John DeSantis Museum (Pittsburgh, PA) Open This Weekend - Dec. 13-14, 2013

Andy,

   Do you know the exact location of the DeSantis Museum?  Might make a trip to see it myself.

PCRR/Dave

Dave,

Here's the link to the directions page from the tour web site.  This gives directions to the parking area.  The museum's address is 719 Brighton Rd., and according to the web site, tickets can be purchased at the door ($10/person).

Also, the Calvary U.M. Church shown on the map has a holiday shop for this event, so it may be worth checking out, as well.

Andy

A buddy of mine went on it last year.  He was 100% blown away!

If I remember correctly, he said it's in a house.  There are several floors with couple of rooms on each floor just lined with train shelves from floor to ceiling filled with, well, trains!  Can't recall for sure, but I do not remember him mentioning a layout

- walt

Andy, Walt & Larry,

   Are we allowed to take pictures with our digital camera's?

PCRR/Dave

Dave,

According to the FAQ on the tour web site:

Unless a homeowner asks you not to, photographs are fine on the tour.  The tours are on a tight schedule so please don’t get separated from your group while taking photos.

That being said, I don't know for sure if photos are allowed or not.  I will have my camera just in case.

Andy

Andy,

   Roger that.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks, Larry!

Andy

I would love to go to that one! If I lived closer or knew about it ahead of time I would be on board. 

John's collection was featured on the layout tour at the 2004 TCA National Convention and my wife and I still talk about it to this day. I have had a life long love affair with standard gauge and I have visited some world class collections, but nothing quite prepares you for the scope of John's collection with adds new meaning to the term "mind-boggling".  In addition to the collection housed on the lower floors, the top floor of John's brownstone features multiple operating layouts. John is a gracious host and he does permit picture taking.

According to John, his layout will once again be part of the layout tour at the 2017 TCA National convention and I can't wait!

Eric Hofberg

TCA, LCCA

   John is a close friend of mine, and an all around wonderful guy! His collection occupies the 3rd floor of his beautifully restored Victorian home. The layouts are on the fourth floor. They are more designed for display than operation. There are indeed only a few pieces of standard gauge John has yet to find. The collection is unparalleled! He is a very charming person and always makes himself available to talk and answer questions if he has the time. The house will also be decorated for Christmas, and is a wonderful treat. Bring the wife! 

Gentlemen,

    Thanks a bunch for the info, was unable to see the museum Saturday, will try Sunday.

PCRR/Dave

My wife and I went to the museum last night and what an enjoyable evening it was.

I was ready for the scope of the collection because I have the TM video but it was really great seeing everything in person. Amazing!

If I didn't have other plans for today, I would go back. That is how good it is. Can't wait for next year.

Doc Davis,

   I was unable to get down to the Museum today, maybe next year, glad you had a great time!

PCRR/Dave

My reaction to seeing this collection and layouts in person can be summed up like this:  WOW!

Here are some of the pix I took:

Andy

Those who missed being there in person would be well advised to pick up Tinplate Legends in Action 3 from TM Books & Video.

thanks for sharing your pics! wish I had seen this sooner.