I'm looking for and interested in seeing ALL the various factory display tracks and their respective plans... Is there a single point of reference that anyone can point me to? I'm looking to possibly recreate one or more in my newly minted basement! Now that I have room, it's time to make the bride mad with more construction!!!!
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If you mean the dealer displays, this is the only thing I know of that has several and possibly all in one place.
Postwar Dealer Displays Instruction Sheets Volume IV DVD
There was a special magazine a year or so ago (from those other toy train folks) that was about the Lionel showroom layouts. Not sure if that is still available or not? I think it was called Lionel Showroom Layouts or something similar to that.
The other mag folks is publishing another special this fall (october?) With dealer display lay-outs.
This book is out of print and very pricey, but good....
However, as stated the author is doing a special issue for the other magazine to come out late summer/early fall.
Another source that might be worth looking into would be Tom McComas' and James Tuohy's LIONEL- A Collector's Guide and History Volume VI: Advertising and Art. This publication devotes a full 10 page chapter to Lionel Display layouts complete with ten separate advertisements sent to dealers attempting to convince them of the value of the Lionel manufactured display layouts in selling trains. Ten separate layouts are shown in black and white photographs and include scheduled inventories of the track and accessories needed for each layout. No track plans are included but it is still a great historical reference. This publication is readily available on ABEBOOKS.com as well as Amazon. Fun reading.
I've been through the linked thread, but it looks like there are a few missing layouts, either in picture or description. . Looks Luke some of the pictures are de-linked as well. .
I guess I'm looking for a website or book (thanks for the suggestions there) that have a more comprehensive list of them.
Over the years I believe that Jim Barrett has built of few of these dealer showroom layouts. They might be in the OGR archives.
I'm looking for and interested in seeing ALL the various factory display tracks and their respective plans... Is there a single point of reference that anyone can point me to? I'm looking to possibly recreate one or more in my newly minted basement! Now that I have room, it's time to make the bride mad with more construction!!!!
Dave S,
I have the DVD with all of the factory (dealer display) layouts plans. For each one there is a picture, overall track plan, wiring schematic, and list of track pieces and accessories.
I see you want all of them but if there's a particular layout plan that you're interested in shoot me an email and I'll send it to you. Email address in profile.
Ed h: Wow!! Thanks for posting those pictures.
Dave S.,
The DVD that rtr12 linked is it. One source. Copies of originals. A few 4 x 8, some 5 x 9 and nice 8 x 8's. Oh and the 4 x 12, the disappearing train. The 1957 Catalogue is 8 x 8 end to end for a 12' x 6'(not a official dealer display, but a cool one for sure)
Very interesting Ed H. Thanks! The 3005 looks like a variation of X810-NA from 59-60.
Dave S.,
The DVD that rtr12 linked is it. One source. Copies of originals. A few 4 x 8, some 5 x 9 and nice 8 x 8's. Oh and the 4 x 12, the disappearing train. The 1957 Catalogue is 8 x 8 end to end for a 12' x 6'(not a official dealer display, but a cool one for sure)
Yes it is, it's also the one johnstrains is talking about. I have it, but unfortunately I can't find it. Looked yesterday, was going to see what all it contained and report back here to this post. It's still in hiding around here somewhere?
Dave S.,
The DVD that rtr12 linked is it. One source. Copies of originals. A few 4 x 8, some 5 x 9 and nice 8 x 8's. Oh and the 4 x 12, the disappearing train. The 1957 Catalogue is 8 x 8 end to end for a 12' x 6'(not a official dealer display, but a cool one for sure)
Yes it is, it's also the one johnstrains is talking about. I have it, but unfortunately I can't find it. Looked yesterday, was going to see what all it contained and report back here to this post. It's still in hiding around here somewhere?
Not in front of me at the moment, but the DVD has three basic layout sections: '40's (not many) '50's (the bulk of them), and '60's (a handful). They also have some of those hobby shop stands or racks that were used to display a small number of accessories or trains.
As most know, the display layouts really flourished in '50's and -- as mentioned above -- there were 4x8s, 5x9s, and 8x8s.
I studied that Display layout book till the cover almost fell off. It really gives you a good look at a lot of the track plans. That would be a great place to start if you can get the book. There's also the thread here on OGR that was linked. I know myself & a few others posted a bunch of shots we found from around the web, which would also help.
Here's a pic of mine -
I'm looking for and interested in seeing ALL the various factory display tracks and their respective plans... Is there a single point of reference that anyone can point me to? I'm looking to possibly recreate one or more in my newly minted basement! Now that I have room, it's time to make the bride mad with more construction!!!!
Dave S,
I have the DVD with all of the factory (dealer display) layouts plans. For each one there is a picture, overall track plan, wiring schematic, and list of track pieces and accessories.
I see you want all of them but if there's a particular layout plan that you're interested in shoot me an email and I'll send it to you. Email address in profile.
As the producer of the Lionel dealer display DVD referenced above, I would like to emphasize that hundreds of hours and assistance from many collectors went into its production, which was truly a labor of love. It was appreciated that OGR graciously publicized the DVD in the publication when it was released in 2013. Approximately 57 display pieces were profiled, and keep in mind that some displays did not have a wiring diagram produced, and many factory layouts were specially produced by Lionel but never publicized. These were custom made for celebrities, department stores, and other venues.
