnelscenicdioramathatwillincreasetheirplayvalue.Thedioramaswillbeuniquetothethemeofeachset.TheyarelesselaboratethanLionel’sTrainstageTMsystemwhichiscurrentlyofferedonpages200-201ofthe2007Volume2Catalog.

Items Planned for 2008OtherfamousEuropean-stylesteamengineswillbe

offeredin2008.

Lionel Product Manager Matt Ashba stated the Best FriendofCharlestontrainwasabighitforLionel.Theywillcontinuetoofferaseriesofothersimilarhistoricaltrainsmadeofhighlydetailedbrass.Itwillconstituteanichemarketandmoreinformationwillbeavailableinthenextcatalog.

Six Heritage Series and one Union Pacific diesel locomotive SD70ACe will be in stores this December or early 2008. The Union Pacific version, which is not aheritageseriesitem,willbeavailablewithamatchingdummy locomotive. A CA-4 Union Pacific caboose will be offeredasabring-up-the-rearcompanion.

K-LinebyLionel®ProductManagerNickLaddstatedthatthepopular18-inchheavyweightandaluminumpassengercarswillbeofferedunderavarietyofroadnamesin2008.AblackSouthernTrainmasterwillbemade,andaMilwaukeeRoadsetpulledbyanEP-5willbecataloged.Calabrese noted that four to five new steam engines will be soldundertheK-LinebyLionelbrand.

Latest Techno NewsRegardingtechnologicalmatters,ChiefTechnology

Officer John Zahornacky stated he is working on a process thatwillallowTMCCTMtocontrolvehiclesrunningonSuperstreetsTM. He has also been working on the electronics thatcontrollocomotivelightingfeatures.Someofthelocomotivesthatalreadyhavetheseimprovementswillbeavailable soon. He also wants to bring Legacy to American FlyerSgauge,butthereisnotimetableforthisatthepresenttime.

Othersurprisesareplannedfor2008,butIdonotwanttogivethemallawayortherewouldbenothingtolookforward too!

Photographs by Erol Gurcan


TheMaintenanceofWaycarsontherailroad–realor1:48–neednotbederelicts.This C&O Operating Ballast Tamperisanactioncarthatmimicstherealistictampingactionattheroadbedasitmovesalongtherightofway.Themade-for-LCCAversionofthisLionel®productbearsuniqueaddeddécorcommemoratingtheLCCA2007ConventioninChicago.Thiscarcontainsthelogoof“The Home of the George Washington”andotherdistinctivemarkingsfromthisclubevent.Ifyoucouldn’tattendthisConvention,here’syourchancetoaddthislimited-editioncollectibletoyourinventory!

RediscoverthefunsideofthetoytrainhobbywiththisLCCAlimited-editionUnionPacific Chase Gondola with die-casttrucks.Thecratesarepaintedgoldwith“golddust”flecks added, so the paint schemeisuniquetoLCCA.Thenon-stopwhimsicalactionshowsagoldminethiefscamperingawaywithlootfollowedbyanirateprospectorinhotpursuit.LCCA2003LasVegasOn-siteConventionCarmarkingsarediscretelyapplied.Veryfewofthesecarsare on hand, so act now!

LCCA presents these four cars to club members only, but the quantities are very limited. These items are in stock, so orders placed now will be delivered promptly. These favorably priced offers are presented on a first-come, first-served basis until the supply is gone.

Use the order form on the following page

Four Special Offers for LCCA Members Who Missed these Opportunities the First TimeFUN, FOLLY, FELONY, AND FANTASY


LCCA presents these four cars to club members only, but the quantities are very limited. These items are in stock, so orders placed now will be delivered promptly. These favorably priced offers are presented on a first-come, first-served basis until the supply is gone.

Use the order form on the following page

Four Special Offers for LCCA Members Who Missed these Opportunities the First TimeThisclassicoperatingcar

willdelightyoungstersandtheyoung-at-heart.Therobberhashisownideaof“goingforthegold,”andtheprospectorisn’twaitingforthelocalSherifftoarriveandadministerjustice.Round and round they go! This Union Pacific Chase Gondola hasdie-casttruckswithbuilt-in,cleverlyhidddengearsthatdrivethenon-stopaction.

