HE LION® ROAR MAGAZINE OF THE LIONEL COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA T Volume 42, No. 1, October, 2012 S

The Ultimate Quest - Shopping for Toy Trains PRESENTS ITS UNIQUE DESIGN MADE BY LIONEL® A unique Texas Special train set for your collection

FREE Texas Special Diamond Transport Mint Car Ultra-cool Set Box The initial offer of this expandable train set includes the Cow The packaging of this and Calf NW2 diesel pair and a train set is as dramatic as FREE first-time-ever variation of the train itself! the popular Mint Car. It’s loaded No wonder hobbyists with sparkling faux diamonds! consider LCCA “the Car is equipped with twin interior best toy train club on the lights. This car cannot be ordered separately; it’s a bonus when planet!” you order the intial set.

Three Other Matching Products Will Be Available in 2013. LCCA is now developing add-on cars to complete this set as shown below. Purchasers of the initial train set will receive preference when ordering the add-on cars.

Texas Special Flat Car with Helicopter Texas Special Tank Car Texas Special Bay Window Caboose

MAIL THIS ORDER FORM OR PLACE YOUR ORDER ONLINE Once submitted, LCCA will consider this a firm order and not refundable. Limit: one set.

DO THE MATH SEND YOUR PAYMENT [ ] 1 Texas Special Initial Train Set (Cow, Calf, & Mint Car) [ ] My check or money order for the total amount of this order is enclosed and [ ] Plan A: one payment in full @ $499.95 $______made payable to “LCCA” with “TS” written on the memo line. [ ] Plan B: two payments: $200 non-refundable deposit now, $______and the balance due later prior to shipment. [ ] Charge the amount shown to my credit card as shown below. NOTE: This option must be paid with a credit card [ ] Plan A – payment in full Subtotal $______[ ] Plan B – a non-refundable deposit of $200 is due now. The balance will [ ] Illinois residents: add sales tax — (7.5% of subtotal) $______be charged to the same credit card account just prior to shipment. [ ] S&H&I, add-on $25 $______Delivery of the initial train set expected in mid 2013. Total (in U.S. funds): $______Delivery of the three add-on cars expected later in 2013.

Credit Card Account No.: ______Exp.: ______[ ] Discover [ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa Code: ______Signature: ______(3 digits on back of card) By my signature, I authorize LCCA to charge my account for the amount due according to the terms and conditions cited herein. Name: ______LCCA Member Number: ______Shipping Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip + 4: ______Phone: ( ) ______e-mail: ______

Mail this order form (or a photocopy) to the best toy train club on the planet: LCCA Business Office • Dept TS/TLR-10-12 • P.O. Box 529 • Peru, IL 61354-0529 Order online at: www.lionelcollectors.org — go to “LCCA Store.” To submit an order by fax: 815-223-0791. Contents LCCA Services, Notices, and Leadership

Business Office Officers Appointees LCCA Business Office services are limited to provid- Dennis DeVito, President Mike Battaglia ing or processing changes of address, changes of 570 Brookside Avenue Liaison to LCCA Business Office Conv’tn phone number, “make good” copies of The Lion Algonquin, IL 60102-6824 1361 Deerfield Street Recap Roars, applications for membership, replacement 847-658-8776 or 574-870-0391 St. Joseph, MI 49085 Page 18 membership cards, reinstatements, death notices, Con- [email protected] [email protected] vention registration, and orders for club collectibles at Immed. Past President the club’s website at www.lionelcollectors.org, by e-mail at: Al Kolis, Larry A. Black [email protected], by fax at 815-223-0791, or by 4315 Saint Andrews Drive IT and Web Manager mail at: P.O. Box 529, Peru, IL 61354-0529. Howell, MI 48843-7469 209 Denison Way 248-709-4137 Frankfort, KY 40601-0003 TLR Copyright Notice [email protected] 502-695-4355 Our The LCCA is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation. Louis J. Caponi, President-elect [email protected] © Retire- Copyright 2012, Lionel Collectors Club of America. 610 Andrew Road Barrie W. Braden ment All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be Springfield, PA 19064-3816 Editor, eTrack & Interchange Track reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, 484-431-8529 10607 Serenity Sound Layout electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and [email protected] Page 29 Magnolia, TX 77354-3244 recording for any purpose. Kenneth J. Kelley, Treasurer 281-252-8153 [email protected] USPS Notices 10390 S. Sierrita Mtn Road, PMB 71 John R. (Bob) Carter, Jr. The Lion Roars (USPS 11-994) and (ISSN No. 1079- Tucson, AZ 85736-1442 0993) is published 5x/year in February, April, June, Co-manager, LCCA Convention President’s Report 2 520-299-3243 2205 Westridge Drive October and December by the Lionel Collectors Club of [email protected] Toy Trunk Railroad 3 America, P.O. Box 529, Peru, IL 61354-0529. Subscription Plano, TX 75075-8314 rate of $15 per year is paid through membership dues. Harry Hampson, Secretary 972-424-0678 Secretary’s Reports 4 Periodical postage paid at Peru, IL 61354-9801 and ad- 2117 East Kendall Circle [email protected] Trains in the Basement 9 ditional mailing offices. Virginia Beach, VA 23451-1743 Jenny Kraus 757-406-9636 JM Program Coordinator Special Events Are Special 11 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: [email protected] LCCA The Lion Roars 13613 Birchwood Avenue Making Magic with Modules 16 P.O. Box 529 Directors Rosemount, MN 55068 Peru, IL 61354-0529. Sal Gambino, Jr. 651-270-7430 2012 Convention Recap 18 4135 Knorr Street [email protected] LCCA and Lionel Philadelphia, PA 19135-2133 1976 Convention Car 25 Lionel L.L.C. is a registered trademark. Lionel copy- Louis J. Caponi 215-708-1504 Manager, Product Development In Memoriam – Mike Braga 26 righted materials, including Lenny the Lion (a company [email protected] trademark), are used with its permission. The LCCA is Co-manager, LCCA Convention Barrel Loader Upgrade 27 not affiliated with Lionel or Lionel L.L.C. Opinions and Johnny Ourso 610 Andrew Road 2400 N. Conestoga Avenue Springfield, PA 19064-3816 Our Retirement Layout 29 comments made in by-lined columns in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Board Tucson, AZ 85749-8275 484-431-8529 Lionel News & Views 31 of Directors or the views of officers and appointed of- 520-749-3750 [email protected] ficials; nor do they indicate a club endorsement of any [email protected] Barry Findley The Tinplate Cannonball 34 products mentioned. Harry Overtoom Chair, Constitution Committee A Lionel Puzzlement IBC 3409 Fleetwood Drive Chair, Finance Committee People to Contact Lexington, KY 40502-3504 3414 Old Cantrell Road On the Cover Secretary – Inquiries about membership lapses and admin- 859-619-7730 Little Rock, AR 72202-1860 istrative support. [email protected] 501-664-8525 Membership Chair – Joining LCCA and membership [email protected] HE LION® ROAR MAGAZINE OF THE LIONEL COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA T Volume 42, No. 1, October, 2012 S questions. Bill Schmeelk Immediate Past President – Complaint against another 15 Birchwood Lane Al Kolis, Manager, Special Events member. Hillsdale, NJ 07642-1303 Membership Chair 4315 Saint Andrews Drive President – Always available and as a last resort. 201-497-8179 [email protected] Howell, MI 48843-7469 248-709-4137 [email protected] Visit our website for Mike H. Mottler Editor, The Lion Roars timely club news: 22 Water Oak Drive The Ultimate Quest - Shopping for Toy Trains Conway, AR 72034-3430 www.lionelcollectors.org 501-327-8747 The Trading Hall during the [email protected] Convention is a shopping frenzy.

Scouts and Trains

During the recent LCCA Convention in Norfolk, VA, Boy and Girl Scouts attended informational clinics that prepared them to earn the Railroading Merit Badge. More than 150 scouts benefitted from this educational activity. Photographs provided by Shirley Hunter

The Lion Roars 1 Dennis DeVito RM 6758 Report from our President

Looking Back, Points on the Agenda Looking Forward These points define our plans for the his report is the first of my second- upcoming months. year term as club President. Boy, the 1. The primary task I see is to serve the HIGHLIGHT: first year went by fast! As this second existing membership. This is best done T year begins, I’m pleased to report that by continuing to provide quality “Volunteer the club is strong, in good financial shape, publications, quality products, and timely and well poised for the future. I continually support of member questions and issues. participation review and evaluate LCCA actions and activities in the past and also look to the 2. Seek new members for the LCCA is the fuel for future in anticipation of new and exciting through promotional offers and personal adventures for club members. invitations. our “vehicle” – The main takeaway from last year is that it 3. Enhance the LCCA Special Events takes a lot of volunteer members working program by increasing the number like gas in the together as a dedicated team to accomplish of events, diversifying their location what that we did. Volunteer participation is geographically, and encouraging tank (or juice in the fuel for our “vehicle” – like gas in the participation. tank (or juice in the battery) for our journey 4. Create and implement a DMO (Digital the battery) for along the Train Hobby Highway. Membership Option) for LCCA. While most of my first-year goals were 5. Enhance and improve the Junior our journey along achieved, the targeted number of lapsed club Membership Program. members is a concern. We didn’t achieve 6. Support and grow the new LCCA and the Train Hobby that goal but learned that task is difficult to Lionel® FasTrack™ Modular Railroad accomplish in the short run. WITH YOUR initiative. Highway.” CONTINUING SUPPORT, I BELIEVE WE CAN BRING MORE FORMER MEMBERS 7. Continue using the LCCA website and BACK TO LCCA AS “RENEWERS.” The e-blasts for timely communication. If you club waives the reinstatement fee and offers have not provided your e-mail address to to resurrect the club number of lapsed LCCA, please consider doing so – you members. Help us “preach the Gospel can do it online at our website. according to the LCCA” and send this clear 8. Increase and improve the video content this message to all that should hear it: “The of the club’s website; post more videos of LCCA wants you back!” clinics and Special Events.

President’s Scoreboard

Activity Goal for August, 2011 Accomplished Status thru July, 2012 During Year

Special Events 2,000 members touched 2,140 Goal exceeded by 7%

Number of 25 thru July, 2012 34 Goal exceeded Special Events by 36% Reinstate Lapsed 400 190 Shortfall from goal Members

Activity Goal for August, 2012 Accomplished Status thru July, 2013 To Date

Special Events 2,200 members touched 0 Goal increased by 10% Number of 25 thru July, 2013 15 Well on our way Special Events Reinstate Lapsed 400 0 Seek help of Members club members

The Lion Roars 2 9. Support member interest in S-gauge trains with special surprises during the year. The recent revival of interest in this gauge indicates this may become a potential growth area for LCCA members. We are a great organization because we continue to seek advantages for our members. The items cited above and others now being planned will add yet more value to club membership. I want to convey my “Thanks!” to the LCCA members and their families and to all the volunteers that made our recent 42nd annual Convention in Norfolk a success. From the registration gift, LCCA-sponsored Products The LCCA is also offering 20 products the gatherings, the tours, the Get Aquainted The LCCA 150th Anniversary “General” as a HOLIDAY SALE in this issue – great Party, the Banquet, the train show, the demo locomotives will be shipped in mid-to-late stuff at great prices. Our Web-based LCCA layouts – what a great time! October to those that ordered this unique, Store contains items with limited quantities Special Events Are Special historic pair. available – too few to publish in the magazine or in a catalog. Check these out at www. I’m also pleased by the pride emerging from The LCCA tinplate train set is expected to lionelcollectors.org. participation in our Special Events Program. arrive before year’s end. The cars are finished, These activities bring members together to the tenders are built, and the boxes are About Nominations enjoy the hobby and each other’s company. completed – along with the add-on car. The It will soon be time for a call for nominations SE Manager Al Kolis has done a remarkable factory in China is waiting for locomotive for next year’s election. I invite you to job of planning and presenting SEs all over parts, and then this set will be ready for final consider serving the club by running for an the country. These events are more than just a assembly, packing, and shipment. Thanks for office that fits your qualifications and attracts train show. Each has a train theme and a Lionel your patience. We all wait with anticipation your interest. We had a wonderful slate of focus. Participants have an opportunity to see for this highly acclaimed tinplate train set. candidates last year, which indicates to me that members regard the club as a worthy home layouts, enjoy activities not do-able as The “Texas Tommy” train set – a NW2 investment of their time and talent. Or, individuals, and meet and greet hobbyists switcher and matching non-powered “Calf” nominate someone you believe could move as familiar or new friends. Refer to Al’s SE unit with a FREE Mint Car is already 40% the club forward. article in this issue or visit the website for sold in advance of the deadline. An add-on information about upcoming SEs, and then set of three matching cars will be offered in Your club is vibrant, healthy, and growing. attend an event in your area. Better yet, offer the December issue of TLR and on the club’s You built it, and you own it. As a member, to host a Special Event! Contact Al Kolis website at that time. The complete set, plus take full advantage of everything the club has by phone at 248-709-4137 or by e-mail at the Texas Special 2011 Convention Car will to offer. [email protected]. make a great addition to anyone’s collection!

