LGB Display Layouts of the Past

The big Philadelphia department store, John Wanamakers, sold LGB trains.  In fact, its where my Dad bought my LGB starter set.  I believe they had a layout that went to Nicholas Smiths Trains during the 80's when the toy department store closed.  It is still there today I believe.

Another Philly area dealer with running trains was a garden shop in Berwyn.  I believe their name was Waterloo Gardens.  They had a layout in their greenhouse which rarely seemed to run due to dirty track, as well as a large number of trains for sale.  

The 80's were truly the golden era for LGB trains in the USA.  Aided by a favorable exchange rate and little or no competition in the large scale market, the sale of their trains at department stores and garden shops was possible.  In fact, some starter sets were even put together for specific stores, as we believe the Wanamaker sets were.  Although a German train, the specific configuration was unique.  How times have changed!

Did I mention my original set still runs like clockwork, 35 years later and after being played with by children (me and my friends)!  Of course, considering the manufacturer that is no surprise.

When I started visiting FAO Schwarz in the 70s, the store had a train department of immense proportions which was better than some of the train stores I had been in. It was strictly European equipment dominated by Marklin and LGB. In fact, I believe the complete lines of both manufacturers were being stocked at that time. There were indeed very impressive display layouts. Unfortunately, I took no pictures. Below I have posted pictures of a couple of special edition cars Marklin manufactured for the store along with a view of the LGB section long after the train department was downsized. It featured a clever platform with operating equipment. This was the early 2000's I believe.

Bob 

This was LGB's display layout at the 2003 Nuremberg Toy Fair....looks like a DB V100 leading the passenger train. 

Bob 

Here's an interesting website I found. Beginning in 1985, Harrington Wine and Liquors in Chelmsford, MA has been building a Large Scale railroad featuring LGB equipment for the holiday season. Below is the link featuring photos of the layouts through the years.

http://www.harringtonwineandliquors.com/trains.html

Bob 

Here is a photo of the G scale train layout that was in the long gone Downers Grove Hobbies in Illinois.It was an impressive layout.The owner said the layout was sold to a customer.It may still be around in someone's house.

Dan