The imagineers at Disney®createdthebasisofthisfabulousfantasycarastheAladdinAquarium Car. The figures seem to float in air, not water. The cartoonimagesmoveinthelightedwindowsasthecarrollsalongthemainlineboundfortheenchantedcity.Thiscolorfulcarhasdie-casttrucksandthequalityfeaturesofaLionelproduct.

Layout provided by Arkansas Traveler Hobbies in Bald Knob, AR

FUN, FOLLY, FELONY, AND FANTASY

SPECIAL PURCHASE

SPECIAL PURCHASE


Order these “4F” Cars Now! Limit: One of Each.Once submitted, LCCA will consider this a firm, non-refundable order. Note: UPS will not deliver to a P.O. Box. A street address is required.

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LCCA No.: _______________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________________________________________________________________ State: _____ Zip + 4: _____________

Phone: ( ) ____________________________________ e-mail: __________________________________________________________________[ ] Check this box if any part of your address info is new.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

[ ] My check is enclosed made payable to “LCCA” with ‘‘TLR-4F” written on the memo line.

[ ] Charge my credit card account for the full amount shown.

There will be absolutely no refund of a payment if you subsequently decide not to complete this purchase.

[ ] Discover [ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa Acct. No. _________________________________________________________________________________

Code No._______________ Expiration: ____________________ Sig: _________________________________________________________________The last 3 digits at the signature panel on back of your card. By my signature, I authorize LCCA to charge my account for the amount shown according to the terms &

conditions cited herein.

DO THE MATH

Package One

A - C&O Operating Ballast Tamper (2007 On-site Car) @ $74.95 each A - One car $_____________

B - Union Pacific Chase Gondola (2003 On-site Car) @ $64.95 each B - One car $_____________

A & B - Both Cars @ $131.95 A & B - one pair $_____________

Package Two

C - Union Pacific Chase Gondola (Lionel regular production) @ $34.95 each C - One car $_____________

D - Disney Aladdin Aquarium Car @ $39.95 each D - One car $_____________

C & D - Both Cars @ $69.95 C & D - one pair $_____________

S&H&I to continental USA (Included)

Extended S&H&I to AK, HI, and foreign; add $16 per car $_____________

7% Sales Tax (IL residents only) $_____________

Total: (In U.S. funds) $_____________

This form may be photocopied. Mail it with your check enclosed to the best toy train club on the planet.LCCA Business Office • Dept TLR/4F • P.O. Box 479 • LaSalle, IL 61301-0479

For additional information, visit our website: www.lionelcollectors.org

The Lion Roars December, 2007IBC

I. Frank Douglas RM 23080Ipurchasedanewlocomotiveat

ahobbyshopandhadtroublewiththemotor.ThatwashowIdiscoveredJoe’sHobby Shop in Little Rock, which in actuality was “Al’s Hobby Shop” becauseAlOttenwastheownerandrepair technician. He replaced the motor throughwarranty.Somehowwejusthititoff.Wejustlikedeachotherandgottobefriends.

Later,heaskedmetohelphimmaintainthetrainlayoutattheChildren’sMuseumattheoldUnionStationdowntown.Thatwasalmost10yearsago,andwekeptitoperatingforyearsfortheenjoymentofthechildren.

Then I started working with him in the shop. He always hadplentyofpartsonhandandspecialtools.Weworkedtogethersidebyside,andIlearnedquiteabitabouttoytrainmechanisms. He taught me how to put rivets in the trucks. His repair shop wasn’t much bigger than a closet, but he hadaworkbenchandtrainpartsjammedintothatspacewith wall-to-wall parts cabinets. He knew exactly where everythingwas.

Iwasintriguedwiththeelectroniccircuitsbuilt-intothetrains. I worked in the electronics field for almost 50 years. IstartedintheAirForceandworkedonaircraftelectronics,radios,andelectricalsystems.Theworkonthetrainswasachanceformetokeepupwithmyelectronics,soitwasagoodthingforme.

