My layout is 32 years old today.I have no idea where time has gone.

Marty + Dotty + Ralph + an outstanding O gauge layout.  It doesn't get much better than that!  Congrats, my friend! 

MAryt

Congrats!!!!

 

Just curious do you remember what train was the first you ran around the layout and do you still have it?

Steve

You're right, Marty; many years ago was 1991. I think I was the first person to photograph the layout (and OGR was the first mag to publish it It was in Run 120, the Dec. 1991 issue).

And I wasn't kidding that you haven't changed. Here's the photo of you from 1991. Compare it to your current avatar. Maybe its even the same blue shirt!

Who the heck is that Fred?

Marty as a "Kid", WOW. Thanks Fred for the photo and the details.

Congrats Marty, how about another 32 yrs!!

 

Take care & Happy 4th of July to you & Dotty

 

Jeff & Debbie

Marty,

 

Oh wait a minute, I thought you meant you were 32 years old! OK, so its the layout.

 

Congratulations on what has become a living organism of joy for you, Dotty, Ralph and large numbers of us in the hobby.

 

Working with you on the Eliot Welz Metroliner story recently just confirmed for me one more time what a great guy you are . Thanks again for your help.

 

I think Rich has a great idea about a new video of your layout in HD. Now that we know your right side is your best side, Rich can make a better video of you and the layout than ever!

 

Now, if Dotty could just teach Ralph to run DCS.....

 

Ed Boyle

You’re  an asset to this hobby and I’ve picked up a lot of useable knowledge from your helpful posts…Many Thanks Marty and Happy 32nd to you.

I ‘m still not sure about cats on my layout??…lol



Have a Great Day!!

K.C.

Marty,  congratulations from the Pacfic Northwest! Reading the posts about you, your family and the layout has made my day. The metroliner article with Ed is a great read and just another reason to say thank you for all that you have done!  Dave

Steve, you asked a good question.  The first train to run on my layout (first completed loop) was the Welz Metroliner that Ed Boyle just included in his great article.  It is the same exact trainset only now it gets power from catenary.

Congratulations to Marty and Dotty. If anyone ever has a chance to visit Marty and Dotty's layout I would encourage you to do so. The layout is beautiful in the magazines but is actually better and more interesting in person. Every nook and cranny has an interesting scene to look at. The buildings, lighting, trains running and whole package are a "must see". To top it all off, Marty and Dotty make it their personal mission to be sure that you have a terrific time as their guests. There just isn't anyone quite like them. Many of us have been able to enjoy the hobby more because of the caring and sharing that they so consistently do. Congratulations again!

Ed

Marty.....

 

Finally got around to getting on the forum after a long day and didn't want to miss your anniversary!!...It is 11:02 P.M. Central time so I made it!!.... Here is to a great guy that has a beautiful layout.  Both you and your layout have been an inspiration to many folks in this hobby.  Marty...you are THE example of what this hobby is all about...the "standard" of our O-gauge hobby!!  You and Dotty have been an ambassadors for OGR and to the hobby and have always been willing to share and help others.  LaKeeta and I are so fortunate to have the two of you as Friends and sincerely wish you both a "Happy Layout Anniversary"...and may there be very many more!!

 

Alan

Congrats Marty And Dottie!

.......and many more layout birthdays to come.......

Peter

Great thread Marty!  Congratulations on a great 32 years.  I never get tired of seeing your layout.  It doesn't seem like 3 decades have passed.  With all that's happened over those years, seeing your layout either in person or in print has provided a little pleasure for many of us.  I'm glad it has done the same for you.

Congrats and thanks for all of your help.

Congratulations Marty on a great layout and the perseverance to continue on with your labor of love. And thanks for all your hard work being a Beta tester for DCS and other systems.  

 

I have been 'planning' my layout for 32 yrs!!  Probably will never get started. 

Congrats to celebrating 32 years of a truly outstanding layout.  I still have my original copy of Run 120, Dec. 91 featuring your layout, and it is truly amazing how much time does fly.

Look forward to seeing it someday Marty.

Marty, it would be interesting if OGR ran that first article again. Bet most of us didn't read OGR then. Hint to Allan.........Don

 Congrats Marty. Nice to see what can be accomplished when you stay the course. Yes an OGR video would be in order! Thank you for your contributions over the years

Al

Happy Birthday - 32 Years

Congratulations on being a Professional Model Railroader, for such a long time, wish you may more years in Model Railroading

 

 

From

Trainroomgary

Detroit, Michigan

www.youtube.com/user/trainroomgary

 

I dont know ya, but here;s a heartfelt "way to go"!