Toy Trunk Railroad by Erik Sansom

The Lion Roars 3 Mark Kempfer RM 23158 Minutes of LCCA Board Meetings

locomotives is expected in the third week of Special Events program incurs expenses to Marriott Waterside Hotel September. Problems in China slowed down the club, but it creates a benefit in member Norfolk, VA the shipping process. The NYC Tinplate Set satisfaction, public relations, and (hopefully) Sunday, July 22, 2012 should be completed in September and will increased membership. Discussion ensued be packaged and shipped from a location in and it was stated that a budget was needed the United States. Every set will be tested for Special Events and the Convention. LCCA Outgoing Board of before shipment, and all shipping costs DeVito mentioned that the monetary goal of Directors Meeting Minutes will be paid by the manufacturer. Because every Convention was not financial gain, but all to Order: President DeVito called American Flyer® sales have been very strong, to break-even. With that in mind, a budget the meeting to order at 9:08 a.m. discussion followed about LCCA offering an would be difficult to prepare. The Treasurer’s AF set in collaboration with Lionel® but in report was accepted as presented. Roll Call: Secretary Kempfer. Officers C a different deco, perhaps Great Northern. Present: President DeVito, Immediate Past Junior Member Program Report Possibilities for future development include President Kolis, President-elect Caponi, a gondola with molded watermelon load. Jenny Kraus was appointed to the role of Secretary Kempfer, and Treasurer Kelley. Preliminary reaction from the S-gauge Coordinator of the JM Program formerly Directors Present: Schmeelk, Gambino Jr., community has been positive for LCCA to performed by Dominic Caponi. Jenny Farkash, and Richter. Guests: Convention build AF cars catering to this clientele. commented on possible ways to recruit new Co-Chairs Carter and Calkins, Harry JMs. She wanted to continue producing and Hampson, Harry Overtoom, Johnny Ourso, General Comments – Convention Car mailing copies of The Lion Cub because Larry Black, Mike Battaglia, and Jenny President DeVito received a letter from a JMs enjoy receiving the mini-mag in the Kraus. member stating that he was displeased with mail. Suggestions to increase membership Reports: the cost of the Convention Car. Caponi called included creating something such as a pin the member and discussed the product and Immediate Past President’s Remarks that JMs could collect and developing a page its price. Gambino remarked that the cost of Kolis reported that one complaint was filed. on the website for JMs. DeVito stated that he our Convention Car is comparable to similar He has spoken with the member and will would like to develop a budget for the JM products offered by other organizations. send a registered letter to resolve the matter. program. Discussion ensued on how to keep DeVito surveyed those present to see whether JMs interested, how to improve retention Secretary’s Report they would prefer a full-featured car (as per and renewal, and whether to continue the Secretary Kempfer presented membership past practice) or a low-featured car instead. JM program. Various options were presented totals. Membership as of the end of July 15, Caponi stated that a full-scale, Standard O such as establishing a family membership 2012, was 7,206 total members, comprised car at a cheaper price would not be possible and offering an online (only) JM option at a of: as it is difficult to make any car for under reduced cost. DeVito asked Jenny to provide 6,968 Regular Members $60. Larry Black stated that in the past the the Board with a plan at the fall meeting of 142 Junior Members club had offered stocking stuffers at lower how club funds would be spent on the JM 52 Foreign Regular Members prices and they sold only marginally well. program. Al Kolis volunteered to work with 21 Charter Members Note: In a survey taken during the Treasurer Kelley to develop a budget for the 14 Courtesy Members Convention, 86% of respondents requested JM program. 8 Honorary Members full-featured cars rather than low-featured 1 Honorary Charter Member. The BOD recessed for lunch at 11:50 a.m. cars. The BOD favored continuing full- and reconvened at 1:13 p.m. President DeVito commented that featured cars. membership is holding steady. The key to Convention Update success is creating a positive environment Treasurer’s Report Jerry Calkins reported the number of persons so that club members won’t want their Treasurer Kelley reviewed the May financials registered for the 2012 Convention, about membership to lapse. He acknowledged the and commented on the numbers. DeVito half of the total was club members and the contribution Wade and Betty Maurer made to added that LCCA is holding $558,000 for remainder was family and friends. the club by calling those whose membership products purchased but not yet shipped. Kelley stated that 2011 was not a good year Note: Total attendance was more than 700 had lapsed. The Secretary’s report was people. accepted as presented. and much of this was due to costs from the former Business Office. Moving the LCCA He gave updates on the tour schedule and President-elect Report account to the current Business Office was reminded all to look at the white board for Lou Caponi reported that there were no calls initially expensive, but this change will any subsequent tour or event time changes. on train meets. He commented that Al Kolis ultimately save the club approximately He stated every tour had reached the did a good job on special events. He talked $100,000/year in expenses. The cause of minimum required and were going very well. about the additional Diamond Mint Car that financial difficulties in the past was identified He mentioned the three seminars to be held will be provided free to all that purchase and corrected. DeVito added that we would on Wednesday evening and the four seminars the “Texas Tommy.” Some members asked not take any long-term risks with members’ to be held on Saturday on the fourth floor of about purchasing the Diamond Mint Car money, and the Treasurer’s role is to arrange the host hotel. One of the raffle prizes this separately, but it is not available for sale the club’s CDs to protect member funds year will be a free trip to the 2013 Convention as an individual item. He mentioned that a on deposit. Professional fees are down in Chattanooga, TN. Dennis thanked the $50 credit would be provided with the Texas because of the Business Office change. The committee for a good job well done. Al Kolis Tommy Train Set, which would be applied to cost of postage for the Interchange Track acknowledged Jerry and the committee for the purchase of the three add-on cars for this has decreased since the IT is now sent to reaching out to local groups. Dennis stated set. The two Civil War era “Generals” pair of members at the Periodical Mail rate. The that a member with a table on Saturday asked The Lion Roars 4 Minutes of LCCA Board Meetings

if the LCCA Store could be closed for a Business Office Update positive feedback at the OGR Forum, and period of time so as not to compete with the Mike Battaglia presented hand-outs to the the rate of new product introduced. The Trading Hall. After a brief discussion, it was Board for their perusal. Mike and others category about how to increase member decided to keep the onsite LCCA Store open. have contacted members who did not renew. focus included continuing the use of Mike summarized those member comments personalized mailings, making better use of LCCA Website Update and provided his own comments with the video features on the website, and increasing Larry Black commented on the website Board. He also released statistics for those traffic on LCCA’s Facebook™ page. He design implemented a year ago and stated they contacted or tried to contact. Dennis discussed tasks/responsibilities for the Board there has been a 150% increase in page acknowledged Wade and Betty Maurer for of Directors such as supporting the Junior views. The count of total visits shows a 30% their help in contacting members who did not Member program, participating in Special growth, 20+ pages are viewed per visit, and renew. Mike stated that the largest number Events, and contacting members. Lastly, he people are staying at the website longer. He of e-mails received by the Business Office mentioned areas of potential improvement felt the improved content at the website has related to questions about the Convention. including increased involvement with Lionel, kept visitors interested. Lou Caponi added All incoming e-mails are reviewed and improved financial controls, and an updated that both he and Al regularly contribute distributed to the person responsible for a policy manual. He further commented that information to the OGR Forum and response Lou Caponi remarked that he also he is moving the archived product to the encourage people to visit the website. Larry receives many e-mails that do not go to the Business Office from the present storage site stated that the “Ask the Expert” section has Business Office, and he forwards them to the in Ohio. He asked that the Board of Directors been successful and more people are reading Business Office for follow-up. address what to do with archived products at the responses. Phase 2 of the re-design the next BOD meeting. has been completed and Phase 3 has been Special Events Update postponed until the spring of 2013. Larry Dennis stated that the Special Events listed Dennis acknowledged the following presented additional website improvements on the website are doing well. No other club members who were leaving the Board at the to the Board including photo gallery is doing anything like this. LCCA SEs are expiration of their terms: Secretary Kempfer, enhancements, more information tabs, and train events, not just a train show or swap Director Farkash, and Director Richter. printing capabilities. So that LCCA can meet. Adjournment process credit card payments and meet PCI President’s Report Director Farkash moved that the meeting compliance standards, changes to the website President DeVito made a PowerPoint be adjourned. The motion was seconded will be required. He also mentioned the presentation that included positive trends by Director Richter, and was carried Facebook account. Al Kolis acknowledged such as LCCA Special Events activities, unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at Ed Richter for his voice on the videos and increased website traffic, and the new LCCA/ 4:35 p.m. thanked Larry for his work on the website. Lionel FasTrack™ Modular Railroad. Respectfully submitted, He talked about member-focused trends Mark Kempfer including increased member retention, LCCA Secretary RM 23158

Harry Hampson RM 28626 LCCA Incoming BOD Meeting

Each one provided a brief statement about manner in which he has conducted meetings their background. and discussions. Marriott Waterside Hotel Norfolk, VA President DeVito briefly discussed his The Convention Committee was asked to Sunday, July 22, 2012 intention to continue his effort to increase look into establishing an improved policy for the number of members he “touches” in the volunteers. coming year at LCCA Special Events. He Expense Forms all to Order: President DeVito called will continue to work on increasing our Treasurer Kelley instructed people how best the meeting to order at 4:36 p.m. membership while establishing programs to e-mail expense forms to him and to scan to retain existing members. He identified a Roll Call: receipts. C by Secretary Hampson few new and exciting plans for his next year Officers Present: President DeVito, as President including new LCCA product President DeVito noted the next board Immediate Past President Kolis, President- offerings. meeting would be held in late October (date elect Caponi, Treasurer Kelley, Directors: TBA) in either Chattanooga, TN, or Chicago, Gambino, Overtoom, Ourso, Schmeelk. Presidential Appointments IL. President DeVito outlined for the officers and Guests: Mike Battaglia, Mark Kempfer, Ed directors his appointments for the coming Adjournment Richter, Roger Farkash, Jerry Calkins, Larry year. There being no further business, it was Black, Jenny­­­­ Kraus. moved and seconded that the meeting be Open Discussion President’s Remarks adjourned. The motion passed unanimously. President DeVito opened the floor for general President DeVito introduced the two newly The meeting concluded at 5:32 p.m. discussion. These topics were highlighted: A elected directors Harry Overtoom (HM special thanks to President DeVito from the Respectfully submitted, 1185) and Johnny Ourso (CM 33) and the officers and directors for the open and honest Harry Hampson new Secretary, Harry Hampson (RM 28626). LCCA Secretary RM 28626 The Lion Roars 5 LCCA and Lionel® Holiday Sale Items that Will Fit any Budget 2012 Great products with great prices at the greatest Holiday Sale gift-giving time of the year – it doesn’t get any better than that! Kids, grandkids, or the“grown-up kid” toy train hobbyists in your family will enjoy receiving items from this holiday collection of LCCA and Lionel products. Santa knows when you reward someone nice on his list, and that qualifies you as a member of Santa’s Train Team!

