The Magic of Lionel, Part 1
Toys come and go but Lionel trains have endured almost 100
years. Why? What is the magic of Lionel? For the answers, Tom
McComas, America's most popular and respected producer of toy
train videos, takes you on an action-packed tour of six Lionel
layouts and captures the spirit of toys passed from one
generation to the next. All Aboard! Our first stop is…
Karl Burkhardt, Gettysburg, PA. - In 1950, Karl's dad
demonstrated Lionel trains at F.A.O. Schwarz, and Karl has been
hooked on Lionel ever since. His 5x10-foot layout illustrates how
you can pack lots of action in a small place.
Terry Johnson, Lancing, MI. - The layout is in progress but
Terry's enthusiasm is complete.
Dick Brown, Princeton, IL. - The layout is not big, but oh what
dick does with that space.
John Stanley, Rockaway, NJ. - John loves cars and trains. His 18
by 28-ft layout features both.
Ed Mularz, Cleaveland, OH. - You don't have to be a rocket
scientist to operate Lionel trains and accessories, but Ed
happens to be one and it helps.
Michael Salnick, West Palm Beach, FL. - Mike loves Lionel, has
the layout to prove it, and is not shy about expounding on what's
right or wrong with out hobby.
50 min.
The Magic of Lionel, Part 2
Lionel trains have endured for almost 100 years. Why? For the
answer, Tom McComas visited a number of Lionel layouts and talked
with the builders. Each told a story filled with nostalgia, tips
and great train action.
The Magical World of Lionel, Anywhere, USA. - Harry Turner, the
Pied Piper of toy trains, has created the worlds' largest mobile
Lionel train display. It's all packed in a big truck and
everywhere Harry goes, crowds gather.
Roadside America, Sharletville, PA. - 8000 square feet of
ains, animations, figures, vehicles, waterfalls, and Lionel
trains - steamers, electrics and diesels. The mix make for a
delightful panorama of America as it was when Norman Rockwell was
painting covers for the Saturday Evening Post.
Choo Choo Barn, Strasburg, PA. - What began in 1961 as a
500-square foot display with six trains and six animations has
evolved into a 1700-square-foot display featuring 13 trains and
130 animations. Fun for everyone.
Underground Railroad, New Castle, PA. - Meet irrepressible Lou
Palumbo, New Castle's King of Toy Trains. Lou has a huge layout
and loves to talk about the magic of Lionel (or anything else for
that matter).
Trainland USA, Colfax, Iowa. - A combination of toy train
layout, geography course, and history lesson. The display depicts
the development of the railroads in the United States and takes
you on a tour from sea to shining sea.
50 min.
The Magic of Lionel, Part 3
The New Lionel Showroom Layout - An impressive 16x40-foot layout
featuring the newest in Lionel trains and accessories. A "wall of
history" highlights Lionel trains from 1900 to the present.
Chuck Roehm, Marion IL. - Chuck has two layouts. One is
24x36-feet. The other is six miles long. One features Lionel
T-rail track and Postwar Lionel trains. The other, two 150-ton
SW-1200 switchers. Chuck has loved trains ever since he can
remember, and his story is one of putting rivets in those dreams.
O Fox, PA. - O operates both Lionel O and Standard
gauges. Trains run almost everywhere - on the table, under the
table, even on the display shelves. He has created a delightful
mix of toy trains, buildings, and fun.
Dave Pietrowski, Chicago, IL. - Dave wanted today'