Merchants Square train layouts-Allentown,Pa.

Those three photos are from the Lehigh Valley Onsite, a website dedicated to listing events and tourist attractions in the Lehigh Velley,Pa. area. Thank you!

this display use to be in lehighton across from the walmart on 443.

Yes it is open and IMO worth seeing.

Valley Rail Trains is also located on the first floor with Lionel/Flyer/Marx and different items new and old.  Here is a link http://www.mosttrains.com  Its a win win . The Norfolk Southern Mainline crossing is right at the main entrance also. So you can see real trains, see the model trains and buy trains all in one trip. Here is alink for the mall http://www.merchantssquaremall.com . Plus theres more in the mall bring the wife. There is also a Train Meet on September 15th with 150+ tables of trains.  2012

http://www.lehighvalleytrainmeet.com

Also pete I think you are right it was set up two previos times. Father Joe is the man behind most of the build for those who know him.

Hey pete, Did you have a chance to visit it in lehighton. I have seen a picture or two but it looked pretty neat there also. Just curious if he improved this one. This is the last one it will be there permantly..Not done yet but I have enjoyed it..Love the elevated line and rain..

this display use to be in lehighton across from the walmart on 443.

That "Land of Dreams"  Layout was HUGE! Does this rebuilt one have the "thunderstorm" associated with it? Reviewing this  layout again alone is worth it!

I'm pleased to see the "Land of Dreams" layout formerly of Lehighton has been preserved in some form. We visited it at the former location and came away very impressed. I was sorry to see the old place close but at least the railroad lives on.

Bob 

The lake did make it. Its pretty neat, It also has rain and lots of other features. It is in full operation but is not done yet. There is hope of adding another large seperate display. Nice to have close to our area..great for the family...

http://www.mcall.com/entertain...0822,0,2242920.story

That link is for the local paper in the Lehigh Valley, The Morning Call.  That is an article they did a week or so ago that has a short video attached.  I didn't know that Fr Joe (didn't know his name at the time) was a retired priest.  I spoke with him a few times, some of which was where I work because he bought some plaster from my company for some of the scenery.  Really nice guy, just a little quirky.

Haven't had a chance to see the total finished product, but I was in there when they were a few months from completion.  I think the room is actually about 10,000 square feet (but minus out walking room around the layout) and I heard that they may do another room across the hall that is about the same size.  In the above article, he calls this the greatest model train layout he ever built!

Definitely check out Valley Rail Trains.  As he grows, he keeps adding more to inventory and his selections keeps changing.  He has gotten me some nice deals on new MTH stuff.

The main room is just about done and from my understanding. there is g gauge and s quage  to be added. But there is another large room that wil be home to those items.

Paul thanks on the compliment on the store. Hopefully we continue to grow. We just added more shelving this week. Pluspricing wise we will match or beat any ones price....

I also did just get some new MTH

We appreciate all our customers

redman440,

I did see this display in lehighton, and was very nice. the rain storm into lake with the goldfish was a first for me to see. if this is set up like it was in lehighton, everyone who reads this thread must see the display. (IT'S THAT GOOD)

It does have the lake again with rain showers pretty cool. here is a link for coupons to save money..

http://modeltrainexhibit.com/

http://www.valleygoto.com at mall also.

Pete,

Was there a subway and elevated line in Lehighton. He also added some superstreets with vehicles. He really goes for the affect. I never saw the lehighton display except in newspaper articals. Looked neat.

i took the family yesterday we all enjoyed it and want to go back when the big layout is finished. my wife said it was sorta like an updated roadside america. i was very impressed with all the layouts but what i liked the most was that there was a alot of PW power pulling the trains.

Dave

Glad you enjoyed it. Joe who is behind building it worked as a volunter on The Roadside America display as a kid. So Im sure some of that has stuck with him. Cant wait till the get to do the next room...

Hey if you have Kids/grandchildren. They are now hosting Birhtday parties for the train layout. They have a room and different packages for number of kids. Something different than Chucke Cheese.  Here is a link for info http://modeltrainexhibit.com/.

All done.. check it out..