“Super Chief Dairy” Divco Milk Truck Norfolk Southern RR Police Chevy Tahoe Union Pacific RR Police Dodge Magnum Texas RR Police Crown Victoria $34.95 $34.95 $34.95 $34.95

BNSF RR Police Dodge Charger 2010 Christmas Boxcar Holiday Railroad Snow Plow White Pass & Yukon Ice Breaker Hopper $34.95 $22.00 $99.00 $32.00

LRRC Flat Car with Pipes LRRC Standard O 2-bay Center Flow Hopper B&M Blue Gondola with Containers Cocoa Marsh Vat Car $22.00 $25.00 $23.00 $23.00

Lionel Coffee Mug Passenger Shelter, Lighted w/Figures * Norfolk, VA – Sign-changing Text Hand-held Fan New Haven Add-on Set: Alco $6.00 $24.00 $5.00 Non-powered B Unit w/Two Cars * $129.00

LCCA Koozie Insulated Drink Holder Lionel T-shirt, blue w/logo Lionel T-shirt, white w/logo Lionel Engineer Hat $3.00 $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 LCCA and Lionel® Holiday Sale Items that Will Fit any Budget

Description Select Only Price Notes

Die-cast Vehicles “Super Chief Dairy” Divco Milk Truck ______34.95 Very Limited Quantity Norfolk Southern RR Police Chevy Tahoe ______34.95 Last Item in this Series Union Pacific RR Police Dodge Magnum ______34.95 Texas RR Police Crown Victoria ______34.95 Very Limited Quantity BNSF RR Police Dodge Charger ______34.95

Holiday Theme Items, w/metal trucks – Offered here at below Factory Cost 6-39332 2010 Christmas Boxcar ______22.00 6-28427 Holiday Railroad Snow Plow ______99.00 6-26422 White Pass & Yukon Ice Breaker Hopper ______32.00

Lionel Railroaders Club Cars – Offered here at below Factory Cost 6-26601 LRRC Flat Car with Pipes ______22.00 6-27058 LRRC Standard O 2-bay Center Flow Hopper ______25.00

Odds and Ends at Blowout Prices 6-27800 B&M Blue Gondola with Containers ______23.00 Very Sharp! 6-39484 Cocoa Marsh Vat Car ______23.00 6-52540 Passenger Shelter, Lighted w/Figures * ______24.00 LCCA Legacy Series Norfolk, VA – Sign-changing Text on a Hand-held Fan ______5.00 Cool Technology! Note: Can be used as a neon sign atop a building 6-52447 New Haven Add-on Set: Alco Non-powered ______129.00 B Unit w/Two Cars * LCCA Koozie Insulated Drink Holder ______3.00 Lionel Coffee Mug ______6.00 Lionel T-shirt, blue w/logo - adult sizes S-M-L ______10.00 specify the size(s) Lionel T-shirt, white w/logo - youth sizes S-M-L ______10.00 specify the size(s) Lionel Engineer Hat, adjustable Velcro rear strap ______10.00

* Note: Some have minor outer shipping box damage, but inner individual Lionel boxes are OK.

Sub-total for Products Selected: $ ______DO THE MATH Illinois residents: add sales tax – 7.5% of the sub-total $ ______Shipping & Handling in cont’l US: If sub-total is less than $99.99, add $7.95 here $ ______If sub-total is more than $100.00, add 9% here $ ______Total (in U.S. funds): $ ______SEND YOUR PAYMENT [ ] My check or money order for the total amount of my order is enclosed and made payable to “LCCA” with “HS2012” written on the memo line. [ ] Charge the total amount of my order to my credit card.

Credit Card Account No.: ______Exp: ______[ ] Discover [ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa Code: ______(3 digits on back of card) Signature: ______By my signature, I authorize LCCA to charge my account for the amount due according to the terms and conditions cited herein.

Name: ______LCCA Member No.: ______Shipping Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip + 4: ______Phone: ( ) ______e-mail:______[ ] Check this box if any part of your address is new. Mail this order form (or a photocopy) to the best toy train club on the planet: LCCA Business Office • Dept HS2012/TLR-10-12 • P.O. Box 529 • Peru, IL 61354-0529 Order online at: www.lionelcollectors.org — go to “LCCA Store.” To submit an order by fax: 815-223-0791. Dino Delivery

Train layout provided by Arkansas Traveler Hobbies in Bald Knob, AR. 501-724-5326

Creative play is the “work” of children, and thoughtful parents creative play! Designed by LCCA and made by “Big L,” this and grandparents can provide an imaginative stimulus for production is limited to only 500 pieces. playful adventures. Your LCCA Junior Member could be the rescuer of dinosaurs at the brink of extinction to the safety of LCCA offers its first car made especially for JMs and also for a zoo park, be the enabler of migratory treks of dinosaurs from those who are young at heart. The Dinosaurs Transport Car winter to summer climates for survival, or be the conductor for includes several dinosaur figures. The selection of dinosaurs a family of dinosaurs on a vacation trip. will be mixed for the sake of variety. The gondola has metal (not plastic) trucks and bears a colorful design. Your JM can imagine that dinosaurs need transportation too; perhaps aboard a train traveling from their swampland Heads up: another JM-oriented car will be announced soon homes to the feeding grounds. This Lionel® car brings fun to – an animated car with skateboarders in action intended for older JMs. MAIL THIS ORDER FORM OR PLACE YOUR ORDER ONLINE Once submitted, LCCA will consider this a firm order and not refundable. Limit: three cars per member. DO THE MATH SEND YOUR PAYMENT [ ] ___ Dinosaurs Transport Car(s) @ $44.95 each $______[ ] My check or money order for the total amount of this order is enclosed and Subtotal (in U.S. funds): $______made payable to “LCCA” with “DTG” written on the memo line. [ ] Illinois residents only: add sales tax — 7.5% of sub-total $______[ ] Charge the total amount of this order to my credit card as shown below. [ ] Shipping & Handling in Cont’l U.S. — add $9.95 per car $______[ ] S&H to AK, HI, & Canada, add $3 each to U.S. S&H $______[ ] S&H to other locations, add $6 each to U.S. S&H $______Total (in U.S. funds): $______

Credit Card Account No.: ______Exp.: ______[ ] Discover [ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa Code: ______(3 digits on back of card) Signature: ______By my signature, I authorize LCCA to charge my account for the amount due according to the terms and conditions cited herein. Name: ______LCCA Member No.: ______Shipping Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip + 4: ______Phone: ( ) ______e-mail: ______[ ] Check this box if any part of your address is new. Mail this order form (or a photocopy) to the best toy train club on the planet: LCCA Business Office • Dept DTG/TLR-10-12 • P.O. Box 529 • Peru, IL 61354-0529 Order online at: www.lionelcollectors.org — go to “LCCA Store.” To submit an order by fax: 815-223-0791. The Lion Roars 8 The Lion Roars 3 John Buren RM 19554 Trains in the Basement

Editor’s Note: Many LCCAers can say, The Layout Dino “My first Lionel train was presented to me My older brother Burrell and I set up a bigger when I was a youngster, and I still have it.” layout in the basement, and we played and That’s the story of John’s first train, and his played and played with it. The layout was HIGHLIGHT: hobby interest has continued from that time 33 feet long. During one winter, we built the forward. metal bridge shown in the accompanying Trains since 1938 photo. At that time, I was working on a Delivery “The hobby railroad. The railroad called and told me to y dad bought a #763 NYC Hudson for go to the M&StL depot here in Britt, IA, me in 1938 when I was two years old. kept me, and “babysit” an idling diesel engine so it I didn’t play with it much at that time, wouldn’t freeze up. That was the night we M but as I grew older my two brothers built that bridge. It’s made of steel and held my older – an older brother and later on a younger together with nuts and bolts. brother – and I played with it until the wheels brother, practically fell off. All I have left of it now is Burrell helped build the upward grade and some track, four switches, and a Sunoco tank the downward grade, but after that I did the and my younger car, which is now placed on my layout next whole works. I put up paper maché until I to my maintenance building. Trains have was blue in the face. It was a tedious job, been in this house since 1938. but I would play with the trains as I built brother out and scenicked the layout. It takes a lot of Other trains accompanied it. In the mid- imagination to envision what the finished 1960s, dad purchased a Lionel #736. It was of a lot of layout will look like when it’s done. Running an inexpensive outfit. In the ‘70s, we met a some trains during the construction period fellow in Mason City, IA, and bought what kept me going. mischief.” he had. So we ended up with quite a variety of trains – a Santa Fe, a Wabash, and a few I built the layout based on a paper blueprint others. of what I kind of wanted. All the curves are O72, so I can run true-to-scale locomotives

The Lion Roars 9 The Footprint There are three main lines, and have about 550 feet of mainline tracks. It goes 33 feet north and south, ducks behind the furnace east and west for about 30 feet, and then crosses over to the other side of the basement. I hired a carpenter to put up a wall on one side of the steps, and the tracks come back and curve behind the furnace. I have another 300 feet of yards filled with rolling stock. I installed several operating accessories – the Chain Lift Log Loader, the Conveyer Belt Log Loader, the MI Jack for Intermodal Service, Ice Loading Platform, Hobo Jungle, Coal Loader, Coal Ramp, Barrel Loader, and some trackside accessories. I have a turntable, but it’s not hooked up. I may never get around to it. On Collecting I’ve collected more than 20 of the LCCA annual Convention Cars and other products that have been offered along the way. I have a complete “Halloween” General Set, the complete New Haven #209 set, and the blue and yellow #208 Santa Fe diesel pair.

like the UP Veranda and the C&O streamlined Scenic Effects My living room is full of trains. I can sit there steamer. The only thing I messed up was not I created one tunnel on a curve in one corner in the evening and admire them. I bought taking fully into account the “offset” of the of the train room and the tiers of the layout complete sets of the UP Heritage Fleet trains larger locomotives like the UP Challenger create height in some areas. I installed a radio – the six railroads they bought to create as they rounded a curve. I laid the track too station on top of one of the mini-mountains. the current system. However, as far as the close to the wall at two-and-one-half inches. Otherwise, it’s a relatively flat landscape. modern stuff goes, I think I’m done buying I should have allowed three inches. I modeled it after the railroads where I modern engines and sets. I’ll keep buying the formerly worked, especially the M&StL and This will be my last layout. My son isn’t LCCA-sponsored items for as long as I can its successor, the C&NW. Later UP bought very involved with trains, but my 13-year- afford it. old grandson and 10-year old granddaughter that railroad. I’ve met many new friends through the are both involved, especially when I’m there Railroads have always fascinated me, which hobby and LCCA. We all understand that our with them. They like to use the command is why this hobby fascinates me. The hobby collecting is focused on trains, but “collecting control. kept me, my older brother, and my younger friends” along the way is a wonderful benefit brother out of a lot of mischief. of club membership. Photographs by Robert Ver Hoef The Lion Roars 10 Al Kolis HM 15902 Special Events Are Special