 

keeping at it and still enjoying it......my hat is off to you Marty!

 

 

As long as I am still above the ground, my layout is open to everyone, and I am especially thankful to the great people at OGR for the support they have given me.  The last two years have been tough for me health wise.  I have recently developed a burst of energy and have removed all trains from the layout and wall and they received required cleaning and maintenance.  Everything is back in place and ready for anyone who might want to come by. 

 

Thank you everyone.

 

Marty

 

Marty, you are going to be stronger with every day. Wish I was in your area to see the trains..................If you ever want to see Maui I will be here for you. Don

MAN OMAN!!That is a big catis he a main coon?My cat also likes to watch the trains.Some times he will watch for a while.Then go off some where to sleep.BTW my cat name is chessie as in C&O.

Yes, Ralph is half Maine Coon. He weighs 14 ponds (mostly fur), and is the OGR Mascot, Marty's CATenary inspector and train buddy. He walks around on the layout, but is very careful not to knock anything over. He also takes care of any spider that dares invade HIS layout.

 

I had the privilege of seeing Marty's layout in person and a lot of heart went into this beautiful layout. Another great treat is seeing Ralph the cat, so friendly and calm.

I also had the chance to sign Marty's wall of signature's.

 

If you're ever in his area, it's a must see layout with two of the best people in the hobby, with a great cat. My hat comes off to Marty, Dottie, And Ralph.

 

Thanks,

Alex

Hey Marty:

 

I'd like to add to the string of comments on the 32nd anniversary of your layout. I see your layout as timeless...the traditional three rail Lionel Track is as fun to me as the catenary you have designed and run flawlessly.

 

Hard to believe that all that (and more) is overshadowed by your overwhelming generosity in sharing your time, talent, and passion with everyone else in the hobby. Like many others, it used to be about the trains, now it's about the people I've met and friends I have made.

 

Thanks Marty!

 

All the best,

 

Paul

Great Post Marty. My layout is about twenty years old and it is still an incomplete labor of love. I had it running trains a number of times but my dreams and the needs of life in general tends to bring on change and back burner status for my little world.

But, never dose the dream die!

I have also had the privilege of visiting Marty's layout and I have to say it is a labor of love and unique. I love how the time of day changes as you move around the layout. Ralph was actively  patrolling the tracks when I was there.

Marty,

 

My Brother from another mother, Lou Caponi & I had a great time meeting with you and Dotty during the LCCA's Open House  event.  Although Lou is no longer with us, these great memories of this experience will last forever.  Thank you for making these priceless memories.  Keep being you!  You and Dotty are great people.  I look forward to seeing your layout again during the LCCA's 2015 45th Annual Convention.

 

 

Hi Marty. That certainly is a great looking layout of yours, puts mine to shame im sure. Mine is only about 14 years old and has been changed several times, wish I had more time to spend on it. Hopefully we can all get together in August during the TTOS meet here in Buffalo. As Dotty has said, maybe we can get or Corvettes together for a few photos.

 

jim r 

Jim, if I am feeling OK, I will be taking the Corvette.  I have a lot of family in the area and many train friends.  We are camping out with my good friend Frank Battaglia for a few days. 

Marty. Frank is fine person to have as a friend. I have not seen Frank in a couple of years, hopefully we can all join up next month. Mention to Dotty that my wife's kitty is a bit more than 25 pounds and loves to wonder on the train layout.

When I first met Marty here, a few years back, I was known as omax. One of my most enjoyable times, on this forum, was tangling with Marty, that day.

 

Nowadays, seeing layouts doesn't matter much to me; I've passed that period of interest. In fact, model trains don't impact me much, these days.

 

For me, it's the people... the unique personalities, that register... that have an impact...

 

I'm not one of the group, here, never have been; but, something's prompting me to comment, now.

 

When I shake hands with someone I like, I have a preferred way of doing it... with my thumb and clenched fingers, on the top.

 

That's the way I'm doing it for you, Marty.

 

 

Rick

 

 

 

 

 

 

From my visit in 2008.....

 

Marty and Dotty are famous for their hospitality!

 

Peter

Congratulations Marty.  I'm happy to say that I've seen your layout grow from the

1991 O Gauge RR Cover Days to the spectacular 2014 layout.  Here are a few photos

from the past. 

 

Lew Schneider

Erol,

 

Ben told me he didn't inhale!

 

AL K.

Where did the time go, you say??? The same place as the great conversations we had when you'd visit the Right of Way booth in the yellow hall.

Congratulations on 32 years.

Lou N

I don't know guys I must have inhaled because I thought Marty was wearing a Jets Jersey