(PS : this post is mostly about 2 rails scale models, but do contain some 3 rails/tinplate as well as other scale)
A few weeks ago had a chance to visit the Baumgartner Gallery in Mendrisio (in Ticino/Switzerland). This is one of the most extensive display of high end models open to the public with over 8000 pieces on display on 3 stories. Most models are either O scale or scale 1 (1:32) with some Z, N, HO and G scale as well.
By high end, is to understand models made by small series manufacturer who are hand made and often done at less than 100 units for O scale or 10-20 in scale 1.
The largest parts of the models in the Gallery are owned by Mr Bruno Baumgartner himself, but do also display some models from others private collectors.
The Gallery also feature a layout in every scale (yes with advance notice, you can bring your engine and run on them), they organize a few time a year auctions and some manufacturer use it to display their latest creation.
I can't possibly post a pictures of each models or even the all Gallery, also the pics are not top quality due to a very dimm lighting and everything being behind glass there is some flash reflection (yes next time tripod and long exposure will be used).
Before starting the tour, the Gallery could not have been made possible without the assistance of these fine sponsors
And now hop to the 1st floor, who is home of the LGB display and the US models
And just before entering the 1st floor a small display of Lionel trains, courtesy of the sole Swiss dealers.
Continuing with some Swiss and US LGB models
Some of the scale 1 US steamers and the GG1
A fantastic Cab Forward by Fulgurex also in scale 1
One of the finest NKP Berkshire I ever see, by Bockholt in scale 1...38 inches long and 32 lbs
On to the O scale part...not a bad selection either, some models are from Sunset and Overland
Terrific Triplex and Challenger by Westside (O scale)
The 1st floor is also home of a fairly large O scale layout..under re-construction.
And from there you get a good view to part of the main floor...with a G scale layout in between
OK...to the main floor..wich is all Swiss and German prototypes with some French, Italian and British one
Starting with a few scale 1 models..mostly Lemaco and Fulgurex
On to the O scale...there too mostly Lemaco and Fulgurex..with some Hermann, Kiss
German beauty in O scale
Probably the finest Crocodile model in O scale...crafted in Italy by the Lombardi family...The Lemaco Re 4/4 II in TEE colors is not bad either
Another master work from Lombardi, the Be 4/6..these were built at the same time as the crocodile (1920-23) and were used for passengers trains on the Gotthard line...the last one retired in 1976..
Some of the French steamers..O scale
And modern French diesel and electric as well as the few Italian electric and steamers of the collections..O scale
And a couple of pictures of full consist..all O scale
The only Canadian model of the Gallery...the stunning Northlander by Lemaco...of course beside the original 1957 Swiss/Dutch RAm TEE version...O scale
On for some Om scale models from Fama/Utz, FerroSuisse, Fulgurex, Kiss, ModelRail
Beside the well know RhB Crocodile..my favorite RhB engine is the articulated Ge 6/6 II..here superbly rendered by ModelRail..these are proudly crafted in Liechstenstein.
On for some oldies...mid 50's Buco O gauge 3 rails tinplate (was happy to learn that Buco is slowly back in business using all the original tooling with upgraded mechanics..so Swiss made tinplate trains are again a reality)
And of course can't go without HAG O gauge tinplate, also from the 50's
A small portion of the modern HAG production..now only in HO..but still all die cast and Swiss Made
Geez...I still have 1 floor to cover..OK 1 last from the main floor..an awesome TEE quartet from Lemaco
Let's go to the basement..wich is dedicated to Marklin..also home of the Z, N, HO, O gauge and scale 1 layout
Welcome to Brunville
OK there is a nice 2 rails O scale diorama from the German Epoche 3
And the O gauge tinplate layout offer some great action with models from Marklin, Buco and Hag
Too bad they stopped..but Marklin used to make some great 3 rails O gauge models..some of the prewar models on display..and the double tracks below do connect to the main layout.
At least they did not quit the scale 1 market...
Clash of scale..Miniclub Z, Minitrix N and HO
Sadly, the scale 1 layout is under total re-construction with a bigger plan..at least 1 loop was in working order.
Well that's about all I can post now...so for anyone visiting/ vacationing in Switzerland or Northern Italy (Mendrisio is barely 50 minutes away from Milano) and catch a rainy day..it's a great place to spend an afternoon or morning...The Gallery is open 6 days a week (closed Monday) and is located 2 minutes away from the train station (real one 
)
After 3 hours spend there was time for me to catch the ICN for my 5 hours ride back home..yeah, you know you like model trains when you spend 10 hours on board real one to go see some...
Sincerely.
Lafondue aka Patrick Weiss