he LCCA Special Events (SE) program a warm and friendly welcome from Tom and continues to gain momentum and Charyl McComas during the June 9 Special generate excitement among club Event at the home of TM Books & Video® T members. We had a great summer in Michigan City, IN. LCCA Directors Ed HIGHLIGHT: and early fall filled with Special Events in Richter and Roger Farkash attended and Indiana, Virginia, New York, Colorado, Ohio, helped with this event. President Dennis “Nothing Massachusetts, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. DeVito greeted members and provided sheets Members gathered together and experienced of uncut LCCA Special Event billboard exemplifies the magic of Lionel® trains in the company inserts and accompanying frames, which is of fellow members. The frequency of Special part of his plan to reach out and touch 2,000 Events is now at a pace that exceeds our members this year. what this great ability to support and adequately report Mike Reagan, Director of Lionel’s Customer them all in The Lion Roars. For the most Service Center in Canfield, OH, entertained club is all about current information about our SE programs, the crowd and answered service-related visit the “Events” tab on our website: www. questions. Members took a behind-the-scenes better than the lionelcollectors.org. tour of the TM Books & Video operation and spirit of Nothing exemplifies what this great club is saw seven impressive operating toy train all about better than the spirit of volunteerism layouts in action. Visitors had a rare view of volunteerism and generosity exhibited by our members. Tom McComas’ personal collection of trains Most recently, members Marty Fitzhenry of including the Tom Snyder C&O Hudson. Dedham, MA, Frank Battaglia near Buffalo, After he passed away, Pamela Burke, his and generosity NY, and Rich and Kathy Dissosway in North lifelong companion, gifted this train model to Carolina invited LCCA members as guests Tom McComas. Snyder was an avid collector exhibited by in their homes to enjoy their operating toy and operator of Lionel trains. Tom McComas train layouts and collections. Great people shared many anecdotal, humorous stories our members. ” make the LCCA the best toy train club on with us. Our members then traveled to the the planet! Members such as William Haas nearby Hesston Steam Museum and enjoyed in Mississippi, Bob Leonowicz in Green riding aboard “live steam” trains. Bay, WI, and others have volunteered to host Members from Florida, Texas, and as far away SEs in various cities all around our beautiful as Nevada came to Indiana and participated country. The Colorado Toy Train Group, in this rare event. Thank you, Tom & Charyl, Robert Ver Hoef, Mike Mottler, Roger and for your generous hospitality and opening Dorcie Farkash, John Rinaldi, and club your facilities to us. We appreciate Lionel and founder Jim Gates (CM 1) have hosted or Mike Reagan for being there and supporting plan to host repeats of now-annual Special this LCCA-sponsored event. Events. Recap of Recent Special Event Past Special Events Activities at Norfolk SEs at the LCCA Convention SE at TM Books & Video During our 42nd annual Convention in July LCCA Members and their families received at Norfolk VA, conventioneers enjoyed wonderful tours and participated in numerous Special Events during Convention week. Ed Boyle of O Gauge Railroading magazine made a brief presentation about S-gauge trains, Lionel CEO Jerry Calabrese conducted Q&A session with our members by phone, and Lionel-licensed artist Angela Trotta Thomas conducted a “Learn to Draw a Lionel Train” art class.

The Lion Roars 11 parts inventory kept in more than 110,000 individual bins, the workrooms, and the massive test layout. LCCA members had an opportunity to meet and ask questions of the staff that make Lionel Customer Service the best in the business.

More than 150 Boy and Girl Scouts earned Skip Novak of the museum staff with a LCCA a model railroading merit badge during our Norfolk and Southern Vulcan switcher as a Convention. memento of the occasion. Thank you to the Children’s Museum of Virginia for providing On Friday afternoon, July 27, Lionel’s access to a wonderful setting and enabling an President and CEO Jerry Calabrese was the enjoyable evening. guest presenter to LCCA members via phone “LCCA Day” in Norfolk conference call for a Q&A session. LCCA Lionel’s Tom Nuzzo demonstrated the members from all over the country had an Norfolk, VA, Mayor Paul D. Fraim attended LEGACY system on the expansive, opportunity to ask Jerry any question they the Convention on Wednesday morning, operating test layout. OGR’s Ed Boyle and wanted to ask. July 25, and performed the role of “Official Allan Miller supported Lionel in this event Ed Boyle’s S-gauge presentation on Saturday, and accommodated LCCA members in July 28, was a concise overview of 1:64 scale attendance. Lionel and the LCCA provided trains. He explained why two-rail S-gauge several door prizes with multiple product hobbyists will become more important to raffle winners throughout the entire day. the LCCA, will play a prominent role in our activities, and will enrich the toy train hobby experience for all. A big “Thank You!” to Ed Boyle for his informative presentation. At the Museum During the evening of July 24, the LCCA held a great Special Event at the Children’s Museum of Virginia. Cameron, age 5, a child involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Starter” of the Lionel operating train layout. was the Honorary Engineer during that This fabulous layout was designed and built evening. by TW Design of Dallas, TX, and was on public display within the Norfolk Ballroom of the host hotel during Convention week. Attendees took full advantage of a 50% The public cheered the Mayor as Engineer discount on parts purchases. People carried for a Day. Cameron served as Honorary boxes and boxes of Lionel products in their Conductor during this opening ceremony. arms and waited patiently to purchase these Lionel donated a train set to Cameron’s great deals at checkout. family for year-round enjoyment. Thank you, A huge thank you to Lionel’s Mike Reagan, Lionel. You have a heart of gold! Tom Nuzzo, and the entire Lionel staff for SE at the Lionel their hospitality and service. LCCA members Service Center were entertained, informed about Lionel On Saturday, August 18, Lionel conducted products and services, and enjoyed operating the second annual Open House event at Lionel trains on the layouts all day long. their Customer Service Center in Canfield, More than 100 LCCA members and their Cameron and his family enjoyed playing with OH. About 1,500 guests visited this facility families stopped by the LCCA booth to the trains of the Lancaster Collection within and took part in fun-to-do programs, raffles, visit and “talk trains” with LCCA President the museum and meeting LCCA members. and discount offers. Participants saw the LCCA President Dennis DeVito presented

The Lion Roars 12 Dennis DeVito, President-elect “Captain Chaos” Lou Caponi, and Immediate Past SEs SCHEDULED President Al Kolis. Our team successfully introduced guests to our club and explained IN OCTOBER the multiple benefits for belonging to the Saturday, October 6 LCCA. More than 25 new members signed Perry, IA up. Members traveled to Perry, IA, and celebrated SE at LCCA – CTTG the history of the LCCA with club founder Joint Train Auction Jim Gates (CM #1). Jim and wife Josephine journey to New York State from Florida for LCCA and the Colorado Toy Train Group, and daughters hosted an Open House at their this event. We learned that Frank’s layout LLC (CTTG) jointly held a train auction on home and a train show and swap meet at the will be featured in a future issue of Classic August 25. This event featured 750+ lots of Community Center across the street. Toy Trains magazine. prewar, postwar, and modern-era Standard Wednesday, October 17 gauge and O-gauge trains and accessories. SE in the Denver Area York, PA Members had a great time socializing and In late September, LCCA returned to the Members will meet at Smokey Bones picked up great deals on auction items. Denver area for “A Day of Fun with Toy Restaurant in York, PA. President Dennis Trains.” LCCA members and their families SE Open House at Frank Devito and members of the LCCA BOD attended an exclusive event for members Battaglia’s Home Layout will gather with fellow members for a casual and Boarding Pass Holders of the Colorado BBQ dinner. Toy Train Group on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 28-30. On Friday, Saturday, October 27 Lionel’s Mike Reagan conducted a “How Dallas, TX to Wire a Layout with Lionel’s Legacy TW Design in Dallas has arranged to show System.” On Saturday, eight operating toy the new BNSF corporate toy train lay- trains were fully operational for the crowd, out in operation during TrainWorx’s Train and the fun was followed by an evening Layout Festival to be held at their facility dinner with music entertainment. The show on Saturday, October 27, from 9 to 5 CST. concluded on Sunday with eight operating This LCCA Special Event will include the toy train layouts. The magic of Lionel trains 8x32-feet O-gauge layout that was recently enthralled everyone. unveiled during the Berkshire-Hathaway SE “Double Header” (the parent company of BNSF) shareholder in Boston Area meeting in Omaha, NE, and featured on the On Saturday, September 29, members cover of an issue of Classic Toy Trains mag- gathered at Lionel’s largest train dealership azine. Warren Buffet, Berkshire-Hathaway in the country, Charles Ro Supply Company CEO, said, “It’s a Masterpiece” when he in Malden, MA, from 10 to 5. Lionel saw this tremendous layout for the first time. representative Tom Nuzzo conducted hands- LCCA members will also have a rare op- on demonstrations of Lionel’s Legacy™ portunity to see the Lionel Grand Central Command Control System. LCCA members toy train layout display. It is operational at received a 10% discount on all purchases NYC’s Grand Central Terminal during the made at the store. Some lucky attendees won holiday season. These two layouts may LCCA limited-edition product door prizes. never again be shown together at one site. That evening, club member Marty Fitzhenry In addition to these two great layouts, the held a SE Open House at his home in nearby Rosenbaum Pecos River High Bridge Layout, Dedham, MA. Marty designed and built one the LCCA/Lionel FasTrack Modular Rail- of the premier home model train layouts road, and the Hellgate Bridge Layout by Train- in the country, and he owns a phenomenal Worx will be on display and fully operational. collection of toy trains dominated by Members who were not able to attend the re- Pennsylvania Railroad trains, structures, and cent LCCA 42nd annual Convention in Nor- Meantime, back east on the same late August an operating catenary system. His layout folk, VA, will now have an opportunity to weekend, our members gathered at the home has been featured in TLR, many other train see this new modular standard in operation. of Frank Battaglia in North Tonawanda, NY, magazines, and as videos produced by TM We believe this new standard will introduce and enjoyed his spectacular layout. Walter Books & Video. the magic of Lionel trains to an entire new Baumann and his wife Marilyn made the generation of train enthusiasts. TW Train- Worx may even have some LCCA/Lionel

The Lion Roars 13 FasTrack Railroad module kits available, Road (off I-10). Friday hours: 2 p.m. to 7 third year for a train show at this museum, so you can place an order for one or more. p.m. Saturday hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendor but the first one sanctioned by the LCCA. Donations will be accepted at the door to ben- tables (8 feet) are available for $35 each; a The museum houses four very large operating efit the Ronald McDonald House in Dallas. fourth table is free with a reservation of three model railroads (two O, an HO, & N scales). The Ronald McDonald Foundation provides tables. Hotels are within walking distance of The $5 admission entitles you to (1) tour the a home away from home for families with the Tucson Expo Center. a child in the hospital as a patient receiving Later on Saturday, the LCCA Special Event medical care for a serious illness. Plan to at- Open House will be held within the museum tend the TrainWorx Train Layout Festival and starting at 4 p.m. and continuing until help Ronald McDonald House. Meet fellow midnight. We’ll have a full-size caboose LCCA members, Roger & Dorcie Farkash, from the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad and and the Traingineers at TrainWorx that cre- a 7.5-inch gauge layout outside the museum. ate these masterpieces. Bring the entire fami- This event will be a fundraiser for Gadsden- ly, we are certain all who attend will be enter- Pacific Division Toy Train Operating tained and impressed. Contact me by phone Museum. Visit their website at: http://www. at 248-709-4137 or send an e-mail note to gpdtoytrainmuseum.com or make contact by [email protected] and reserve your spot. e-mail: [email protected]. SEs Have Come of Age November 3 LCCA members have fully embraced the New York City, NY Special Event philosophy – getting together, The LCCA will host a Special Event in the fostering an interest in Lionel trains, and east Saturday, November 3, 10 to 5. Kenny having fun while doing it. We have exceeded Bianco will be the host for a LCCA Open President DeVito’s goal of reaching out and House event at the family-owned train store, touching 2,000 members this year. Trainland in New York. Our website www. I extend my sincere thanks to the members lionelcollectors.org contains the most current who hosted or participated in these Special information. Events. I personally welcome the new November 4 members that joined our club during one Green Bay, WI of these events. I encourage you to become LCCA member Bob Leonowicz (RM 30670) entire 37 acres of the Mississippi Agriculture involved with our club. The more you invest and the Northeastern Wisconsin O-Gaugers and Forestry Museum and (2) to attend the in the club, the more benefit you receive. I will host their third annual First Freeze Train model railroading event. believe everyone has at least one good train Show and Swap Meet in Green Bay, WI, on For more information and/or to register for story to share with other members, so please Sunday, November 4, from 9 to 4. If you are this SE, call Bill Haas at 601-825-5650. contact TLR Editor Mike Mottler to share in that area, consider attending this event at Admission fee: Adults $5, Seniors $4, your story. Earn “15 Minutes of Fame” as an the Riverside Ballroom at 1560 Main Street. Youngsters 5-18 $3, Children 3-4 $1. author! This will be a good opportunity to meet There is space for only 24 tables, which are fellow LCCA members and start the holiday If you have an idea for a SE and are willing available at no charge with first priority given season off with fun with Lionel trains. Info to host a family-oriented, fun-filled event in to LCCA members. Tables must be reserved for dealers is posted on the Web at: www. your area, please contact me. in advance. In order to accommodate as newogaugers.org

