dealer displays

I like it.

I know there is a segment of the 3-rail hobby that has decidedly moved towards the prototypical scale direction. Maybe it's just nostalgia. Or the familiarity of what I grew up with. BUT to me, this IS a Lionel train layout. My imagination adds in all the other details!

I know there is a segment of the 3-rail hobby that has decidedly moved towards the prototypical scale direction. Maybe it's just nostalgia. Or the familiarity of what I grew up with. BUT to me, this IS a Lionel train layout. My imagination adds in all the other details!

I think there are plenty of people interested in traditionally sized postwar style trains. A lot of people just would not have the space for scale sized "O" gauge trains.

Am I correct in guessing that you have an original Lionel layout to which you are adding  a step display?

Looks good!

It looks like you've built a frame to go under the layout. If so,
1s it made of 1 by 4 lumber around the perimeter, with a 1 by 4 running across the center?

Yes it is an original display layout and I am replicating the step shelves and the signage. The 1x2" frame and Masonite construction of the original is quite flimsy so I placed the 2x4 support frame and will add 1x6" finishing boards to allow the original to nest in place. I also re-enforced the construction with additional 1x2" boards to push up the sagging Masonite. All wiring is original as are accessories.

Some post war service tools and the rarely seen prewar coupler height gauge

back in shop after a few months, life got a little hectic and too many projects. Here is header board for 221 shelf with space for Lennie's head mock in and will hopefully have him ready for "mounting" this week. Always enjoy seeing the letters "pop" when finally get art work done and being able to replicate original fonts and styles adds so much. Fairly labor intense but worth the effort I feel.

That is really cool!  You also did a prewar one didn't you?

Yeah, I have done pre and post war, but mostly post since Lionel had more post than pre war. All of these are my reproductions except the cross bucks (original) and I am working to reproduce those as well!

Now will trim board around outline of lennies head and is done

How many have you done total?

Do you keep a list?

 I know how many I have done, and you have a list somewhere. I also list of ones I want to do my problem is space at this point. My favorite one probably is the Lazy Susan Display but also the magna traction/disappearing train is another when I've done that Is fascinating. Whenever I make a display are use the old technology and construction material to keep them as if they make as possible and replicate the original fonts through original artwork and a lot of hand handwork.