NotmanypeoplegottoseeAl’shometrainlayoutandcollectiblesondisplayinthetrainroom.IwasaroundhimforthreemonthsbeforeIgotachancetoseeit.Ihelpedhimcleanhistrainsonebyoneandalsocleanedtheglassshelves. He “invented” a nifty feature – cutting two grooves intotheglassshelvestoholdtheO-gaugetrainsinpositionby their wheel flanges.

Aldidalotofgratisrepairworkandhelpedhobbyistskeeptheirtrainsrunning.Ifatrainrepairwasforachild,he’doftendotheworkatnochargeexceptforthereplacementparts–hewasSanta’shelper.

II. Johnny Ourso CM 33ImovedtoLittleRock,Arkansas,in1972forajob

opportunity,andnotlongafterIhostedatrainshowattheHoliday Inn on 65th Street. Al Otten came to that show, and I met him there. We hit it off and became good friends. He gotintoLioneltrainsbigtime.Wewenttomanytrainshowstogetherafterthat.

In1973,wewenttotheLCCAConvention.IwaselectedVicePresidentoftheclubandAlwaselectedDirector. The rest is history, as they say. It was a real pleasure to serve the club with Al. He was a strong personality,andheknewhowtogetthingsdone.

Two Recollections of AlWhenheworkedforabankin

Memphis,Tennessee,hetraveledonI-55toameetinginJonesboro,Arkansas.Astatetrooper pulled him over. He walked up to Al’swindowandasked,“Sir,doyouknowhowfastyouweregoing?”Alsaid,“Yes,sir.” He said, “Well I clocked you at 102.” Al looked at him and said, “I’m sorry officer. Yourradargunmustbebroken.Iwasdoing109.” The officer told him, “Mr. Otten, go alittlebitslowernow”andlethimgo.Thetrooperdidn’thavethehearttowritehimaticketforhisbeinghonest.

In1976,Al,ChuckSeddon,andIdraftedtheConstitutionoftheLCCA,whichisthefoundationofgovernancefortheclub.Ithasbeenchangedtomeetchangingtimes,butitsbasicstructureremainsinusetoday.Wespentaboutsixweekendslockedintoamotelhammeringoutthatdocumentuntilwegotitright.Wewereproudoftheresult.

WhentheConstitutionwasadoptedandtheorganizationbegantotakeshapearounditsprinciples,Almoved pretty freely up and down the ballot. He held every club office and served as President four times.

AlandIco-hostedtrainshowsinLittleRock,andweco-hosted the 1987 LCCA Convention in the city. He had someroughedges,buteverybodywhoknewhimandgotclosetohimappreciatedhisdedicationtotheclub.Therewasneveranyquestionabouthisloyaltytothegrandpurposes of the club. He relentlessly pressed it forward.

Whenhebuilthishomelayout,hehiredacarpentertobuildthetable.AlandIdidallthewiringonthelayout.Thewiringwasmydesign.Alwasn’tanelectrician,sohehadmedothatpart.

In 2000, Al was serving his final term as President. IncollaborationwithLionel,hecreatedtheLCCAThirdDecade locomotive for the club – a platinum and misty blue SD40 diesel loco and matching caboose. Nothing like it had ever been produced before – or since. He was very proud of thattrain.Itwasaverydistinctiveengineandcaboose,anditstillcommandsaprettygoodpricetoday.

Ibelievehe’llberememberedfortheworkhedidfortheclubasPresident.Intheearly1970swhenhewasfirst elected to that position, the club was in dire financial straights. He righted the ship. The club wouldn’t be where it istodayifitwasn’tforAl.

IwouldberemissifIdidn’tmentionFran,Al’swifeforalifetime.Sheisjustadoll,andsheadoredhim.Shekepthimonastraightandnarrowpathattimes.She’sawonderfullady,agracioushost,andacreativeartist/designer. Her temperament and his were sometimes opposites.Therewasacuriousattraction,commitment,andloveoverthedecades—quiteremarkable.

Albert F. Otten

dec 2007 - lionel collectors club of america

Documents