The Lion Roars 15 Bill Schmeelk HM 6643 Update: The Lionel FasTrack Modular Railroad

’m pleased to report that the FasTrack™ We’ll add some suggested layout patterns to Module Committee has made significant our website soon. I progress. Final specifications were Two Ways to Build approved, and the club commissioned Members and hobbyists can build modules as HIGHLIGHT: Roger Farkash of TW TrainWorx™ to build an assemble-it-yourself module or purchase a several modules for display at our recent fully decorated module from TW TrainWorx. “Building a Convention in Norfolk. Lionel® has been our Building your own module can be done in partner in developing this system, and they two ways. module involves commissioned four additional modules from TW TrainWorx. Each was fully decorated 1) Lionel will offer module railroad kits for assembling the in four different themes. All the available both straight and corner modules. These modules were set up and operational during kits will contain the necessary hardware, the Convention, and I was eager to get electrical, and pre-cut wood framing for platform, reactions from our members. the table. Refer to photo 2. You supply the plywood top and the 2x2-inch legs. A video Photo 1 shows the assembled modules set up wiring it, laying showing the elements of the kit can be seen as an impressive display. I was quite pleased on the LCCA website. with the response from conventioneers. We the track, and saw a genuine enthusiasm for the concept. 2) If you have the talent and tools necessary, you can build your own module from scratch The system consists of three different types according to the module specification decorating it.” of modules: the straight module, the full manual. corner module, and the reversible corner module. Each module type was designed so Lionel will also offer a FasTrack Module that anyone could easily transport a module Template which is recommended whether to an event without a need for a van or truck. you build from scratch or from a kit. The reversible corner module lacks some This precise template will ensure proper platform space for scenic decoration but placement of the track and the rotolock allows both inside and outside corners in the latches so that your module will connect system, so we can plan a variety of module properly with others. Once your module is layout patterns. built, you can decorate it with scenery as Getting Started you see fit – an industrial scene, a residential neighborhood, a farmstead, or anything you The LCCA is already planning events at which desire – including operating accessories. the Lionel FasTrack Module Railroad will be installed and operated. Lionel has already Building a module involves assembling the committed to making a module layout part of platform, wiring it, laying the track, and its exhibit at the World’s Greatest Hobby on decorating it. Sharing the work with family Tour shows. Members in the members can be a great way to involve the area of one of these events whole family in a fun-to-do project. will be invited to bring their Although the Module Specification Manual modules to the site and is now available for download, we expect it participate in the fun. to be a living document. We’ll add to it as The specification manual time passes and as our collective experience with drawings is now may indicate. Monitor the Lionel and LCCA available online at both the websites for announcements about events Photo 1 Lionel and the LCCA websites. The modules that will include a module layout activity and are designed for Lionel’s FasTrack. Curves learn how you can participate. We expect the on the two outer loops and all switches Lionel FasTrack Modular Railroad to be an are restricted to O72 and O84 curves, expanding activity of LCCA. Consider being thus ensuring that all Lionel locos can be a part of it! operated on the assembled layout. Because Digital images by Ed Richter of the unique design and George Nelson of this system, a wide variety of layout footprints can be installed at designated future sites. Photo 2 The Lion Roars 16 A Really Big Idea LCCA and Lionel LLC announce the “next new thing” in O-gauge model railroading – a commitment to build the world’s largest Lionel® FasTrack™ Modular Railroad. LCCA members and other hobbyists can build a module from scratch according to details in an instruction manual with narrative text, photos, and scale draw- ings. That document is now available as a PDF document at the LCCA website: www.lionelcollectors.org. Here’s another option for those who may be “modularly challenged.” Members and hobbyists can purchase one of three pre-packaged modular kits offered by Lionel. Kits include pre-cut and pre-drilled wood, all hardware, electricals and two five-inch sections of FasTrack. You supply the plywood top and 2x2-inch legs. The three modules types are: Straight, Full Corner, and Reversible Corner. Lionel will also sell the FasTrack Module Template, a very useful tool! These items are avail- able online at www.lionelstore.com. • The module railroad design plan specifies O72 and O84 FasTrack curves so that full-scale steam behemoths and powerful diesel lash-ups can be accommodated. • Lightweight and easy to transport in the back seat of a car – no trailer or SUV required. • Easy match-up with adjacent modules; all built to the same tech standards. • Simple to build – the geometry is already figured out! • The four different Accessory Bundles shown here are available at the on- line Lionel company store: www.lionelstore.com. They are named as: ‘Tis the Season, Rail Yard, Welcome Home, and All Aboard. Each Accessory Bundle includes the buildings and structures for the module(s) you select. • Module technical standards and run dates will be published at the LCCA website. • A great solo project or a club-sponsored adventure. • Module makers can be included in future local, regional, and national runs at Train Shows.The modular railroad will be shown in action at York, PA, in October. • Participation in this new adventure is encouraged for hobbyists and LCCA members that are eager to be “workin’ on the railroad” in a modular mode. • Build and bring your Lionel FasTrack module to TrainFest in Milwaukee and/ or a WGHOT show in your area.

LCCA Inspired the Lionel FasTrack Modular Railroad Concept www.lionelcollectors.org The Lion Roars 17 “The Best Convention We’ve Ever Attended”

“Captain Bubba” SUNDAY Bob Carter The week began with a first-time-ever President’s RM 6620 Welcome Party on Sunday evening. This event was a dessert-only function for members that arrived early for the Monday morning train rides. Fresh-baked cookies and brownies filled several platters, and everyone had a chance to mingle and get reacquainted with old friends That comment was before they entered the onsite LCCA Store for a Sunday heard all during Friday evening shopping spree. and Saturday as the LCCA Convention week came to a close, and certainly this convention provided something for everyone. Let’s take a quick look and review an outstanding week of food, fun, and fantastic activities.

The Lion Roars 18 “The Best Convention We’ve Ever Attended”

MONDAY TUESDAY TOUR #1 departed Norfolk as a TOUR #3 Norfolk Southern Executive Train included a bound for Petersburg, VA. The other stop at the train trip that day was a regularly Mariner’s scheduled Amtrak train headed for Museum Richmond, VA. Both trains offered in Newport scenic views News, one of the largest and of southern most comprehensive maritime Virginia. history museums in the world. The The NS trip museum recently added a was a round $30 million exhibit trip aboard featuring the USS vintage Monitor. This first equipment iron-clad ship, made that was famous during the polished Civil War in a battle and buffed against another iron- for LCCA clad, the CSS Virginia, passengers. is here for all to see and study. The one-way We all enjoyed a delicious lunch Amtrak ride at The Boxwood Inn and went to de-boarded its LCCA passengers our next stop, the U.S. Army’s at the old Main Street Station in Transportation Corps Museum at downtown Richmond, and then Ft. Eustis, VA. members boarded a bus and toured This museum the famous triple crossing, the Old includes Dominion Railroad Depot, and the exhibits Broad Street Station, which is now a depicting the science museum. modes of Army After returning to the host hotel, transportation members boarded the Spirit from colonial of Norfolk cruise ship for an days to the present. Some evening cruise in the harbor as highlights were the DUKW (Duck) TOUR #2. All enjoyed landing craft from WWII and the outstanding newly opened outdoor static cuisine and also displays featuring railroad marveled at equipment including the sheer size of the ships “parked” at

several locomotives and rolling stock. Participants in TOUR #4 arrived at the Virginia Beach Airport and saw the Military Aviation Museum, which is home to one the nearby of the largest and most extensive naval base private collections of WWII and at Norfolk, Korean War era fighters, bombers, which is trainers, and seaplanes. The aircraft the world’s have been restored to their original largest. condition and are still used for flight demos, static display and The Lion Roars 19 movie productions. We then toured WEDNESDAY the Oceana Naval Air Station. This This Convention oozed American facility is the East Coast’s only colonial history, and TOUR #6 on Wednesday included visits to Colonial Williamsburg and the

Master Jet Base and home for the Williamsburg Winery. We stepped Navy’s fighter/attack squadron – the off the bus and stepped into the screaming F-14 Tomcats and the 18th century. A historical interpreter F/A-18 Hornets. Following lunch helped us understand the events of on base and some free the past and how they shaped the time at Virginia Beach’s history of our country. Reenactors in beautiful Boardwalk, costume brought the past alive. we visited the old Cape Henry Lighthouse. It is TOUR #7 offered a ride through the still standing guard to historic district of Norfolk. We saw the entry of Chesapeake the magnificent homes along the Bay just as it has since Hague, old St. Paul’s Church, the 1792. MacArthur Memorial, the historic Freemason District, Nauticus: The That evening, we National Maritime Center, and visited the Children’s Museum of Virginia in Portsmouth, as TOUR #5. Junie Lancaster gifted his marvelous collection of more than 10,000 trains and toys to this museum, and many of those trains were on display. the Battleship Wisconsin. We also The layout designed stopped at the Chrysler Museum by Skip Novak, of Art and the Norfolk Botanical Museum Director of Garden. We enjoyed lunch at the Trains, depicted areas Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, of Virginia from the Appalachian which overlooked the Mountains to the Atlantic coastline. beautiful Lafayette River. The highlight though on this all-day tour, was a stop at Doumar’s Drive- In, the home of the world’s first ice cream waffle-cone-making machine. Mr. Abe Doumar created the first ice cream Many tried out some of the learning cone at the St. activities available. I heard one Louis World’s say that he’d wish this kind of Fair in 1904, and educational resource was available when he was younger because it “would have made physics easier.”

The Lion Roars 20 the family still makes these cones THURSDAY on the same machine today. Those that signed up for TOUR #8 While two toured Virginia’s Historic Triangle, tours were in the historic Virginia progress on Peninsula and the Hampton Wednesday Roads area, and then returned to morning, Williamsburg and strolled through the Mayor the streets of that historic Colonial of Norfolk, city. We continued on to Jamestown, Paul Fraim, established in 1607 as the first came by the permanent settlement in the New hotel and World. After lunch at the Jamestown offered an official welcome to Café, we enjoyed a guided tour of Conventioneers. LCCA presented the recreated village of Jamestown a Lionel® logo engineer’s hat, as it was in the 17th century with and he officially started the trains the confluence of the Powhatan in motion on the Lionel layout Indian, English, and west-central along with Cameron, a Make-A- African cultures. Later, we visited Wish child who was the honorary the Yorktown Victory Center and conductor that day. Both the Mayor saw exhibits relating to the Battle of and Cameron had a great time Yorktown, the last major decisive running the trains on the Lionel battle of the American Revolution. layout, blowing the horns, and TOUR #9 on Thursday was a visit ringing the bells. to the James River Plantations. After a 1.5 hour motorcoach ride, we arrived at Charles City County and toured the Berkeley Plantation, which is considered Virginia’s most historic plantation. It’s known as the site of the first official Thanksgiving in 1619. Costumed guides hosted a tour of the property and showed us The annual First Timers Reception the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison, was held that evening, and about 80 a signer of the Declaration of attendees met President DeVito and other officers and directors. That evening was the first visit to the incredible S-gauge displays at the home of Paul Sharp. His home is filled with games, neon signs, juke boxes, soda shop booths with juke box wall boxes,

