Roadside America

I've always admired that layout and it's history.  There were many excellent articles in the  older MR and other magazines.  There were also a lot of How to articles written by Laurence in the late 30's and 40's Model Builder mags.  Great stuff.  Between this and the Delta Lines, you had some great stuff back then.

These folks needed help with the roof in the not too distant past. I drive past occasionally, like on my way to York, and didn't notice anything different. Does anyone know if the roof is fixed?

It is dated, but an interesting stop just the same.

When I was a kid, I had a model railroading book which included a Roadside America photo of two men in the middle of the layout, and the caption said that that first wind-up train might lead to this.

I thought the guys in the middle of the layout were winding up the springs of some very advanced-looking wind-up trains. 

Yes, the roof has been fixed. I believe someone donated a large portion of the cost.

It's been possibly a good 25-30 years since I've visited Roadside America.  Perhaps even longer.  I know the first time my Dad and Mom took be to see it was in the early 70's, and I recall visiting the place one additional time some years later on my own when I was driving back to Allentown from a business trip in central PA.  The thing that most impressed me about Roadside America was the fact that so many of the buildings were scratch-built AND the whole setting was built at a time when nobody really envisioned toy trains running in that kind of a hugh environment.  In that regard, it was way ahead of its time for its day.  So I try to think of it that way in order to keep a healthy perspective on the place.

David

Very cool Carey, thanks for sharing this.

Joe Gozzo

My dad would do loco repairs once a month back in the 50's for the layout.  We also did repairs for Wm. Becker Trains & Nicholas Smith on Arch St.  in Philadelphia. Dad had 2 bushel baskets, one for Becker, and one for Smith. We would load the baskets of repairs into my little red wagon, load it in the baggage car every Friday night, and proceed to the Reading Terminal. There we unloaded my wagon, and walked around the corner to deliver to Becker & Smith. Most of the repairs were motors only, and dad charged a flat rate no matter what was ailing the loco. I think it was $2.00 a unit.  Much simpler times then.  Harry 

definatly on my list of must sees

Great photos, thanks for sharing.  I believe Roadside America made periodic appearances in Model Builder magazine which was put out by Lionel.  It didn't hurt that Roadside America used center rail O gauge track.  I suspect Model Builder was more than happy to showcase a layout of that size with that level of detail that used Lionel products the way they came from the factory.  

Neat information from Harry Henning.  It is quite a tribute that Roadside America shipped the trains to his dad for repair.  I remember Becker's and Nicholas Smith on 11th St. near Arch in the 1960's.  I'd usually go by them on Sunday so the stores were closed but the large display windows were jammed with trains, mostly Lionel, but Nicholas Smith also had Märklin HO and a few other brands.  Then you could look down Arch St. and see trains on the overpass sticking out of the Reading terminal trainshed.  On Sundays, there were always a pair of Reading F units coupled back-to-back sitting on the near track right above Arch St.   I enjoyed reading about the baskets of repaired trains being transported in a little red wagon on Reading trains, I would love to have seen that.   

I first became acquainted with RA in the late 40's, early 50's as we stopped for a brief visit in ferrying my older sister to camp in the Poconos from our home in D.C..  So many fond memories!

But, what I'd love to see incorporating the latest technologies would be an onboard camera view of the layout as a train makes its way through the vignettes.   Something different than the peripheral-only view you get to see of this monster layout.  After all, this 'layout' was created as a miniature world of scenic vignettes...residential, commercial, industrial, and a few surprises here and there.  The trains/trolleys are really incidental/secondary to the whole thing.  And yet, of course, this is how we O-gauge train mavens view it: A monster train layout.

Yes, it is, indeed, a must see on anyone's bucket list.....believe it!

BTW, regarding the "It is dated.." observation of the layout,...........the same can be said of moi!   And that's why I like it!  However, whereas I could use a new 'roof' on my bald head, I don't think a  GoFundMe effort would help much at this point......or any other deep-pocketed benefactor.

KD

P.S....If you go to York, you're nearly there.  

Originally posted by DKDKRD
But, what I'd love to see incorporating the latest technologies would be an onboard camera view of the layout
as a train makes its way through the vignettes.   Something different than the peripheral-only view you get to
see of this monster layout.  After all, this 'layout' was created as a miniature world of scenic vignettes...residential,
 commercial, industrial, and a few surprises here and there.  The trains/trolleys are really incidental/secondary to
the whole thing. 

YEs Doctor! I do Concur.

When my wife and I were first married, almost 30 years ago, we stopped here on our way from NY to Phoenix. Sent everyone postcards and bought some of that great Pennsylvania candy. Three years ago we came back with our daughter. Roadside America is a true piece of Americana!

Miketg

I was there Memorial Day weekend, it is a piece of Americana that is fading away as this country has tastes that have changed. It was very crowded and I was happy to see that. The kicker with them is all those old Lionels sitting on sidings, they could sell all those and raise some quick cash. I know many train guys would love to own a Lionel from that layout. There are at least 3 Berks on there!!

I didn't know about this place until this posting.  It is now on my bucket list to visit.

Bob Nelson

The kicker with them is all those old Lionels sitting on sidings, they could sell all those and raise some quick cash. I know many train guys would love to own a Lionel from that layout. There are at least 3 Berks on there!!


One of several visits I've made to Roadside America was with my older brother, who is knowledgeable about old toys. He pointed out a fair number of desirable toys that were used as scenery on the layout, including some that were modified to make animations.  I wonder what those toys would be worth.