Bob Osterhoff
Dave S.,
I am sorry if you thought it was just going to pop up on your iPad. You have been provided with many resources, which have been read, reviewed and enjoyed by model train enthusiasts. The links for threads with photos of actual items have been provided for you without requiring your effort to even search the OGR Forum. Finally, the author of one of the best resources has posted a response.
The silver spoon stops here. Feed yourself.
I'm confused which showroom display this is
If I'm not mistaken, that's part of the 5x16 "island display" in Lionel's New York City Showroom. Lots of good information about that one -- and others -- in the special issue the "other train mag" did on showroom layouts several years ago.
Bob's DVD is the ultimate reference on the topic.....I'm glad I purchased mine!
Peter
I'm glad to know who the helpful people are.
First, I don't own an iPad. I'm an android user.
Secondly, the aforementioned thread has been reviewed by myself multiple times. my question about these layouts was answered by references to book and DVD resources.
Third, you do not know me from Adam, so get off the high and mighty kick and crawl back under your layout while I look through the first book of 7 that have arrived. When those are complete, Mr. Osterhoff's DVD will be purchased. Frankly, I'm glad he's only 40 miles from me... Maybe it'll arrive next day when I do.
This has been a long journey to now amassing track and rolling stock, and I enjoy research. Looking for links and help from others is what the internet is for... Not hate.
Assuming that you could possibly be of help by your despondent post and accusatory tone is a misnomer.
I hope you have a better day today than when you posted that!
Dave S.,
I am sorry if you thought it was just going to pop up on your iPad. You have been provided with many resources, which have been read, reviewed and enjoyed by model train enthusiasts. The links for threads with photos of actual items have been provided for you without requiring your effort to even search the OGR Forum. Finally, the author of one of the best resources has posted a response.
The silver spoon stops here. Feed yourself.
I'm confused which showroom display this is
I have reproduced numerous dealer displays, pre and postwar, and it is very rewarding. SOme of the more challenging ones are where graphics are involved or animated.
Does anyone remember the Lionel Super O/HO D-403 that was built for Sears?
Two items from the other train mag on Lionel Display Layouts:
1) The next monthly issue is going to have a feature article on these. I think they will highlight one or two of the well-known collectors who own many of these gems.
2) As mentioned above, a Special Issue on Lionel Dealer and Factory Layouts will be out this Fall to coincide with October York.
After 4 years, I still search for knowledge. 7 books, and 2 DVD's later, I want more. Since the crusty old guard still creeps the hallowed halls of the forum, has anyone ever found any one-off type layouts that the factory made for celebrities or stores published? If you have links on where to purchase said materials as well, that would be a huge help.
...and Yes. I STILL hate I-anything! 😁
Hi`, if you don`t mind using ebay, there are some layout plans for sale, just type in layout plans photo copy instructions in the search box, hopr this helps, good luck
Dave S posted:After 4 years, I still search for knowledge. 7 books, and 2 DVD's later, I want more. Since the crusty old guard still creeps the hallowed halls of the forum, has anyone ever found any one-off type layouts that the factory made for celebrities or stores published? If you have links on where to purchase said materials as well, that would be a huge help.
...and Yes. I STILL hate I-anything! 😁
Honestly, who are the crusty old guard that you are referring to? I view that to be a derogatory comment. So to quote yourself "so get off the high and mighty kick and crawl back under your layout"
That would be the guy that accused me of looking for a silver spoon. Apparantly the shoe must fit for you, too.
....and people wonder why this hobby is shrinking.
Show us your progress! Which Dealer Displays have you built in the last four years? We'd love to see them!
Jon 
Dave S posted:After 4 years, I still search for knowledge. 7 books, and 2 DVD's later, I want more. Since the crusty old guard still creeps the hallowed halls of the forum, has anyone ever found any one-off type layouts that the factory made for celebrities or stores published? If you have links on where to purchase said materials as well, that would be a huge help.
...and Yes. I STILL hate I-anything! 😁
I too enjoy the dealer display items to the point I recreate many that just don't seem to exist, especially prewar. I recreate the exact fonts and using screens, apply these with paint just as original and not with vinyl incorrect graphics. Construction techniques replicated as well.
My version of the Lionel D-105, a 5x9 two-level display layout. It is mostly faithful to the original with a few of my own tweaks.
KOOLjock1 posted:Show us your progress! Which Dealer Displays have you built in the last four years? We'd love to see them!
Jon
I wish I had that talent! I am now merely looking for information on the one-offs that were made. I bought 8 books and DVDs and am trying to find more information. My layout has progressed by trial and error, and is still lacking focus and direction.
The hardest part about the hobby has always been finding people willing to help. There's always the negative-Nancy types that tell me to start searching for the answers, but stick to the crusty ways of old. This hobby is nothing close to the Ham radio hobby, which has the more senior or experienced people tripping over themselves to help.
I haven't seen that. Maybe you're in a different part of the country?
I would love to see how some of these Display Layouts are painted and decorated to match the originals. The track work and wiring is super basic, but the clean lines under the tracks and for roads is a specific process I might like to recreate someday.
Jon
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