Coke® machines, and three rooms of American Flyer® and S-gauge trains in action and on display. It was a 10-year-old boy’s dream come to life. Independence, as well as President In addition to the several trip William Henry Harrison. A delicious rotations to Paul’s home, LCCA southern-style lunch was served presented several informational at the nearby Charles City Tavern. clinics that evening by Mike We also visited Virginia’s oldest Reagan, Tom Nuzzo, Bill plantation, the Shirley Plantation, Schmeelk, and John Wood. founded in 1613, where descendents of the Carter family welcomed us to

The Lion Roars 21 the oldest family owned business in FRIDAY America. Second in popularity only to On Thursday evening, we gathered Monday’s train excursions, TOUR for the Get Acquainted Party #10 included a visit (GAP). Norfolk’s icon, Doumar’s to Naval Station Drive-In, brought their waffle- Norfolk, home of cone-making machine to the hotel and provided freshly-made waffle cones to all comers. Randy Doumar

the world’s largest Naval Base. It is cooked and scooped for a couple of home port to 78 ships from subs to hours, and even sent out for more carriers, and it is the headquarters ice cream as the supply ran low. of the Atlantic Fleet. More than 100,000 military personnel call this base home. We had hoped to visit an active duty ship, but learned that after 9/11 visits were not possible. Still, it is an impressive base and quite a sight to see. We had plenty to eat at the buffet lunch at the Breezy Point Officer’s Club on base. We also visited the newest National Park, Ft. Monroe and the Casemate Museum. Ft. Monroe is the largest Dom Caponi stepped into the stone and masonry fort in the U.S. It spotlight to kick off the musical served as an active Army base from entertainment. Dom is well-known 1819 until 2011, which made it the for his role with the club’s Junior longest-serving military installation Member program, but he is also in our history. At Ft. Monroe the a musician. He grabbed his guitar Casemate Museum housed some and, accompanied by the house of the cannons responsible for band, belted out a couple of tunes. defending the Hampton Roads area from the Civil War up to and including WWII. Also on view is General Robert E. Lee’s living quarters and the prison cell that once held Jefferson Davis. TOUR #11 was a visit to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum. This The evening’s featured tour provided entertainment, The Tributes, took hands-on the stage and presented songs made exhibits and famous by Patsy Cline, Bobby a behind-the- Darin, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, scenes look at Buddy Holly, and the king himself Animal Adventures. We met some – Elvis. They performed the music of the Animal Ambassadors and we grew up with, and Rock and discovered how we can all make a Roll was alive and well in Norfolk difference in conserving wildlife and that night. their habitats.

The Lion Roars 22 Tour-goers returned to the host hotel in time for the LCCA annual business meeting, a phone THE BANQUET

Q&A with Lionel President Jerry Calabrese, sales rep extraordinaire J Don Reese, and our own Ed Richter, followed by the Lionel The final event of the week Seminar. After this three- hour began that evening at six information session and a brief o’clock. Banqueters saw dinner, it was Trading Hall time. As tables piled soon as the doors opened at 6 p.m., with orange the hall was crowded. and blue boxes and SATURDAY knew that On Saturday morning the final Santa had TOUR #12 departed by motorcoach arrived. and headed to the Hermitage After a Foundation Museum. The women delicious on board enjoyed a delicious meal of filet lunch at the Freemason Abby or grouper, Restaurant and browsed the unique Christopher shops in the Ghent neighborhood. Thomas, Executive Chef of the Marriott Waterside Hotel, was introduced to the crowd not only as chef but also as a newest member of our club! All wanted to see what was in the boxes on the tables. At each place setting there was a gold- color billboard frame. On the back of each was a blue dot with a number. Convention Co-chair Bob Carter asked young people in the Meanwhile, the men shopped in audience to the Trading Hall or made a last call pull a card to Paul Sharp’s home to see his from his hand “mancave.” Several informational and read the number. The member clinics were scheduled then also. holding the billboard matching the pulled number then selected their gift first from the stack on the table. At the end of the round, there were no more prizes left on the table, but one person was left without a prize. Those persons were the lucky winners of the 2012 Banquet Car, which was a NS Vulcan locomotive like the Registration Gift, but this unique version was lettered in GOLD (not white like all the rest). Because of its rarity, this limited-edition switcher was an instant collectible. The Lion Roars 23 I understand that offers were being made that night to winners – upwards of $150 per switcher. The big winner of the night was Don Pagel (RM 18320) who won the raffle prize – a free 2013 Convention in Chattanooga, TN. His registration, GAP, Banquet, all selected tours and hotel accommodations are coveredfor two participants. Hey Don, congratulations! A Giant Serving of “Thanks” There is no way I can wrap up this article without thanking Lionel for bringing their outstanding layout to the event. They provided this wonderful layout for display during the past seven years to inspire us and the public into either getting started or re-started on our own train layouts. Also, thanks to the Pittsburgh Independent Hi-Railers and the Tidewater O-Gauge Association (TOGA) for bringing their large, spectacular layouts. They amazed thousands of visitors during the week. And how can we finish without saying a word of thanks to Anne and Brooke of Phillips Destination Management Services? They were our partner in coordinating the venues for the tours, buses, and lunches. A special thanks goes to the Ronald McDonald House of Norfolk that provided Ronald for a personal appearance and photo op at the hotel. Our members and the public generously gave more than $400 to the RMDH Charity. Lionel and LCCA provided a Thomas train set to the Norfolk Ronald McDonald House for use by siblings staying at the house while a young family member is in the hospital as a patient. As we left the coastal city of Norfolk, we began making mental plans for a Convention week in Chattanooga, TN, home of the famous Moon-Pie and the Incline Railway. We are looking forward to seeing you next year, one week earlier than usual – July 15-20, 2013 – at the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. Have a great year, and be safe. See you on Track 29! Thank You, LCCA Convention Volunteers Photographs in the Convention Recap Just a brief note to say a big “Thank You” for all you did at the provided by Ed Richter, George Nelson, LCCA 2012 Convention last month. Your willingness to jump Rich Levow, and Shirley Hunter in and assist was a big help in making this Convention a big success. I hope you had a great time and did not feel overworked because that was not our intent. We’re looking forward to your volunteering again in Chattanooga, TN, next July. We will contact you in early 2013 for your availability for the next Convention. Sal Gambino, Jr. RM 12681 – LCCA Volunteer Coordinator

The Lion Roars 24

Jerry Dangelo CM 67 A “Different” Convention

he 1976 LCCA Atlanta Convention This pre-Convention estimate was done Car was a rather controversial item (to without an indication of how many we would T say the least) at that time for several sell. In effect, the LCCA was “gambling” with HIGHLIGHT: reasons. It was a “first” for many things this concept. The club could have a surplus and became a concept for other programs to or a famine. If a surplus, the LCCA always “Therefore, follow regarding our Convention cars. I’ll needed a few extra cars for the archives, include more info about this flat car later in replacements for damaged units, etc. we have two this article. It came up in the board meeting in Atlanta The white van trailers were a story in that we would be short for our requirements. themselves. These were made by another Then-president Chuck Seddon gave the order versions of this ® vendor according to specs stated by Lionel . to the board that the chances were good that This vendor was the CM Corporation, and some members would be selling the cars car. I’m sure Internet connections led me to Minneapolis, right after picking them up at the distribution MN, as its headquarters/home office. It is my room in the host hotel. Board members had that flat cars understanding that production of the trailers permission to purchase the cars for no more took place in Tennessee as CM Corporation than $25 each, and the club would reimburse with stamping was a large plastic molding company with them. I remember finding two of them on plants scattered over the U.S. The acronym trading hall tables at Atlanta for the LCCA. on both sides on both sides of the trailers (GHE in orange Then another problem surfaced. For whatever and black lettering) represented Georgia reason, the flatcars were printed on one side are rare, since Highway Express. only, an obvious error at the factory. The The bottom of each of the two trailers per board decided at the time to accept them and flatcar had molded lettering as follows: work out the difference with Lionel down not all mem- “L.C.C.A. 1976” and “For use with Lionel the line. Lionel stated at the time that they no. 460 Piggyback” as well as “Trailer by could not re-stamp the cars on the other side bers sent the CM Corp”. It is my understanding that Lionel because the trucks were riveted to the body never used this trailer again, and I’m not sure – not attached with plastic pins. It would item back for if that would work with the “460” accessory. be difficult to remove the metal rivets to These trailers had a tendency to warp at accommodate the stamping machine, which re-stamping.” the split line of the frame and body. Many required the trucks be off the frame. members resorted to either gluing them back As it turned out, later in the year Lionel together or (in my case) using a tie or rubber adapted the fixture to accept this flat car with band to hold them together. the trucks on. It could now re-stamp the other In the early side of the flat car. I cannot remember all the years from details, but members could send the car(s) 1972 to back to Lionel for re-stamping. I do not recall 1983, the the cost at that time or if it was done gratis LCCA pre- by Lionel. ordered the Therefore, we have two versions of this car. Convention I’m sure that flat cars with stamping on both cars and sides are rare, since not all members sent the s h i p p e d item back for re-stamping. them to It has been reported that 3,580 of these 1976 arrive at the convention cars were produced. I’m not sure Convention of this number for a couple of reasons. site in time for members In 1976, LCCA had about 2,400 members to pick them including family members as a separate up at the classification. Granted that all members door. The could purchase two cars, I do not think r e m a i n i n g everyone bought these cars for all members cars were of the family. The fact remains, we had m a i l e d prewar collectors in our club as well as those during the who had no interest (and still do not) in our f o l l o w i n g Convention cars. week. The Lion Roars 25 The fact that we ran short at the Convention Lionel, the club produced only the number boxcar from the Convention in Wheeling, and the board had to search and purchase of Convention cars ordered beforehand. WV. About 6,000 units were produced. Production of Convention cars dropped to cars off the tables at Atlanta for our archives Going back to the Atlanta car, this was the about 2,500 units and stayed in this zone and as replacements for damage tells another first car produced with the month/day/year on with an exception or two. This was a drop whole story. it. Previously, Convention cars had only the of about 1,000 cars even with an increase in It was certainly not an eye-catching car. It year on it. The Atlanta car came in a plain, membership. That was a significant number was lightweight and had plastic trucks. It was unmarked white box with an open window of cars! top heavy, and the oversized trailers made but without plastic or cellophane across the it difficult to keep them on the car when in The only huge increase came in 1993 when opening. 5,100 cars were ordered for the Dearborn, motion on the track, as those who liked to run In closing, I wrote this and previous articles MI, Convention. I cannot give any reason them soon discovered. with facts and documents in my possession as for that year’s increase – a dramatic jump of As a result of ordering Convention cars well as my direct participation as an officer/ 2,100 to 2,600 cars, up from 2,500/3,000 cars ahead of actual orders from members and director. Any corrections are most welcome. in previous years. “guessing” at the right number, the LCCA We all gain from access to knowledge about started a new policy in 1983. Working with The largest production run of Convention cars our club. during the 1972/1996 era was the 1979 Airco Photographs by Jerry Dangelo

In Memoriam – Mike Braga A Sad Day Illuminated by By Mike Mottler RM 12394 Wonderful Memories Mike Braga often led the traditional Friday By Laura A. Dannecker afternoon Lionel Seminars during LCCA It’s a sad day for the world of Lionel® and Conventions and presided over the Q&A its collectors and operators when a long-time sessions that followed. His encyclopedic employee of the company and a well-known knowledge of the past, present, and upcoming figure at LCCA events stepped aboard an Lionel catalogs informed his responses to express train bound for Grand Celestial questions from curious LCCAers that wanted Terminal at the end of the line. Mike Braga to know – everything. I once approached the passed away on September 24. Mike will microphone and asked if Lionel would soon always have a place in the hearts of those offer items in my favorite roadname, Rock he touched during his years of service to the Island. Without giving away any company company and the hobby. He will forever live secrets, he said, “You’ll like what you see in on in the hearts of all who knew him or met the upcoming catalog.” He was right. That him. catalog included not one, not two, but three RI pieces. I bought them all! By Lou Caponi HM 8735 By Al Kolis HM 15902 LCCA members, an all-around great guy and a friend of many of us in the hobby passed I had the privilege and honor of knowing away recently. Mike Braga – many of us Lionel’s Mike Braga since 1992. I was a referred to him simply as Mike – succumbed frequent visitor to the Lionel factory and Visitor Center located in Chesterfield, to a long illness. Mike Braga (left) and Lou Caponi share an MI. Mike was a true gentleman, always on-duty shift during a Train Show with a Mike was in charge of Lionel parts and polite, courteous and patient with all of my little help from Laine Grunst, the grandson service activities. He also assisted Lenny questions about Lionel and their upcoming or of Lionel employee, Karen Bowen. Dean with product development. I’m current product. Mike supported the LCCA thankful that I had the opportunity to work during all of our Conventions until he retired with both Lenny Dean and Mike Braga on Let’s all say a prayer for his family. God from Lionel for health reasons and to take LCCA product development concepts since bless you, Mike, and thanks for all the great care of his wife. His devotion to his family 1980. Mike’s last position with the company times you shared with Lionel loyalists over and Lionel was unending. The LCCA has lost was as a regional sales representative. His the years. Your kindness and great smile a good friend, but I am certain he has gone son, Tony, still works for Lionel and now will truly be missed. May you rest in peace, on to a better place. Our sincere thoughts follows in his dad’s footsteps. buddy. and prayers go out to Mike’s family in this difficult time.

