Phil Klopp's Great Toy Train Layout

I totally agree with everything Thomas says about Phil Klopp's magnificent layout.

And, like Thomas, I've had the privilege of seeing it in person.

Thomas' video of Phil's layout is wonderful. Thank you, Thomas, for sharing it with us. Arnold

@Mikado 4501 posted:

About a month ago, a couple of friends and I visisted Phil Klopp's amazing O gauge layout.

You probably know him and his layout from Tom McComas' Great Toy Train Layouts of America book and video series, as well as several issues of OGR. It's very surreal seeing how much has changed, while many other things have stayed the same.

Of course, Phil still had that magnificent replica of the Starrucca Viaduct, the Colorado snow shed mountain, and the recreation of the Horseshoe Curve.

Phil was terrific company, and we really got to learn a lot about his life that didn't relate to trains, but it shows there's always an extensive life to every train collector.

Great video, always enjoyed Phil Klopp. I still have some videos of his layouts on VHS tapes from the late eighties or early nineties. I remember the slogan in one of the videos was "You can't stop Phil Klopp" I enjoyed the video in your post, thanks!

Another expression about Phil Klopp's former layout on the McComas and Tuoy Pennsylvania Suite video is "full of whim and whimsy, childplay and horseplay," or words to that effect.

I think Thomas has done an outstanding job making this video of Phil's latest layout with very nice instrumental music in the background. Thomas' video is a fine work of art in my opinion. Arnold

One more thing:

There are many different styles of layouts, and what style most appeals to someone is very subjective, and I can greatly appreciate various styles of layouts.

However, Phil's style, combining aesthetically beautiful scenery, Postwar accessories, animated scenes (many of which are unique) that are highly entertaining, modern and Postwar trains, even some pre-war trains, a very large around the walls layout where the trains go many different places, disappear and then reappear, numerous vignettes, and beautiful backdrops, is my favorite style.

IMO, regardless of the technical criteria, Phil was, is and will always be, a master model railroader.

Arnold

I was once was able to visit Phil's layout many years ago. I think it was around 2003. I had a really great time seeing the layout and I took some pictures with my old 35mm Canon. I did not have a cell phone yet. Phil was a super gracious host. There were other people there too but I was having so much fun I was the last person to leave. Phil was hanging out with me talking trains and it was easy to hear the passion in his voice he has for this hobby. After a while I said to myself I had better let this guy get some sleep! A great guy and a great layout. I would definitely like to see it again and see the changes he has made in these past 20 years.

Absolutely magnificent !!!!!!!!

Alex

Fantastic layout !

I say that Phil is the Michaelangelo of 3 Rail Model Railroadersm

Phil was kind enough to host me, and another friend from Texas on two occasions.  He is a true gentleman and gracious host.  His layouts demonstrate a lot of creativity, ingenuity, and artisanship.  Truly one of the greats in our hobby!!

Well done video, Phil has been a long time friend of mine and we have picked each others brains for new ideas and service tips. He is a great ambassador for our hobby!!

I’ve known Phil now for about 25 years. At that time he and his wife owned a store in Easton Pa. I’ve been to the Layout a number of times and it’s amazing every time I see it. I also see him once a year at the Bridgeview B&B and of course at York. He’s has a lot of different interests the he talks about that have nothing to do with model railroading. He’s a get guy. Thanks for sharing your video, I hope you enjoyed your visit.

Phil is certainly one of the hobby's great (and long standing) talents.

Great layout and video!

Peter

Phil and Linda are great people to know. They open their home for many guests to witness Phil’s great layout. I purchased many items from Phil when he and Linda had the store and he was very helpful sorting out the early electronic issues with the new systems. Phil truly is one of the great pioneers of the hobby. If you get a chance to see his layout, don’t pass it up. It’s one of a kind and you won’t forget it.