The first time I went they had souvenir coloring books. I haven't looked at it for a long time, I think it had scenes from the layout to color. I have it put away somewhere. I did not see any there on later visits. Anybody else have one?

The cool thing about this place is that it truly has not changed just as others have stated. The sites, the smells and even the old floor are the same as when I was a kid. Not many places left like this anymore.

One of my forever memories is when we took my grandson there a few years back when he was a Cub Scout. He's in the Air Force now. They dim the lights and put on a show ending with the National Anthem. He stood there at attention giving his Cub Scout salute. Priceless! I knew then that he would turn out to be the great young man he is.

excatly Joe, it's like if you can find an old Hardware store, it's like going back in time to walk on the old wooden floors, the bins of nails, etc.

My first visit there was around 1968 with a summer school group. I've been through it at least a dozen times since. The last about 4 years ago. I was saddened to see only two trains operating on the layout and how much damaged scenery there was inflicted on it from when the surface needs accessed. It gave me a feeling the owners didn't have the time it takes to care for it. It would be great to see a group of volunteers formed to give them a hand and give it the TLC it needs to bring it back to its glory days. I hope that's still not the case. Thanks for this post Carey, you sparked my interest in it again. I live only 30 minutes from there now and totally forgot about it. Does anyone now the owners and if they are looking for help with it?

I see from their website that they are in the process of a book. You can subscribe to their e-mail list.

I have been by it maybe twice, the first time on a rainy day l stopped, years ago.  It was closed, so l have never visited. 

Gentlemen,

  Still a great old layout display!  Serious part of history no doubt about it.

PCRR/Dave

Just got home from Roadside America. This post made me want to see if its gotten better or worse, since my last visit 4 years ago, when only two trains were running. Well I must say it was back to its glory days. I tried to count trains while they were zooming around and there was at least 7 and one or two Bud cars. The damaged to the plaster in areas was gone too. The only issue was a few of the buttons for the public, that operated some of the accessories, didn't work and in no way took away from the thrill. The night fall and morning show is amazing with the color lighting effects and the homes and street lights coming on. The America themed night show will choke you up if you love this great country. The icing on the cake for that place would be for them to get a serious train shop going instead of the gift shop.

Dave, I have mixed emotions about making any changes to this piece of history. Attached is my memorabilia from the 1940's. The trains working there have a tough duty. But it is also a testament to the ruggedness of them. They were obviously mechanical engines that undoubtedly had many repairs over the years. Today I can envision modern engines running there and at more controlled speeds. As you suggested, wouldn't it be nice if the owners were agreeable to have a club volunteer to upgrade and maintain the trains. I have also thought that one or both of the train manufacturers should make a deal with the owners to promote their trains. What a great proving site and way to promote trains. Maybe the TCA should consider this site to promote membership. Then again, maybe it should remain just as it is. I was glad to see they got the support they needed to make the repairs to the building.

I live near Roadside America and drive past it regularly. Yet I have not been there since probably the early 90's when my mother took my brother and me. I remember being beyond fascinated, anxious to press the next button as we walked around the layout. I will have to make it a point to get back soon. I have a newborn at home and can't wait until she's older to appreciate such things!

I'm planning a trip to that area in the next two weeks, Steam Town, Strasburg.....and of course, roadside America!.....Taking our granbabies for the first time!......I can remember when my grandfather took me!....we will be sure to give them a good fist full of Pesos to help keep them going!....its been around for a long, long time!

Nice!

It's been thirteen years since my first (and only at this point) visit!  I was amazed back then that this wonderful bit of 'Americana' was still around.  I fully enjoyed the visit and hope to get back there soon!

Thanks for the pictures Carey!

I was glad to see an MTH 2-8-0 RTR set running around the layout.

If you are by a TV, CBS Sunday Morning is doing a story in a few minutes.

 Tom 

Here is the link to the story:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/r...-slice-of-americana/ 

Tom 

Decent story, maybe it will increase awareness of the sale.  I hope it survives.

Nice piece. Thank you for providing a link to the story

Maybe the TCA should consider this site to promote membership.

I think the TCA has enough on its plate with the National Train Museum.
What about the LCCA or TTOS?

I grew up nearby and went there when I was younger (32 now). I took my parents, wife, and 11 month old yesterday as they had a community day with vendors, food trucks and a small car show. It was very nice. $5 admission inside. It is so dated inside that the nostalgia becomes as enjoyable as the actual layout. I walked around thinking about how many families over the past decades have stopped in and visited Roadside America as they passed by on 22 before 78 was built. 

I truly loved the visit. Whether or not it should be saved, I'm personally not sure. The work that went into it is incredible. But making it profitable for the future? I doubt it.

Matt Fogarty

I haven't been to RA and I may never get there.  I love the layout photos.  It is a lovely display.

I wonder if it would draw more visitors if it was promoted as a model train display instead of as a miniature village display?  

NH Joe

$2.25M asking price - includes the building, an Amish gift store, 2 houses, a small lake and 26 acres.  $48K annual property taxes. Ouch.

You don't hear much about the place, I think they get a lot of drive by's. Will it last?

Jim

The future of Roadside America is not looking too promising.

https://ogrforum.com/...72#79142442791334572

Property taxes are a killer. The 48K is based on it's present assessed value. Since the supreme court ruled that school districts in PA can appeal the value of recently sold properties, if an appeal is filed, the taxes could double.