The Lion Roars 26

Robert H. Walker RM 27981 A 1952 Trackside Accessory Update

In 1952, Lionel® introduced its 362 With the cover now removed, Figure 3 Barrel Loader trackside accessory shows the electronics and servomechanism shown in Figure 1. Like many configuration with all of the components T HIGHLIGHT: accessories that moved various items, the 362 identified.BARREL LOADER EachDETAIL of the first three servo arms used a vibrating ramp. It eased barrels up an Figure 3

Figure 3 MICRO MICRO MICRO inclined ramp eventually to be deposited into SWITCH 3 SWITCH 2 SWITCH 1 “One of my a gondola waiting at trackside. One of my QUAD-PIC SERVO 3 START SERVO 2 SERVO 1 CONTROLLER SWITCH kicks from model railroading is to redesign kicks from and rebuild products offered from Lionel and other manufacturers and (hopefully) make model railroad- them work better. So, here goes. ing is to This article describes an redesign and updated version of this interesting

rebuild o p e r a t i n g AUTO START MICRO SERVO 4 RAMP RELAY SWITCH 4 accessory and

employs more products recent technology. sequentially move the barrel up the ramp until

it reaches the top, at which point the fourth S p e c i f i c a l l y, offered from servo arm moves it sideways and dumps it four small servomechanisms into the gondola as shown in Figure 4. Lionel and Figure 1 are positioned along the ramp. Each servo has an arm which sequentially guides the other manu- barrel up the ramp and eventually dumps it into a waiting gondola. facturers and My initial thought for the update was to use the original Lionel 362 structure, disable the (hopefully) vibration mechanism, and then add the servos to the frame. I subsequently decided to set Figure 4 the 362 aside and construct a completely new make them unit from scratch. Fortunately, there is a nice selection of plastic structural pieces available The start switch shown at top center in Figure work better.” through Plastruct Inc. from which a suitable 3 is the manual on-off switch and is used to ramp could be built. start the action sequence. When switched off, at any time, the on-off switch will reset Figure 2 is a view of the finished servo- all four servos to their starting positions and actuated barrel loader mounted trackside at shut down the action. The start switch can be a spur on my portable mini-layout which I located anywhere that is convenient. use for giving talks about model railroading. Compare my updated version to the original Note in Figure 4 that as each servo arm Lionel unit and you’ll notice that my version rotates fully, the backside of the arm operates requires less real estate on a layout. The a snap action switch which signals the plastic ramp was fabricated from scratch controller to actuate the next servo in line and is quite until all four of the servos have been actuated v i s i b l e . and a barrel is dumped. Most of When the fourth servo dumps the barrel, it the internal operates the fourth switch which initiates a w o r k i n g five-second delay, resets all four servos and parts are then restarts the servo sequence via the auto- hidden by start relay. This is an optional feature and can the cover, be left out if manual-only operation of the so let’s loader is preferred. take a look Figure 2 Shown separately in Figure 5 is the ramp under the cover. The Lion Roars 27 fabricated from turn powers the servos. Figure 7 several cut pieces As you can see in Figure 2, of Plastruct each barrel to be loaded must be o n e - inch manually placed onto the ramp w i d e just ahead of the arrow in the A B S blue circle on the ramp. After s t r u c t u r a l completion of the barrel loader, web as the I elected to add an autoloader ramp floor which is shown in Figure 7. and ¾-inch The autoloader mechanism was and 1-¼ inch from a previous project and is wide ABS structural Figure 5 positioned perpendicular to the flange as the ramp ramp. When the auto loader is s i d e s . Slots in the side flanges triggered by the fourth servo fit easily with the web floor and Figure 8 completing its swivel action, it all pieces are glued in place to maintain the tilts downward as in Figure 8 proper shape. The finished ramp is 10 inches and deposits the next barrel to long overall, which is somewhat shorter than the correct spot just ahead of the the active ramp area of the Lionel 362. first servo arm as it is starting its The barrel loader circuit diagram is shown in movement. This is, of course, an Figure 6. All of the components are readily optional addition. available (refer to the Parts List at the end

cars. It seems only natural that model railroaders learn to take advantage of these neat, easy-to-use devices. Photographs by Robert H. Walker

Figure 6 PARTS LIST 4 Servomechanisms Hi-Tec HS-81 4 Servo Arms Hi-Tec HD-IL 3 Microswitch SPDT All SMS-220 1 Microswitch SPDT All SMS-196 1 Slideswitch SPDT All SWS-53 1 Quad-Pic Controller Tam Valley Depot 1 100ohm 1/8watt Resistor 1 4700mfd 25v Capacitor When in action, the steady of the article) at nominal cost. The Quad- 1 Relay 12v SPDT All RLY-461 deliberate action of the barrel Pic servo controller board is available from loader as it moves the barrels up 1 1-inch ABS Web Plastruct SAW-32L Tam Valley Depot in San Diego, CA. The the ramp and dumps them out is Quad-Pic can control four servos and really 1 ¾-inch ABS Flange Plastruct SAF-24L quite mesmerizing. Also, gone does all the work. The Quad-Pic comes 1 1-¼” ABS Flange Plastruct SAF-40L is that loud buzz associated with with easy instructions for programming the vibration mechanisms and their 1 Cover Serpac WM-091BK servo movements, and you can set the speed sometimes unwieldy behavior. of barrel movement to whatever you like. 1 12vdc Power Supply All PS-1251 Servomechanisms are used The plug-in connectors on the circuit board extensively to animate robots Note: All = All Electronics Corp. make wiring a simple task. A 12vdc supply and control model airplanes and is required to power the controller which in

The Lion Roars 28 John & Doris Schesny RM 30937 Our Retirement Hobby

At Schesny’s Clubhouse The First Consideration Station “Where could we put a train table?” Our y wife Doris and I retired in 2011. In Pennsylvania home was initially built HIGHLIGHT: preparation for that transition, we built without available train space, except our a new home in Pennsylvania in 2005, recreation room, which unfortunately was Mwhich we called “Schesny’s Clubhouse” not an option since there is a beautiful pool “Standing in and moved there from New York State in table in the center of that room. December, 2011, for retirement living. I am Our garage had sufficient space in a a graduate Mechanical Engineer and worked awe of their re- 600-square-feet, second floor storage room, as a design engineer, facility manager, and a but where would we relocate the storage? construction manager. Doris was a teacher’s alism and see- The next challenge we addressed was how to aide and a school crossing guard. avoid building a train table from scratch. Our ing the products In the process of moving from our long- intention was to have an operating train table time Pleasantville, NY, home, we brought within a short time frame so that we could now available, out of our basement store room my original enjoy as many facets of the hobby as Lionel 1951 Lionel® trains. In my last position could offer. as a construction manager, I worked with When we again visited Grzyboski’s Trains, we could two gentlemen who happened to be Lionel we purchased a Lionel D-148 Display. This train hobbyists. Their interest, energy, and table came in two sections, so we could bring embellish our comprehensive knowledge of their trains and it to the garage attic and set it up in that room. the Lionel Company overwhelmed me. They The trestle-style legs allowed free access for provided me with a multitude of publications childhood under-the-table storage. about Lionel products. In essence, they memories. revitalized my interest in the hobby. I placed my original locomotives, cars, and operating accessories in position, and soon The interest carried over to Doris. We could we were up and running. The table was both relate to Christmastime fun with trains We heard what prewired, and that made it easy to install the when we were youngsters. We remembered operating accessories. Doris likes scenery the enjoyment with the trains when our dads seemed to be development, and it didn’t take long for her set up and ran them for a month during the to set up her Department 56 collection as a Christmas season. a subliminal Christmas Village appreciated year-round, After we sold our home in New York State after 38 years of residency, we realized message, “Get there was no time better than the present to re-start our hobby in an “adult phase.” We your trains on settled in our home in Pennsylvania and soon afterwards made a visit to Grzyboski’s Trains the tracks.” in Moosic, PA. Once inside the store, we felt waves of nostalgia and excitement take hold of us. Standing in awe of their realism and seeing the products now available, we could embellish our childhood memories. We heard what seemed to be a subliminal message, “Get your trains on the tracks.” not just during the holiday season. Doris continues to enhance the village with scenery additions, lighting, theme buildings, and figures. I contacted TW Design® in Dallas, TX, the manufacturer of this display, asked electrical questions about it, and inquired about its history. I corresponded with Roger Farkash, who reinforced our commitment to the hobby. The imprinting on the underside of this table confirmed that it was the last D-148 built by TW Design for Lionel.

The Lion Roars 29 was approximately 6x15 wired the table with underground exterior feet. With consideration low voltage wire and connectors. There are for walk-around space, four fused circuits, and the power source is a we decided on a 45-inch used ZW transformer. by 144-inch table. We Our layout themes are a coal yard with saved the shipping crate multiple operating coal accessories, a rural wood from the D-147 village, a mountain top farm, a golf course and D-148. Its ¾-inch hole, and a Halloween scene. We continue to plywood, 2x4s, and 1x4s enhance this table between rounds of golf this were of good quality, so summer. Doris continues scenicking the table we were able to frame layout and landscaping the mountain. We will and trim a table from that stash. The p l y w o o d sheets were One Is Not Enough 43 inches wide and provided Looking at the available space in our garage a solid tabletop base. We also attic, Doris and I reviewed what we could do used the shipping crate fasteners. next to advance our hobby ambition. During We purchased ¼-inch tempered a shopping visit to Grzyboski’s Trains for Masonite™ as our only new a new locomotive, we decided to purchase purchase for the table top. Its a Lionel D-147 display as a “companion rough side faces up and provides piece.” I again corresponded with Roger at a visual grass effect. We utilized TW Design, and he confirmed that this D-147 multiple layers of red rosin was also the last one of its type built by his paper between the plywood company for Lionel. This additional display underlayment and the Masonite. enabled us to double our enjoyment of the The Masonite floats on the red trains by setting up operating accessories in a rosin paper and isolates it from his-and-hers environment. the table, which enhances the Two Tables, acoustics of the trains traveling One Large Layout on the two tracks. Our next challenge was to integrate both We painted the top with the displays without making counter-productive same green paint left over from modifications to the existing tracks painting the trim of our garage. and wiring. Both displays incorporated For roads, we utilized flat black many details and displayed the precise paint with automotive pin striping craftsmanship for which TW Design is well as a center line. Our mountain known. We felt any modifications could was constructed by laminating detract from the quality of workmanship by two-inch pink dense foam board. its designers. Rock features were created by We developed a solution based on a raised using a lap disc on an angle trestle perimeter track around both tables and grinder. This material was left over from our continue adding items to the table since there a trolley line along one side. Utilizing single home construction, so we consider it an “eco- is plenty of area available for landscaping, and double trestles with a half-inch birch friendly” train table. We painted the trim and buildings, and operating accessories. Our veneer rail bed, we built a 46-feet perimeter legs the same color as the D-147 and D-148 future plan is to extend the trolley track that track and a 15-feet trolley track. We can now by applying color-matching technology now travels across the D-147 and D-148 experience the realism of real train acoustics available at the local Home Depot® store. tables to the new table via a new bridge with when operating six engines simultaneously. The track layout is now two concentric a station stop at the mountain at the far end The D-147 and D-148 are separate tables, rectangular ovals with the perimeter track as of the new table. and bridges span the gap between them. FasTrack™ and the inner track as O-gauge With our three tables now in operation, we We can duck under that area with sufficient tubular track. The FasTrack sections came see no end in sight to the enjoyment and clearance. with a train set we purchased but did not appreciation of our hobby at Schesny’s Keep on Building utilize on either the D-147 or D-148. This Clubhouse Station. When our daughters and With two active operating train displays in track enhances a display, and we wanted to their husbands visit they also can enjoy our operation, we felt it was time to take another utilize it. I installed a switch leading to a trains in between golf matches. dead-end siding which allows the operating step forward – construct from scratch our own Photographs provided by John Schesny original train table. The floor space available accessories to be near the control table. I

The Lion Roars 30 Bill Schmeelk HM 6643 Lionel News and Views

A Classic Returns not found elsewhere. The digital versions ack in 1979 when my childhood interest include a scan of each page and all of the in Lionel® trains was rekindled, I joined photos and text of the hardbound books. HIGHLIGHT: the LCCA and developed a strong Hopefully, we’ll see the remaining three Binterest in learning more about Lionel and volumes offered as well. The remaining its products. My knowledge was restricted volumes deal with Fundimensions, the “I’m thrilled to by my experience in the late 50s and early Lionel archive, and Lionel advertising. 60s. I clearly remember my disappointment Although initially published in the late 70s, see that digital when the 1963 catalog came out. Full color the information in these books is still relevant appeared only on the front and back cover. today, and I still refer to them when questions technology has Inside there were no exciting new products. arise. The new digital editions each sell for That was the last catalog I saw until my $14.95 – less than the books sold for 35 years enabled this interest was revived after my college years ago, and are available from TM Books and as I walked through a California swap meet Videos at www.tmbv.com. classic series where someone was selling postwar Lionel More Videos from TM catalogs. The second video in the tinplate series, Now my appetite for more knowledge Tinplate Legends in Action 2, is sure to please to become was voracious. An excellent source of those with an interest in prewar tinplate information could be found in what has now trains. First, there are visits to three tinplate available again become a classic series on Lionel layouts. Dave Corbett started with postwar history. By the Lionel, but fell in love with American for Lionel time I discovered Flyer wide gauge. We see his layout as the series, two Dave explains his love of prewar American enthusiasts authors, Tom Flyer. Chuck Brasher’s layout, updated from McComas and previous videos, features original examples James Tuohy of tinplate trains – no reproductions here. to enjoy. ” had published Then there’s Jim McCarthy’s layout, which three volumes features many of today’s reproductions of in their classic Standard gauge classics, such as the Brute, tome, Lionel – National Olympian, Black Diamond, “A Collectors and more. Guide and History”. By 1981, this series had expanded to six volumes c o v e r i n g Lionel from its earliest d a y s through the Fundimensions period. The series was the first to offer color photos, history, and a guide to collecting Lionel trains. Although the series has been republished several times, it has been out of print for some time. I’m thrilled to see that digital technology has enabled this classic series to become available again for Lionel enthusiasts to enjoy. TM Books and Videos® has released the first three volumes of this six-volume set This video in digital form. Volume I deals with prewar O also presents a start-to-finish look at gauge, Volume II with postwar, and Volume the building of TM’s 46-feet-long tinplate III with Standard gauge and also touches on layout, followed by some impressive scenes OO and HO. Each of these volumes is loaded of tinplate trains running on it. The video with color photos and includes information The Lion Roars 31 also includes a slide show of Standard The third part in the action and animated cars decided that its market was in toy trains and gauge classics and is peppered with lively department deals with dump cars used with the publication no longer met its needs. Lionel discussions about tinplate trains. Lionel accessories. As with previous videos ceased publication of The Model Builder in Part three of the World Class High in this series there are operating April of 1949 after presenting a total of 80 Rail Layouts series tips and scenes of some issues. All subscriptions were completed by features layouts that of Lionel’s latest releases. an arrangement with Kalmbach Publishing. Frankly, I’m sorry to see are sure to inspire. The early issues of The Model Railroader did this series come to an Two of the large not deal with three-rail operation. In 1949 end, but I’m guessing layouts were built when subscribers to Lionel’s The Model that Tom McComas will by Armando and Builder began receiving Model Railroader create a new series soon. Dan Vargas and they magazine, Kalmbach welcomed the new are spectacular. One Each of the videos subscribers and added a new tinplate and features scenes from described above sells for hi-rail department to the magazine. Further, around the country $19.95 and is available they asked the new subscribers to let them including New York at the TM Books and know what they would like to see in the City and Hollywood. Video website: www. magazine and suggested sending an article. They also built a fine tmbv.com. Of course, we know the rest of the story. layout for Jeff Silk 75 Years Model Railroader continued to grow and using a large number of Model became the leading magazine for model of Lionel locos and Railroading railroaders, a position it holds to this day. great scenery. Another Today it seems The files come on three DVD disks and you of the brother’s everybody is are given two options for installation. The layouts was built on embracing digital basic installation a smaller scale as a technology. As a beautifully decorated result, information that was previously lost 9x9-feet layout. It’s a great showpiece and to many has become available. Kalmbach demonstrates what can be done when space Publishing has released a 75-year collection is limited. Also featured is the layout of the of Model Railroading magazine in digital Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders form. This collection begins with the very in Lakewood, NJ. Then there’s a trip to the first issue titled, The Model Railroader, which National NY Central Railroad Museum came out January 1934, and was only 12 in Elkhart, Indiana. In addition to many pages. It didn’t take long for the magazine to prototype pieces including a real Mohawk grow both in size and circulation to become steam loco and an EMD E-8 diesel loco, this the leading magazine for model railroaders. site includes an operating 24x24-feet layout. By October 1945, the word “The” was This is a great video to watch when planning dropped from the title. Almost four years your layout as a source of great ideas and before The Model Railroader began, Lionel inspiration. published a magazine devoted to The eighth and model railroading. Called final video in TM’s The Lionel Magazine, it Lionel Nation series was subtitled, The Model has been released. Railroad Magazine for Highlights include Every Boy. When The a visit to the Lionel Model Railroader began, allows you Railroader Club it was clearly aimed at t o load only the cover thumbnails of Milwaukee the adult model railroader and the searchable index. You then insert a where the large whose interest was in scale disk to read a particular issue. Downloading layout features operation. Lionel’s magazine all files to your hard drive results in faster a 28-feet-long had no advertising other than operation and the disks can be put away for replica of New for their products. By 1937, safekeeping. The cost on the computer is York’s Hellgate Lionel changed the format of about 25 gigs on your hard drive. I had the Bridge. You’ll its magazine, and it became space on my drive, and that’s how I decided also see an The Model Builder. Aimed to install it. The downloading of tens of original Lionel at adults, it was available on thousands of pages onto the drive took some D-191 dealer newsstands and accepted ads time, but once on the computer every issue display layout from other manufacturers. was immediately available for browsing. in operation. By 1949, Lionel had clearly When you open the program you first see The Lion Roars 32 an image of every cover. Of course, to see this digital version, the shelf space is reduced Publishing and sells for $199.95. You can every issue cover requires you to scroll down to half an inch, and the information is easily watch Editor Neil Besougloff demonstrate many screens. Resting your mouse over any accessed. While you won’t find information the product at http://www.youtube.com/ cover shows the month and year of that issue. about hooking up three-rail switches, there is watch?v=qvK3W05yMj0. Orders can be Double click on the magazine you want to a wealth of information that would be useful placed by calling Kalmbach at 1-800-533- open, and you have a choice of single-page or to any type of model railroader. You’ll find 6644. double-page view. You can also enlarge the articles on structures to build, scratch building New From Lionel tips, scenery techniques, layout visits, track view for easy reading. The menu allows you At our annual Convention in Norfolk, Lionel plans, prototype drawings, benchwork, to print any page you wish. I was not able to introduced some new items. Last issue print pages and discovered we looked at Lionel’s new ZW-L and that there is apparently suggested that Lionel needed a middle a problem printing transformer between the 80-watt CW- from HP inkjet 80 and the 640-watt ZW-L. Lionel printers. A call to introduced a new transformer that Kalmbach resulted fits the bill - the GW-180. The case in a very acceptable looks like a CW-80, but this model alternative. In uses a PowerHouse to bring its Windows 7 there is a wattage up to 180. snipping tool located in the accessory folder. Lionel also announced a new Legacy This tool allows you to CAB-1L. This CAB looks very much easily capture any page like the original CAB-1, but includes or even a portion of a Legacy controls such as the quilling page and print it or save whistle and 200 speed steps. This it as a separate file. product could be considered “Legacy Lite.” It will offer many of the Legacy The software also has a features but lacks the LCD screen of the search feature, but I found Legacy CAB-2. This new product that this was not always will make these Legacy features successful in finding available at a lower price point. what I was searching for. Sometimes the searched- Big-Bang Theory for item was a page Those of you who are fans of or two away from the the CBS TV show, “The Big page where the search Bang Theory,” know that its directed me. Sometimes lead character, Sheldon the search failed to find Cooper (played by Jim something I knew was Parsons) loves trains. there. I’m guessing that Observant viewers the search uses some form of OCR (optical might have noticed electricity, and character recognition) and while it may find several Lionel trains much much more. In items you’re searching for, it may also miss on his dresser in several addition to the technical some of them or not find it at all. shows. While working on a information, I also enjoy looking at the production in which he The quality of the scans is generally very ads. I found it interesting to watch the growth starred on Broadway, I had a chance to ask good. Some of the earlier issues show signs of different gauges from the magazine’s him whether Jim Parsons was interested of wear, but even so the material was easily 1934 starting date through the decade that in electric trains, or was that just Sheldon read. I also found that some of the fold-out followed. You clearly see the decline of OO Cooper. Meanwhile I’m thinking how great pages in the early issues were not complete. gauge and the increase in popularity of HO. it would be to have him join the LCCA. I’ve been going through each issue, and The letters to the editor over the years give Unfortunately, his answer to the question there certainly is a wealth of information. I you an interesting take on the development was, “No, that’s just Sheldon.” In spite of have a friend who owns a complete file of of the hobby. this lost opportunity, the show remains one Model Railroading. Due to the space that 900 This digital archive provides so much of my favorites. issues (more than 100,000 pages) takes up on information that would otherwise be a bookshelf or bookshelves, he stores them difficult to access. We viewed the archive Photographs by Bill Schmeelk in boxes – not conveniently available when on a PC, but it also works on a Mac. The you might want to refer to something. With set is available directly from Kalmbach

The Lion Roars 33 Ken Morgan RM 12231 The Tinplate Cannonball

A Tale of Three Locos nough of Lionel® going to sea. Let’s get back on land and on track(s). Charles Dickens wrote A Tale of Two HIGHLIGHT: E Cities (Paris and London, to save you the trouble of looking for the Cliff’s Notes). “When I queried I’ll go him one better. This is a tale of three Photo 1 locomotives. And to paraphrase another the seller, his re- well-known English author, I’ll sub-title it “To be done or not to be done.” ply was, “prewar First, the expected trivia question. Given that three is the current theme, there was a excellent.” Really? popular TV show that ran through the 60s, “My Three Sons.” What were the names of That difference these sons? Th